Dr. Jennifer Beth Zelunka – Dentist | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Jennifer Beth Zelunka is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Galleria Dental Office in Oshawa, ON, Dr. Zelunka is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zelunka 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. Zelunka 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. Zelunka 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.

Dr. Jennifer Beth Zelunka earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2004. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Zelunka 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. Zelunka is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Zelunka remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, benefiting patients with the latest and most effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Zelunka's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Zelunka 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 Galleria Dental Office. Dr. Zelunka provides consultations in English.

Dr. Jennifer Beth Zelunka 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): 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.
• 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• 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. Zelunka. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.

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

At Galleria 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. Zelunka frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up under Dr. Zelunka's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When patients discuss a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods, Dr. Zelunka outlines a path to their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Zelunka with concerns about an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, making a positive and lasting return to being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues not just possible, but highly feasible.
• If a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Zelunka develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.

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

Galleria Dental Office, where Dr. Zelunka practices, is situated in the Central Oshawa, O'Neill neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Donevan Recreation Complex and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Zelunka is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (such as whitening or bonding, if offered). Dr. Zelunka also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed. They may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Zelunka will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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 essential to follow Dr. Zelunka's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zelunka at Galleria Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Zelunka and the team at Galleria Dental Office will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals you have, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Zelunka will explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. Zelunka understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Galleria Dental Office may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Zelunka during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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 always 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. Zelunka 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).

What payment options are available at Galleria Dental Office for dental services?

Galleria Dental Office accepts various payment methods, including cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. They also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss specific payment arrangements and insurance details with their administrative team prior to your treatment. Payment for services is generally expected at the time treatment is rendered.

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. 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 provided by 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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Galleria Dental Office
419 King St W #150
Oshawa, ON, L1J 2K5

Phone: (905) 434-8911

Dr. Jennifer Beth Zelunka 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: 62247

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=62247

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