General Dentistry in Peoria IL

• We’ll look for cavities or any sign of tooth decay
• We’ll inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease
• One of our hygienists will perform a gentle cleaning by removing any plaque and tartar

We ask you to dedicate 45-90 minutes for your first appointment with us, so we can get to know you and discuss your smile goals. It’s crucial you visit us every six months to ensure your oral and overall health stay in tip-top shape.

• Your gums bleed easily
• You have red, swollen, or tender gums
• Your gums pull away from the teeth
• You have persistent bad breath
• You notice pus between your teeth and gums
• Your permanent teeth are loose or separating

If Dr. Mathes notices early signs of gum disease, he may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). An ultrasonic cleaning device is used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth where regular cleaning devices can’t reach: Under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root.

More advanced gum disease may require periodontal surgery, which, if needed, Dr. Mathes will review with you.

• Pain in the jaw area
• Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
• Frequent headaches or neck aches
• Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
• Swelling on the sides of the face
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

You may be experiencing signs of TMJ disorder. Connecting your lower jawbone to your skull, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for daily activities such as speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning. If that joint is out of place, you may experience those painful symptoms. Don’t worry! Dr. Bruce Mathes has tips and customized methods to get you out of pain.

How can Dr. Mathes help? Visit our sleep apnea page to learn more.

• Pre-made mouthguard
• Boil and bite mouthguard
• Custom-made mouthguard

When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable, and molds with the contours of your mouth. Talk to Dr. Bruce Mathes about our mouthguards and he’ll tell you the pros and cons of each style and provide his best recommendation based on your needs.

Sealants are tooth-colored resins and are conservative and affordable to prevent tooth decay and make brushing your teeth easier and more effective.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, we do offer sealants for adults as well.