Dr. Irina Vlasic-Prelovec – Dentist | Stoney Creek, ON

Dr. Irina Vlasic-Prelovec is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office in Stoney Creek, ON, Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec 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. Vlasic-Prelovec 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. Vlasic-Prelovec 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 Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office.

Dr. Irina Vlasic-Prelovec earned a Dental Degree from University Of Zagreb, Croatia, graduating in 1981. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec provides consultations in English.

Dr. Irina Vlasic-Prelovec 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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office, 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. Vlasic-Prelovec frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• Patients presenting with their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies under Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Many people seek Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's professional help and expertise when dealing with the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to is a common journey for patients under Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, so that daily routines and pleasures like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's practice, Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office, is situated in a central location within the Stoney Creek neighborhood of Stoney Creek. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec at Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec and the team at Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office 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. Vlasic-Prelovec will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec 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).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec 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 visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec's specific recommendation.

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). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec 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 common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore (gingivitis). Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Vlasic-Prelovec are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Dr. Kutlesa Dental Office
604 Hwy #8
Stoney Creek, ON, L8G 5G2

Phone: (905) 643-5835

Dr. Irina Vlasic-Prelovec 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: 12566

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12566

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