Dr. Bruce Matthews, DDS
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Haven’t Been to the Dentist in 5 Years? Here’s What to Expect

September 19, 2024
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Posted By: Bruce Matthews, DDS
Middle aged man smiling in dentist chair, wilmington de

If you’re a bit embarrassed that you’ve watched two Summer Olympics since your last dental exam, know that our compassionate team will welcome you with open arms and help get you back on track!

At Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, we understand that “life,” from work to our kids’ busy schedules to finances, sometimes gets in the way of regular dental visits. As tough as all this can be, each of us must maintain a commitment to oral health.

Identifying and Preemptively Treating Gum Disease

Not visiting the dentist regularly can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar along your gumline and on the surfaces of your teeth. Left untreated, these can cause gum (or “periodontal”) disease.

Early gum disease, or gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed. When gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which can also include infections in the gums and lead to tooth loss. At Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, we combat gum disease through comprehensive preventive dentistry services, including professional cleanings and scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar and help you maintain healthy gums.

Quickly and Painlessly Treating Any Cavities

Cavities are another common consequence of neglecting dental visits. As with gum disease, plaque buildup can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, cavities grow in size, revealing a tooth’s vulnerable interior and causing pain and infection.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Infections

Ignoring dental care can also lead to infections in a tooth's internal pulp. These infections are typically characterized by swelling, severe pain, and, sometimes, pockets of pus around a tooth called abscesses.

Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, addresses dental infection through a variety of restorative treatments, including root canal therapy. We aim to eliminate the infection, relieve your pain, and save as much of the affected tooth as possible.

Contact Dr. Bruce E. Matthews’s Wilmington Dental Office to Get Back on Track

We understand that it can be daunting to return to the dentist after a long hiatus. If you're looking for a dentist in Wilmington, DE, to help you commit to prioritizing your oral health and avoid the pitfalls of dental neglect, contact the friendly and knowledgeable Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, team today to book a teeth cleaning and general oral exam!

We can’t wait to meet you!

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