Inlays and Onlays

Teeth that are damaged or have decay are not always the best for a picture-perfect smile. For teeth that have too much damage to hold a filling, an inlay or onlay will work great to restore health and looks. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD is able to provide his patients with custom, natural-looking inlays and onlays.

Inlays are onlays are commonly referred to as partial crowns. An inlay is a covering that strengthens and protects the inside of the chewing surface. An onlay serves the inside of the chewing surface, plus one or more of the cusps of the tooth. These are options for when there is more damage than what a filling could fix, but not so much that a full crown needs to be placed.

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, a composite resin, or gold. For a natural look, the porcelain and composite resin options are best; they are able to match the color of the rest of your tooth. Inlays and onlays restore the health and strength of your tooth while helping you regain your smile. With great care, they can last for up to thirty years.

To learn more about inlays and onlays, be sure to visit our website. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint and you have two which work together as a pair, one in front of each ear. These joints are what allow you to chew, speak, and yawn. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a complex and poorly understood set of conditions characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues and limitation in jaw movements. Fortunately, relief is available. Here in Bethlehem, PA, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD can recommend a treatment that will alleviate your TMJ symptoms.  

Some symptoms of temporomandibular disorders are a pain when opening or closing your mouth, trouble chewing, jaw becoming locked, headaches or ear pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, and teeth grinding. Many of these symptoms can be often associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to TMD.

If you experience constant jaw pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD twice a year to avoid them. 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

To learn 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. 

Break These Bad Oral Habits

Tooth sensitivity – also known as dentin hypersensitivity – affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. If you experience discomfort when eating hot or cold beverages, you may be a victim of this condition. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Sometimes the solution to relief is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following tasks, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD suggests you do your best to stop yourself in your tracks.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If your teeth are sensitive, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn 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.