Dr. Frederick Merle Ross – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Frederick Merle Ross is a Dentist. Practicing at Smith Family Dentistry in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Ross is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ross 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. Ross 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. Ross 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 Smith Family Dentistry.

Dr. Frederick Merle Ross earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1965. With over 60 years of practice since 1965, Dr. Ross has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Ross is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Ross's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Ross provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ross. 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.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.

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

At Smith Family Dentistry, 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. Ross frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Ross's clinic, addressing their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling means focusing on patient goals. Achieving the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• Understanding the frustration a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection can cause, Dr. Ross tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• For patients where noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity is a primary concern, Dr. Ross focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods, involves working systematically towards gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. Dr. Ross expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.

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

Smith Family Dentistry, where Dr. Ross practices, is situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Brock University and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Smith Family Dentistry.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ross at Smith Family Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Ross and the team at Smith Family Dentistry 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. Ross 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. Ross for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Ross will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Ross's specific recommendation.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ross 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Ross. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at Smith Family Dentistry. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Ross might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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. Ross 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).

Smith Family Dentistry
27 Church St
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 3B7

Phone: (905) 684-2353

Dr. Frederick Merle Ross 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: 6057

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=6057

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