Meet the Doctor
Dr. Steven M. Van Scoyoc
Dr. Steven Van Scoyoc is a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology. He is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. His practice specializes in conservative treatment of gum disease, including specialized interests in soft tissue reconstructive plastic surgery to aesthetically enhance the smile and dental implants that can replace single or multiple missing teeth. He uses the latest technology and science to regenerate bone in the jaws, where bone loss was caused by infection from gum disease, loss of teeth, or injury. This includes sinus bone grafting, where many patients lack sufficient bone thickness in the upper posterior jaw in order to place implants. He also diagnoses and treats oral pathology. Dr. Van Scoyoc’s main interests include soft-tissue and esthetic surgery, as well as implant and advanced bone reconstruction.
Articles
The Role of Dental Sealants in Preventing Gum Issues
When it comes to protecting teeth—especially in children—prevention is everything. And one effective tool in a dentist’s preventive toolkit includes dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces...
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How Nutrition Supports Healthy Gums (and the Best Foods to Help)
When you think about taking care of your teeth and gums, brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups probably come to mind first—and for good reason! But did you know that what you put on your plate can be just as important for your gum health as what...
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The Latest Advancements in Periodontal Treatments
What’s Changing and What’s Next? Innovations in medical research are the cornerstones of improved patient care and outcomes. When it comes to a healthy smile, ongoing advancements in periodontal treatments have revolutionized the diagnosis, treatment, and...
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How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health (and What You Can Do About It)
Tobacco use takes many forms. Smoking, chewing, vaping, and more all seem pretty different, yet they share a common impact. They can take a serious toll on your oral health. From stained teeth to bad breath to increased risk of gum disease and oral cancer,...
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Dry Mouth and Dental Health: What You Need to Know
A dry mouth might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can significantly impact your dental health and overall well-being. Known medically as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist....
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Busting Common Dental Myths for a Healthier Smile
When it comes to dental health, there’s no shortage of well-meaning advice. But sometimes, what we believe to be true may actually be holding us back from achieving the healthiest smile possible. From misconceptions about brushing and flossing to myths...
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Benefits of Eco-Friendly Dentistry
When you think about dental health or dental care, you probably don’t immediately think about sustainability and how it fits in. Even if you are highly environmentally conscious, you may only consider using more sustainable dental products at home, such as...
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Dental Care Tips for Seniors for a Healthy, Happy Smile
As we get older, how we prioritize healthcare can become more complicated. From ensuring our hearts are healthy to cancer screenings to eye appointments to skin checks… it can be challenging to stay on top of all of it. And often, dental health can be...
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Remineralizing: The Fluoride vs. Hydroxyapatite Debate
Virtually everyone is familiar with fluoride toothpaste. After all, fluoride has been considered the gold standard in dental care for decades. It has been hailed as the most effective way to prevent cavities and thus has widely been recommended by dentists....
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How to Deal with Dental Emergencies
Facing dental emergencies can not only be painful but extremely stressful as well. Especially if it occurs on a weekend or during non-office hours. What to do? Whether you’re dealing with an excruciating toothache, knocked out a tooth during a pick-up game...
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The Truth About Teeth Whitening
There are numerous reasons people choose teeth whitening: for the aesthetic appeal, to boost confidence, to change how others perceive them, to counteract habits that stain teeth, to turn back the clock, for special occasions (like a wedding, graduation, or...
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Bridging Comfort and Care: How to Understand and Address Dental Anxiety
If you find yourself hesitant or anxious about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is very common, affecting 5 to 10% of children and 10 to 20% of adults. For many, even a routine dental appointment is more than a check-up. It’s a...
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Exploring the Powerful Impact of Diet on Your Dental Health
Even if you have your dental routine down, brushing and flossing consistently and seeing the dentist regularly, your teeth can suffer if you don’t have your diet in order. A healthy diet is vital for a healthy mouth and strong teeth. Here’s how the diet...
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Cavities 101: What Are Cavities and How Are They Treated?
Cavities aren’t just a sign of declining dental health. They can also lead to pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss if not addressed. They can also affect a person’s smile as decay can lead to discoloration, staining, or visible holes in the teeth as they...
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Healing Your Oral Microbiome: A Pathway to a Healthier Mouth
A healthy mouth isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums strong. The mouth is an ecosystem that hosts a complex community of microorganisms. Think of it like a bustling city made up of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more living together in harmony as...
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Fluoride: What Is Flouride and Does It Really Matter?
Ever since you were old enough to hold your own toothbrush, you probably heard your dental team recommending fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Since then, though, you may have also heard that fluoride isn’t without controversy or side effects....
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Best Practice for Healthy Teeth and Gums
One of the most important things we can do for our overall health is keep our teeth and gums healthy. Daily habits like brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist for checkups aren’t just about filling cavities or preventing gum disease....
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9 Common Causes of Toothaches
You bite into your favorite food or down a nice ice-cold glass of water, and ouch! It hurts. When you’re in pain, you just want to know why. It’s so hard to get on with your normal life until the pain is resolved. The pain may be temporary, but it...
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Common Reasons for Dental Implants
If you’ve experienced the loss of a tooth (or several), you’re not alone. In fact, a mere 48% of American adults (ages 20 to 64) still have a full set of their permanent teeth. And for seniors (over 65 years old), nearly one in five have lost all their...
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Why a Healthy Mouth Is Key to a Healthy Body
Sadly, even people who make efforts to keep their bodies healthy by exercising regularly and eating a nutrient-dense diet often neglect one vital aspect: oral health. This is unfortunate, as the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums is more important to...
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Gum Recession: Causes and Treatment Options
Would you recognize the symptoms of gum recession? Most don’t until their gums are already showing significant signs of receding, exposing the normally protected lower portions and even roots of their teeth. Receding gums can lead to gum disease and tooth...
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