Posts by Philip Gray DDS
Titanium dental implants
When it comes to dental implants, titanium has long been the preferred material to use. In fact, titanium implants have been in use for decades and have been extensively studied during that time. It’s estimated that around 3 million people in the United States have a dental implant, and that number continues to increase each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Read MoreVisiting the dentist while pregnant
Being pregnant is a normal part of life, and there’s no reason why someone should shy away from keeping regular dentist appointments while pregnant.
Read MoreCan root canals fail?
There are many factors that go into the long-term success of a root canal, and the condition of the tooth is a major factor. If there’s a lot of good-quality tooth structure remaining while doing the root canal, then your chance for the tooth fracturing is much less than if the tooth is already compromised.
Read MoreWhen are dental crowns necessary?
A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth made out of porcelain. They are used for a number of reasons, but the main reason is to fix broken or decayed teeth. The crown slides over the top of your natural tooth, similar to a stocking cap on your head, and serves as protection for a tooth that is weak.
Read MoreWhen are dentures the best option?
Dentures are an acrylic base with plastic teeth, and they are the most affordable option for replacing multiple teeth. There are two different types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are a full set of teeth on the top and the bottom, while partial dentures replace only a few teeth and attach to the patient’s healthy teeth.
Read MoreFrequently asked questions about root canals
Root canals are dental surgery to treat an abscess or infection around the root of a tooth. An infection typically begins on the inside of the tooth, which is called the pulp. When the pulp gets infected, that infection travels down to the root and causes the abscess, which is what causes the patient’s pain.…
Read MoreWhy I chose dentistry
I have been around a dental office for as long as I can remember. My mom was a dental hygienist in Edmond, and she also taught dental hygiene at the dental school. But despite the lifelong exposure to dentistry, I didn’t start my career in the field. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with…
Read MoreThe basics of dental implants
Dental implants are commonly used to replace a lost or damaged tooth in adults. There are many reasons a patient might lose a tooth, including fracturing a tooth to the point it can’t be repaired, gum disease that results in losing a tooth, or cavities that result in losing a tooth. Often times, the damage…
Read MoreFrequently asked questions about dentistry
Dentistry is a really fascinating field, although I might be a little biased in that regard. Sometimes we get asked, “Are dentists medical doctors?” We’re not medical doctors, but we do complete similar training. Here are some other frequently asked questions about dentistry. What does DDS mean? The letters DDS after a dentist’s name stand…
Read MoreHow Has Dental Care In America Improved Over 20 Years?
Dental Care In America Has Improved Greatly! (Now that’s something to smile about!) A forthcoming Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health will document progress in oral health since 2000 and articulate a vision for the future, a move the ADA is commending. The U.S. Public Health Service’s Oral Health Coordinating Committee is commissioning the report,…
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