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
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
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
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
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
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
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
