Digital Dental X-rays

75% Reduction in Radiation

We've introduced the use of digital X-rays in our practice. With digital X-rays, there is no delay while images are developed. It is cutting-edge technology that reduces radiation emissions by 75% when compared to traditional, non-digital X-rays. We have computers and large monitors in every treatment room so we can review images with you and explain radiographic findings. With panoramic imaging, a digital sensor is placed in your mouth and in a single shot, both upper and lower dental arches and your jaws are captured on screen and ready for viewing. To top it off, no chemicals are required, so digital X-rays are friendly to the environment. 

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about understanding your dental plan.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Children's Orthodontic Treatments

Starting Early, a Full Range of Orthodontic Options

He sees children at that crucial stage, between 6 and 11, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. His comprehensive knowledge of craniofacial growth and development allows him to identify and correct teeth and jaw disharmony, when those corrections can actually prevent extractions of permanent teeth in their teen years.

Early treatment by a trained dentist can save thousands of dollars. He can address early crowding of their front teeth, crossbites in their back teeth, and a mismatch of their upper and lower jaws. These treatments normally take less than 6 to 18 months and occur before they get to their teenage stage, when young adults are sensitive to appearing different.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Sugar-Free Trinkets
• Story-A-Day

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Kids' Healthy Teeth During the Holidays

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Elizabeth SanFilippo

Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health.

Why Is Sugar Bad for Dental Health?
Whether your kids are eating chocolate cake, sugar cookies or peppermint candy, they are ingesting sugar. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar, and the byproduct is acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The more time teeth spend exposed to sugar, the higher the risk that your children will face dental health problems. Hard candies, and sticky candies such as taffy and caramel, can be worse for teeth than other treats such as cake and cookies.

Brush after Eating a Sugary Treat
In general, the ADA recommends that everyone brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should also be done at least once a day. During the holidays, encourage your kids to brush and floss even more than this, particularly right after they finish dessert. If a toothbrush is not handy, the next best thing to do is rinse. Encourage your kids to rinse their mouths with water - not soda or even sparkling grape juice - which will help wash away sugar, acids and any other food that may be stuck to their teeth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Limit Sugar Time
• Make Dessert a Part of the Meal
• Make Toothbrushing Fun
• Schedule a Dentist Visit

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Making Your Best Smile Look Even Better!

A perfect smile is a wonderful gift to give to yourself. But imagine how your new smile could be improved by erasing your facial wrinkles and age lines. In as little as a single visit, we can wipe out lines and wrinkles from around your mouth, erase those annoying crow's feet, and dispatch stress lines on your forehead. We now provide BOTOX™ treatments to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between your eyebrows, on your forehead, and around your eyes. Schedule a free consultation to see if BOTOX is right for you.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD
432 Frye Farm Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 537-0800
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Surprisingly Simple Food Tips for Healthy Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis

You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were.

An Element of Strength
The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth.

So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• 'Moo're Dairy Please
• Swish and Swallow
• Candy and Chewing Gum
• Nature's Toothbrush

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Analysis of medical research shows that gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are linked. A troublesome conclusion, since heart disease is commonly fatal, which means if you suffer from gum disease, treating it is of utmost importance to retaining your health. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. These figures should guarantee that gum disease would be handled as a nationwide epidemic. But because tooth loss is considered merely unpleasant, not immediately life threatening, the danger of the disease has been ignored for far too long. However, that thought process is altering.

The American Academy of Periodontology has released the following statement: "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." The bacteria that infect your gums when you suffer from periodontal disease can invade your soft tissues, move into your bloodstream, and create problems in your heart, lungs, and other vital organs.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Dental Cameras

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team

Our doctors treasure the bond of teamwork they develop with their patients, because they believe it improves their ability to provide the optimum in dental care. One of the many ways Dr. Ray and Dr. Connor work together with their patients is through the use of the intra-oral camera. This tiny video camera offers a close-up picture of your teeth and displays the image on a screen. When you can see for yourself why certain teeth need help, you can more fully participate in each treatment decision. 

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 3

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below is one way that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Slow Healing 

Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This can be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, see your dentist.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 2

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Change in Taste 

Your favorite flavors might not taste as rich as your remember if you have diabetes. It can be disappointing, but take the opportunity to experiment with different tastes, textures and spices to your favorite foods. Just take care not to add too much sugar to your food in an effort to add flavor. Not only can this affect the quality of your diet, it can also lead to more cavities. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, see your dentist or doctor.

Infections 













Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). The yeast thrive on the higher amount of sugar found in your saliva, and it looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in people who wear dentures and can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 1

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Gum Disease 

Notice some bleeding when you brush or floss? That may be an early sign of gum disease. If it becomes more severe, the bone that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet. Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, so do your best to keep it in check.

Dry Mouth 

 










Studies have found people with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty. (Medications and higher blood sugar levels are also causes.) Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva to wash away leftover food, can lead to cavities.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Dentistry for Seniors

Senior Dental Care is Different

Our teeth age and weaken along with the rest of our bodies. Even our prior dental work loses strength and may crack with age. Fillings may need to be replaced before cavities set in underneath and go unnoticed until the roots are damaged. Our team is alert to the dental concerns of our senior patients. Plaque may concentrate on the surface of teeth and lead to decay. We watch for gum infection and are always checking our patients for the indicators of this problem - red, swollen, or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, and loose teeth. After years of caffeine and tobacco consumption, teeth grow dull and need professional whitening to bring back their original luster. Some medications reduce the necessary flow of saliva through the mouth, and we have products that will ease this complication. We promote good nutrition, daily hygiene, and routine check-ups to help your smile stay amazing and keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

The Importance of Hygiene Visits

Having your teeth cleaned regularly, by a professional hygienist, is one of the most important and easiest things you can do to retain your health. Plaque is sticky, and even with correct brushing some of the tacky goo stays behind, hidden in the grooves and pockets of your teeth and gums. If it's not removed, plaque solidifies into tartar, which is beyond the reach of brushing with your typical toothbrush and floss. Tartar forms below the gumline as well as on the enamel of your teeth, creating a serious problem within your mouth, inviting decay and even gum disease. Recent research shows a clear link between untreated gum disease and other serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Which means having your teeth cleaned is one of the most important reasons to visit your dentist!

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

We Help Children Enjoy the Dentist

 

Dr. Ray and Dr. Connor reduce a child's anxiety before starting any kind of procedure. They utilize advanced techniques and delivers treatment with care and compassion. Our team encourages children of all ages to cultivate proper dental hygiene at home, and we teach them how it happens. We like to meet them beginning at age four for their first visit. We look forward to enjoying their return visits as we help them keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. 

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Sedation Dentistry

For a Completely Comfortable Visit – IV Sedation

Some patients find themselves dealing with anxiety over their dental appointments, despite Dr. Ray's gentle touch and concern for your comfort. But you don't have to just "deal with it." At our office, we strive to relieve fear and worry and make treatments easy for you with sedation dentistry.

Dr. Ray has partnered with a dental anesthesiology company to administer IV sedation right here in our office. IV sedation provides the highest level of sedation and takes effect very quickly. It allows us to have more control over the level of your sedation, which is a big advantage over simply taking a pill. Most people who have this method of sedation don't remember their procedure. Time seems to fly by! A one-hour appointment can literally seem like two minutes. The medication is administered directly into the bloodstream, producing deep sedation and an unawareness of the procedure. The level of sedation is very accurate and safe. The technique can be used for long appointments that involve more extensive dental work, as well as to alleviate the concerns of fearful patients.

It is our goal to have you comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Dental Treatment

Is Exhaustion Overwhelming You? It's Important to Get the Rest You Need to Maintain Good Health

Plenty of rest and sleep are necessary aspects of maintaining your overall health. You require air and water. You require food and sleep. It is imperative that your brain and body have the time they need to recover every single day. With your main systems shut down in sleep, your body can devote more resources to fight against the attacks of such illnesses as obesity, hypertension, memory loss, and diabetes.

During sleep, your brain and body revitalize themselves. Your body, particularly your heart, amasses stress during the day. When you finally rest at night, your heart slows down and starts to decompress, releasing the detrimental forces it has accumulated. There is a reduction in your blood pressure, and the growth of age-related diseases slows down. Your body needs this time to regroup and store enough energy to prepare for the next day.

Lack of sleep places excessive strain and stress on your body and brain. Heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular disease, and, in severe circumstances, death have all been connected to sleep disorders. 

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Orthodontics Dentist

Engineering Straighter Teeth

When your child requires conventional dental care – a cleaning or a cavity repair, Dr. Ray has always been your first choice. But do you know that he also has extensive orthodontics training? Traditional orthodontics typically involve the use of metal or possibly ceramic braces. Steady, gentle pressure in the direction of desired change will correct the position of teeth over time. Here's how it works: Stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic brackets are bonded to the tooth. These brackets work as handles to which other components are attached to move your tooth in various directions. A skinny metal wire known as an archwire connects to each bracket. Using tension, the archwire places pressure on your teeth to move them into place. Colorful (or clear) elastic bands are stretched to hold the archwires to the brackets. As adjustments are needed, archwires of various diameters are tensioned and ligature elastics are changed.

Conventional braces allow Dr. Ray to exert more control over how your teeth are straightened. More complex corrections can be made using this technique. Because this type of braces can't be easily removed and are constantly monitored, there is less risk of problems caused by failure to wear the proper aligner for the appropriate amount of time. In general, braces are worn for two to two-and-a-half years. However, everyone requires a different amount of correction and the time needed will vary by patient. Clear brackets and thin archwires can make traditional orthodontics much more discreet than in the past.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Cosmetic Dentistry

Don't Hide Your Smile – Recreate It!

Do you hide your mouth behind your hand when you speak? Or have you developed a very serious, tight-lipped expression? Life is too short, and you're too amazing to continue this way. You deserve a smile you can be proud of. We use the best combination of preventive care, tooth-colored fillings, and restorative techniques for both optimum dental health and aesthetic appeal. Smile makeovers can be accomplished faster than you think and are extremely affordable! Don't wait any longer to have a smile that makes YOU happy! Stop by our office so we may tell you all the wonderful facts about bonding, whitening, crowns, and veneers.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Dentists Greensburg PA

Donald W. Ray II, DMD, earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry after earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Since then, he has undergone extensive training in general and cosmetic dentistry as well as orthodontics. He has attended courses at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies for advanced functional aesthetics, occlusion (your bite) and neuromuscular dentistry, and comprehensive aesthetic reconstruction. He is certified in Invisalign™ clear aligners but is also highly trained in traditional comprehensive orthodontic treatment. His training in sleep apnea and snoring treatment allows him to offer custom-made oral appliances to help his patients get a better night's sleep, and he has recently trained with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to administer BOTOX™ Cosmetic and dermal fillers, which can give you a beautiful frame for your great new smile. Dr. Ray is a member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

In his spare time, Dr. Ray enjoys remaining very active. Family is paramount, and spending time with them is incredibly fulfilling. He and his wife of 27 years, Susan, travel at every opportunity. He sets time aside every Tuesday to have lunch with his mother. Enjoying the great outdoors is his therapy for life's demands. He does all the lawn care and landscaping at home and the office, and thoroughly enjoys manicuring the grass or meticulously trimming the shrubs. He is very conscientious and detail-oriented in his personal and professional life. Most importantly, he greatly appreciates the trust and confidence given to him by his patients for his knowledge and clinical abilities.

Mary Alice Connor, DMD, is a lifelong dental fanatic. A true candy lover, she spent most of her childhood in a dental chair and dreamed of making it her life's work. During her college years, she started a Head Start Dental program in Meadville, PA, and founded the Future Dentist's Club at Allegheny College before her early acceptance into the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, Dr. Connor trained at the Pittsburgh University Drive Veteran's Administration Hospital General Practice Residency for advanced and hospital dentistry. She has worked in many wonderful private and group practices throughout the years, and has earned Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, an achievement reached by a very small percentage of dentists in the U.S. She considers it a great honor and responsibility when a person trusts her to take care of their teeth. That means everything to her.

Dr. Connor and her husband Gary have been married for over 30 years, and have lived in Erie, Edinboro, and now Greensburg. They are very proud of their two adult daughters, Lauren and Rebecca.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD
Mary Alice Connor, DMD
432 Frye Farm Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 537-0800
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net