Dr. Cathy Alice M. McCullough – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Cathy Alice M. McCullough is a Dentist. Practicing at Lakeport Dental in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. McCullough is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McCullough is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. McCullough 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. McCullough 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 Lakeport Dental.

Dr. Cathy Alice M. McCullough earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1988. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. McCullough's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their current practice. Dr. McCullough is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. McCullough's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. McCullough provides consultations in English.

Dr. Cathy Alice M. McCullough provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. McCullough. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. McCullough. 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. Cathy Alice M. McCullough adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Lakeport Dental, 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. McCullough frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. McCullough develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• For those affected by their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to, Dr. McCullough provides solutions that lead to being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• A key objective when treating noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer at Dr. McCullough's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.
• Dr. McCullough understands that dealing with their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, helping patients comfortably get back to their child participating happily in school photos and social activities and feeling their best.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. McCullough, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. McCullough is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Lakeport Dental, where Dr. McCullough practices, is situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Ridley College and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McCullough at Lakeport Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. McCullough and the team at Lakeport Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. McCullough will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. McCullough for a check-up and cleaning?

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. McCullough 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, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. McCullough's specific recommendations.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Patients should verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment at Lakeport Dental.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. McCullough?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. McCullough for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Lakeport Dental.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McCullough 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).

Lakeport Dental
95 Lakeport Rd #A
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 4P9

Phone: (905) 934-0235

Dr. Cathy Alice M. McCullough is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 11143

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11143

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. McCullough 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.