This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Four States Dental Care believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Four States Dental Care

Four States Dental Care, wishes you Happy Holidays

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Four States Dental Care reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Seasons Greetings, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Four States Dental Care

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck want to know : are there teeth grinders in your house

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

•Sensitivity in the teeth
•Tightness or pain in the jaw
•Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
•Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck and our team at Four States Dental Care can help determine the cause of the problem.

Flossing 101

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums.



If you have any additional questions about flossing feel free to give us a call at Four States Dental Care.

Staying connected with Four States Dental Care

At Four States Dental Care, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Neosho and Pineville.

As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook page. For social media to work, however, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media moving forward, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call! Have yourselves a wonderful weekend!

The season for thanks

With the busyness of the holiday season right around the corner, our staff at Four States Dental Care wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice here in Neosho and Pineville thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you and your child.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Ask Four States Dental: Do germs really live on toothbrushes?

Thanks for the question! Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our team at Four States Dental Care will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. We hope you have a terrific weekend!

It's National Young Reader's Week! What's on your child's reading list?

Happy Veteran's Day! This week marks National Young Reader's Week, and during this time, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will tell you it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is always fun!

Tell us: is your child reading a book this fall? If so, what's on his or her reading list?

If you're out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask one of our team members for suggestions, and we will try to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Neosho, Pineville, Joplin, Bentonville, Fayetteville or surrounding communities. Or, we invite you to check out these various fall books for kids that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Invisalign®, giving moms and dads something to smile about

Parents! Have you been focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Four States Dental Care is here to help! Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck are Certified Invisalign Providers in Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin, Missouri (MO), and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, and Rogers, Arkansas.

Mr. Bean goes to the dentist! From Four States Dental Care

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff at Four States Dental Care loved it, and we think you'll get a nice laugh out of it as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other video (dental-related) suggestions you think we should share with our patients, please let us know!

Ask Dr. Kunkel: Is tooth decay preventable?

Yes, tooth decay is preventable! Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason — many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit Four States Dental Care every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups at our convenient offices in Neosho or Pineville.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out this helpful article about kids and tooth decay, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.

What's your story? What made you and your child choose Four States Dental Care?

At Four States Dental Care, we want you to know that you are more than just teeth! Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck work hard to build quality and lifelong relationships with their patients while offering the latest advances in reconstructive and implant dental technology in a, fun, friendly, and inviting environment.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose Four States Dental Care for your child's dental needs?

Whether you’ve just come in once or your family has been visiting our Neosho or Pineville office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

At Four States Dental Care, October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Ah, October has finally arrived. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days get shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For our staff at Four States Dental Care, October is known as National Dental Health Month.

We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Four States Dental Care on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient offices in Pineville or Neosho on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website for tips on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to see Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment.

"My daughter is turning one. When should I bring her in for a visit?"

Thanks for the question! Our short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to Four States Dental Care when your child turns one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The Academy suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. With over 25 years of excellence, our staff makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment, and we want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our convenient offices in Neosho and Pineville.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

At Four States Dental Care, Zoom® your way to a brighter smile!

We hope you're having a great week so far Today, we thought we'd talk a little about Zoom! whitening at Four States Dental Care, the great way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Zoom is a professional teeth whitening treatment that gets your teeth an average of eight shades whiter — in just one hour at our convenient Neosho or Pineville office! With Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck, the treatment is safe, simple and relaxing! Not only that, but Zoom is championed by dentists and patients from coast-to-coast as a pain-free process.

To prepare for Zoom! whitening, one of our experienced doctors will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. Your lips and gums will be covered with an isolation material to protect them during the treatment. Then, we apply the Zoom! whitening gel, which is activated by the Zoom! light source. The gel and light work together to gently break up the stains on your teeth. After three 15-minute applications within one hour, you rinse and the treatment is complete — leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment for Zoom whitening. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Four States Dental Care, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word here in Neosho, Pineville and surrounding areas!

Dr. Dale Kunkel and Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our doctors and staff can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you had a great Labor Day weekend!

Connect with Four States Dental on Facebook!

At Four States Dental, we strongly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Pineville, Neosho, Joplin, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, Rogers and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck on our official Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/FourStatesDental. There, we share office news, announcements and updates, so we encourage you to check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a great rest of the weekend,

- The Four States Dental staff

Three foods that can help you avoid gum disease

Gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and our staff at Four States Dental Care have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article from EatingWell that outlined several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains (barley, brown rice; buckwheat; oatmeal, popcorn, whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers)

In addition to these foods being gum-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and are a great option to begin integrating into your diet more this fall.

Have a great weekend!

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

With the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer slowly winding down, it's time for you and your child to start thinking about school. August is Get Ready for Kindergarten month for the two million kids who will be entering kindergarten come September.

So, how do you prepare? Our staff at Four States Dental Care suggest getting involved in storytime by reading your child books about kindergarten, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters.

Parenting Magazine also suggests that moms and dads take their child for a walk by their or perhaps taking him or her inside for a quick tour to get them familiarized with the concept of kindergarten. Take a walk around the classroom or peek in the windows and talk about what will be going on once school starts. Also, think about adjusting your child's sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.

At home, make learning fun for your child by teach him or her the names of colors, or shapes and taking them on interesting trips around Neosho or Pineville—to the library or grocery store, or to a museum or park—and talk with him or her about what he or she sees.

Finally, make sure your little one visits Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck before the first day of school. No one wants for your child to leave school in the middle of the day because of a toothache! Give us a call to schedule an appointment!

We hope both you and your child have a happy and stress-free Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

Thanks to Invisalign® at Four States Dental Care, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've thought about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, we've got the clear solution for you. Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

Invisalign, which consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth, are to be worn all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing. You can even easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap! Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and the best part is, no one will know it but you!

Our staff at Four States Dental Care invite you to give us a call at 417-658-4387 to set up a free consultation at our convenient Neosho or Pineville locations, so you can discuss the specifics of your treatment with one of our Invisalign-certified doctors.

Four States Dental, helping calm children's fears and anxieties about visiting the dentist

At Four States Dental Care, we know that many children have a fear of visiting the dentist. After all, it's natural! On Friday, we came across a nice article from WebMD on helping kids overcome fears of the dentist..

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck excel at making children feel comfortable when visiting our Pineville and Neosho offices. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited Four States Dental in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling 417-658-4387 or 417-658-4817! We look forward to seeing you and hope you're having a fantastic summer so far!

At Four States Dental Care, patients at ease

We always try to make our patients feel comfortable here in our offices in Pineville and Neosho. We have a education program running in the waiting room and you can sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while waiting to be seen. We offer hours before and after work, and have a visual patient education program running in our office. This program offers videos and pictures, with audio, to further explain, in great detail, treatment and services we provide.

At Four States Dental Care, Dr. Dale Kunkel has continued his education to become a type of "one-stop-shop" for dentistry. Meaning, Dr. Kunkel performs many procedures that most general dentists would have to refer out for. He is always looking for ways to continue his education, so his patients don't have to be referred out of the office for further treatment. Even though there are some instances where a specialist is needed, we always make sure our patients are taken care of in the process of being referred!

Have you been in for an appointment in the last six months? If not, we encourage you to give us a call!

When should you call Four States Dental?

If you or your child face a dental emergency this summer, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck want you to please give us a call immediately or let us know on our Facebook page. If you need urgent treatment after hours, you can call our emergency number (please ask us for the number if you haven't already done so). We are always here to assist when your child's dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations; you may want to display this list on your refrigerator or store it near your emergency phone numbers for easy reference.

Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child has bitten his lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

Object Caught In Teeth
If your child has something caught between his teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If your child has chipped or broken a piece off of his tooth, have him rinse his mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth
If your child's tooth has been knocked out of his mouth, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it's in place). If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place with a clean towel or cloth. If you can't return the tooth to its socket, place it in a clean container with milk. In either case, call us immediately and/or head to the hospital. If you act quickly it's possible to save the tooth.

Loose Tooth
If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.

Toothache
If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his mouth with warm water and inspect his teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children's pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.

Broken Jaw
If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and/or head to the hospital immediately. In many cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

The truth is, you can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don't let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and require seat belts for older children. And if your child plays contact sports, have him wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing and visits to our office.

Has your child been in for a visit recently? If not, we invite you to call us and set up an appointment. We hope you're having a GREAT weekend!!

Drs. Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck have a few tips to help prevent bad breath!

The team at Four States Dental Care know bad breath can be a real downer! However, bad breath can be easily prevented!

Bad breath, or as we call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell, say Drs. Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck.

A few months ago, Dr. Andrew Weil wrote an article titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath," in which he recommended the following ways to help prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue. "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth. hydrated Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth. Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, give us a call! Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

Enjoy your Sunday night, and we'll see you soon!

Four States Dental present: Patriotic fun facts!

On Sunday, our staff at Four States Dental Care - including Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck - will be busy celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of you parents at our Neosho and Pineville offices have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75- and 95 percent of infants suck their thumbs.

So, you might be wondering, is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little ones. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he or she has gotten permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, please give us a call and Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care: How does it really work? [Video]

Perhaps you've wondered how Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care manages to straighten your pearly whites without having you go through traditional orthodontic treatment?

The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our Neosho and Pineville locations. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck are Certified Invisalign® Providers, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional braces, please give us a call to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you! We will provide a complimentary consultation.

Share your summer plans with Dr. Kunkel and Four States Dental Care!

With the summer quickly closing in, the days getting longer and the sun getting warmer, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off under the shade with a beverage. For a lot of our patients at Four States Dental Care, summer brings with it a chance to get away from it all and escape everyday life, if only for a week or two. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief.

How about you?

What are your summer plans? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a reunion planned? Our staff would be interested in how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, cool! If you're going camping with family, we'd like to hear about it! Even if you're staying at home here in Pineville or Neosho and grilling steaks in the backyard, let us know!

Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck on our Facebook page as the summer rolls on!

At Four States Dental Care, access to your account anytime!

Access to your account, whenever you want it. Sounds nice and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Four States Dental Care enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, and all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service called DentalSesame:

"It is much more efficient to use than having to stop by the dental office or calling since my schedule is very busy." ~ Kayla W.

"Easy to view account." ~ James G.

"I am able to find the information that I am looking for by going to my daughters account. What I owe, when her next appointment is, etc." ~ Thayla K.

"Easy availability, allows access from home or work." ~ Nora G.

"Allowed me to see insurance payments and remaining balance to be paid and print forms for flex spending." ~ Brandi M.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Gum disease and you, from Dr. Kunkel

It’s simple to tell when you have a cavity, but unfortunately, periodontal disease, or gum disease, can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will tell you it’s important to watch for the following warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, please schedule an appointment with Four States Dental Care right away at our convenient Pineville or Neosho locations. Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your pearly whites and give you back a healthy mouth!

Enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend! Make it memorable!

This Memorial Day weekend, what will you be doing?

Memorial Day Weekend, only days away, is a time Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in our area, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom spells sweet, sweet relief. At Four States Dental Care, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and a time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting America's great open roads with family this weekend, our team would love to hear all about it!

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck would like to wish you a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

How does Four States Dental Care "Go Green"?

Our staff at Four States Dental Care know that we are living in an age when more and more people have a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. We, too, have taken steps to make our office more environmentally-friendly to preserve our planet and its resources.

There are many things that we strive to do on a daily basis that's not only good for our practice but our earth: We have utilized our digital technology for six years. We are not only paperless with our charts, but our dental claims are filed electronically, and we are currently using digital X-rays. We also recycle all our of boxes, paper and plastics. There are many things that we strive to do on a daily basis that's not only good for our practice but our earth.

For more info on how we "go green," we invite you to give us a call or ask Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck during your next appintment.

Write a Review of Four States Dental Care!

At Four States Dental Care, we want you to know that you are more than just teeth! Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck work hard to build quality and lifelong relationships with their patients while offering the latest advances in reconstructive and implant dental technology in a, fun, friendly, and inviting environment.

Whether you've visited Four States Dental Care for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck create more beautiful smiles in Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista and Rogers, Arkansas.

You may also write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week!

Are you a teeth whitening addict?

Dr. Dale Kunkel knows people want to look and feel great, and at a time when a set of sparkling teeth might mean the difference between getting a job, more and more folks are complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, excessive teeth sensitivity and even translucent teeth.

At Four States Dental Care, we're proud of offer the latest in in-office whitening. The process takes just about an hour in our office. During chair-side bleaching, Dr. Kunkel will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to your teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

We also have in-home whitening treatments, including teeth whitening trays, teeth-whitening strips, paint-on teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste. Lastly, our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

Ask Four States Dental Care: When should my child visit for a check-up?

At Four States Dental Care, we think a child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. At Four States Dental Care, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek and our dedicated staff make a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you and your little one to feel at ease from the moment you walk through the door.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Your child's first tooth erupts between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of their 20 primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 3.

If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry, or about your treatment with Drs. Kunkel or Matousek, please feel free to give us a call today!

Imagining your life with Invisalign®, from Four States Dental Care

You might be wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Kunkel and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit Four States Dental Care during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Drs. Kunkel or Matousek - who are certified Invisalign® providers - will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

To learn more about Invisalign, please give us a call!

What helps you relax at Four States Dental Care?

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck know not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But at Four States Dental Care, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Four States Dental Care that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Could it be something about Drs. Kunkel or Matousek?

Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

At Four States Dental Care, a comfortable and caring environment

We view our relationship with our patients as a key part to this practice. The atmosphere here at Four States Dental Care is one where you will always feel comfortable. We strive to make every appointment an experience that will not only make you smile, but want to come back and refer your friends and family!

After their cleanings, our patients talk about how great our Hygiensts are, and how relatively painless treatment is after seeing Dr. Kunkel. There are many advancements in the dental field today that make things from painless local anesthetics to root canals that are as simple as a filling appointment. We want our patients to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. So with that, Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek are always finding ways to continue their education to make this possible. We love our patients and want to serve them in the best way!

What puts you at ease at Four States Dental Care?

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck understand not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But at Four States Dental Care, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Four States Dental Care that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly and courteous professional staff? Perhaps it's something about Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call, and enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Four States Dental Care: How do you keep up with the latest dental technology?

Dr. Kunkel and our team are always looking for ways to be more efficient at what we do to ALWAYS benefit the patient. In our fast-paced world, things are moving in the direction of procedures that are more comfortable for the patient and are most beneficial to the patient. Dr. Kunkel is always looking to continue his education.

Our clinical team just came back from an Invisalign course. The benefits of Invisalign treatment to our patients are more than just straighter teeth. It' brings them confidence in their smile and better health in their mouth. We offer free consultations for anyone interested in Invisalign.

What are patients saying about Four States Dental Care?

We love our patients, and our patients love us. Recently, Four States Dental Care, serving communities in Missouri and Arkansas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about us!

"Dr. Kunkel is super great with my child and that is all that matters." ~ Thayla K.

"We all feel very comfortable with him; great with the kids!" ~ Brandi M.

"He doesn't try to nickle and dime his patients to death for every little extra service. He sticks to the price that he tells you before the appointment." ~ Kayla W.

"The whole experience was favorable. Not only Dr. Kunkel, but his staff is great." ~ Mary R.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck, as well as our entire team, love getting patient testimonials!

Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck: What are the consequences of delaying dental treatment?

There are dangers delaying your scheduled treatment, including possibilities of severe toothaches and infections or cracking—and possibly breaking off—of the teeth. Or if the delay is too long, the restorations of the teeth become void and an extraction has to be done—and no one wants to lose their teeth. Keeping the appointments with Four States Dental Care will always benefit you!

It's funny how the weather plays into people's priorities. People sometimes view the dentist as just an elective service and not something that is a necessity. Dental health plays a huge role in our overall health. We have been told for many years that it's not related, but there are current studies and even past studies that show how important our dental health is to our overall health. Once we understand that, then our dental appointments become important.

As for seeing more emergency visits, we do see the rise of people who haven't kept up with their dental exams every year come more frequently with tooth aches, or broken and cracked teeth. When patients come regularly to their 6-month checkups, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are able to monitor the decay and cut down on those "unexpected" tooth aches or broken teeth.

If you have any questions about your treatment at Four States Dental Care, please give us a call!

A little bit about Four States Dental Care...

At Four States Dental Care, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck work hard to build quality and lifelong relationships with our patients while offering the latest advances in reconstructive and implant dental technology in a fun, friendly and inviting environment.

As dentists, we believe that exceptional dentistry has the ability to make a difference in the lives of our patients who seek a more confident, healthy, aesthetic smile. As YOUR dentists, we look forward to working with you and having the opportunity to give you the life changing dental experience that you deserve. Our practice philosophy is simple: we focus on you, the patient. We promise to provide the highest possible level of clinical and relational care to our patients. We will be continuous students, applying what we learn for the benefit of our patients. We are here for you, to help you establish a healthy foundation for a lifetime of happy smiles.

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck, as well as our outstanding dental team have created a dental practice where all of your dental needs are met in one convenient stop. We offer treatments including Implants, Invisalign, Lumineers, Zoom! Teeth Whitening and Sedation Dentistry. We strive to provide quality care and a positive environment for those in need of general and family dental care.

With over 25 years of excellence in clinical and relational care, and focus areas in cosmetic dentistry, sedation, and implants, Four States Dental Care is your choice for general and family dentistry needs! In Missouri, we serve Neosho, Pineville and Joplin, Missouri. In Arkansas, we serve Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista and Rogers. Give us a call today for your complimentary consultation!

Meet Our Dentists

Since 1984, Dr. Dale Kunkel has been practicing general dentistry, and to this day, he can still honestly say that he loves what he does! He truly enjoys working with all of the wonderful people who come in and out of the practice.

As a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Dr. Kunkel has been proud to call Neosho home for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Diane, have two sons and two daughters (along with two daughers-in-law and one son-in-law): son Riley and his wife Sara, daughter Shelly and her husband Chantz, son Matt and his wife Stacey, and their youngest daughter, Lauren. They are also proud grandparents of four young grandchildren. The Kunkels live on a 238-acre ranch, where they raise commercial and registered Red Angus cattle and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities including hunting and fishing.


Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck has been practicing general dentistry in Pineville since 2007, and as a dentist it is her goal to help families maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for generations to come. One of her favorite things about dentistry is all of the wonderful smiles she gets to share with her patients every day. She feels fortunate to have such a wonderful career, working with amazing people, and the ability to make a difference in other peoples' lives.

Dr. Matousek-Ronck is originally from Hennessey, Oklahoma, and moved to the northwestern part of Arkansas in 2006. She and her husband John have a growing family with three children, Emma, Ava, and Reid, and another little one on the way! She loves spending time with her family, playing with her children, and watching as they all grow and experience so many wonderful achievements each day. In her free time, Dr. Matousek-Ronck enjoys almost any outdoor activity, especially hiking and biking.