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Dr. Steven Poulos, DDS

Dr. Steven Poulos, DDS Claimed

My Scottsdale Dentist

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Dr. Steven H. Poulos received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University in 1979. His special interests include helping anxious patients overcome dental fears, reconstruction of complex dental problems, cosmetic make-overs, emergency care, implant dentistry, children’s dentistry and advanced periodontic care.Dr. Poulos and his wife Cathy have two sons. They enjoy outdoor activities, travel, culinary pursuits, art and musical venues, and exterior gardening. They are active in their church, community and with their children’s activities.

Affiliations and Achievements:

Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry
Member, American Dental Association
Member, Arizona State Dental Association
Member, Central Arizona Dental Society
Member, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Author of:

Secret Weapons for Painless Dentistry
Secret Weapons for Success

Dental Implants

Dr. Stevens at My Scottsdale Dentist provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere along with the latest and greatest technologies covering all types of restorative dental services including dental implants. You will enjoy distinct dental care that will enhance the quality of your life as well as your family’s.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances. Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

Family Dentistry

In order to determine the best course of treatment, My Scottsdale Dentist uses a variety of diagnostic tools.

X-Rays

X-rays help us to really see what’s going on. They allow us to see in between the teeth and under existing fillings to help us detect tooth decay. X-rays also allow us to check the health of the bone supporting the teeth.

Diagnostic Impressions

Dr. Poulos take diagnostic impressions to ensure the fit of any crown, bridge, or denture. The exact shape of your teeth and gums is molded in a flexible mixture that sets quickly. The mold is then used to create a replica of your mouth.

Comprehensive Oral Exams

The first step in any dental care plan is to determine your existing health conditions. All first-time patients receive a comprehensive examination, to include documenting your medical history, taking full x-rays, screening for oral cancer, examining periodontal (gum) condition, checking each tooth for cavities, and examining your jaw and bite.

Periodic Oral Exams

Once you are an established patient with a preventive dental care plan, you will want to see us regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Periodic exams are important for maintaining your healthy smile.

Consultation and Treatment Planning

Oral health is a lifelong concern. My Scottsdale Dentist, Scottsdale, Az takes the time to ensure you understand the conditions that need treatment and create a plan for correcting them. Dr. Poulos will also discuss the options for any cosmetic treatments you may be interested in. Additionally, we will outline a regular course of preventive care.

Gum Disease Diagnosis

Gum disease is much more common than people think. My Scottsdale Dentist will examine your gums for disease and determine the best course of treatment. Regular, careful brushing and flossing are essential to gum health.

Oral Cancer Screening

Anyone who smokes or uses chewing tobacco are especially at risk for oral cancer, but everyone who comes to us for a comprehensive exam is checked. No one is immune to cancer and as with any other disease, early detection and treatment important.

Dental Hygiene

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Poulos at your initial dental visit. Regular check-ups are recommended thereafter for prevention and early detection. At My Scottsdale Dentist, your regular check-up exams include the following:

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning: Removal of tarter and deep cleaning of teeth
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc

Dental Sealants

Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your molars, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

Children benefit greatly from dental sealants because thoroughly brushing back teeth can be difficult for kids. If the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist recommends dental sealants for your child, don’t worry about professional removal of the sealant. The material will wear off naturally and safely over the years, providing a strong shield against decay at first, then simply dissolving when the child is old enough to no longer need the protection.

Q Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they have a problem. We call this crisis treatment as opposed to preventive treatment.While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems do not have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. A simple example is tooth decay. We often hear, Nothing hurts¦I don’t have any problems.

But tooth decay does not hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By that time, root canal treatment followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary, instead of the filling which could have been placed several years earlier when the cavity was just beginning to form. 0My Scottsdale Dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity and who has never felt a thing! This is why regular checkups are important “ so why not schedule yours today?

Q Why should I floss, isn’t brushing enough?

You should floss to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. This bacteria lives in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria your toothbrush can’t get to. That’s the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only half your face. The other half remains dirty.

If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only My Scottsdale Dentist can remove tartar.

Ask My Scottsdale Dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.

Q How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?

Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.

Checking Plaque Removal To see if any plaque has been missed, you can use a disclosing (staining) tablet or solution. These products are made of harmless vegetable dyes that stain the plaque a bright color, so that you can see where the plaque is.

Begin to take your children to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their 1st birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Ask My Scottsdale Dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Q How can I prevent cavities?

You can certainly minimize the number of cavities you get. Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria which destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. It is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and clean your teeth afterwards.

If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water”which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance.

Q Why does the dentist take X-rays?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when My Scottsdale Dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
infections in the bone
periodontal (gum) disease
abscesses or cysts
developmental abnormalities
some types of tumors
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. Dental radiographs can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life. My Scottsdale Dentist will evaluate your need for radiographs based on the conditions present in your mouth. The schedule for radiographs can vary with age, risk for disease or for evaluation of growth and development. There are many benefits to having dental radiographs taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If your drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel outer portion of the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in the mouth.

Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss.

Q What are cavity-fighting sealants?

The American Dental Association points out sealants are an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants have proven effective with both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite the fact that sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth.

Ask My Scottsdale Dentist whether sealants are a good choice for you or your children.

Q What are the dangers of oral piercing?

The American Dental Association recognizes that piercing is a widely accepted form of self-expression, and that includes piercings in the mouth. However, the potential problems are numerous. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant. Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding.

Most piercings require some sort of manipulation “ putting your or somebody else’s hands in your mouth. Difficulty talking and damage to your teeth are distinct possibilities. So if you are thinking of some sort of piercing in or around your mouth, talk to My Scottsdale Dentist first.

Q What can I do about sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against any sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in office to the roots of your tooth to reduceif not eliminate the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Q Do whitening toothpastes work?

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with My Scottsdale Dentist first.

Q Why do my teeth darken?

Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile we are born with. Tobacco, certain foods we eat, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smile to gradually fade. Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change hot and cold cycling causes the teeth to expand and contract allowing stains to penetrate the teeth. Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile.

Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth.

My Scottsdale Dentist can help you with more tips on keeping a white smile.

Q Why should I use a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport. You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health. The best mouthguards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework.

Commercial, ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouthguard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months.

Ask My Scottsdale Dentist which kind of mouthguard you should use.

1 Review for Dr. Steven Poulos, DDS

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k. watkins

1 Reviews

Hardest Working Dentist There Is

February 9, 2023 5:40 am

5.0^{/ 5}

I first met Dr. Poulos on a Sunday when I needed immediate Emergency treatment for a bad toothache, and corresponding Earache I had from a lower molar. I called Dr. Poulos, left a message, and he called me back in just a few minutes. He saw me at once on that day and took care of the ear and toothache. Since then he has been my Dentist for a variety of dental needs. He is the hardest working doctor I’ve ever seen. He graduated in Dental Surgery in 1979 from Creighton University. At present he is doing upper dental implants for me at a reasonable cost. He is a great credit to his profession & to mankind, someone who truly is devoted to his work & profession.