Dr. Darcy Gerard Murphy

Dr. Darcy Gerard Murphy provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Murphy. 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. Darcy Gerard Murphy adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Queen's Park 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. Murphy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Murphy's professional help and expertise when dealing with wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• If a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider has unfortunately put enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Murphy works closely with patients towards attaining feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Patients presenting with a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns under Dr. Murphy's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out without the former limitations or discomfort.
• The journey from an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching to wellness often involves Dr. Murphy's dedicated care. The milestone is their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, which opens the door back to activities such as being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.

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

Queen's Park Dental, where Dr. Murphy practices, is situated in the Downtown New Westminster, Quayside neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Downtown New Westminster and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before commencing treatment at Queen's Park Dental.

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

No, a referral is generally not needed to see a general dentist like Dr. Murphy for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. Appointments can typically be booked directly with Queen's Park Dental.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Murphy typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Murphy is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. Services typically include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Murphy will personalize this schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors (cavities, gum disease), and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for active gum disease or high caries risk), while others might have longer intervals. Following Dr. Murphy's specific recommendations is essential.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays, particularly modern digital X-rays, are very safe, using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., new patients, checking for decay, assessing bone health, planning complex treatments). Dr. Murphy determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Murphy at Queen's Park Dental?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Murphy, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Murphy will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions.

Queen's Park Dental
902 Quayside Dr
New Westminster, BC, V3M 0L3

Phone: (604) 522-5242

Dr. Darcy Gerard Murphy is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

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