Dr. Hershell Steele, DDS

Dr. Hershell Steele, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dental care. He practices at his Bonita Springs, FL clinic, adhering to the highest standards of the Florida Board of Medicine and Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus on General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is currently welcoming new patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey; please call (850) 920-7520 to schedule.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, Dr. Hershell DDS brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2000, completing an internship at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences in 2001. Dr. Hershell DDS is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He enjoys ballroom dancing, strength training, and competitive running. Dr. Hershell DDS is fluent in German and also offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Hershell DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Hershell DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Hershell DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Grinding of Teeth: Protecting your teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding is vital for preventing costly and painful dental work down the line; talking to your dentist is the first step.
• Tooth Abrasion: Managing tooth abrasion effectively, often through lifestyle changes and professional dental care, helps maintain the health and longevity of your teeth, avoiding the need for more extensive dental work down the line.
• Tooth Loss: Protecting your teeth from loss involves diligent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped Tooth: Protecting your teeth from chipping through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce your risk of future dental problems.
• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Discoloration: Preventing tooth discoloration starts with good oral hygiene habits to maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth and avoid future complications.
• Tooth Attrition: Managing tooth attrition involves proactive measures like adjusting your brushing technique and using fluoride toothpaste to minimize further enamel loss and protect against sensitivity.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Hershell DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a proactive way to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile's long-term health.
• Dental Bonding: As part of your commitment to overall wellness, dental bonding offers a straightforward solution to improve tooth structure and esthetics, thereby reducing the risk of more complex dental issues down the line.
• Dental Bridge: To maintain a healthy smile and prevent bite problems, consider a dental bridge as a solution for restoring missing teeth.
• Dental Crown: Investing in a dental crown can prevent the loss of a tooth and help maintain a healthy, functional bite by protecting a compromised tooth from further damage.
• Denture Repair: Don't let broken dentures compromise your chewing and speaking abilities – repair ensures optimal oral function and overall quality of life.
• Porcelain Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth from future decay with porcelain veneers, a proactive step in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing further damage.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration checks for your dental implants help identify and address any issues early, avoiding more extensive and costly procedures down the line.
• Root Canal: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Root Planing: Take control of your oral health with root planing—a procedure that addresses gum disease early on, preventing the need for more extensive treatments in the future and supporting overall health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions are a way to prevent the spread of infection from a damaged tooth that could impact your overall health.
• Teeth Scaling: Protecting your gum health starts with scaling, a procedure that screens for early signs of gum disease and keeps your smile healthy.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Hershell DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing teeth grinding concerns early, a patient avoided costly dental procedures and enjoyed a more comfortable, pain-free smile.
• By understanding their tooth abrasion risk factors and implementing a proactive dental care plan, a patient maintained healthy teeth and avoided more extensive dental procedures in the future. This proactive approach ensured long-term oral health and peace of mind.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth loss, enjoying a healthier and more confident smile.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Hershell DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Hershell DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This schedule helps prevent tartar buildup, catches cavities early, and screens for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is incredibly important to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Hershell DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Hershell DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Hershell DDS can assess your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments like custom trays or in-office procedures for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Hershell DDS will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

27499 Riverview Center Blvd Ste 238
Bonita Springs FL 34134
Phone: (850) 920-7520

Dr. Hershell Steele, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1952515108

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Hershell DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.