expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart D.M.D. is a top Dentist in Reno, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart D.M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart D.M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart D.M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Reno, NV, Dr. Mathew Lawrence Stewart D.M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Mathew L. Stewart, D.M.D.
  • Reno, NV
  • Accepting new patients

Can biting my cheek cause canker sores?

Yes. Biting your cheek can cause this to happen. Essentially, this is a scab on your cheek. It is extremely painful and size varies. I recommend warm salt water rinses or a READ MORE
Yes. Biting your cheek can cause this to happen. Essentially, this is a scab on your cheek. It is extremely painful and size varies. I recommend warm salt water rinses or a OTC rinse called Rincinol to promote the healing process and decrease pain levels.

How is a tooth extraction determined?

Unfortunately, the longer you wait to have an evaluation the worse the condition gets, and this leads to the higher likelihood of need for tooth extraction. There are several READ MORE
Unfortunately, the longer you wait to have an evaluation the worse the condition gets, and this leads to the higher likelihood of need for tooth extraction. There are several factors at play when determining if tooth extraction is needed. The size of the infection, the amount of bone left, the amount of tooth structure left, crown to root ratio, etiology of dental pain, restoration prognosis, tooth prognosis, periodontal status, etc. Unfortunately, this is difficult to answer without additional information. My best advice would be to visit your dental health care professional as soon as possible.

Are children given anesthesia for cavity fillings?

This depends on the size of the lesion, however, if the treating dentist is going to touch the tooth with a drill, it is my opinion that they will use anesthesia. It is as important READ MORE
This depends on the size of the lesion, however, if the treating dentist is going to touch the tooth with a drill, it is my opinion that they will use anesthesia. It is as important to us as it is to the patient that you have a pain-free experience. To answer this question more appropriately, I would need to see the patient's radiographs and/or lesions, so this is a question that is best directed to the treating dental professional.

Are there any warning signs of gingivitis?

Gingivitis is not something that hurts, but it is a precursor to periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis are boggy and swollen gingiva, deep red in color, and bleeding when READ MORE
Gingivitis is not something that hurts, but it is a precursor to periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis are boggy and swollen gingiva, deep red in color, and bleeding when brushing and flossing.

How often should I mouthwash?

I recommend using mouthwash after brushing. Therefore, twice a day.

Is general anesthesia sometimes used for wisdom tooth extractions?

General anesthesia is frequently used for wisdom tooth extraction. This is something that is done for the patients comfort. I would discuss this with your surgeon, however, it READ MORE
General anesthesia is frequently used for wisdom tooth extraction. This is something that is done for the patients comfort. I would discuss this with your surgeon, however, it is done frequently and can be done at your request.

Is tooth sensitivity a sign of decay?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by dental decay with approximation to the nerve. Also tooth sensitivity can be caused by root exposure cause by recession due to periodontal disease, READ MORE
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by dental decay with approximation to the nerve. Also tooth sensitivity can be caused by root exposure cause by recession due to periodontal disease, inappropriate brushing, grinding, orthodontic treatment, and several other reasons. If you are concerned, I recommend seeing a dentist for evaluation and treatment of your symptoms as they are specifically related to you.

When should I get my fillings replaced?

The only reasons to replace fillings are for cosmetic purposes or recurrent decay. Due to the fact that you are feeling pain in this area, I believe it to be the latter. The READ MORE
The only reasons to replace fillings are for cosmetic purposes or recurrent decay. Due to the fact that you are feeling pain in this area, I believe it to be the latter. The average filling in the United States will last 5 years before needing replacement. I would recommend seeing your dental professional for evaluation and treatment as needed. Pain is possible indication of additional treatment that may be needed.

When is a root canal recommended?

Root canal treatment is usually recommended in 4 circumstances. 1: Large decay into the nerve causing dental pain. 2: Current infection and/or dental pain due to crack into READ MORE
Root canal treatment is usually recommended in 4 circumstances.
1: Large decay into the nerve causing dental pain.
2: Current infection and/or dental pain due to crack into the nerve.
3: Traumatic lesion entering the nerve.
4: Prophylactic to allow for appropriate restoration.
If you have any concerns I would recommend talking to your dental professional with regards to how your treatment is specifically tailored to you.

Why do dentists use X-rays?

Radiographs are always necessary. You cannot adequately diagnose and treat a tooth without viewing the inner surfaces of the tooth as best we can (X-ray) and the surrounding tooth READ MORE
Radiographs are always necessary. You cannot adequately diagnose and treat a tooth without viewing the inner surfaces of the tooth as best we can (X-ray) and the surrounding tooth structures. In my opinion, treatment should never be completed without a radiograph for diagnosis and evaluation of surrounding anatomy.

Do cavity fillings require anesthesia?

This depends on the size of the cavity. Small cavities can be treated without the need for anesthesia, however, most cavities are into the underlying tooth structure, and will READ MORE
This depends on the size of the cavity. Small cavities can be treated without the need for anesthesia, however, most cavities are into the underlying tooth structure, and will require anesthesia to prevent a significant amount of discomfort during the procedure. If you desire not to be anesthetized, this can be requested.

How long is a root canal treatment?

This depends on which tooth needs to be treated, severity of lesion and infection, and ability to achieve profound anesthesia. This can vary from 1-3 hours based off of the aforementioned READ MORE
This depends on which tooth needs to be treated, severity of lesion and infection, and ability to achieve profound anesthesia. This can vary from 1-3 hours based off of the aforementioned reasons. I would recommending asking your dental professional for a more accurate estimate based off of your specific needs.

What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a dentist?

An oral surgeon is somebody who has completed between 4-6 years of additional training following dental school to complete surgical procedures including wisdom tooth extraction. READ MORE
An oral surgeon is somebody who has completed between 4-6 years of additional training following dental school to complete surgical procedures including wisdom tooth extraction. Due to this increased education, they are often more qualified to complete the procedure, in this case wisdom tooth extraction, without complication and with ultimate patient comfort achieved.

Can oral surgeons perform implant surgery?

General dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons can all perform implant surgery. I would do due diligence in understanding who you are visiting and their abilities prior to READ MORE
General dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons can all perform implant surgery. I would do due diligence in understanding who you are visiting and their abilities prior to treatment. If your general dentist is not the one placing it, you want to make sure that the specialist is in contact with your dentist so that the final restorative result can be achieved to the best of both's abilities.

Will I need anesthesia for dental bonding?

If strictly bonding is being completed no anesthesia is required. It may be used for your comfort, and also to prevent gingival bleeding allowing for appropriate bonding and final READ MORE
If strictly bonding is being completed no anesthesia is required. It may be used for your comfort, and also to prevent gingival bleeding allowing for appropriate bonding and final color.

Do I need anesthesia when I get my sealants?

There is, in most instances, no need for drilling to apply sealants. For this reason, it is not a painful procedure and no anesthesia is required. Hope this helps.

Do I need anesthesia to get my chipped teeth fixed?

This depends on the size of the chip, the approximation to the nerve, the amount of drilling required, and the patient tolerance of pain. I find that often times chipped teeth READ MORE
This depends on the size of the chip, the approximation to the nerve, the amount of drilling required, and the patient tolerance of pain. I find that often times chipped teeth are usually restored through bonding procedures with minimal drilling where no anesthesia is required.

When should I consider porcelain veneers?

If it is alignment that is bothering you I would recommend braces or Invisalign. Porcelain veneers require non reversible drilling on the teeth. Additionally, a veneer is not READ MORE
If it is alignment that is bothering you I would recommend braces or Invisalign. Porcelain veneers require non reversible drilling on the teeth. Additionally, a veneer is not a forever treatment. The typical veneer will last 10 years before requiring retreatment. Nothing will ever be as good as your natural teeth, so I always recommend the least invasive process possible. Although it may take longer, a better final result will be achieved. I hope that this helps.

What do sealants do?

Many people have deep grooving and pitting in their teeth (feel with your tongue). This is natural anatomy and nothing is wrong with it. However, these areas are difficult to READ MORE
Many people have deep grooving and pitting in their teeth (feel with your tongue). This is natural anatomy and nothing is wrong with it. However, these areas are difficult to clean and can lead to cavities in the future. Sealants are a preventative treatment and in my opinion are always recommended. Anything to prevent a problem is better than having to fix a problem.

Is a dental extraction very painful?

You will get anesthesia for this treatment. It will either be local anesthesia or general anesthesia based off of your request and surgeon preference. The surgery itself will READ MORE
You will get anesthesia for this treatment. It will either be local anesthesia or general anesthesia based off of your request and surgeon preference. The surgery itself will be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The healing process will lead to pain from 1-10 days. Good luck!