Make an informed decision on your cosmetic treatments with the help of detailed information, tips and tricks, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Make an informed decision on your sedation treatments with the help of detailed information, tips, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Make an informed decision on your dental implants treatment with the help of detailed information, tips and tricks, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Make an informed decision on your implant-supported dentures treatment with the help of detailed information, tips and tricks, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
If you are in La Mesa, El Cajon, or the greater San Diego area and are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to get immediate dental care in order to preserve your teeth and prevent complications.
Call Espire Dental - Jeff Gray DDS as soon as possible. We may be able to treat your urgent dental issue today!
Your teeth are some of the most durable parts of your body, made of similar materials as your bones. However, despite their strength, they are not indestructible. Over time, your teeth can become damaged, worn, and even infected, just like your bones. Unlike bones, however, teeth are more exposed to daily wear and tear from eating, drinking, and exposure to bacteria, which can lead to serious issues like a toothache or even an abscessed tooth.
If you’ve noticed pain, sensitivity, or discomfort in one or more teeth, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment at our La Mesa dentist office, serving El Cajon and San Diego. Delaying treatment could be the difference between experiencing severe toothache or resolving the issue with minimal pain. In some cases, you may need a root canal to address the problem and save your tooth from further damage or infection
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat infections inside the tooth. When bacteria penetrate through the hard enamel and dentin layers of the tooth and reach the inner pulp, they can cause significant pain and discomfort. This is often the cause of a toothache. Once the infection spreads to the pulp, it becomes necessary to remove the damaged tissue to prevent further complications like an abscessed tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth is carefully removed. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and while it plays a role in tooth development, it is no longer needed once the tooth has fully matured. After the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to ensure no bacteria remain. The tooth is then sealed, often with a dental crown, to protect the tooth from further damage and restore its full function.
Despite their reputation, root canals are not painful. In fact, they are performed to relieve pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth. Many people associate a root canal with the toothache they feel before the procedure, but the actual treatment is designed to eliminate the infection and stop the pain entirely.
Dr. Jeff Gray has extensive experience performing root canals and uses advanced techniques to ensure a comfortable, pain-free experience for his patients. His gentle touch and calm demeanor have helped countless patients overcome their fear of the procedure. After completing the root canal, patients often remark that it was much easier than they expected, and many say it changed their entire perception of the treatment.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal:
Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening pain and infection, possibly resulting in the need for tooth extraction. It's essential to address any discomfort early by visiting our La Mesa office for a checkup.
Here are some of the key benefits of having a root canal:
If you are experiencing any form of toothache or suspect you may have an abscessed tooth, don’t wait to seek treatment. A small discomfort can quickly escalate into severe pain and lead to the need for emergency dental care. At our La Mesa dentist office, we serve patients from El Cajon, San Diego, and beyond. We prioritize patients experiencing dental pain and will make every effort to see you as soon as possible to provide relief.
If you are having dental pain, please call our office today and we will make every effort to see you as quickly as possible!
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
1. What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a type of dental prosthetic anchored securely to dental implants placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, these dentures are attached to implants, providing better stability, comfort, and function.
2. How do implant-supported dentures differ from traditional dentures?
Implant-supported dentures offer superior stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures. They are anchored to dental implants, which stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss, whereas traditional dentures may shift and cause bone resorption over time.
3. Are implant-supported dentures a permanent solution?
Yes, implant-supported dentures are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth replacement. With proper care, they can last many years and are often considered a permanent solution, unlike traditional dentures that may need frequent adjustments or replacements.
4. What are the benefits of choosing All-on-X or All-on-4 for denture implants?
All-on-X and All-on-4 are advanced implant techniques that offer a full arch of replacement teeth supported by just a few implants. These methods provide a stable, cost-effective solution with fewer implants, reduce the need for bone grafting, and offer a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Experience the life-changing benefits of dental implants with a complimentary consultation and 3D scan. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, we craft a precise and personalized treatment plan tailored just for you. Allow our expert team to guide you on your journey to a confident, radiant smile.
*ADA D0802, for patients without insurance
Dental implants are part of an exciting tooth replacement option. You can enjoy many benefits when you decide to anchor your new teeth to these replacement tooth roots. Implant dentistry offers you a:
Missing teeth may affect the way the jaw closes, which can cause bite and jaw joint problems (like TMJ), causing pain and discomfort. Patients with missing teeth often complain of headaches, difficulty in eating, and embarrassment in social and professional settings.
After meeting with Dr. Jeff Gray or Dr. Greg Hurtado to determine if you are a good candidate, the doctor will carefully position the implant in the jawbone, duplicating the stability and strength the natural tooth root would provide. Over a few months the implant will fuse with the jawbone. Then our on-site Master Ceramist, Mike Milner, will create the replacement tooth or crown. Your new tooth is then placed on top of the implant, replicating the beauty and functionality of your natural tooth.
Dental teeth implants are usually an ideal option for our San Diego patients who are in good general oral health but have lost a tooth or teeth due to disease or injury. Teeth implants allow an entirely new set of options for restoring your health, your smile and your confidence.
The cost for dental implants is now more affordable than ever, and Dr. Gray can also help with payment plans and no interest financing to fit almost any budget for those needing tooth replacement.
If you currently have a fixed bridge or removable dentures, dental implants can also be very effective in anchoring these devices, making them secure and comfortable. If you would like to learn more about how dental implants can make your dentures incredibly secure, you can learn more on our Implant Supported Dentures page.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Tooth Implants?
If you are missing teeth and are in good general health, you may be a candidate for dental tooth implants. Having healthy gums and adequate bone to support the tooth implants improves your success rate for dental implants surgery. It also helps if you are free of chronic disease or systemic problems and are a non-smoker. You should realize that regular home care (brushing and flossing) are still needed to care for your tooth implants, and you will want to maintain regular dental check-ups. Dr. Gray can help determine your eligibility for the implant dentistry procedure.
What If I Choose Not to Replace My Lost Teeth?
Missing teeth affect the way the jaw closes and may cause bite and jaw joint problems (like TMJ). The remaining teeth begin to tilt and drift into the gaps. It can become difficult to eat and chew food. Food can become trapped in the spaces, increasing the risk of decay. Over time, the jawbone will disintegrate, making dental restoration difficult or impossible. When teeth are missing, the shape of the face is altered. It is recommended to not wait to restore missing teeth as this prevents much larger dental issues. Missing teeth may also affect your confidence and well-being, potentially interfering with social and professional opportunities.
Are Tooth Implants Expensive?
Dental tooth implants have become very affordable as they have become a very common restoration, however, they may involve investing in your smile and overall health. Dental implants are within reach of most patients. Your cost will be determined by a number of factors involving your bone level and the type of restoration you choose to restore your mouth. Unlike most dental crowns, bridges, or fillings that would probably need to be replaced at least once, dental tooth implants can last a lifetime with proper dental hygiene, and may actually result in a significant savings over a lifetime to our patients. Patients who have completed the process indicate that the improvement in their life and health was well worth the investment and that they would do it again. Dr. Gray’s office in La Mesa can provide you with a variety of payment and financing options.
Will My Insurance Cover Implant Dentistry?
You will need to verify your individual insurance benefits because there is great variation in coverage between dental plans. Portions of the implant dentistry procedure may be covered, but it is likely that the tooth implant itself will not be a covered benefit. While you are at your complimentary implant dentistry consultation appointment at Espire Dental in La Mesa, we can provide you with a variety of payment options to help you fit your new smile into your budget.
Is the Implant Dentistry Procedure Painful?
As with any surgical procedure, there can be some minor discomfort with implant dentistry. Local anesthesia and even sedation can be used during the procedure to keep you very comfortable. The vast majority of patients report that they have minimal discomfort the day after the tooth implants are placed and most are amazed that they feel so normal. Dr. Gray may prescribe pain medication for use following the implant dentistry procedure, and he encourages patients to stay in contact should they become uncomfortable afterwards.
Will I Have to Miss Work to Get Dental Tooth Implants?
Most people are able to comfortably return to work the day after receiving dental tooth implants, and many people return the same day. The new advanced implant dentistry techniques used by Dr Gray are often non-surgical, so many patients do not even require sutures.
How Long Does the Implant Dentistry Treatment Take?
For the placement of most tooth implants, the office appointment time is under 2 hours. Implants normally take just 6 weeks to integrate or “connect” to the bone, at which time we can restore your new teeth in another appointment.
What Is the Implant Dentistry Success Rate?
Dental tooth implants are among the most successful dental procedures performed. While there is no guarantee that an implant dentistry procedure will be successful, recent studies have shown the success rate near 95%. Tooth implants have been used for several decades. When properly cared for by the patient through brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams, they can last a lifetime.
Damaged or Missing Teeth?
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in La Mesa Today with Dr. Gray or Dr. Hurtado! If you have lost confidence interacting with others or have difficulty biting or chewing due to damaged or missing teeth. Let us help take away your worry and bring back joy to your life once again. Our practice has helped hundreds of patients with tooth replacement using dental implant surgery. Don't put off living your best life any longer! Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeff Gray or Dr. Greg Hurtado at our La Mesa office today.
Our dentists and caring team will answer your questions, help determine your needs, and suggest the best solution for your oral health. Give us a call to schedule your free dental implant consultation today. We proudly serve patients in La Mesa, El Cajon, San Diego and beyond, and we look forward to serving you. You will be living your best life again soon!
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
Sedation dentistry allows you to comfortably undergo every procedure, from a simple cleaning to extensive treatment. For those with severe dental anxiety, dental sedation can be the answer to receiving the dental care you need. One of the additional benefits of dental sedation is that the medicine has an amnesia quality, which, for most patients, tends to prevent almost any memory of the visit. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry” because of this and its other pleasant effects.
Understandably, many who first learn of dental sedation have questions about the safety of the procedure as well as the actual technical details of how dental sedation works.
At Espire Dental in La Mesa, we offer several methods of sedation dentistry, including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. Both options have an outstanding record of success and safety.
Dr. Gray has successfully administered sedation dentistry for over 5,000 cases in the La Mesa/ San Diego community. That should give you a little comfort when considering dental sedation.
Oral conscious sedation has been employed for years and has a great track record of success. This dental sedation option can be administered in pill form or under the tongue for rapid absorption. Patients love oral conscious sedation dentistry because it is fast-acting, comfortable, and effective.
It truly is remarkable that dental technological advances, including dental sedation, have brought us to the point where even those with severe dental phobia can get the high-quality dental treatments they need to achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
With our New Patient Special we offer Oral sedation at no additional charge (some limitations apply).
We also offer IV sedation with a Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologist for those patients who want to be totally out or have medical conditions that would require this for their health or safety. The IV sedation does have a fee that would be discussed prior to a visit. Dr Gray and Dr Hurtado are happy to help the patient decide which might be the best choice for them based on their specific situation.
At Espire Dental – Jeff Gray, DDS, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive oral care tailored to individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive challenges. This specialized approach recognizes that patients with special needs may experience heightened anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulties with communication, which can make traditional dental visits challenging. To address these concerns, sedation dentistry plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and stress-free environment. By incorporating sedation options, special needs dentistry ensures that patients can receive the necessary care without the overwhelming feelings often associated with dental procedures.
In special needs dentistry, sedation is not just about comfort; it's about accessibility and safety. Sedation dentistry allows our La Mesa dentists to perform even the most complex treatments with ease, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their individual challenges, have access to high-quality dental care. This approach not only enhances the patient’s experience but also provides reassurance to caregivers, knowing that their loved one is being treated with the utmost care and consideration. Through the integration of sedation techniques, our special needs dentistry makes it possible for every patient to maintain oral health in a supportive and understanding environment.
Dental sedation is a phenomenal option for many people and has its place and purpose. Though we have had great success with dental sedation and a proven track record of safety, dental sedation is not for everyone. We usually offer dental sedation to two main groups of people in the San Diego vicinity.
Many people have a deep fear of the dentist and have struggled with it for years. These people often have neglected smiles because they have put off going to the dentist due to fear of pain or the “normal” dental treatment.
Many of our older dental sedation patients had traumatic dental experiences in their earlier years before modern dental technology brought speed and comfort in dental treatments up to where it is today. Horror stories of terrible root canals, extractions, drillings, etc. haunt people and cause a deep fear of the dentist.
This fear has often followed them into their later years and prevents them from regularly seeing the dentist for needed dental work. As a result, patients procrastinate getting needed hygiene and maintenance, leading to larger and more expensive treatments down the road.
Younger people experience dental anxiety as well. Whether it’s fear of needles, feeling trapped, not trusting a previous dentist, etc. dental sedation can help remove the fear of the dentist, so you can get the dental care you need at our La Mesa dentist office.
If you fit in either category, dental sedation may be just the solution you need. Imagine actually feeling relaxed at the dentist. Even if you have the most acute dental anxiety, dental sedation can help you. You may just be amazed at how effective it is.
Yes, we have a few busy people in San Diego. We often have new patients that just don’t have the time to receive more extensive dental treatment spread out over a lengthy period. For those in this category, sedation dentistry enables you to receive needed extensive dental treatment all in one visit.
The ability to perform multiple dental procedures at once helps our busy patients save time and frustration as we improve their dental health. This is just one more remarkable thing that sedation dentistry can do for our patients!
Your comfort is our priority. Experience a relaxing dental visit with our free sedation service, designed to ease any anxiety or discomfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and let us take care of the rest, ensuring a soothing and stress-free experience from start to finish.
*ADA D9248, see office for details.
The process of getting a CEREC crown is both efficient and comfortable. Here’s how it works:
If you’re looking for a fast, effective, and beautiful way to restore your smile, CEREC one-visit crowns are the ideal choice. Whether you’re dealing with a broken tooth, an old crown that needs replacing, or other dental issues, this advanced solution provides lasting results in a single visit.
Get your CEREC crown today and experience the convenience of same-day crowns in La Mesa, El Cajon, and San Diego! Call Espire Dental today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jeff Gray or Dr. Greg Hurtado. Your dream smile is just one visit away!
If you prefer the convenience of whitening your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we offer custom-made teeth whitening trays that fit snugly over your teeth. These trays are designed to hold the whitening gel in place while ensuring even distribution across all surfaces of your teeth. Our dentists will provide you with a supply of professional-grade teeth bleaching gel to use with your custom trays.
At-home tooth whitening typically takes between 7-14 days to achieve the desired results, with most patients noticing a difference within the first few applications. Unlike over-the-counter products, our custom trays are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly, reducing the risk of irritation to your gums and ensuring the most effective results.
Both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options have their benefits, and the best choice depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and the level of whitening you desire. In-office teeth bleaching offers fast, dramatic results in just one visit, making it an ideal choice for individuals who want to see immediate improvements. On the other hand, at-home tooth whitening is a more gradual process, allowing you to whiten your teeth on your own schedule.
Dr. Gray and Dr. Hurtado can help you determine which teeth whitening option is right for you during your consultation at our La Mesa office. Whether you're in El Cajon, San Diego, or surrounding areas, we’ll ensure that your teeth bleaching treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to achieve a brighter, more radiant smile, contact our La Mesa office today! We proudly serve patients from El Cajon, San Diego, and beyond. Let us help you achieve the white teeth you’ve always dreamed of with our professional teeth whitening treatments.
Call Espire Dental in La Mesa and start your journey to a perfect smile today!
We offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments to help you ahieve your perfect smile. Our skilled team utilizes advanced technology and techniques to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.
For those looking to brighten their smile. we offer professional teeth whitening services that deliver fast and noticeable results. Our in-office whitening treatments can lighten your teeth by several shades, making them appear cleaner and healthier in record time.
Learn More About Teeth WhiteningIf you want to straighten your teeth without the hassle of braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign®️ are a great option. These clear braces will gradually move your teeth into alignment, offering a virtually invisible solution to straightening crooked teeth.
Learn More About InvisalignFor a flawless smile, porcelain veneers are a great choice. Veneers can cover imperfections like chips, gaps, and discoloration. Made of thin, durable ceramic, they are bonded to the front of our teeth, creating a stunning smile transformation in just a few visits.
Learn More About Porcelain VeneersDamaged teeth can be restored quickly, thanks to same-day crowns. Using modern CEREC technology, we can create and place a custom crown in just one visit, making it easier than ever to protect your teeth
Learn More About Same-Day CrownsIf you're missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone and topped with custom crowns, giving you a fully restored and functional smile.
Learn More About Dental ImplantsFor smaller cavities or minor damage, tooth-colored fillings and dental bonding can seamlessly repair your teeth. These minimally invasive procedures restore both function and appearance, blending perfectly with your natural teeth.
Learn More About Fillings & Tooth BondingCosmetic dentistry goes beyond mere aesthetics; it has the power to transform lives by improving your confidence, appearance, oral health, and overall well-being! Call our La Mea office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff Gray or Dr. Greg Hurtado—two of San Diego's Top Dentists, serving La Mesa, El Cajon, and the greater San Diego area. See how our years of cosmetic dental experience can transform your smile into a beautiful work of art!
Schedule a cosmetic consultation with us today!
Achieving your dream smile is easy! Connect with us today and get all of your questions answered for free in three easy steps.
1. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign, and dental implants to create a more attractive smile.
2. How long does it take to see results from cosmetic dentistry?
Depending on the procedure, you can see results in as little as one visit. For example, teeth whitening shows immediate results, while procedures like Invisalign may take several months.
3. Are cosmetic procedures painful?
Most cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive and relatively painless. We use advanced techniques and local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during treatments.
4. How do I know if cosmetic dentistry is right for me?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or have functional issues that need correcting, cosmetic dentistry can be a great option. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best treatments for you.