Dr. Scott Bakos, DDS

Dr. Scott Bakos, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at Sage Dental of Fort Myers in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care. 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 committed to serving all ages and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (239) 267-7385 to schedule.

Dr. Scott Bakos is a highly skilled and experienced dentist based in Florida, with over 40 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care. He earned his medical degree from Case University Dental School in 1981 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is known for his expertise in comprehensive dentistry, placing and restoring dental implants since 1987, and is committed to continuing education, staying current with the latest innovations in dentistry. Dr. Bakos also makes it a huge priority to take part in several continuing education programs to improve his skills and remain current with the new innovations in dentistry. Implants, Lumineers, Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment, and Cosmetic Dentistry are but a few of the advanced treatment options that he offers. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Scott 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. Scott 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. Scott 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:

• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a chronic condition, but regular dental visits and proper at-home care can help manage the disease and prevent its progression.
• Toothache: Toothaches often signal underlying dental problems; addressing them early helps prevent complications and preserves your oral health, impacting overall well-being.
• Receded Lower Jaw: Receding gums can expose the root of your lower jaw, increasing your risk of sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss; early detection and treatment are key to preventing these complications.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Fused mandibular incisors, where two lower front teeth are joined, can sometimes impact proper cleaning and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease if not carefully monitored.
• Orofacial Infection: Practicing good oral hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing, is vital in reducing the risk of developing painful and potentially serious orofacial infections.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Protecting your jaw joint from TMJ disorder involves understanding risk factors like teeth grinding and stress, and seeking help from your dentist to prevent painful flare-ups and lasting damage.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Odontogenic lesions can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive oral health for your overall well-being. Early detection through regular checkups is key.

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. Scott DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Bridge: Protect your overall oral health and prevent further complications by choosing a dental bridge to fill the gaps where you're missing teeth.
• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Dental Filling: A dental filling is a proactive way to repair a cavity and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile and overall oral health.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and preventing further infection or tooth loss, preserving your natural smile.
• Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with teeth whitening, a simple step towards maintaining overall oral health.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment: Ensure your bite is healthy and comfortable. TMJ treatment can help diagnose and alleviate jaw pain, improving your overall oral health.

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. Scott 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 attending regular checkups and following a personalized at-home care plan, a patient successfully managed their gum disease, preventing further complications and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient avoided the pain and expense of a severe toothache, preserving their smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and avoided the risk of receding lower jaw, ensuring a confident smile and long-term oral health.

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. Scott DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Scott DDS every six months for a checkup and cleaning is recommended. This critical preventive step helps remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

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

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. 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.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Scott DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Scott 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.

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. Scott DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

Sage Dental of Fort Myers
8004 Summerlin Lakes Dr
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 267-7385

Dr. Scott Bakos, 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): 1861685158

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. Scott 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.