Dr. Kirby James Warkentin – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Kirby James Warkentin is a Dentist. Practicing at N/A in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Warkentin is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Warkentin 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. Warkentin 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. Warkentin 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 N/A.

Dr. Kirby James Warkentin earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1985. With over 40 years of practice since 1985, Dr. Warkentin has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Warkentin is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Warkentin's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Warkentin provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kirby James Warkentin 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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.

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

At N/A, 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. Warkentin frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history? Dr. Warkentin partners with patients to target gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity a much more achievable reality.
• Many people seek Dr. Warkentin's professional help and expertise when dealing with feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.
• Dr. Warkentin provides dedicated support for patients going through a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered, always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• When one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Warkentin helps patients strive for gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This makes participating in activities such as enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Warkentin's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Warkentin 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, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Following Dr. Warkentin's specific recommendation is crucial for optimal oral health.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Warkentin at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Warkentin 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. Warkentin 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 also used to minimize any potential 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. Warkentin 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 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 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 always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at N/A.

N/A
4 Lake St
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 5W6

Phone: (905) 682-7595

Dr. Kirby James Warkentin 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: 10522

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10522

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