About
Dr. Melonie A. MacDonald is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in St. Albert, AB, Dr. MacDonald is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. MacDonald is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. Dr. MacDonald provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. MacDonald also offers facial esthetic treatments using therapeutic neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® for bruxism, TMJ pain, or cosmetic enhancement of the upper face such as frown lines and crow's feet) and/or dermal fillers to complement dental aesthetics, address facial harmony, and rejuvenate facial appearance, based on their specific certified training levels. Dr. MacDonald provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), and related orofacial pain conditions (such as myofascial pain). Treatment approaches are often conservative and non-surgical, potentially including occlusal splints (night guards), patient education, therapeutic exercises, and, if certified, the use of neuromodulators for muscle relaxation or pain relief. Dr. MacDonald serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at the clinic.
Dr. Melonie A. MacDonald earned a Dental Degree. Dr. MacDonald brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. MacDonald offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management and General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers). Dr. MacDonald is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. MacDonald's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. MacDonald provides consultations in English.
Dr. Melonie A. MacDonald provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Orofacial Pain Conditions
- Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction in Head, Neck, or Jaw Region: Addressing persistent muscular pain and trigger points affecting the jaw, temples, and surrounding neck and shoulder structures.
- Chronic Headaches Potentially Linked to Dental Issues (e.g., TMJ Dysfunction, Severe Bruxism, Malocclusion): Persistent or recurrent headaches (e.g., tension-type headaches, morning headaches) that may be linked to underlying dental problems such as jaw clenching, severe teeth grinding (bruxism), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or significant bite issues (malocclusion).
Tmj Disorders Bruxism
- Jaw Pain, Clicking, Popping, or Locking (TMJ Symptoms): Addressing issues related to jaw joint function, muscle strain, and associated orofacial pain.
- Limited Jaw Opening (Trismus) or Difficulty Chewing Comfortably: Experiencing a noticeable restriction in how wide the mouth can be opened (trismus), or encountering pain, fatigue, or difficulty when chewing food effectively.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Seeking effective solutions to manage bruxism, protect teeth from further damage and wear, and alleviate associated muscle pain or headaches.
Common Dental Issues
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
- Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. MacDonald. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- TMJ/TMD Assessment, Diagnosis & Orofacial Pain Evaluation: Diagnosing various temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and other orofacial pain conditions through a detailed patient history, thorough clinical examination, and, if necessary, adjunctive diagnostic aids or imaging.
- Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
- Occlusal Splints / Night Guards / Bite Guards for Bruxism & TMJ Disorders: Providing precisely fitted custom splint therapy to manage symptoms of TMD, reduce muscle hyperactivity, protect against excessive tooth wear, and improve jaw comfort.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
- Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. MacDonald. 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. Melonie A. MacDonald adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Melonie A. MacDonald'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. MacDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- For patients where experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth is a primary concern, Dr. MacDonald focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
- Many people seek Dr. MacDonald's professional help and expertise when dealing with wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
- Dr. MacDonald expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, means they can happily and comfortably get back to confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
- Dr. MacDonald's comprehensive care for wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant is meticulously designed to result in their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day without dental worries.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. MacDonald, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. MacDonald is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. MacDonald's practice, a dental office in St. Albert, is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near Commercial Development and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. MacDonald at the clinic?
- Your first visit with Dr. MacDonald will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. MacDonald will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. MacDonald typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. MacDonald is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). Dr. MacDonald also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. MacDonald may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management based on additional training.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. MacDonald for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. MacDonald will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. MacDonald's specific recommendation.
- 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 exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. MacDonald 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).
- 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. MacDonald?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. MacDonald.
250-665 ST. ALBERT TRAIL
St. Albert, AB, T8N 3L3
Phone: (587) 805-0340
Dr. Melonie A. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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.