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Steven Van Scoyoc

Bio

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.

Dr. Van Scoyoc earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued his education at UNC to complete a 3-year surgical residency in Periodontics, where he obtained his Masters in Periodontics. This advanced training certified him to practice as a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology.

Specialties:

  • dentistry

Affiliation:

  • American Dental Association

Location:

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Annual Dental Cleaning May Be Enough for Some: Study

    MONDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- For many people, once-a-year dental cleaning may be enough to prevent gum disease that leads to tooth loss, according to a new study.

    "Twice-yearly cleanings have been recommended for over 50 years without supporting evidence,...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Diet Soda Habit as Bad for Teeth as Meth Addiction, Study Claims

    THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.

    "You look at it side-to-side with 'meth mouth' or 'coke mouth,' it is startling to see the intensity and extent of damage more or less t...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Alligator Study Gives Clues to Regrowing Lost Teeth

    TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Dentists, as it turns out, may have one more reason than the rest of us to be wary of alligators. The toothy reptiles may one day put those who install implants, bridges and dentures out of their jobs.

    Alligators continually make new teeth to replace t...Full Article

  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What is tooth enamel?
    Tooth enamel is the outer layer of the crown of your tooth. It is a hard protective layer that can be resistant to cavities if cared for properly. When you brush with fluoride or drink fluoridated water the fluoride is incorporated into the enamel and makes it stronger.  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What is a root canal?
    A root canal is a procedure where the pulp (nerve and blood supply) of the tooth is removed and replaced with a material that seals the inside of the tooth from bacteria.   Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What is aggressive periodontitis?
    Periodontitis can be either Chronic or Aggressive. Aggressive periodontitis is highly destructive and can occur in patients who are generally healthy healthy. These patients may lose significant amounts of bone around teeth despite good oral hygiene. Management of this condition by a periodontist...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What is periodontitis?
    Periodontitis is the breakdown of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the immune system trying to fight off bacteria that surround the teeth. If the bacteria that are causing the problem are not removed, this problem can get worse and the teeth will need to be removed.  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    Who should avoid teeth whitening?

    Patients who have sensitive teeth will have trouble with tooth whitening as it can increase sensitivity. Also, if you have any crowns or fillings on the front teeth, they will not change color with whitening. Whitening the surrounding teeth may make the crowns and fillings stand out. Also, anyone

    ...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What could happen if I choose not to have dental x-rays?

    Dental x-rays are the road map that the dentist uses to diagnose a variety of oral diseases. Without x-rays conditions such as cavities, gum disease, fractured teeth, root canal infections and even cancer may go undetected. Early detection of oral health problems usually means less invasive and less

    ...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    Do crowns and bridges last forever?
    Sometimes crowns and bridges do last the lifetime of a patient. However, most dental restorations have a limited lifespan. The failure of these crowns and bridges is usually due to the formation of a cavity where the crown and tooth meet. Excellent dental hygiene, regular visits to the dentist...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    How can braces help prevent gum recession?

    Braces can improve the position of a tooth that is prominently positioned. If the tooth is brought back into alignment with the other teeth, there may be some slight improvement in the recession. However, typically severe recession can only be corrected surgically.

     Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What causes gum recession?

    Gum recession can be caused by many factors. The main culprit is your own anatomy. Some people have thin tissue and bone and the roots of their teeth are prominent. Over time with normal function and brushing recession can occur.

    Many people have recession because they have underlying periodontal

    ...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    How is periodontitis diagnosed?

    Periodontal disease can be diagnosed by your general dentist or a periodontist. This is usually accomplished by taking a full series of x-rays that show the bone level around each individual tooth. This combined with a series of measurements around each tooth will provide a periodontal diagnosis.

     Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    Is periodontitis serious?

    Yes - Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has also been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pre-term low weight birth for expectant mothers. Periodontitis is the breakdown of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the immune

    ...  Full Post
  • Steven Van Scoyoc
    Steven Van Scoyoc answered:
    What is periodontics?

    Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease (periodontitis) as well as other conditions that impact the gum and bones surrounding the teeth. This may include gum recession and oral pathology such as gingival tumors. Many periodontists also help patients replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease

    ...  Full Post