Dr. Drago (Doug) Drkulec – Dentist | Windsor, ON

Dr. Drago (Doug) Drkulec is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Westminster Dental in Windsor, ON, Dr. Drkulec is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Drkulec 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. Drkulec 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. Drkulec also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Westminster Dental.

Dr. Drago (Doug) Drkulec earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1989. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Drkulec offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Drkulec is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Drkulec's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Drkulec provides consultations in English.

Dr. Drago (Doug) Drkulec 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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.

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

At Westminster 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. Drkulec frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity under Dr. Drkulec's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day without the former limitations or discomfort.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Drkulec to see patients who were troubled by the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding successfully achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Drkulec with concerns about experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, making a positive and lasting return to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Understanding the frustration a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile can cause, Dr. Drkulec tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, allowing for renewed participation in activities like actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.

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

Dr. Drkulec's practice, Westminster Dental, is situated in the Fontainebleau, Walker Homesites neighborhood of Windsor. The clinic is conveniently located near WFCU Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Transit Windsor. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 Westminster Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Drkulec at Westminster Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Drkulec 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. Drkulec will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Drkulec 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Drkulec 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. Drkulec's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Westminster Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Drkulec.

Westminster Dental
5105 Tecumseh Rd E
Windsor, ON, N8T 1C2

Phone: (519) 944-1050

Dr. Drago (Doug) Drkulec 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: 11331

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11331

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