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 dentists treat sleep apnea?

This is true. A dentist can treat sleep apnea. However, they will need to treat in conjunction with a medical doctor. If they treat and diagnose I would be skeptical.

Can my abscess go away on its own?

In short, no the abscess will not go away on its own. What I always tell my patients, although the swelling may disappear and the pain may go away, the source of the infection READ MORE
In short, no the abscess will not go away on its own. What I always tell my patients, although the swelling may disappear and the pain may go away, the source of the infection is still there and needs to be treated.

I grind my teeth while I sleep. Should I get a mouth guard?

Many people grind their teeth at night subconsciously. Although many don't notice or believe that they do this, it is a very common thing. I always highly recommend a nightguard READ MORE
Many people grind their teeth at night subconsciously. Although many don't notice or believe that they do this, it is a very common thing. I always highly recommend a nightguard to prevent damage to teeth. It is easier to stop a problem from occurring than to fix a problem once it is there (also cheaper too).

What are the symptoms of a dental issue?

This is a very general question and difficult to answer. The main issue that I look for when not seen in a while is a "gum infection" or periodontal disease. This would be noticed READ MORE
This is a very general question and difficult to answer. The main issue that I look for when not seen in a while is a "gum infection" or periodontal disease. This would be noticed through dark red gingiva, swollen gingiva, exposed root surface, bad taste/breath, and bleeding while flossing. Other symptoms of an issue are pain in the teeth or movement of teeth. Unfortunately, many dental issues are not felt until it is too late for a simple solution and this is why frequent visits for evaluation are recommended.

I never grew out of my buck teeth. What should I do?

This is definitely something that can be fixed. The first step would be to see an orthodontist for evaluation. Typically this can be fixed through braces or Invisalign.

Why do I have a thick white coating on my tongue?

This can be due to many things. In some instances it is an infection or bacterial invasion. In the strong majority of cases this is just a normal variation of anatomy. There READ MORE
This can be due to many things. In some instances it is an infection or bacterial invasion. In the strong majority of cases this is just a normal variation of anatomy. There is a time of "taste bud" on the top of your tongue called the filiform papilla. If these are long, which occurs naturally, they will appear as a white coating on your tongue. If you are concerned I would recommend visiting your dental professional to view your tongue and give you additional information at that time.

One of my molars is severely worn down. Can this be repaired?

This occurs in many people through use or grinding. In short, yes this can be fixed. It may not be a simple solution however. If the tooth is in contact when biting and chewing READ MORE
This occurs in many people through use or grinding. In short, yes this can be fixed. It may not be a simple solution however. If the tooth is in contact when biting and chewing a crown can be placed, however, this will shave away much of the tooth structure. If the tooth is in contact and you place a crown on the tooth with minimal preparation, you are looking at a full mouth rehabilitation. I would suggest discussing this with your current dentist for evaluation and more thorough explanation of what can be done.

What should I do for dry mouth?

If this is a recent thing, it may be a side effect of a prescribed medication. If it is bothersome, I would discuss this side effect with your prescribing MD for adjustment as READ MORE
If this is a recent thing, it may be a side effect of a prescribed medication. If it is bothersome, I would discuss this side effect with your prescribing MD for adjustment as necessary. As far as treating the dry mouth without this there are several options. Biotene is a good mouthrinse that when used helps with dry mouth. There is a spray that can be carried around and easily used called All Day Dry Mouth Spray. An additional option is Act Dry Mouth Lozenges. I have had good results with all of these options. If this is severe dry mouth it can be treated with prescription medication, however, this is not recommended.

Are dental veneers permanent?

This is a very rational fear to have. There are several ways I combat this in my practice. I start with something called a diagnostic wax up on models. This allows you to see READ MORE
This is a very rational fear to have. There are several ways I combat this in my practice. I start with something called a diagnostic wax up on models. This allows you to see on models what the end result will look like outside of your mouth before any treatment is done. I recommend bringing pictures of what you desire at this point in time. Additionally, in some instances, a mock up can be created temporarily in the mouth without treatment done to allow you to see the result. This is based off of the wax up. Lastly, I place the restorations and allow the patients to view prior to final delivery for approval because changes can still be made at this time. Ultimately, I ensure the patient desires treatment prior to starting because once you start there is no going back. Make sure to obtain the appropriate informed consent from your doctor.

Should I get all of my wisdom teeth extracted in one appointment?

This is not only possible, but very common. I always recommend getting them out in one appointment if possible. Why heal 4 separate times if you only need to go through it once? READ MORE
This is not only possible, but very common. I always recommend getting them out in one appointment if possible. Why heal 4 separate times if you only need to go through it once?

The tooth where I need a root canal isn't bothering me. Why do I need it?

There are two reasons why this may be recommended. One is that the cavity is close to the nerve and will cause pain to treat, and if not treated will cause pain in the near future. READ MORE
There are two reasons why this may be recommended. One is that the cavity is close to the nerve and will cause pain to treat, and if not treated will cause pain in the near future. The next reason is that the nerve is already dead and a periapical infection is present. What I always tell may patients is that although the pain may not be present, the source of the pain still remains. If this is not treated and you are not in pain now you will be in the near future, and having gone through this myself, you will wish you had it treated prior. I hope this helps. Good luck!

How can an abscessed tooth kill you?

Although rare, this is possible and does happen. An abscessed tooth leads to death because it is an infection. The mouth bacteria don't get along with the rest of the body well. READ MORE
Although rare, this is possible and does happen. An abscessed tooth leads to death because it is an infection. The mouth bacteria don't get along with the rest of the body well. The infection will travel by means of least resistance, and once in the blood stream can travel anywhere in your body. If it takes hold it can lead to death. This is one reason why it is important to have infections treated in a timely manner.

Can teeth grinding cause headaches?

It is possible that this is contributing to your headaches. If your headaches tend to be in the early mornings, more common while stressed, in the area of your ear or above your READ MORE
It is possible that this is contributing to your headaches. If your headaches tend to be in the early mornings, more common while stressed, in the area of your ear or above your eye, and if your jaw becomes tired easily while chewing meals there could be a strong correlation here. There are several nightguards which have the potential to provide a lot of comfort if it is the cause of your headache. I recommend seeing your dental professional for evaluation.

Is IV anesthesia ever used in dental work?

Most, if not all dental work can be completed through local anesthesia. General anesthesia is used at patient request or in special circumstances such as pediatric patients and READ MORE
Most, if not all dental work can be completed through local anesthesia. General anesthesia is used at patient request or in special circumstances such as pediatric patients and special needs patients which will not tolerate local anesthesia well.

Do dental sealants need to be reapplied?

This varies from patient to patient and clinician to clinician. Variations in how they are placed leads to variations in how long they last. Also, patient diet and oral acid READ MORE
This varies from patient to patient and clinician to clinician. Variations in how they are placed leads to variations in how long they last. Also, patient diet and oral acid levels lead to varying degrees of breakdown. Although in some instances they need to be reapplied, this is a preventative procedure. In my mind, I would rather do something to prevent a problem than something that is irreversible to fix a problem any day of the week. I highly recommend sealants.

How can a toothache cause a headache?

A toothache and headache can be related in many ways. 1: The tooth can be close to the sinus. If the sinus is congested this pressure may lead to a toothache and the sensation READ MORE
A toothache and headache can be related in many ways.
1: The tooth can be close to the sinus. If the sinus is congested this pressure may lead to a toothache and the sensation of a headache.
2: When teeth hurt we tend to clench and/or grind more although we may not be aware that we do this. This can lead to stress of the muscles which can be felt as a headache as well.
3: The nerve innervation of the tooth is connected to the nerve innervation of the remainder of the face. This can lead to referred pain which can be felt as a headache as well.

What should I do if my dentures feel loose?

Dentures do not apply forces to the bone as normal teeth do. Once the teeth are pulled, the lack of force leads to lack of pressure in bone stimulating bone growth. The bone READ MORE
Dentures do not apply forces to the bone as normal teeth do. Once the teeth are pulled, the lack of force leads to lack of pressure in bone stimulating bone growth. The bone will slowly recede over time. There is a procedure called relineing in which material is added to the existing denture to fit the ridges at their new bony level. This typically needs to be completed every 3-5 years.

Do dental implants ever fall out?

A dental implant is a foreign body being placed into your body. As with any foreign body, the body will attempt to force it out. Dental implants have been around for decades READ MORE
A dental implant is a foreign body being placed into your body. As with any foreign body, the body will attempt to force it out. Dental implants have been around for decades and the research shows their success rated to be as good as, if not slightly better than, endodontic treatment at this time. To prevent them from falling out provide an adequate health history to your surgeon, make sure to brush and floss as directed, follow your surgeons instructions and don't smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of implant failure.

How long is the recovery for a wisdom tooth extraction?

This varies on many things including health, current medications, age, oral hygeinie, compliance with post-op instructions, and activity level. Many people are capable of going READ MORE
This varies on many things including health, current medications, age, oral hygeinie, compliance with post-op instructions, and activity level. Many people are capable of going back to work the next day. I recommend avoiding any physical exertion for 48 hours. Typically days 1-3 will be the worst and you will slowly heal for up to 10 days. This can take longer depending on how the surgery went and if there were or were not complications.

Should I wait to have my wisdom teeth extracted?

I would not wait until the others come in. This may never happen, and if it does, it will lead to more pain and crowding. The earlier you get the teeth removed the easier it READ MORE
I would not wait until the others come in. This may never happen, and if it does, it will lead to more pain and crowding. The earlier you get the teeth removed the easier it is for the surgeon and the more minimal the surgery will be. I would get them all taken out at the same time and it seems to be that time for you. I would visit your dental care professional for appropriate referrals as needed. Good luck.