Family Dentist

What to look for in a family dentist in Calgary

If you are new to Calgary or if it is time to find a new family dentist, then here is a balanced guide to help you identify if we are the right family dentist for you.

1. Ask around

Ask your friends, local family members and coworkers who their dentist is. If you have just moved and are new to the community, contact national or local dental groups for a referral to a dentist in your community. Riverbend Dental Health, a general dental practice, is one of your options for family dentistry in SE Calgary and SW Calgary.

“The best way to find a dentist is to ask around,”says Joseph Perno, DDS, FAGD, and vice president of the Academy of General Dentistry. “Friends or coworkers are going to refer someone (a dentist) with whom they are comfortable, happy and trust.”

2. Schedule a consultation.

If you are nervous or unsure, request a consultation with the dentist. Ask to see the dental office. Most dentists are happy to discuss treatment options and plans with potential patients. It is important to establish a good dentist/patient relationship right from the beginning.

Insurance coverage, billing procedures and payment plans may be discussed at this time.

“Consultations are very important,” says Dr. Perno. “It’s the patient’s opportunity to ask questions so they are comfortable.”

3. Test the dentist’s credentials and knowledge

Continuing education is essential in dentistry because technology  and knowledge is ever-improving. It is important that your dentist keeps up to date on current dental trends and techniques.

Members of the Alberta Dental Association are required to take 60 hours of continuing education every two years. Dr. Strinhgam prefers to get this and more education in hands-on courses.

After the consultation, set up an appointment for a simple cleaning. Use this appointment to get a feel for the office. Are they thorough in administrating the procedures and treatments? Is the staff devoted to quality care? Do you think the staff is personable? Did they spend enough time with you and answer all your questions? Do they make you feel important? Are they accommodating to your schedule?

4. Start with something simple

After the consultation, set up an appointment for a simple cleaning. Use this appointment to get a feel for the office. Are they thorough in administrating the procedures and treatments? Is the staff devoted to quality care? Do you think the staff is personable? Did they spend enough time with you and answer all your questions? Do they make you feel important? Are they accommodating to your schedule?

5. Be comfortable

It is essential that the patient feels comfortable with the dentist and the dental office. If you have a good experience with your initial visit, it is a good indicator that this office is a good match for your needs.

Open communication is key to good oral hygiene and to continue a good dentist/patient relationship. Concerns as well as praises need to be communicated to the dentist.

Riverbend Dental Health - Mom Approved Dental Care in Calgary

Meet the Dentist

Dentistry for Children – Pediatric Dentistry?

Welcome to Riverbend Dental Health, where we teach you how to take care of your teeth and where it’s fun too!

We have a big dental chair in a special room called an OPERATORY. That’s where Dr. Stringham, a general dentist, will look inside your mouth to see what’s going on in there (psst..so brush your teeth ‘cuz he can tell!)

We have a secret treasure chest full of fun toys you can choose from to take home with you (after the Dentist checks your mouth for cavities and stuff). Are you taking care of your teeth like you should, brushing and flossing after meals? If you are, then we have rewards just for you.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to grow in the back of the mouth. Common misunderstandings surround their name origin, removal reasons and pain sources, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education. “The name ‘wisdom teeth’ is age related – third molars don’t erupt until teenage years and beyond, when people theoretically are more wise to the world,” says Trey Petty, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.

Common reasons for wisdom teeth removal include impaction, pain and crowding of the other teeth, which are typical tooth growth characteristics. “If wisdom teeth are not visible, they are impacted or unable to erupt due to space and size limitations,” says Dr. Petty. “Impacted teeth don’t have enough room to grow, and will lay beneath the gums, which may or may not be a problem.” Pain and tooth crowding are also top wisdom teeth problems. “Adults have forgotten what normal pain from a growing tooth feels like,” says Dr. Petty. Complications also can arise when wisdom teeth partially erupt. The broken gum acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. “When wisdom teeth partially erupt, food gets caught in the gums and may cause an infection, swelling, growth of a tumor or cyst and pain,” says Dr. Petty. “If this happens, consult a dentist before problems worsen and affect overall oral health.” “If wisdom teeth have erupted, the key to preserving them is maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day and going to see a dentist twice a year,” says Dr. Petty.

What is dry socket? Dry socket, the most common post-operative complication from tooth extractions. It delays the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. The blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. Women who take oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of developing dry socket after wisdom teeth extraction due to high levels of estrogen. Tips for preventing dry socket: Avoid drinking through a straw, the suction will interfere with healthier clotting. Avoid smoking, it can contaminate the extraction site. Avoid excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere with blood clotting.

Family Dentistry Checklist for Moms in 2023 in Calgary from Riverbend Dental Health

Accepting New Patients

Call: 403 236 7616

Metal Free Family Dentistry

In the past, traditional silver amalgam fillings with a large mercury content were placed routinely. They still constitute the majority of restorative dentistry performed in dentistry today. Our office, however along with an increasing number of  dental practices, no longer places this type of restoration for a number of reasons we would love to talk to you about in person.

Fresh Breath for Your Family

Let’s face it. We all know someone with halitosis, commonly known as Bad Breath. It’s an embarrassing condition that is all too common. And the real problem is that many people are totally unaware that they even have it.

It can be devastating. Bad Breath can affect your personal life, your business life, your social life, and ultimately your love life.

We have seen patients who were told by dentists to just have a cleaning or brush and floss more. Millions of dollars are spent every year on mints and mouthwashes which are not only ineffective, but which actually can worsen the problem. Many patients have gone through sinus operations, tonsillectomies, digestive tract examinations, MRI, and x rays, all without relief. Worse yet, many doctors and dentists shrug off the problem, telling patients to stop worrying about it, leaving the patient without anywhere to turn.

But today there is a better way. With some simple and inexpensive treatment, halitosis can be controlled. A chemical called chlorine dioxide, found in several products available today, and some changes in home care  along with improving gum health, can effectively control bad breath for the vast majority of patients. These products and personalized instruction on how to control bad breath are available at Riverbend Dental Health. If you have concerns about bad breath book a consultation today.

If you would like to receive a Bad Breath Fighter Startup Kit, which includes a chlorine dioxide toothpaste, mouth rinse, patented tongue cleaner, and complete information and instructions, just e-mail us for more information.

We also know that it can be embarrassing to tell someone you know or care about that they suffer from Bad Breath. If you have a friend, loved one, or business associate who suffers from halitosis and whose life is being adversely affected by it, but who may be unaware of the problem, we would be happy to see them for a consultation. Feel ready to give us a try and schedule a consultation with your new family dentist, Dr. Kent Stringham at Riverbend Dental Health near IKEA.

Calgary Dentist - Riverbend Dental Health

Ready To Smile?