Description
About Dr. Murphy
Dr. Tracey April Murphy is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Murphy is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Murphy is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Murphy 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. Murphy 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. Tracey April Murphy earned a Dental Degree. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Murphy has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Murphy is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Murphy remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.
Key aspects of Dr. Murphy's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Murphy provides consultations in English.
Oral Health Conditions Addressed by Dr. Tracey April Murphy
Dr. Tracey April Murphy 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
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
- Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
- Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
Dental Pain Emergency
- 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.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
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.
Dr. Tracey April Murphy's Dental Services
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
- Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
- Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
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. Tracey April Murphy adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Achieving Your Oral Health & Smile Goals with Dr. Murphy
At Dr. Tracey April Murphy'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. Murphy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Murphy understands that dealing with an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out and feeling their best.
- If experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Murphy develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
- For patients where concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches is a primary concern, Dr. Murphy focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues.
- Dr. Murphy provides dedicated support for patients going through a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
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.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Murphy's practice, a dental office in Kamloops, is situated in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Kamloops and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentist with Dr. Murphy in Kamloops
- 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 6 months. However, Dr. Murphy 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, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Murphy's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Murphy?
- 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. Murphy.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?
- In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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 by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, 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, or social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to carefully review the details of your private dental insurance plan (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Murphy at the clinic?
- Your first visit with Dr. Murphy 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. Murphy will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.
- 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Murphy 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).
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. Tracey April Murphy
101 - 629 Lansdowne St.
Kamloops, BC, V2C 1Y6
Phone: (250) 314-1234
Dr. Tracey April 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.