Dr. Frederick M. McMurray

Dr. Frederick M. McMurray 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 Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.

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

At Dr. Frederick M. McMurray'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. McMurray frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. McMurray expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• Dr. McMurray often consults with patients whose experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is a common journey for patients under Dr. McMurray's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite, so that daily routines and pleasures like their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life become straightforward again.
• If a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially has unfortunately put feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. McMurray works closely with patients towards attaining a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. McMurray's practice, a dental office in Cardston, is situated in a central location within the Cardston neighborhood of Cardston. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. McMurray will personalize this schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or those at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. McMurray's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

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. McMurray.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McMurray is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. McMurray also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before beginning treatment.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays, which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. 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. McMurray will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. McMurray will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

PO Box 1529
Cardston, AB, T0K 0K0

Phone: (403) 653-2660

Dr. Frederick M. McMurray 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. McMurray 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.