Dr. Kristi Zheku – Dentist | Courtice, ON

Dr. Kristi Zheku is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Courtice Dental Centre in Courtice, ON, Dr. Zheku is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zheku 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. Zheku 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. Zheku 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. Utilizing advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), allows Dr. Zheku to offer superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Zheku 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 Courtice Dental Centre.

Dr. Kristi Zheku earned a Dental Degree from Boston University, graduating in 2015. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Zheku 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 and General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous. Dr. Zheku 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. Zheku's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Zheku provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kristi Zheku provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.

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

At Courtice Dental Centre, 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. Zheku frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Zheku about wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is to attain the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
• If their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach has unfortunately put no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Zheku works closely with patients towards attaining their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning, involves working systematically towards no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. Dr. Zheku expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• At Dr. Zheku's clinic, addressing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.

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

Courtice Dental Centre, where Dr. Zheku practices, is situated in a central location within the Courtice neighborhood of Courtice. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zheku at Courtice Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Zheku 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. Zheku 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.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Zheku 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. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Zheku's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

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

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

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

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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Courtice Dental Centre.

Courtice Dental Centre
1425 King St E #A3
Courtice, ON, L1E 2J6

Phone: (905) 721-0580

Dr. Kristi Zheku 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: 107954

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=107954

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