Regularly visiting with our Periodontist, Dr. Steven Van Scoyoc, can help maintain the health of your smile. As a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, and only Periodontist in Moore County, Dr. Van Scoyoc is uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat and prevent gum disease.
Swelling, gum recession and the risk of tooth loss are all effects of gum disease, but did you know that gum disease may also be linked to systemic illnesses? The disease-causing bacteria in the gums have access to the blood stream, and without treatment they can start to travel to other areas of the body, which could contribute to:
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, but for successful long-term placement they require healthy gums and bone. In most cases, gum disease must be treated prior to the placement of dental implants.
Gum recession is characterized by the gums pulling away from the teeth, but happens so gradually that many people do not realize they have the condition until it is in advanced stages. This condition can affect people of all ages, and may be prevalent in as much as 78 percent of adults.* It is most commonly a result of gum disease, but can also be caused by trauma to the gum tissues, improper brushing techniques, teeth grinding, smoking and genetics.
Dr. Steven Van Scoyoc is a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology. He is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. His practice specializes in conservative treatment of gum disease, including specialized interests in soft tissue reconstructive plastic surgery to aesthetically enhance the smile and dental implants that can replace single or multiple missing teeth. He uses the latest technology and science to regenerate bone in the jaws, where bone loss was caused by infection from gum disease, loss of teeth, or injury. This includes sinus bone grafting, where many patients lack sufficient bone thickness in the upper posterior jaw in order to place implants. He also diagnoses and treats oral pathology. Dr. Van Scoyocs main interests include soft-tissue and esthetic surgery, as well as implant and advanced bone reconstruction.
Dr. Van Scoyoc earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued his education at UNC to complete a 3-year surgical residency in Periodontics, where he obtained his Masters in Periodontics. This advanced training certified him to practice as a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology. In addition, during his residency at the University of North Carolina, he practiced general dentistry to gain perspective on how his specialty training can enhance the treatment of the general dental practitioner.
Throughout his career, Dr. Van Scoyoc has served organized dentistry in many leadership positions, as well as provided lectures at national venues. He is an active member of the following professional organizations:
Dr. Van Scoyoc performed hundreds of periodontal surgeries and placed numerous dental implants. The University of North Carolina has awarded him the Grover C. Hunter Award for clinical excellence. In addition, he was involved in research on the development of a drug delivery system for the treatment of HIV patients with debilitating oral conditions. This has enabled him to present his work at the American Academy of Dental Research and the Southern Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Van Scoyocs love for academia lead him to found and now direct the Sandhills Symposium. This organization is part of the world renowned Seattle Study Club where local doctors come together to enhance their skills through collaboration and education. The Sandhills Symposium hosts world leaders in dentistry here in the Sandhills and allows local doctors unparalleled access to leaders at the forefront of dental research and clinical practice.