Dr. David S. Hu – Dentist | Fort McMurray, AB

Dr. David S. Hu is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Fort McMurray, AB, Dr. Hu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hu 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. Hu 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. Hu also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. David S. Hu earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Hu brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Hu offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Hu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that Dr. Hu remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to provide patients with the most effective and comfortable care possible.

Key aspects of Dr. Hu's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Hu 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. Hu provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hu. 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. David S. Hu adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. David S. Hu'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. Hu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain, Dr. Hu offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• At Dr. Hu's clinic, addressing feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth means focusing on patient goals. Achieving experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• With Dr. Hu's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming is focused on achieving their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance without dental concerns.
• A key objective when treating a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close at Dr. Hu's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.

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

Dr. Hu's practice, a dental office in Fort McMurray, is situated in a central location within Fort McMurray's Fort McMurray neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Hu offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Hu understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, our clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Hu during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hu 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). Dr. Hu also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hu 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hu at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Hu 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. Hu 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.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Hu will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Following Dr. Hu's specific recommendation is crucial.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In AB, provincial health plans (like AHCIP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries in hospitals might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups. Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What is our clinic's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We request at least 24 business hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50-$100. Specific fee information is available from the clinic.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Hu for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

201-9914 Morrison St
Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 4A4

Dr. David S. Hu 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. Hu 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.