Dr. Stephen Smith, DMD

Dr. Stephen Smith, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Pensacola, 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 means 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages. Please call (850) 476-5233 to confirm if Dr. Stephen Smith, DMD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Stephen Smith, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Pensacola, FL, dedicated to providing exceptional preventative dental care. His approach emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in maintaining optimal oral health, recognizing its connection to overall well-being. This includes personalized strategies to prevent common dental issues and the coordination of necessary screenings. Dr. Stephen Smith, DMD is committed to empowering patients to take control of their oral health journey, fostering a partnership based on trust, open communication, and the latest evidence-based treatments. He 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:

• Gum Cancer: Early detection of gum cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates; make sure to schedule routine dental exams for early identification of any potential issues.
• Cleft Lip: Addressing cleft lip early through surgical repair and ongoing dental care minimizes the risk of future dental problems, such as misaligned teeth or difficulty cleaning.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• Oral Cancer: Don't underestimate the importance of routine dental visits for oral cancer prevention. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment and preventing serious complications.
• Cranioacrofacial Syndrome: Craniofacioacrofacial syndromes are a group of conditions affecting the skull and face, early diagnosis and management can help prevent complications like feeding difficulties or breathing problems, which can impact overall well-being.
• Gingival Fibromatosis: Gingival fibromatosis, characterized by excessively firm gums, may impact your oral hygiene, but proactive management through regular cleanings and dental care can maintain oral health.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth are a warning sign that your oral health needs immediate attention; taking action now can preserve your natural teeth and overall wellbeing.

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:

• Rotary Endodontics: Take proactive steps to safeguard your teeth! Rotary endodontics helps address infected root canals, relieving pain and preventing the spread of infection.
• Clear Retainer: By wearing a clear retainer, you can safeguard the outcome of your orthodontic treatment, avoiding the need for additional corrective procedures.
• Invisalign Teen®: Invisalign Teen® offers a comfortable and discreet way to address orthodontic needs, preventing long-term dental complications associated with crooked teeth.
• 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.
• Endodontic Surgery: Investing in your long-term oral health includes addressing severe tooth decay or trauma. Endodontic surgery helps prevent the spread of infection and preserves your natural teeth.
• Digital Impression System: Invest in your long-term oral health with our digital impression system – a quick and painless method to create a detailed record of your teeth, paving the way for targeted prevention and treatment.
• DIAGNOdent® Laser Cavity Detection: DIAGNOdent® uses laser technology to detect cavities early, even before you can see them, helping prevent the need for larger, more invasive treatments later.

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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential gum issues early, significantly reducing their risk of gum cancer and gaining peace of mind.
• By addressing a cleft lip early with surgical repair and ongoing dental care, a family gained peace of mind, knowing their child's risk of future dental problems was significantly reduced.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a family proactively managed potential dental issues, significantly reducing their risk of future problems and enjoying a healthier, 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. Stephen DMD:

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

At Dr. Stephen DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This crucial preventive care helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, catch cavities early, and screen 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?

Oral health is intimately connected 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 crucial for maintaining not only a healthy mouth, but also a healthy body.

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 the need for tooth extraction.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Stephen DMD can help with snoring and sleep apnea. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

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.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Stephen DMD. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

4461 Bayou Blvd
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 476-5233

Dr. Stephen Smith, 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): 1942619986

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.