Patient Education

Dental care and treatment can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. Our highly experienced, board-certified dental professionals and compassionate staff make keeping healthy, attractive teeth for your lifetime a reality.

AnnMarie Matusak provides a full range of dental services including the following:

Bad Oral Habits

Undesirable oral habits are quite common among babies and young children. They are also prevalent among adults. Because such habits can do damage to the teeth or jaws that is unsightly, expensive to repair, or even dangerous, it is important to address such behaviors as early as possible. Sometimes, simple measures can discourage such problematic actions, but sometimes intervention, either in terms of behavior modification or the use of a preventive dental appliances, may be necessary. ...

Cavities

Cavities are small holes in the teeth that form as a result of decay. During the decay process, the outer layers of the teeth, known as enamel and dentin, are worn away, leaving eroded areas called cavities. Cavities are caused by a buildup of bacteria, food particles and saliva which combine to form dental plaque, a film that coats the teeth. Since plaque is acidic, it can attack the tooth causing decay and resulting in cavities. ...

Cleft Lip and Palate

A cleft lip and a cleft palate are birth defects that affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth. They appear as either an opening in the upper lip, or an opening in the roof of the mouth. More than 6,000 infants born in the United States each year are affected.

A cleft can appear in the lip or the palate alone, or in both, and on one or both sides of the mouth. Children with clefts are at higher risk for ear infections and dental problems. A cleft lip and/or palate can cause feeding, speech, ear and dental problems. ...

Congenitally Missing Teeth

While many people lose teeth as a result of an injury or dental condition, some patients never develop certain teeth as a result of a congenital defect. Congenitally missing teeth can be classified into two different disorders: hypodontia (developmentally missing teeth) or oligodontia (congenital lack of more than six teeth). These conditions often occur concurrently with other conditions such as a cleft lip or palate, and certain skin, hair and nail defects. Patients with hypodontia and oligodontia are most often missing the wisdom teeth, second premolars and permanent upper second incisors. ...

Crowding or Spacing of the Teeth

Crowding or spacing of the teeth can result from an anatomical abnormality in jaw structure, or from a size disparity between the upper and lower jaw during growth. Crowding or spacing may also be caused by traumatic injury to the jaw. Inconsistency between the length or width of the jaw can result in an imbalance of the facial bones, muscles and teeth. An orthodontist can reposition the jaw so that, as growth continues, the bones and teeth align correctly. If the disparities are not addressed during childhood, they can result in major jaw issues that require orthognathic (jaw) surgery. ...

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a special procedure used to restore, reshape and rejuvenate teeth, improving both their function and appearance. Dentists apply a thin layer of tooth-colored plastic to the front of the tooth and sculpt it to perfect the patient's appearance. Dental bonding is used to repair chipped, cracked, broken, misshapen teeth or stained teeth or to fill in the spaces between teeth. ...

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that covers or caps a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape while strengthening and improving its appearance. Crowns are a very reliable solution for major dental problems that have resulted in a severely damaged or missing tooth. Crowns provide a strong, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing replacement that can tolerate the same pressures as a regular tooth, letting patients enjoy the convenience of eating, speaking and smiling without any difficulties. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling will not be effective. ...

Dental Fillings

Dental tooth fillings are a restorative treatment, used to improve the appearance and functionality of teeth affected by damage or decay. The restorations most frequently made in children are fillings after a cavity has been discovered in either a primary or permanent tooth. The filling materials, which can be made from several different substances, help to even out tooth surfaces for more efficient biting and chewing. Dental fillings can last for many years and help keep the tooth looking and functioning at its best. ...

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an option to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution to removable dentures. Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that are fixed in the jaw. Implant treatment provides an option to correct the most troublesome cases associated with missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures. ...

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants, thin plastic coatings generally applied to the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth are a very effective method of cavity prevention. The sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and food, bacteria and plaque, all of which can lead to decay. Sealants are especially effective in preventing bacterial formation in the grooves of molar and premolar surfaces, areas that are especially susceptible to decay. ...

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma involves any kind of injury to the face, teeth, gums or jaw line. Patients may experience trauma as a result of a sports injury, motor vehicle accident, or other type of incident. Dental trauma can also occur from eating foods that are too hard or drinking liquids that are too hot. These injuries can range from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems such as broken teeth and fractures. Trauma is most common among children, and the most common type of injury is a fracture of the tooth crown. ...

Dental Visits During Orthodontic Treatment

In addition to periodic orthodontic checkups during orthodontic treatment, it is essential that patients see their regular dentists. While the orthodontist takes care of any problems that arise with braces, the regular dentist has primary responsibility for dental hygiene and oral health. ...

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are a vital part of a dental examination. There are two main types of dental X-rays: those taken with the X-ray film inside the mouth (intraoral) and those taken with the X-ray film outside the mouth (extraoral). Intraoral X-rays are the ones most commonly used. They provide detailed evidence of the growth of developing teeth, the health of tooth roots and surrounding bone, including the jaw. They also help the dentist zero in on any cavities. Extraoral X-rays, while they also show the teeth, primarily focus on the jaw and skull. They are therefore more helpful in diagnosing malocclusions, impacted teeth, and possible temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). ...

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay in patients of all ages. Naturally, it is found in water sources and certain foods such as meat, fish and eggs. As a supplement it is available in toothpastes, vitamins, rinses and professional treatments from dentists. Sufficient fluoride treatment is most important for children, to ensure extra protection from cavities against their developing teeth. ...

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gums that is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria between the teeth and gums. Plaque that remains on the teeth, turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums causing redness, swelling, pain and sometimes even bleeding. Gingivitis is a common periodontal condition that can be effectively managed, however, left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and possible tooth loss. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in the prevention and early detection of gum disease. ...

Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that has not broken through the gums. This condition is most commonly associated with wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth may remain in the gums causing no symptoms or side effects, however, in many cases, an impacted tooth can cause swelling and pain.

An impacted tooth may occur because of an overcrowded jaw or because the tooth is coming in at an odd angle and there is no room for the tooth to descend into the mouth. ...

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a term that refers to an abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth. When the teeth are abnormally aligned, dental problems, such as difficulty with biting or chewing, can occur. Malocclusion can also make the face look unnatural, cause a person to breathe through the mouth, and create problems with speech. In severe cases, untreated malocclusion can lead to extreme stress on, and eventual damage to, the affected teeth. ...

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are devices worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. Unlike dental splints, which are orthodontic devices used to treat conditions such as teeth-grinding (bruxism), snoring and sleep apnea, mouth guards are used primarily to protect the teeth (and dental/orthodontic appliances) during athletic or recreational activities. Mouth guards should be comfortable, durable and easy to clean, and allow the wearer to breathe and speak normally. ...

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Just as toothbrushing is necessary to prevent bacteria from attacking the teeth and causing cavities, tending the gums is necessary to prevent bacteria from attacking the gums and invading deeper tissues, causing periodontal disease. Most cases of periodontal disease develop because bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth; when the plaque hardens, it causes tartar to form, which can destroy the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Although seeing a dentist for a professional cleaning is a prerequisite for maintaining mouth health, personal oral hygiene is also crucial. ...

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with correcting abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. Treatment is designed to help patients both cosmetically and functionally. Orthodontics can straighten crooked or protruding teeth, correct spacing and bite problems, and align lips and teeth properly. Braces can assist in correcting all types of misalignments (malocclusions). ...

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is an area of dentistry that specializes in treating the oral healthcare needs of children. Pediatric dentists provide regular checkups, cleanings and fluoride treatments, and overall oral treatment and care for children's teeth. Pediatric dentists also commonly apply sealants to children's teeth to prevent cavities. ...

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. A leading cause of tooth loss, it is most often caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can be brushed and flossed away with proper oral care. However, when left on the teeth, plaque produces toxins that attack below the gum line and in the crevices between the teeth and gums, causing the bond between teeth and gums to break down. ...

Root Canal

A root canal is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure. It involves treating problems within the tooth's soft core, also known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue found inside the tooth; it extends from the top of the tooth all the way down to the end of the root. It contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that provide nutrients to the tooth as it grows. ...

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction, also known as exodontia, is one of the most common dental procedures and may be performed by the patient's regular dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the circumstances. Tooth extractions, during which the tooth is removed from its socket in the bone, may be necessary because of disease, trauma or overcrowding of teeth. ...

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, develop during early adulthood, most often between the ages of 15 and 25. Most mouths are too small to support these additional molars, making an extraction procedure necessary. If not removed, the wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection and swelling of the face or gum line, as well as the development of cysts and tumors. ...