Dr. Steve Zafiris – Dentist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Steve Zafiris is a Dentist. Practicing at Chicopee Park Dental in Kitchener, ON, Dr. Zafiris is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zafiris 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. Zafiris 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. Zafiris 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 Chicopee Park Dental.

Dr. Steve Zafiris earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Zafiris has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Zafiris 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. Zafiris's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Zafiris provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

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

At Chicopee Park 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. Zafiris frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth, Dr. Zafiris outlines a path to their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Zafiris when they first notice needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, enabling them to once again enjoy attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care can cause, Dr. Zafiris tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing for renewed participation in activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• For individuals troubled by a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods, Dr. Zafiris's approach is focused on delivering their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Zafiris's practice, Chicopee Park Dental, is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Park Mall and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). 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 Chicopee Park Dental.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Zafiris 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zafiris at Chicopee Park Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Zafiris 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. Zafiris 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. Zafiris 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. Zafiris for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Zafiris 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Zafiris's specific recommendation.

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

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

Chicopee Park Dental
1601 River Rd E #7
Kitchener, ON, N2A 3Y4

Phone: (519) 893-2626

Dr. Steve Zafiris 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: 12219

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12219

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