Dr. Thomas B. Wilde

Dr. Thomas B. Wilde provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Wilde. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Wilde. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Thomas B. Wilde adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Thomas B. Wilde's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Wilde frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Wilde's comprehensive care for needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is meticulously designed to result in achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain without dental worries.
• Dr. Wilde often consults with patients whose a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Understanding the frustration needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) can cause, Dr. Wilde tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, allowing for renewed participation in activities like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• The journey from needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth to wellness often involves Dr. Wilde's dedicated care. The milestone is their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Wilde, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Wilde is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dr. Wilde's practice, a dental office in Lacombe, is situated in a central location within the Lacombe neighborhood of Lacombe. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Wilde?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Wilde for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Wilde at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Wilde and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Wilde will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Wilde for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Wilde will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Wilde's specific recommendations.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Wilde typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Wilde is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Wilde will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Wilde offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Wilde understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Wilde during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

3-6220 Highway 2A
Lacombe, AB, T4L 2G5

Phone: (403) 887-3222

Dr. Thomas B. Wilde is a licensed Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Wilde and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.