General Dentistry in Peoria IL

Treating families in Peoria with preventable dental care to keep you and your smile healthy.

Making Peoria Smile With General Dentistry

A mother teaching her daughter how to brush her teeth - a part of our general dentistry protocol at our Peoria dental office
We love treating patients of all ages with a variety of backgrounds. By using the latest technology (such as intraoral cameras and digital x-rays), we can effectively address your dental conditions to help you stay healthy. We’re happy to provide general dentistry services for families, including:

Learn More About Our General Dental Services

Select a photo to learn more about our service.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
You can maintain your oral health with consistent comprehensive exams every six months. What can you expect at your dental exams with Dr. Bruce Mathes?

  • 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.

Periodontal Treatments
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth, and is the top reason for adult tooth loss. It’s known as the “silent disease” because the symptoms are painless and hardly noticeable. You may have some form of gum disease if:

  • 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.

TMJ Treatment
Are you experiencing:

  • 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.

Sleep Apnea
Drowsy during the day? Is your partner complaining of your loud snoring? Sleep apnea may be the culprit. A condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, sleep apnea prevents oxygen getting to your brain, putting you at risk of serious health risks.

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

Emergency Dental Care
If you experience a dental emergency, be sure to call our practice at 309-685-2112 as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to get you in that same day and get you out of pain.
Fluoride Treatment
Flouride treatments take just a few minutes to apply. They are completely painless so you can go about your day as soon as you leave our office.
Mouthguards
Do you or your child participate in any full-contact sports? Mouthguards help protect your teeth from injury. The type of mouthguard you choose will determine the amount of protection your teeth will receive:

  • 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
There are areas in your mouth that are hard to reach, especially your back molars. If left alone, tooth decay can easily develop in the cracks and grooves; however, sealants can give you the extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

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.

My recent visit was excellent! The highly capable dentist and hygienist together with the friendly staff made the visit very worthwhile. My teeth and gums continue to be healthy thanks to their focus and good guidance.

Paul M., Actual Patient

Ready to Get Your Smile Healthy?

Our team looks forward welcoming you to our family.

Learn more about our dental office:
We’re happy to serve the state of Illinois:
  • Peoria, IL
  • Bartonville, IL
  • Chillicothe, IL
  • Dunlap, IL