Robert B. Ruyak, DMD

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Teeth Types and Functions

Have you ever tried to count all of the teeth in your mouth? If you’re an adult, we hope that you counted at least 32! Children and adults have different sets of teeth and although the numbers may be different, we all have the same types. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD thought it would be fun to inform his patients about the different types of teeth and the purpose they serve in your mouth. Read on to learn more! 



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Full and Partial Dentures in Bethlehem, PA

When you are missing teeth, it can be difficult to feel comfortable smiling and laughing in front of other people. For patients who are missing some or all of their teeth, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD provides full dentures right in our Bethlehem, PA office. Dr. Ruyak also provides partial dentures for those who are only missing a few teeth.


Full dentures are a replacement for every single tooth in your mouth. If a few teeth are remaining, they will be extracted before the dentures are created. The dentures are created to fit and look natural to each patient. Depending on the patient’s lifestyle, we are able to place the dentures conventionally or immediately. If they are placed conventionally, this means that the gums are allowed to heal from any extractions before the dentures are fitted. Immediate dentures are placed right away, so no time is spent without teeth. However, the patient will probably need the dentures re-fit after the gums heal.


For those who are only missing a few teeth, partial dentures are available. They are affixed to stable teeth to keep them in place like bridges and they are removable.


You want to be able to put your best smile forward. If you think dentures may be right for you, contact the office of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD by calling (610) 861-0777 or by visiting our website, www.drrobertruyak.com

Friday, March 18, 2016

What is a Dental Bridge?

Replacing your missing teeth is important, not just for your smile, but for your oral health. One option for replacement here in Bethlehem, PA is the dental bridge. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offers this popular option to his patients who are missing a tooth.


A bridge is exactly what it says it is; a bridge. It literally bridges the gap in your teeth. Bridges are able to be made custom so that they are natural in your mouth. When you smile, no one will be able to tell the difference between your real teeth and your bridge.


To apply a bridge, first the teeth that are next to the space will be reshaped. This is so a crown can be fit on them. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is going to be attached to the crowns on either side of the space. Bridges can also be made even if there is only one tooth next to the open space.


After your teeth are prepared, Dr. Ruyak will take an impression of the area. This impression will help a dental laboratory create your custom bridge. The creation process may take a couple of weeks, so during this time, you will wear a temporary bridge.


When the custom bridge is ready, it is cemented into place permanently. Bridges are durable, good-looking, and long-lasting. To schedule your bridge consultation with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call our office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Pesky Plaque

Have you ever licked your teeth and felt a fuzzy buildup on them? That fuzzy stuff is called plaque and if you feel it, you should grab your toothbrush immediately. Minerals form dental plaque – a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria – that is a result of bacterial action on food particles. Dental plaque provides an ideal environment for cavities and gum disease to develop, which is why you should visit the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD for dental checkups and professional cleanings at least twice a year.


Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths. With repeated acid attacks from food and beverages, the tooth enamel can break down. The reason for this is that plaque contains bacteria, which produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums. If not treated, the damage could turn into tartar that only our staff of hygienists will be able to remove. The best way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day.


If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD at his Bethlehem, PA dental office, call 610-861-0777.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Sensitive Teeth Treatment

Proper oral hygiene is an important step in preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease and pain from sensitive teeth. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or brush too aggressively, you may injure your gums and expose tooth roots. When this happens, it makes it hard to enjoy hot and cold beverages because the acidity and temperatures of these things will send a sharp pain through your tooth’s nerve. If you have sensitive teeth Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD can develop a treatment plan with you to reduce the sensitivity.


The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. Depending on the cause, Dr. Ruyak may suggest that you try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block sensation traveling from the tooth surface to the nerve. If you go this route, do not expect the pain to relieve overnight. It usually requires several applications to be effective. If desensitizing toothpaste does not ease your discomfort, Dr. Ruyak may suggest in-office fluoride treatments or dental sealants to reduce the pain.


If you have sensitive teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD at his Bethlehem, PA dental office, call 610-861-0777.