Dr. Stephen Simpson Mathews

Dr. Stephen Simpson Mathews provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mathews. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Mathews. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Stephen Simpson Mathews adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Erbsville Dental, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Mathews frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Mathews's practice, a key objective is their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• With Dr. Mathews's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli is focused on achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions without dental concerns.
• For patients where simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning is a primary concern, Dr. Mathews focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• If a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming has unfortunately put their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Mathews works closely with patients towards attaining a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Mathews, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Mathews is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Erbsville Dental, where Dr. Mathews practices, is situated in the Waterloo West (Columbia Forest, Clair Hills) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Columbia Lake and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mathews at Erbsville Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Mathews will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Mathews will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Erbsville Dental.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Mathews. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Mathews identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Mathews typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Mathews is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Mathews for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mathews will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Mathews' specific recommendation.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Mathews will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Mathews?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Erbsville Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Mathews.

Erbsville Dental
668 Erb St W #B4
Waterloo, ON, N2T 2Z7

Phone: (519) 342-1166

Dr. Stephen Simpson Mathews is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 65274

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65274

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Mathews and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.