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Downtown Dental Centre:

Frequently Asked Questions

At Downtown Dental Centre, we believe an informed patient is a confident patient. Whether you’re curious about a specific treatment, wondering what to expect at your first visit, or figuring out how to reach us downtown, you’ll find clear, concise answers below. Our team in Regina is here to support your oral health every step of the way, from routine cleanings to complex restorative work.

Browse our FAQs by topic, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a question we haven’t covered.

General & Preventive

What dental services does Downtown Dental Centre offer in Regina?

Downtown Dental Centre provides a comprehensive range of services, including restorative dentistry, cosmetic treatments, periodontal therapy, endodontics, and care for patients of all ages. We also offer emergency dental services and children’s dentistry, making us a one-stop dental home for Regina families.

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?

Most patients benefit from a professional exam and cleaning every six months. Regular visits allow our dentists to catch small problems early, before they become costly or painful, and keep your gums and enamel in top condition year-round.

Does Downtown Dental Centre accept new patients?

Yes, we are currently welcoming new patients of all ages. Simply contact us to schedule your first appointment, and our friendly team will walk you through everything you need to bring and what to expect.

What should I bring to my first dental appointment?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance or benefits card, a list of any current medications, and details of any recent dental work done elsewhere. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to complete new patient paperwork without feeling rushed.

Do you use digital X-rays, and are they safe?

Yes, we use digital radiography, which emits up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Digital images are also clearer and available instantly, helping our dentists make faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What cosmetic dentistry options are available at your Regina clinic?

Our cosmetic dentistry services include professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, and smile-enhancing restorations. Whether you want to brighten, reshape, or fully transform your smile, we’ll design a personalised treatment plan to meet your goals.

How does professional teeth whitening work, and how long do results last?

Our professional whitening system uses a higher-concentration bleaching gel than over-the-counter products, delivering noticeably whiter results in a single session. With proper maintenance, results typically last one to three years.

What are dental veneers, and who is a good candidate?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct chips, stains, gaps, or uneven shapes. Good candidates are patients with healthy enamel who want a long-lasting cosmetic improvement without extensive tooth removal.

What is composite bonding, and how does it compare to veneers?

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin applied directly to a tooth to fix minor chips, cracks, or gaps, often in a single visit with no enamel removal. Veneers offer greater durability and stain resistance, but bonding is the more affordable and reversible option for smaller corrections.

Restorative Dentistry

What does restorative dentistry include?

Restorative dentistry covers any treatment that repairs or replaces damaged teeth; fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants are all part of this category. The goal is to restore function, strength, and appearance so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably.

A dental crown is recommended when a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, weakened after a root canal, or too damaged to be repaired with a filling alone. Crowns fully cap the tooth, restoring its shape and protecting it from further damage.

What is a dental bridge, and how does it replace a missing tooth?

A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth. It restores your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and looks completely natural.

Are dental implants a permanent solution for missing teeth?

Dental implants are the closest thing to a permanent tooth replacement available today. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone where it fuses over time, supporting a crown that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

What should I do about a broken tooth or sudden sensitivity?

Don’t ignore it; even mild sensitivity can signal decay, a crack, or an exposed root. Our guide on broken teeth, toothache, and sensitivity explains the warning signs and when to call us. In most cases, the sooner you’re seen, the simpler the fix.

Endodontics (Root Canal)

What is endodontic treatment, and is a root canal painful?

Our endodontic services focus on treating the soft tissue inside a tooth when it becomes infected or inflamed. Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling near the tooth, or a darkening of the tooth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us promptly. Early treatment helps preserve the tooth and prevents the infection from spreading.

Gum Health & Periodontal Therapy

What is periodontal therapy, and why is gum health so important?

Our periodontal therapy targets gum disease, from early gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis, through deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing. Healthy gums matter beyond your mouth: untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are the earliest warning signs. Other indicators include persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, or pain when chewing. Regular check-ups allow us to catch these signs early and intervene before bone loss occurs.

Children's Dentistry

Do you offer dental care for children in Regina?

Absolutely. Our children’s dentist provides gentle, age-appropriate care from a child’s first tooth through their teenage years. We focus on building positive dental habits early, making each visit a comfortable, low-stress experience for kids and parents alike.

What is a tongue-tie or lip-tie, and can you treat it in children?

A tongue-tie restricts tongue movement and can affect breastfeeding, speech, and jaw development. Dr. Dodds has been performing tongue-tie and lip-tie releases (frenectomies) using a laser for over a decade, including for newborns, a quick, minimally invasive procedure with a fast recovery.

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

We recommend a child’s first dental visit around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help us monitor development, apply preventive treatments like fluoride, and establish a routine that makes dental care feel normal from day one.

Emergency Dental Care

What counts as a dental emergency, and what should I do?

Dental emergencies include severe toothache, a knocked-out or cracked tooth, lost fillings or crowns, facial swelling, and uncontrolled bleeding. Call our office immediately, our emergency dental service prioritises urgent cases so you’re seen as quickly as possible.

Does tooth sensitivity get worse in Regina's cold weather?

Yes, cold Prairie winters can trigger or worsen sensitivity in teeth with worn enamel, exposed roots, or small cracks. Our guide on cold weather tooth sensitivity in Regina explains the causes and what treatment options can help you get comfortable again.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Our team at Downtown Dental Centre is accepting new patients. Call us at 306-525-0116 or reach out online, we’ll make it easy.

Getting Here, Parking & What's Nearby

Where is Downtown Dental Centre located?

We are located at 2010 11th Avenue, Suite 550, Regina, SK S4P 0J3, on the 5th floor of the Royal Bank Building in the heart of downtown Regina. Our full directions and access guide cover every way to reach us, whether you’re walking, driving, or taking the bus.

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Our early start times make it easy to fit a dental visit in before your workday begins, ideal if you work nearby in the downtown core.

Is there parking near the Downtown Dental Centre?

Yes, several parking options are close by. The Cornwall Centre parkade on 11th Avenue is one of the most convenient choices, and paid street parking is available on surrounding blocks. Check the City of Regina’s parking page for current rates and zone details before your visit.

Can I fit a dental appointment into my downtown lunch break or work schedule?

Many of our patients who work downtown do exactly this. Routine check-ups, cleanings, and even cosmetic consultations can often fit within a lunch hour. Let our team know your schedule constraints when booking, and we’ll give you an accurate time estimate.

Is the clinic accessible for patients with mobility concerns?

The Royal Bank Building has elevator access to the 5th floor, where our clinic is located. If you have specific accessibility needs or are visiting with young children and a stroller, please call our office ahead of time.

What is around Downtown Dental Centre — what can I do before or after my appointment?

Our location puts you steps away from Cornwall Centre, Victoria Park, Scarth Street Mall, and a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and shops along 11th Avenue and Hamilton Street. It’s easy to pair your dental visit with errands, lunch, or a coffee run.

Is there indoor (pedway) access to avoid Regina's cold winters?

Downtown Regina’s pedway system connects several office towers and indoor spaces, which can reduce outdoor exposure during cold months. Indoor access routes can occasionally change due to construction, so we recommend confirming your path before visiting in winter.

Appointments & Policies

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that patients provide at least two full working days’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient in need. A fee of $75 per hour may be applied for short-notice cancellations or missed appointments.

How do I book an appointment at Downtown Dental Centre?

You can book online through our scheduling tool, call us at 306-525-0116, or email us at downtowndentalcentre@myaccess.ca. Visit our contact page for all the details — we’ll confirm your appointment and send any preparation instructions in advance.

Still Have a Question?

Our team is happy to help — whether you’re a new patient figuring out where to park or a long-time patient with a clinical question. Reach out and we’ll get back to you promptly.