Dr. Courtney Dawn Ziehr – Dentist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Courtney Dawn Ziehr is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Nanaimo, BC, Dr. Ziehr is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ziehr 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. Ziehr 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. Ziehr 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. Courtney Dawn Ziehr earned a Dental Degree. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Ziehr has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Ziehr is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ziehr remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Ziehr's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Ziehr provides consultations in English.

Dr. Courtney Dawn Ziehr 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ziehr. 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. Courtney Dawn Ziehr adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Courtney Dawn Ziehr'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. Ziehr frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is a primary concern, Dr. Ziehr focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• Patients experiencing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Ziehr's practice, a key objective is feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• When a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects, Dr. Ziehr and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Understanding the frustration experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth can cause, Dr. Ziehr tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.

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

Dr. Ziehr's practice is a dental office located in the South Nanaimo, University District neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre and is accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Ziehr 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. Ziehr's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

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

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Ziehr 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).

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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Ziehr and the team 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, followed by a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Ziehr will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

450 Franklyn St.
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 2X7

Phone: (250) 753-4348

Dr. Courtney Dawn Ziehr 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. Ziehr 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.