Dr. Stephen Parker, DMD

Dr. Stephen Parker, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Hollywood, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus on prevention is paramount; 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 serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 983-5450 to schedule. Dr. Stephen's philosophy is to listen to his patients and provide the best quality treatment that will give them the results they hoped for, in a warm, caring, and friendly manner. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, culminating in a DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a member of several professional organizations and remains committed to continuous learning, attending various advanced courses and certifications, including those in facial aesthetics, dermal fillers, and Botox. Dr. Stephen DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Gum Disease: Don't let gum disease put your overall health at risk; proactive steps such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can significantly minimize your chances of developing this preventable condition.
• Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the early stage of cavity formation, where tooth enamel loses minerals, making it crucial to practice good oral hygiene to prevent further damage and maintain healthy teeth.
• Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, is preventable with good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and gums from serious damage.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Cavity: A cavity, or tooth decay, is a hole in your tooth caused by bacteria, and preventing them starts with good oral hygiene to avoid more serious dental problems.
• Toothache: Managing toothaches effectively through preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the risk of future dental issues.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Tooth Attrition: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and tear through preventative measures such as avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard helps prevent tooth attrition and maintain your overall oral health.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Grinding of Teeth: Unmanaged teeth grinding can result in cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches; regular dental visits and potential use of a night guard can prevent these complications.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess indicates a serious infection needing immediate dental attention; proactive preventive dental care minimizes the risk of reaching this stage.

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

• 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.
• Dental Inlays: Protecting your smile's longevity, dental inlays offer a durable solution to repair moderate tooth decay before it leads to more extensive procedures.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth by filling in chips, cracks, or discoloration, helping maintain a healthy and confident smile.
• Dental Bridge: For a long-term solution to a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile and support your overall oral health.
• Porcelain Veneers: As a proactive measure for improving your smile and protecting your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a long-term solution to enhance your confidence and maintain healthy teeth.
• Denture Repair: Don't let broken dentures compromise your chewing and speaking abilities – repair ensures optimal oral function and overall quality of life.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Take proactive steps towards preventing gum disease with a non-surgical gum treatment, helping catch and address issues early before they worsen.
• Teeth Scaling: Protecting your gum health starts with scaling, a procedure that screens for early signs of gum disease and keeps your smile healthy.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with an ultrasonic cleaning; it's a thorough cleaning that helps detect early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Onlay: To proactively maintain strong teeth, a dental onlay can be used to repair a significantly damaged tooth surface, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• 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.

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. Stephen DMD 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 understanding the causes of tooth abrasion and adjusting daily habits, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future dental issues, ensuring a healthy, vibrant smile for years to come.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of gum disease, ensuring a healthier smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family proactively managed their risk of tooth demineralization, ensuring a confident smile for years to come.

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. Stephen DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Stephen DMD every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This 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 removal 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 good overall health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Stephen DMD can assess your oral health to determine if you're 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.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents tooth extraction.

What is TMJ disorder?

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. Stephen DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard, to prevent damage from grinding.

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

3411 Johnson St
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 983-5450

Dr. Stephen Parker, DMD 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): 1760533798

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. Stephen DMD 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.