Edmonton, Alberta — General Dentistry
Dr. Taha Chersa
Laurel Dental (South Edmonton) & Copperwood Dental (West Edmonton)
For Dr. Taha Chersa, defining his role is a matter of etymology, not business. "The word 'doctor' originates from the Latin for 'teacher,'" he explains. "My primary role is to educate patients on the intricate connection between their oral and systemic health. Comprehensive understanding is a prerequisite for long-term clinical success." That framing drives how he structures every consultation — starting with conversation, not imaging — and why he refuses to proceed with treatment when a patient doesn't yet understand what is happening in their own mouth.
The same philosophy extends to fees. Statistics Canada's 2025 study found that roughly 24% of Canadians had avoided dental care because of cost — a figure that has held steady since 2018. "Financial barriers to care are a public health concern, not a commercial calculation," Dr. Chersa says. In 2017, when the Alberta Dental Fee Guide was introduced, he was among the first Edmonton dentists to adopt it voluntarily — a commitment to transparent, predictable pricing he has maintained since. "I would want to be chosen for delivering comprehensive, holistic oral healthcare supported by a strictly fair and transparent fee structure."
Musculoskeletal Integration
TMJ & Jaw Pain: What Edmonton Patients Need to Know
How does Dr. Chersa approach diagnosing TMJ issues differently?
"The primary misunderstanding is treating the TMJ in isolation rather than as an integrated part of the body's approximately 360 joints," Dr. Chersa says. He knows the cost of that error first-hand — both as a clinician and as a patient. "Having personally experienced TMJ dysfunction, I have a direct, practical understanding of the condition's impact." That lived context shapes his diagnostic process, which starts not with imaging but with observation: watching facial mechanics and jaw movement during ordinary conversation, building a picture of how the whole system compensates before any scan is ordered. "Patient history helps isolate the origin of the pain and any systemic contributing factors."
What are the most common misdiagnoses or misunderstandings about TMJ?
The clinical stakes of getting this wrong are significant. "A common, costly misdiagnosis is performing unnecessary restorative work because referred TMJ pain frequently mimics a toothache." Patients arrive having already paid for fillings or crowns that did nothing for their jaw pain — because no one traced the symptom back to its source. CBCT imaging follows the clinical observation phase for three-dimensional joint assessment, with bite modelling added where needed.
Symptoms That May Indicate TMJ Involvement
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
- Jaw locking or limited range of motion
- Chronic headaches — often misattributed to migraines or sinus issues
- Tinnitus and vertigo
- Accelerated tooth erosion or progressive bite misalignment
Treatment: Conservative First
Custom occlusal splints and orthotics are the standard first-line intervention — devices that stabilise the bite or reposition the jaw over time. In Canada, custom TMJ appliances typically run $800–$2,000 depending on complexity; Dr. Chersa's pricing falls within that range. When bite misalignment is the structural driver, he uses Invisalign to correct the root cause rather than manage symptoms indefinitely.
When is Botox the right solution — and when is it not?
"It is crucial to identify and address the primary etiology first. Botox should only be utilised as adjunctive therapy alongside comprehensive treatment" — never as a standalone fix.
What does a long-term TMJ solution actually look like?
For chronic dysfunction, physiotherapy, massage, and chiropractic treatment are built into the long-term plan alongside habit modification. "Acute conditions are manageable with splints and orthodontics. Chronic dysfunction requires a maintenance strategy."
How TMD Removable Orthotics Are Fitted
The NaturalFit™ removable orthotic — a custom splint used in TMD treatment — demonstrated from fitting through wear. This is the type of first-line appliance used in Dr. Chersa's conservative TMJ protocol before more invasive options are considered.
Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Invisalign: Functional Orthodontics, Not Just Cosmetics
How do you ensure the bite is properly corrected — not just the appearance?
The framing frustrates Dr. Chersa every time he encounters it. "Aesthetic improvement is simply a byproduct of achieving proper occlusion," he says. "Teeth appear misaligned due to underlying functional issues: TMJ disorders, bruxism, missing teeth, periodontal disease. By diagnosing and treating those foundational factors, we ensure the bite is functionally corrected — which naturally resolves the cosmetic concerns." Two patients presenting with identical crowding often need entirely different treatment plans. "Understanding the 'why' enables a highly personalised treatment plan with superior final results."
How does Invisalign fit into long-term oral health, not just cosmetics?
One of the more clinically useful observations from 15 years of practice: "Invisalign inherently promotes long-term oral hygiene by reinforcing rigorous daily care habits." Because patients must thoroughly clean their teeth before reinserting the aligners, the system builds a strict and consistent hygiene routine. It can also influence broader habits — the need to remove and clean the trays before eating creates a natural deterrent against continuous snacking.
When would Dr. Chersa advise a patient not to choose Invisalign?
The primary contraindication is a lack of patient compliance. "The aligner system simply does not work if the trays are not worn. If a patient cannot commit to wearing their aligners for the required 22 hours a day, I advise against Invisalign entirely, as the treatment will not be successful."
Cost & Value
What Does Invisalign Cost at Laurel Dental & Copperwood Dental?
All-Inclusive Price
$4,999
Records, all aligner sets, refinements & retainers included
Comprehensive Invisalign in Canada typically runs $3,000–$8,000 depending on case complexity, provider, and location — with most Edmonton-area quotes landing in the $4,000–$7,000 range for full adult treatment.
Dr. Chersa charges $4,999 all-inclusive: records, all aligner sets, refinements, and clear retainers — with no phase billing. That flat-rate structure is what the Fee Guide commitment looks like in practice for a complex case.
Invisalign in Practice: Before & After
A walkthrough of a sample Invisalign case — including before and after results — treated at Laurel Dental and Copperwood Dental in Edmonton.
Osseointegration & Occlusal Planning
Dental Implants: Why the Bite Matters as Much as the Post
What mistakes do you see in patients who've had implants done elsewhere?
"Providers often fail to assess how the implant interacts with the surrounding dentition, or whether the patient is systemically a viable candidate in the first place." That is the pattern Dr. Chersa sees most often when an implant placed elsewhere is failing. The osseointegration was technically successful. The occlusal environment was never addressed. "An implant functions precisely like a natural tooth within the dental arch. If a patient's existing occlusion is compromised and already exerting destructive forces on their natural dentition, those same forces will inevitably damage the implant."
Implant Treatment Options
Single Tooth Implant
Dr. Chersa's preferred restoration wherever bone volume permits. Unlike a bridge, adjacent natural teeth are preserved entirely — not ground down to serve as support structures.
Multiple Tooth Implants
Implant-supported bridges for spans of missing teeth. Load is distributed across multiple anchor points, preserving surrounding bone more effectively than removable partial dentures over time.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients with significant tooth loss. Implant retention eliminates the instability of conventional dentures and stops the bone resorption that accelerates when roots are absent.
Cost & Value
What Does a Dental Implant Cost at Laurel Dental & Copperwood Dental?
Single implants in Alberta typically run $3,500–$5,000 for a complete restoration including post, abutment, and crown — with additional costs for bone grafting or sinus lifts where needed.
Post Placement
$1,999
Starting price
Full Restoration
$4,398
Post, abutment & zirconia crown
Bone Graft (if required)
$499
Example case price
CT scanning and a 3D-printed surgical guide are included as standard rather than billed separately.
When are additional procedures like bone grafts actually necessary?
Dental implants require adequate jawbone volume for successful integration. Bone grafting is necessary when there is insufficient bone to support the implant. Ideally, a graft is performed immediately following a tooth extraction to preserve the bone level for future placement — though a graft may still be required at the time of implant surgery if existing volume is inadequate. For upper implants, a sinus lift is sometimes performed alongside a bone graft to ensure the implant is fully encased in bone up to the sinus cavity.
Patient Case: Sinus Lift & Dental Implant Surgery
A real patient case documenting the full implant journey — including sinus lift, x-rays, and close-up clinical imaging. This is the type of case Dr. Chersa manages at Laurel Dental and Copperwood Dental when upper jaw bone volume requires augmentation prior to implant placement.
On Candidacy
What makes someone a good candidate?
"A prime candidate is, fundamentally, a patient demonstrating a proactive commitment to improving their overall oral health — typically evidenced by efforts to establish a strong baseline of hygiene prior to treatment." Beyond motivation, systemic screening is non-negotiable: "We must rigorously evaluate systemic variables — taking a detailed medical history and assessing risk factors such as smoking, which heavily influence candidacy." A patient who is medically unsuitable will be told so clearly, before any commitment is made.
What separates a successful case from one that fails years later?
"The most critical factor for long-term success is periodontal health. Peri-implantitis — bone loss around the implant — is what ultimately causes failure." This is why periodontal status is assessed and stabilised before any implant case begins. On declining: "I decline treatment when underlying systemic health issues compromise the predictability or safety of the procedure. If a medical condition jeopardises the clinical outcome, proceeding is not in the patient's best interest."
Periodontal Health & Systemic Connection
Gum Disease: The Condition That Looks Like Something Else
The Canadian Dental Association estimates that seven in ten Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives — and it typically does so quietly. Early-stage periodontal disease is painless. By the time symptoms become obvious, significant and irreversible bone loss may have already occurred. Dr. Chersa's practice uses FDA-cleared AI diagnostic software that evaluates radiographs for early calculus deposits and bone loss before clinical symptoms appear — catching disease at the stage when it is still genuinely reversible. "Treating symptoms alone is a temporary measure — ensuring the problem will recur."
The systemic connections are ones Dr. Chersa states plainly to patients: active periodontal disease is consistently linked to elevated cardiovascular risk, and the relationship with diabetes runs in both directions. These are not incidental associations — they are part of why gum disease is never treated as a purely local problem at either of his practices.
Disease Stages
| Stage | Clinical Signs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums; bleeding on brushing | Reversible |
| Mild Periodontitis | Early pocket formation; beginning bone loss | Manageable |
| Moderate Periodontitis | Deeper pockets; recession; persistent bad breath | Manageable |
| Severe Periodontitis | Significant bone loss; loose teeth | Irreversible bone loss |
Treatment Modalities
AI Radiograph Analysis — FDA-cleared software flags calculus and bone loss before symptoms appear. This is the detection mechanism that makes early intervention possible rather than reactive.
Scaling & Root Planing — Deep cleaning below the gum line. The WAND computer-controlled anaesthesia system delivers freezing precisely, making this well-tolerated even for anxious patients. Fees follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
Laser Gum Therapy — Minimally invasive treatment targeting infected tissue without sutures. Starting at $99, it is appropriate for mild to moderate cases and well-suited to patients for whom conventional surgery presents a barrier.
Debridement — Removal of heavy buildup that obscures the clinical picture. Often required before a treatment plan can be made accurately.
Early Intervention Orthodontics — Edmonton
Orthodontics for Kids & Teens: Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen
Dr. Chersa offers a continuous orthodontic pathway for children in Edmonton, beginning as early as age 7 and carrying through the teen years. The two-phase approach — Invisalign First followed by Invisalign Teen — is structured so that early jaw and arch corrections in childhood reduce the complexity of treatment during adolescence. Both phases are delivered at Laurel Dental (South Edmonton) and Copperwood Dental (West Edmonton).
Phase 1 — Ages 7–12
Invisalign First
Invisalign First is a clear aligner system designed specifically for growing children. During the active jaw growth phase, the arch and bite can be guided with far less intervention than is required once skeletal development is complete. Problems that require surgical correction in adults are often resolved with aligners alone at this stage.
- ✔ Custom-fit aligners sized for smaller teeth and developing arches
- ✔ Addresses crowding, spacing, narrow arches, and bite misalignment
- ✔ Removable — no impact on eating, brushing, or flossing
- ✔ Adapts as new teeth erupt during treatment
Phase 1 Price
$2,499
When Phase 1 treatment begins
Phase 2 — Ages 13+
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen continues the orthodontic journey for patients who have completed Phase 1 or who are beginning treatment during adolescence. Blue Dot Wear Indicators provide an objective compliance signal — useful for both parents and the clinician tracking treatment progress. Dr. Chersa is direct with teens and families: if a patient cannot commit to 22 hours of daily wear, he advises against Invisalign Teen entirely.
- ✔ Virtually invisible aligners — no impact on school or social life
- ✔ Blue Dot Wear Indicators track daily compliance
- ✔ Fewer appointments than traditional braces
- ✔ Invisalign Teen Guarantee: option to switch to braces within first 6 months
Phase 2 Price
$2,499
When Phase 2 treatment begins
Complete Two-Phase Pathway
Permanent retainers are required between phases while waiting for adult teeth to fully emerge. Costs are provided via pre-determination through your insurer before treatment begins. Complimentary consultations are available at both locations.
Both Phases Combined
$4,998
When should a child's orthodontic evaluation happen?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7, when the first molars and incisors have typically emerged and bite and arch issues become assessable. Dr. Chersa's early evaluation at either Edmonton location determines whether treatment is needed immediately, whether monitoring is the right approach, or whether no intervention is required. Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment — but for those who do, Phase 1 intervention reduces or eliminates the complexity of what would otherwise be a more invasive process in adulthood.
What role do parents play in Invisalign First success?
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligner systems require active cooperation from both the child and the parent. Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day and replaced as directed. Parents are asked to monitor daily wear, reinforce hygiene habits before reinsertion, and attend scheduled progress appointments. At Laurel Dental and Copperwood Dental, iTero intraoral scanning builds a 3D model at the start of treatment, giving both the clinician and family a clear visual of the planned tooth movement before treatment begins.
Pediatric Dental Care — Edmonton
Children's Dentistry at Laurel Dental & Copperwood Dental
Both of Dr. Chersa's Edmonton practices — Laurel Dental in South Edmonton and Copperwood Dental in West Edmonton — offer comprehensive children's dental care from first visit through early adolescence. The goal from the first appointment is to make dental visits something children look forward to, not avoid. Children can watch their preferred show through headphones during treatment; where freezing is needed, The WAND computer-controlled anaesthesia system delivers it gently and precisely, with the solution warmed to body temperature.
Preventive Care
Regular checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and digital x-rays to detect and address issues before they progress. Cavity prevention is the primary focus at every routine visit.
Growth Guidance
Monitoring tooth eruption sequences, providing guidance on thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, and advising parents on nutritional choices that support healthy enamel development. Early guidance reduces the need for future orthodontic intervention.
Sedation Options
For children with dental anxiety or those requiring more extensive treatment, safe sedation options are available at both locations to ensure a calm, cooperative appointment without distress.
Pediatric Emergencies
Broken, knocked-out, or avulsed teeth are treated promptly at both Edmonton locations. Same-day emergency care is available for pediatric patients in South and West Edmonton.
Common Questions: Children's Dentistry in Edmonton
Children's Dentistry at Laurel & Copperwood Dental
Video from @copperwooddental on YouTube. Copperwood Dental, West Edmonton — and @laureldental_ca, South Edmonton. Both locations serve families across the Edmonton region.
No Syringes: How The WAND Works
At Laurel Dental, The WAND single-tooth anaesthesia system replaces the conventional syringe — delivering freezing gently, precisely, and at body temperature. No needles in view, no slow drip. The same system is used for both children and anxious adult patients across both Edmonton locations.
Clinical Philosophy
How Dr. Chersa Thinks About Patient Care
What frustrates you about how dentistry is often done?
"A common frustration is the myopic approach of treating dentition in isolation. Teeth are merely one aspect of a patient's overall health. Overlooking the individual and their systemic or personal circumstances limits the effectiveness and empathy of the clinical care provided." Over 15 years and a highly diverse patient demographic, that conviction has only sharpened. Every patient receives a complete breakdown of all viable treatment pathways with their exact associated costs — because the decision belongs to the patient, not the clinician. "I view my clinical role as a supportive partner in their broader life journey."
Fee Transparency & the Alberta Dental Fee Guide
What do you say to patients who are hesitant about cost or complexity?
As the Alberta government's dental fee page makes clear, the Fee Guide is voluntary — dentists are not legally required to follow it. Dr. Chersa adopted it from day one. For complex multi-stage cases, he phases treatment to maximise insurance benefits: "I develop phased plans designed to maximise insurance benefits — often scheduling procedures across different benefit years to optimise coverage and minimise out-of-pocket expenses." The goal is making comprehensive care accessible to patients who would otherwise delay or decline.
On Knowing When Not to Treat
What's your process for deciding what not to treat?
"I decline treatment when underlying systemic health issues compromise the predictability or safety of a procedure. If a medical condition jeopardises the clinical outcome, proceeding is not in the patient's best interest." Most patients are not used to hearing this. For Dr. Chersa it is inseparable from the trust that makes a long-term care relationship possible. The same logic applies to short-term fixes on chronic problems: "Applying short-term fixes to chronic, underlying conditions is fundamentally flawed — this approach fails to address the root etiology and inevitably exacerbates the issue."
In Dr. Chersa's Words
What shaped how he practises
"Having personally navigated numerous dental issues, I possess a direct, practical understanding of the patient experience. This keeps my approach grounded and focuses treatment planning on interventions that tangibly improve quality of life."
On preventing surprises
"Clinical surprises typically occur when underlying factors are overlooked during the initial assessment. By prioritising comprehensive diagnostics and identifying the root cause from the very beginning, I mitigate unexpected risks and ensure predictable treatment outcomes."
On failed treatment from elsewhere
"The most prevalent patterns in cases of failed or incomplete prior treatment are a lack of clinical consistency and inadequate postoperative follow-up care."
On defining success
"Ultimately, I define clinical success not just by functional metrics, but by patient satisfaction — specifically, seeing the genuine happiness of both the patient and their family. The most rewarding aspect of my practice is building long-term relationships and observing patients' progress over the years."
Sources & Further Reading
Canadian Data & Regulation
Global Health
Laurel Dental — South Edmonton · (780) 809-1910 Copperwood Dental — West Edmonton · (780) 487-8793
All services provided by General Dentists. Complimentary consultations available for major treatments.