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Polaris Dental Specialists

Periodontics and general care in South Central

Closed
WebsiteUpdated Aug 11, 2026

About Polaris Dental Specialists

Polaris Dental Specialists operates on Commercial Street Southeast in the South Central area of Salem, Oregon. Periodontics is the specialty focused on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, handling more advanced gum disease, related surgical treatment, and — in many practices — dental implant placement, which sits naturally alongside that training.

Left untreated, small dental problems tend not to stay small. A minor cavity that would have been a straightforward filling can progress to needing root canal treatment and a crown, and early gum inflammation that would have reversed with a good cleaning can progress toward bone loss around the teeth. Catching things early is generally the difference in both effort and cost.

Continuity matters in dental care — seeing the same practice over time means your history, X-rays, and any patterns in your oral health are already on file, rather than starting from scratch at each visit. That familiarity is part of what a regular dental home offers beyond any single appointment.

Dental anxiety is common, and most practices are used to working with nervous patients — through clear explanations of what is about to happen, a slower pace where needed, and sedation options for patients who want them. Avoiding the dentist out of anxiety tends to make eventual treatment more involved, not less.

Children benefit from starting dental visits early, generally by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming through, mainly so they become familiar with the setting before any treatment is actually needed. Establishing that routine early tends to make ongoing checkups far less stressful for both child and parent.

Payment and insurance arrangements vary by practice and by treatment, so it is worth asking directly what is covered and what options exist for anything that is not, rather than assuming either way. Getting that clarified before treatment starts avoids surprises once it is underway. You can reach Polaris Dental Specialists through this page to ask a question, check current availability, or request an appointment.

Based on Commercial Street Southeast in the South Central area of Salem, Oregon, Polaris Dental Specialists provides periodontics alongside routine dental care. The practice is open Tuesday through Thursday. Contact details and a full list of services are on this page.

Business Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday
9:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM3:00 PM
Wednesday(Today)
9:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM3:00 PM
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Polaris Dental Specialists located in Salem?
Polaris Dental Specialists is on Commercial Street Southeast in the South Central area of Salem, Oregon (97302).
What days is Polaris Dental Specialists open?
Polaris Dental Specialists is open Tuesday through Thursday. Contact the practice through this page to confirm current appointment times before travelling.
What services does Polaris Dental Specialists offer?
Listed services at Polaris Dental Specialists include Periodontics. The full list is shown on this page.
When should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
Usually on referral, when gum disease has advanced beyond what routine treatment is resolving — deep pockets, ongoing bone loss, or gum recession needing surgical management.
What does a periodontist treat?
Periodontists focus on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, handling more advanced gum disease and related surgical treatment, as well as placing implants in many practices.
How can I look after my teeth between appointments?
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth daily covers most of it. Limiting how often sugary food and drink appear through the day matters more than the total amount consumed.

Location

Services Offered

Periodontics

Reviews

425 reviews

Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.

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Recent Reviews

R
R***5 years ago

About 1 year ago I had to decide to replace a tooth due to infection. I chose Polaris Dental from a internet search. It was the best dental care choice I have ever made. They induced laser treatment for cleaning and excellent follow up procedures. Now my SAVED tooth is still heathly and did not have to be pulled. Thanks to Dr. Wynn and Dr. Matt Woolsey, I have aquired excellent dental care.

K
K***5 years ago
R
R***5 years ago

Dr. Nguyen is tops! After all, he teaches other practitioners. It is unfortunate that I have required so much of his services in the last 3 years, but I consider myself extremely fortunate that he has been there for me.

C
C***5 years ago

I was suffering from a painful tooth infection due to a piece of dental equipment being left behind during a prior procedure with a different dentist. Dr. Nguyen and his staff were amazing! They removed the foreign object and treated the infection. They were very skillful and very kind. Best of all they were able to save my tooth -- it is healing with bone regrowth and no more pain. I could not be more pleased. Wonderful professionals!

D
D***5 years ago

I was referred to Dr. Nguyen by my regular dentist because I had a very serious infection which was located under a crown and right text to a dental implanted tooth. Dr. Nguyen performed this very delicate and technical operation successfully and this not only saved my implant but several other teeth that would have been affected. I am very happy that this operation was completed and successful. Thank You Dr. Nguyen.

G
G***6 years ago

What an amazing experience! This was my first root canal and I was a bit apprehensive about the process, but after my first appointment with Dr. Nguyen I felt so much more comfortable. He took the time to explain everything with care and had access to much more advanced treatment options than I had been offered previously. And all of this was done with the best customer service I have ever experienced from a medical professional. I'm sure that sounds like an exaggeration - it is not. Dr. Nguyen truly cares about his patients and treated me with patience and respect the whole way through. 10/10

C
C***6 years ago

I cannot say enough good things about my experience at Polaris Dental! The staff there are all so genuine, kind and professional. I was in quite a bit of pain when I walked into this office due to a failed root canal preformed by a different dentist 11 months ago, and the atmosphere at Polaris calmed my nerves. Dr. Nguyen is absolutely an expert when it comes to Root canals!! He is an amazing teacher & I learned so much during his thorough diagnosis procedures. He found a rare hidden canal that was missed by the previous dentist and helped me make an informed decision about the best treatment options for my tooth. I ended up going with the laser treatment and I could not be happier with the result!! The procedure itself was a breeze & the best part was the morning after my procedure... it was the first time in months that I was able to enjoy my morning cup of coffee with 0 pain!!!! I am beyond ecstatic. I honestly haven't had any pain whatsoever since Dr. Nguyen preformed his handiwork. I will never go to another dental specialist again!!

G
G***8 years ago

Quite possibly the most wonderful group of professionals I have worked with. Dr. Nguyen is so kind, considerate, and respectful of his patients, and treats his staff very, very well. He has a great sense of humor that made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. He listens to his patients with compassion, and explains things thoroughly in an easy to understand manner. If you need endodontic work, this is where you want to be. I have had two root canals here and had a great experience both times. I had no pain, and felt very well taken care of during the entire process.

D
D***9 years ago

I have dental anxiety and don't numb well, so I was really freaked out for my first ever root canal! I must say though it was an excellent dental experience. I originally came for an evaluation, but they were able to give me an immediate appointment that day! I only had to wait fifteen minutes. All the staff was very understanding and friendly. Dr Nguyen is warm and caring and funny and made me feel at ease. He also explained all the steps that were to be done. I was impressed with the higher technology they use vs my regular dentist, such as 3D CBT scans and laser root canal treatment. My root canal went very well. I did need additional numbing but it was provided very quickly and I never had any actual pain, just mild sensation. The root canal itself was totally painless and Dr Nguyen is very thorough in his treatment! He didn't get it just good enough, but until it was perfect. I would say to anyone scared or waiting until things are really bad, don't! Just call Polaris Dental and have Dr Nguyen and his wonderful staff take care of you. I'm so glad I did.

t
t***10 years ago

I had never had a root canal and was extremely nervous. My experience at Polaris was very positive. Dr. Nguyen took a great deal of time to explain my procedure and options and answer all of my questions. The day of my procedure he and his staff were attentive and ensured I was comfortable and well cared for. Dr. Nguyen explained what he was doing while performing the procedure which further put me at ease. Dr. Nguyen and his staff were completely professional with great senses of humor, which always helps. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. Nguyen.

Reviews are aggregated from public sources.

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