When you meet someone in La Mesa who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you? Do you wonder if they were in an accident? Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often judged (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if a person is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall pleasing impression.

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

A missing tooth can be a big deal.

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants are one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we routinely perform at Jeff Gray DDS to help our San Diego area clients regain the beautiful smile they once had. Not all cosmetic dental procedures are as extreme as teeth implants. There are many minimally-invasive remedies for unattractive smiles.

Porcelain veneers instantly provide a perfect, gleaming tooth surface for La Mesa clients with broken or discolored teeth. Tooth whitening is a quick and affordable dentistry procedure that achieves dramatic results without requiring the removal of any tooth structure. Call Jeff Gray DDS at (619) 337-7700 for more information about smile design and restorative dentistry.

- Dr. Jeff Gray

Are you one of the many La Mesa men and women who has had a tooth extracted? If the tooth had been bothering you, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, the tooth was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is impossible because your tongue can’t leave it alone.

Once the tooth has been pulled, you have many decisions to make. Can I afford a dental bridge? Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge? Should I go with a partial denture? What about bone loss?

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root?

With a dental implant from Jeff Gray DDS, you can. A dental implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. A dental implant consists of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

The Titanium Post
—Inserted directly into the jaw bone
—Extremely strong
—Titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

The Abutment
—Can be made of gold, porcelain or titanium
—Permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Dental Crown)
—Usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—Is made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—Will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

Dental implant surgery is not an experimental treatment. The materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades. It has been performed by La Mesa dentists and prosthodontists for over twenty years. To schedule a dental implant consultation, call (619) 337-7700.

Jeff Gray DDS
(619) 337-7700
8555 Fletcher Pkwy, Ste 102
La Mesa, California 91942
http://www.SmileSanDiego.com

Are you a busy La Mesa resident who can’t find the time to improve your smile? My name is Dr. Jeff Gray and my staff and I at Jeff Gray DDS believe finding the time to restore missing, cracked, or discolored teeth is the most important thing you can do with your time.

You may think that hiding your smile as you zip around the La Mesa area running errands or dropping kids off will make your dental problems disappear. Think again. At Jeff Gray DDS we have been treating the residents of La Mesa since 1986 and have seen the results of neglected teeth and gums. Don’t let your smile deteriorate any longer-call me today at (619) 337-7700 to begin restoring your smile.

One of our specialties at Jeff Gray DDS is La Mesa dental implants. Whether you have damaged or lost your tooth due to injury or periodontal disease, we have custom treatment plans to restore it. Our happy La Mesa dental implant patients have discovered that implants look and feel like their own teeth.

Dental implants are great for producing a foundation for dentures, supporting a bridge, or replacing a damaged tooth without disturbing the surrounding teeth. Since dental implants interface into the anatomy of your jaw they help reduce bone loss and gum recession.

My staff and I at Jeff Gray DDS would love to have a consultation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you. Your smile is our number one priority, make it yours as well and you will be healthier and happier.

We provide advanced general and cosmetic dentistry including laser dentistry, sedation dentistry and Invisalign clear braces.

Hello La Mesa visitors, welcome to Jeff Gray DDS. Let’s talk about a tooth replacement option common in La Mesa: dental bridges.

While dental bridges have restored smiles for thousands of La Mesa area cosmetic dentistry patients, they are not problem free. Many people with dental bridges find it impossible to keep the small areas around the bridge clean. This is not surprising because it is hard to get toothbrush bristles or dental floss under the bridge.

Of course bacteria has no trouble moving in and taking over without the La Mesa dental patient even knowing it. When the decay reaches the roots of the surrounding teeth, it is not only painful, the person is at risk of losing those teeth also.

That is one reason why a dental implant is superior to a dental bridge. Most La Mesa people with missing teeth are great candidates for dental implants.

A dental implant looks just like the beautiful tooth restoration on a high-quality dental bridge, but the important part is what you don’t see.

A dental implant is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to teeth like the dental bridges traditionally used in La Mesa. In a way, a dental implant is a more conservative tooth replacement because it leaves the adjacent teeth intact. The bone and gum tissue mesh permanently with the titanium post that serves as the replacement tooth root.

Dental implants do not have the same decay risk as the teeth that anchor dental bridges. Of course patients with dental implants need to brush and floss, but cleaning a dental implant is usually no more difficult than cleaning a normal tooth.

Dental implants have a far better track record in La Mesa than dental bridges. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime for smile-smart folks.

If you currently have a dental bridge, you might consider permanently replacing it with a dental implant before the adjacent teeth are threatened with decay.

At Jeff Gray DDS, dental implants can replace one or more teeth and can also serve as anchors for full or partial dentures. No more embarrassing slipping!

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or would like to schedule an implant dentistry consultation, I invite you to call Jeff Gray DDS at (619) 337-7700. A beautiful new smile can be yours with dental implants.

Jeff Gray DDS
http://www.SmileSanDiego.com
(619) 337-7700
Ask us about La Mesa dental financing options.

I’m Dr. Jeff Gray, a dental implant dentist in the La Mesa area. In a recent post, I explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my La Mesa denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.

Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in La Mesa to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. La Mesa tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also La Mesa mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These overdenture patients in the La Mesa area are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Many La Mesa cosmetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implant option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.

Call Jeff Gray DDS at (619) 337-7700 to schedule a consultation.

Hundreds of San Diego dental implant recipients have replaced missing teeth with jaw-bone anchored tooth implants. Unlike a dental bridge, a tooth implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jaw bone. The bone meshes with the post to create a strong base for the natural-looking prosthetic tooth and dental crown that attaches to the post.

Dental implants are usually the ideal restoration for San Diego people who want to replace missing teeth. There is a problem, however, if the jaw bone is too thin at the implant site.

When a tooth is extracted, the bone loses the blood circulation at the former site of the root. Consequently, bone recession often occurs. If the recession is extensive, there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant post.

Bone grafting can augment the bone at the implant site and provide the bone density necessary for a successful implant. This is usually effective, but it does require time for the new bone to generate. A new discovery may provide a quicker solution for regenerating bone.

Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine have identified a protein that quickly stimulates the production of new bone. The research team, led by Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjo, implanted bone morphogenetic protein in test subjects and discovered that “more new bone formed within four weeks than with conventional bone grafting.”

This protein will require extensive testing before it is available for San Diego dental implant patients. However, I am pleased at the prospect of an additional method for making dental implants possible for my San Diego cosmetic dentistry clients with missing teeth and jaw bone recession.

For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bonding, and porcelain crowns, call Jeff Gray DDS at (619) 337-7700.

As health professionals, we know that San Diego dentists diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums, but we sometimes overlook the importance of the tongue.

Have you ever considered all the amazing things your tongue can do? It helps us talk, perceive the texture and flavor of food, chew, and swallow. This strong and nimble gymnast is in near-constant motion during our waking hours. It is a wonder that we don’t accidentally bite it more often as we smile, chew, drink, breathe, swallow, cough, and laugh.

Your tongue can also reveal problems with your health, including digestive problems, infections, and diseases of the blood.

When Jeff Gray performs oral exams, the tongue is always checked for signs of oral cancer and other serious diseases.

Here are some tongue abnormalities and possible causes:

• Swollen tongue: reaction to food/drink/medication, strep infection, leukemia, hypothyroidism
• White tongue: dehydration, yeast infection, irritation to tobacco, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, anemia or other nutritional deficiency
• Canker sores: may be triggered by stress or reaction to food, toothpaste, or mouthwash.

If you have persistent canker sores, you may want to try eliminating products that contain sodium lauryl (or laurel) sulfate (SLS). SLS is a cheap foaming agent that is found in many personal care products. It can be difficult to find SLS-free dental products in San Diego. The following brands have previously offered SLS-free versions but check labels carefully every time you buy a new tube. I have noticed that SLS has re-appeared in some brands.

• Biotene
• Sensodyne Pronamel
• Tom’s of Maine
• Rembrandt Low Abrasion

If you can’t find an SLS-free toothpaste at your local San Diego Walmart or Target, I would suggest trying health food stores, specialty drug stores, or trusted online sites.

Many of my San Diego patients have asked me about tongue-scraping. I recommend thorough dental hygiene including cleaning the tongue. To schedule a consultation to discuss any dental health issues including tongue scraping, please contact my office at (619) 337-7700.  We also offer help for patients suffering with bad breath.

Dr. Jeff Gray DDS
Jeff Gray DDS
Providing general and cosmetic dental services including sedation dentistry

La Mesa cosmetic dentists use dental crowns to solve a number of dental dilemmas. A dental crown is a strong, natural-looking permanent tooth restoration that covers the top of the damaged tooth.

La Mesa family dentists recommend crowns to remedy the following problems:

• A broken tooth with decay
• An ill-fitting existing crown
• A decayed tooth that has lost significant tooth structure
• A tooth that has had a root canal
• A tooth that is too small or misshapen
• A tooth that causes a bite problem

Before your San Diego dentist can attach the crown to your tooth, we must prepare the tooth. La Mesa family dentists often apply a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the prepping. Your dentist will remove decay, if any, and shape the tooth to receive the crown. Then a mold is taken of the prepped tooth and surrounding teeth.

A temporary crown is then placed on the tooth to protect it until you return to your La Mesa cosmetic dentistry office to receive the permanent restoration. The patient needs to be careful while wearing the temporary crown. Vigorous brushing or flossing can displace the crown or damage the exposed soft tissue. The La Mesa dental crown patient should also refrain from eating extremely hard foods like nuts or sticky candy.

The mold of your teeth is sent to a California dental lab where your crown is built. Dental crowns are fabricated in three varieties: tooth colored crowns made of resin or porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and solid metal crowns. Each type has its pros and cons. Your La Mesa cosmetic dentist at Jeff Gray DDS will choose the best crown material for your particular tooth.

What if you need a permanent dental restoration for both the top and root of your tooth? A dental implant is your answer.

For more information about complete dental restorations and other cosmetic dental solutions, call Jeff Gray DDS at (619) 337-7700 today.  We offer sedation dentistry.

The best permanent tooth replacement treatment available to La Mesa people who are missing teeth are dental implants.

A dental implant is a metal (ideally titanium) rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root. The crown and supporting structure are securely and permanently attached to the rod. Titanium is amazingly strong and extremely well tolerated by the human body. There are very few instances of rejection. In fact, most La Mesa implant dentists are not familiar with any such cases.

Tooth implants offer a long-term solution to tooth loss. Are you a good La Mesa cosmetic dentistry candidate for tooth implant surgery?

Because the metal rod is anchored into the jaw bone, it is essential that you have enough healthy bone at the implant site. Dr. Jeff Gray can determine if you do.

Age is rarely a factor. Dental implants have proved to be successful for La Mesa people of all ages. Dr. Jeff Gray provides comprehensive dental care for every member of the family.

There are a few medical issues that may affect your eligibility for implants. These include diabetes, osteoporosis, radiation therapy for cancer, parathyroid disorders, bone disorders and leukemia. The presence of one or more of these conditions does not necessarily mean an implant cannot work for you; discuss any health issues with Dr. Jeff Gray during your implant consultation.

Jeff Gray DDS is located at 8555 Fletcher Parkway #102, in La Mesa, CA. Call (619) 337-7700 to schedule an implant dentistry consultation.

Ill-fitting dentures cause more problems for denture wearers than they solve. If you live with loose dentures, you probably regard them as a necessary evil. Though they certainly look better than a toothless mouth, in practical terms they leave much to be desired because they affect two essential activities: eating and talking.

Unfortunately, many frustrated denture wearers have quit dining in restaurants or engaging in social activities because they are afraid their dentures will slip.

Dental implant procedures at Jeff Gray DDS in La Mesa are allowing former denture patients to re-engage in life.

Consider the advantages of implant anchored dentures:

• They are stable because the implant is anchored in the bone.
• Your denture is fixed, it will not move around in your mouth.
• They prevent bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are removed.
• They eliminate the necessity of regular denture relines.
• They do not irritate gums.
• No denture adhesive is required.

Our tooth implant clients who have replaced their traditional dentures with implant overdentures enthusiastically say that the dental implant cost was more than worth it.

Do you want to eat normally again? What is the value of maintaining your facial shape? Can you put a price on confidence?

If you want more information about implant dentistry, call (619) 337-7700 to schedule a tooth implant consultation with Dr. Jeff Gray. Jeff Gray DDS. Their office is located at 8555 Fletcher Parkway #102, in La Mesa, CA. We have been providing advanced San Diego dental care since 1986.

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