Dr. Steven Underkofler, DMD

Dr. Steven Underkofler, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Steven DMD serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 724-3023 to schedule.

Dr. Steven Underkofler, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. His practice's focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate concerns of cavities and gum disease, encompassing a holistic approach to oral and overall wellness. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the necessary screenings and personalized plans for optimal oral and systemic health. Dr. Steven DMD is committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their preventive care, creating a partnership where patients and provider work together to achieve long-term health goals. Dr. Steven DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Canker Sore: Managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent frequent canker sore outbreaks, protecting your overall oral health and well-being.
• Salivary Gland Cyst: A salivary gland cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in your mouth, and early detection through regular dental checkups can prevent complications and discomfort.
• Receded Lower Jaw: Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any gum problems promptly helps to prevent recession of your lower jaw, protecting your teeth and overall oral health.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Preventing chronic periodontitis starts with maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits; early detection and treatment can stop the disease from progressing and damaging your gums and teeth.
• Infected Tooth Pulp: An infected tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, can lead to severe pain and tooth loss if not addressed promptly through preventative dental visits and good oral hygiene.
• Crossbite: Managing a crossbite helps prevent uneven wear and tear on your teeth, improving chewing function and reducing the risk of more serious dental problems later.
• Tartar Buildup: Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, contributes significantly to gum disease and cavities, emphasizing the need for diligent oral hygiene practices to prevent its formation.

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

• Orthodontic Treatment, Adolescent: Investing in adolescent orthodontic care proactively addresses potential jaw misalignment issues, preventing complications down the line and promoting long-term oral health.
• Replacing Several Teeth: Replacing several teeth is a key step in preventing further tooth loss, supporting better oral hygiene, and maintaining your systemic health.
• Partial Dentures: By opting for partial dentures, you're taking a step towards preventing the shifting of remaining teeth and maintaining your natural bite alignment.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant offers a permanent solution to missing teeth, improving your confidence, enhancing your smile, and helping to prevent future dental problems.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Dental infection treatment is a proactive step to stop the spread of infection, preserving your smile and promoting better systemic health.
• Hawley Retainer: Proactively protecting your investment in orthodontic care, a Hawley retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps prevent teeth from moving after braces are removed.
• Porcelain Fixed Bridges: A porcelain fixed bridge is a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, improving your smile and preventing further dental problems like shifting teeth or jawbone loss.

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. Steven 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 triggers and adopting stress-reducing techniques, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of canker sore outbreaks, improving their overall oral health and well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and confident daily life.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient identified a potential salivary gland cyst early, preventing any discomfort and ensuring a swift resolution. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a healthy mouth and overall well-being.
• By prioritizing regular dental checkups and meticulous oral hygiene, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, preventing recession of their lower jaw and 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. Steven DMD:

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

At Dr. Steven DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This is a critical preventive step to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential 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.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

A child's first dental visit should ideally occur within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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. Steven DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

1746 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 724-3023

Dr. Steven Underkofler, 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): 1619910148

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. Steven 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.