Dr. Cathy Bekhyt

Dr. Cathy Bekhyt 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

• 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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.

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

At Parkside Drive Dental, 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. Bekhyt frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider, Dr. Bekhyt's approach is focused on delivering their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures with a healthier smile.
• When concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard, Dr. Bekhyt and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Dr. Bekhyt's comprehensive care for experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is meticulously designed to result in their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly without dental worries.
• For those affected by an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, Dr. Bekhyt provides solutions that lead to feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.

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

Parkside Drive Dental is situated in the University District (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near University of Waterloo and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bekhyt at Parkside Drive Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Bekhyt and the team at Parkside Drive Dental 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. Bekhyt will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). Always verify your eligibility for public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bekhyt 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Bekhyt may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Yes, Dr. Bekhyt understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Parkside Drive Dental may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on Dr. Bekhyt's specific qualifications and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Bekhyt during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. Dr. Bekhyt 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). Follow Dr. Bekhyt's specific recommendation.

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. Bekhyt 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).

Parkside Drive Dental
550 Parkside Dr #A5
Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4

Phone: (519) 885-0810

Dr. Cathy Bekhyt 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: 123564

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=123564

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