Fish Creek Dental

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits are short and friendly, mostly about getting your child comfortable with the dental setting.

Most children should come in every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups. Higher-risk kids (history of cavities, orthodontic appliances, specific medical conditions) may benefit from more frequent visits — we'll let you know if that applies.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the size of the cavity, the tooth, and how long until the tooth is naturally going to fall out. We'll give you an honest recommendation rather than defaulting to drilling. A small cavity on a tooth that's about to fall out anyway is often best left alone.

Only when clinically needed. Modern digital x-rays use about 80% less radiation than older film x-rays. For low-risk kids we may only take x-rays every 1–2 years. We always explain what we're looking for before taking any.

We've kept the clinic feeling clean and modern rather than overly childish — which actually helps anxious kids, who sometimes find super-themed offices overwhelming. The team is calm, takes time, and explains things at the child's level.

For most kids, our usual gentle approach is enough. We offer oral conscious sedation and IV sedation for teenagers and adults — for younger children with severe anxiety or complex treatment needs, we'll discuss the best path at your consultation, which may include a referral to a pediatric specialist with appropriate facilities. We do not offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

It depends on your level of anxiety, the procedure you're having, and your medical history. For mild-to-moderate anxiety, oral conscious sedation (a pill taken before your appointment) is usually enough. For wisdom teeth, multiple procedures in one visit, or severe anxiety, IV sedation is usually the answer. We help you pick at your consultation.

No. IV sedation puts you in a deep relaxed state where you're not aware of what's happening, but you're still breathing on your own and can be roused if needed. General anaesthesia requires a separate anaesthetist and a hospital setting — IV sedation is administered safely in our clinic.

Yes, when administered by a properly trained provider on a patient who's medically appropriate. We screen carefully, monitor vital signs throughout, and have all emergency protocols in place. Dr. Hall completed certified IV sedation training and maintains it through ongoing education.

With IV sedation, almost no one remembers the procedure. With oral conscious sedation, you'll be aware but the time tends to pass quickly — patients often describe having only hazy fragments of the visit.

Sedation is priced separately from the dental work. Oral conscious sedation is more affordable; IV sedation is more involved and priced accordingly. We provide a complete written quote at your consultation, and some insurance plans cover sedation for specific procedures.

No — after either oral conscious sedation or IV sedation, you'll need a ride home and someone to stay with you for a few hours afterward. Plan transportation before your appointment.

Often, yes. This is one of the biggest reasons patients choose sedation — years of avoided dental work can be combined into one comfortable visit instead of spread across many appointments.

A list of any medications and dosages you take — including vitamins and supplements — plus your insurance information if you have coverage. We handle the rest.

Your first visit includes a conversation about what brought you in, a full-mouth series of x-rays, a comprehensive oral exam of your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw, and an oral cancer screening. We'll discuss any findings before you leave.