TEL. 903-892-0593
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Click below to learn more about our services:
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM & CLEANING
Gray Oak Family Dental recommends regular preventive dental services, including a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning, every six months. It is important to identify and treat concerns before more serious problems arise. During your semiannual exams, we check for tooth decay, gum disease and examine your entire mouth, head, and neck area for any abnormalities, including oral cancer.
Our skilled hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, document any changes in your overall oral health, clean and polish your teeth, and obtain x-rays as needed. The hygienist will answer any questions you have about proper care for your teeth at home and provide information to the dentist.
Dr. Dave Firmage will then conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, head and neck, review your medical history and X-rays, and discuss additional treatment recommendations, if any.
ROOT CANALS
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly damaged, decayed or infected (rather than remove the tooth). Advancements in dental care and technology have made root canal treatments today a very gentle and effective method to alleviate dental pain. Dr. Dave Firmage has received advanced training in root canal procedures, including molar root canals. This allows him to provide the best possible experience for our patients, who often report little to no discomfort during the procedure.
During the procedure, Dr. Firmage will first remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth, then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A crown is usually placed following a root canal for added strength and protection, especially on molars. Once repaired the tooth can resume normal function.
The tooth may feel sensitive for a few days following the procedure due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection prior to the procedure. This discomfort can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and most patients can return to normal activities the next day.
TOOTH EXTRATION
It is almost always preferable to preserve patient’s natural teeth. However, in cases of severe damage, disease, infection or crowding, tooth extraction (removal) may be recommended.
There are two main types of tooth extraction – simple extraction and surgical extraction.
Simple extraction involves removing a tooth that is visible and easily accessible. It is a relatively quick outpatient procedure, using local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth before the tooth is loosened and removed. The patient may feel pressure during the procedure but should not experience any discomfort.
Surgical extraction may be required if a tooth is not easily accessible or is broken below the gum line. Gum and bone tissue may need to be removed before removing the tooth. A combination of local anesthesia, minimal sedation (nitrous oxide) and/or moderate IV sedation may be utilized to ensure patients are calm, relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Dr. Dave Firmage has received advanced training in simple and surgical tooth extraction, including third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. He has the credentials also to provide moderate IV sedation as an added measure of comfort for patients if desired.
We will conduct a thorough pre-op consultation with patients to review the procedure details, anesthesia preference, and all pre- and post-op requirements. Where applicable, options for replacing the tooth (such as an implant, bridge or partial denture) will also be discussed in advance.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
We are dedicated to our patients and want to be there when they need us most. Dental emergencies could include injury to the mouth, broken or badly chipped teeth, extreme pain, swelling, or infection.
If you have a dental emergency, please call or text our office right away, so that you can be seen as soon as possible. If the emergency happens after hours and you can’t reach us, please visit the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Swelling around the jawline or under the mouth and associated difficulty in breathing or swallowing is a serious condition which may require emergency medical care. Please visit the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience these symptoms.
For our friends in Sherman TX, your best general dentist is Gay Oak Family Dentistry. Please contact our office to schedule a friendly and gentle consultation.
Call us at 903-892-0593
Gray Oak Family Dental
2112 Monte Cristo Dr, Sherman, TX 75092
Book an appointment today.
About
Gray Oak Family Dental offers a wide range of dental services. When you visit the best dentist office, your smile is our top priority. We are committed to serving patients with the care they deserve.
Services
Clear Correct
Dental Veneers
Smile Makeover
Wisdom Teeth
Gum Surgeries
Bone Grafting
Sedation Services
Office
8:00am- 5:00pm