Dr. Doray just returned from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where she was teaching a 2-day program for restorative dentists on the planning, placement and restoration of dental implants. This program was sponsored by Biomet 3i, the third largest dental implant company in the world, and oral surgeon Dr. Makepeace Charles. Dr. Doray is the restorative mentor-expert for this group of dentists, assisting them with all phases of treatment of their dental implant patients.

Earlier in April Dr. Doray taught an advanced dental implant program for restorative dentists in Annapolis, MD, sponsored by oral surgeons Drs. Cornelius Sullivan, Cliff Walzer and Borek Hlousek. She will return to continue mentoring that group of dentists in August and October.

Tags: Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Dental Implants, Dental Implants Philadelphia, Philadelphia Denist, Restorative Dentistry

National Nutrition Month is hosted each year in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The purpose of the campaign is to promote healthy eating habits. We all know how important diet and exercise are for a healthy body. But many people forget that what we eat and drink can greatly affect the health of the mouth and appearance of the smile.

Philadelphia dentist Dr. Pamela Doray has outlined the worst food choices and healthiest alternatives for healthy, attractive teeth and gums.

1.  Coffee

No surprise that coffee is on the list of worst foods for teeth, considering that it can lead to stained or discolored teeth. If you enjoy cream and sugar in your coffee or café style coffee drinks, you’re increasing your chances for tooth decay, especially if you sip these drinks throughout the day.

Healthier alternative: If you can’t pass on coffee, try drinking it black or without sugar.  Also try drinking water along with your morning joe. The water will keep you hydrated and promote saliva production which naturally cleans the teeth.

2.  Citrus

Another morning staple is orange juice and citrus fruits. These foods have a combination of acid and sugar which erodes tooth enamel. Another acidic food that can cause problems is the tomato including tomato based sauces and soups.

Healthier alternative: At our Philadelphia dentist office, we advise patients that it’s OK to eat citrus as long as you rinse with water or brush right way. If you can’t do that, consider reaching for an apple instead. Biting and chewing an apple helps to keep teeth clean and bright.

3.  Dried Fruits

Dried fruits may be a healthy food choice, but they’re not the best choice for healthy teeth. Dried fruits are high in sugar plus they’re sticky. This means that they adhere to teeth for a long period of time and promote tooth decay.

Healthier alternative: Fresh fruits are a better choice because they don’t stick to teeth. If you want to keep eating dried fruit, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards or chew on sugar-free gum to trap sticky particles and increase saliva production.

4.  Breath Mints

You may be thinking you’re doing a good thing by sucking on breath mints between meals, but you’re actually exposing your teeth to lots of sugar over a long period of time. The sugar from breath mints and hard candies can also affect dental restorations. Read more about Nick, a 60 year old patient of Dr. Doray who had failing dental work because of a breath mint habit.

Healthier alternative: Instead of mints, chew sugar-free gum. You’ll get fresh breath plus boost saliva production to keep the teeth healthy. Be sure to look for the ADA seal on the packaging.

5.  Starchy Foods

Want another reason to pass on that bag of chips with lunch? Not only do chips and breads get trapped in the contours of the teeth, starch fuels the bacteria in plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Healthier alternative: Nuts are a great alternative. Not only do they promote healthier teeth, but they provide the body with essential minerals and nutrients and help to minimize food cravings.

6.  Soda or other sugared drinks

Last but not least, continual exposure to soda and other sugared drinks causes cavities and can even result in loss of enamel due to erosion. 

Healthier alternative: Plain water is a better choice.  It quenches thirst, hydrates your body, and is safe for your teeth.

Bottom Line

Avoid sugar, eat more fresh foods and drink more water. Visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups and professional teeth cleaning. Dr. Doray recommends visiting at least every six months. Our comprehensive evaluations include a periodontal screening to check for gum disease as well as a thorough examination to look for signs of tooth decay, wear and instability in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Following these simple guidelines will help you not only maintain a healthier lifestyle, but also healthier teeth and gums and a more attractive smile.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Foods for Healthy Teeth, Oral Health, Philadelphia Denist

The Animal Adoption Center, registered as Friends of Camden Animal Shelter (FOCAS), is South Jersey’s only 100% no-kill animal shelter. Our very own dental hygienist, Alison Kless, is a dedicated volunteer. We are supporting her and the Animal Adoption Center’s mission by making a monetary donation for every person who likes our Facebook page in the month of February.

You can help make a difference!

Visit Our Facebook page: facebook.com/drdoray

Click the Like button

That’s It! We’ll keep track of our new Likes and make a donation at the end of February.

About The Animal Adoption Center

The Animal Adoption Center opened in July 1991 in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Since then, the center has taken in and adopted out thousands of companion animals. The organization is funded purely by donations which go to pay for the food, medical care and housing of the animals it rescues.

Mission Statement

To rescue and welcome abandoned and unwanted companion animals in a No-Kill environment.

To shelter, nurture, and support all loving animals until they find their families and can leave us for safe, caring homes.

To give care with compassion.

To gently and lovingly end the suffering of an animal if it is too ill or injured to recover.

To provide spay and neuter services to ensure that our animals cannot create other unwanted animals.

To take our mission out into the community to teach people about humane treatment and kindness toward animals and the importance of spay/neutering.

To be loving and supportive: with the animals, in our community, and to each other.

Learn more about The Animal Adoption Center by visiting animaladoption.com

Tags: Dr. Doray Supports the Animal Adoption Center

We are excited and honored to announce that Dr. Pamela Doray has earned her Accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry! The Accreditation process was long and rigorous, but this achievement is just one more way that Dr. Doray proves her dedication to providing the finest cosmetic restorative and implant dentistry in Philadelphia.

“We congratulate Dr. Pamela Doray for achieving AACD Accreditation,” said Mr. Nelson Rego, CDT, chairperson for AACD Accreditation. “While the Accreditation process is rigorous, it’s the ultimate display of one’s skills and commitment to the field of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Doray has what it takes to tackle the tough cases, and it shows.”

By earning this accolade, Dr. Doray becomes the only Accredited cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia and one of only five in the state of Pennsylvania.

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to improve dental health, esthetics and function.The AACD is comprised of more than 6,300 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide. There are only 350 Accredited members in the world to date. The Accreditation process is recognized internationally as the most advanced credentialing program, involving both a written and oral examination, participation in continuing education courses and events, and the submission of clinical cases for peer-reviewed evaluation.

Dr. Doray had to submit completed case reports and documentation of results on the required case types to demonstrate her excellence in a range of disciplines. These disciplines involve important aspects of cosmetic dentistry including esthetic porcelain restorations, implant tooth replacement and direct resin bonding restorations.

Dr. Doray will join 16 other newly Accredited dental professionals on stage to receive their recognition and award at the AACD annual conference in Seattle on April 24-27, 2013.

Tags: Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Cosmetic Dentistry Philadelphia, Dental Implants Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Restorative Dentistry

Today we have many options for giving you a whiter brighter beautiful smile. One of these options is minimally invasive porcelain veneers.

You may have already heard about Lumineers or other similar treatments. When you have small imperfections in your teeth and whitening or bleaching alone can’t give you the ideal smile you want, minimally invasive porcelain veneers are a wonderful solution.

Unlike conventional porcelain veneers or dental crowns, which are often indicated to solve more involved smile problems, Lumineers require little or sometimes no modification of your natural tooth structure.

Minimally invasive porcelain veneers can be used to:

• Close spaces between teeth
• Repair chipped teeth
• Change the shape or length of teeth
• Improve the color of your teeth

What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a unique type of minimally invasive porcelain veneers. Lumineers are ultra-thin, approximately 0.2mm thick, and highly translucent, giving them a natural appearance.

How long do Lumineers last?
Clinical tests have shown that Lumineers can last for more than 20 years. Whether you choose conventional veneers or minimally invasive porcelain veneers, Dr. Doray will create restorations that will look great, feel natural and last a long time. You can achieve maximum longevity by following up with good hygiene practices at home, a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and inspection.

Are Lumineers reversible?
In some cases, Lumineers and other minimally invasive porcelain veneers are reversible. That is, they can be removed and not require additional restoration of your teeth. This is due to the fact that in most cases very little preparation of natural tooth structure is required in order to place Lumineers or other minimally invasive veneers.

Tags: Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Dentist Office Philadelphia, Lumineers Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Denist, Philadelphia Porcelain Veneeers

Until recent decades, a dental bridge was the standard solution for patients who were missing one or several teeth. While they are designed to look and feel natural, as well as be long lasting, a dental bridge has many drawbacks. Today, dentists are recognizing the importance of a more conservative and permanent treatment for missing teeth and are turning to dental implants as the solution.

Philadelphia dentist, Dr. Pamela G. Doray has been working with dental implants for over 20 years. “A traditional dental bridge may be a bridge to nowhere,” says Dr. Doray. “For most patients, dental implants are the preferred method of treatment because they preserve bone in the jaw, can be flossed easily, do not get cavities and function the same as natural teeth.”

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) estimates that most dental bridges fail within ten years. The primary reason for bridgework failure is  that decay tends to form around the margins of the support teeth. “We typically see decay on the root surfaces below and around bridgework. It is usually impossible to repair marginal decay, so we must replace the entire bridge,” explains Dr. Doray.

Dr. Doray goes on to add that the process for replacing the bridge may even involve extracting the teeth that supported the old bridge. As a result, the patient has not only to deal with the original missing teeth, but the newly missing teeth as well.

A dental implant replaces the actual root of the missing tooth. This allows the prosthetic tooth to function the same as a natural tooth and better preserve the bone in the jaw. Dental implants can be used to replace one, several or an entire set of missing teeth.

Dr. Doray uses the latest computer guided technology to aid in dental implant restoration. This technology has made the procedure faster, more comfortable and highly predictable. Dental implants have a 97-percent success rate, the highest among all types of dental restorations.

“For patients who are missing one or more teeth and considering a dental bridge or for patients who need to replace existing bridgework, we strongly encourage them to explore the option of dental implants,” says Dr. Doray. “Implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. The level of patient satisfaction with their implant restorations is unmatched.”

Tags: Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Dental Implants Philadelphia, Dentist Office Philadelphia

How much do you know about dental implants?  Which of the following statements are true: 

•     A dental implant can replace a missing tooth without involving adjacent teeth.

•     Dental implants can replace two or more missing teeth.

•     Dental implants help to preserve the jaw bone.

•     Dental implant restorations are esthetic and very comfortable.

•     Dental implant technology has improved dramatically in the last decade.

 The answer: ALL of the statements are true!

Brush up on your Dental Implant knowledge. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Dental Implants from Philadelphia dentist Dr. Pamela G Doray:

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dr. Doray offers many types of dental implant systems and prices vary widely depending on the complexity of the case as well as the materials selected. You can expect dental implants to be in the neighborhood of $5000-$7000 per tooth.

Dr. Doray will perform a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your specific situation and provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes associated costs. We offer several flexible payment options for dental implants including interest free financing through Care Credit. learn more

Why is a dental implant often the ideal choice for replacing a missing tooth? 

A dental implant is a single tooth solution for a single tooth problem. While a dental bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, a dental implant can be placed without affecting adjacent teeth.

Because a dental implant is an actual root replacement, it helps to preserve bone which would otherwise be resorbed.

Dental implants can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth by supporting a permanent bridge or denture. Dr. Doray will evaluate your condition, assessing the quality and quantity of bone as well as facial anatomy to determine how many dental implants will need to be placed.

How long does the dental implant process take? 

The process for dental implants ranges from one person to another, but generally takes three to six months from extraction/implantation through final restoration. Learn more about the dental implant process

How does a dental implant work?

A dental implant is made up of three different components:

Implant – The actual implant is a replacement tooth root, most commonly made of titanium. You may be familiar with the concept of hip, knee or other joint replacements and a dental implant is similar in that it replaces the root which is the support structure for the tooth. 

Abutment – An abutment attaches to the implant to connect the dental crown. This is placed on the implant after the implant has integrated into the bone.

Crown – The dental crown functions as the replacement tooth. This can be made from a variety of materials depending on the location of the tooth in the mouth and the aesthetic goals of the patient. Dr. Doray uses a variety of tooth like materials that provide a very natural looking restoration.

Will it hurt?

The implantation is actually a very gentle procedure because working on bone is actually easier than working on teeth. It is a totally pain-free experience and you will be able to return to work immediately following the procedure. It is normal to experience mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off. There will be little or no pain as the dental implant heals and integrates to the bone.

Will I be missing a tooth during the treatment?

Many patients are concerned about the appearance of a missing tooth during treatment, especially those who are missing teeth in the front of the mouth. Dr. Doray offers many options for temporary tooth replacement in the extraction site during the implantation and integration process. 

Dr. Doray will evaluate your condition to determine the best options for your particular dental situation. In some cases, we can provide an ‘immediate loaded’ implant, where a temporary crown is placed at the same time as the implant.

Why Choose Dr. Doray

Dr. Pamela G Doray has been restoring dental implants in Philadelphia since 1986. In addition to her extensive clinical experience with dental implants, she is also an educator with Biomet 3i, the third largest dental implant company in the world. This distinction allows her to teach and mentor dentists who are learning to provide implant care. Dr. Doray has been involved in pilot studies utilizing the latest digital technology in dental implant treatment, and is pleased to offer state-of-the-art implant treatment to her patients. 

If you, or someone you know, might benefit from dental implant treatment, or if you would like more information on dental implants, please call Dr. Doray at 215-772-3100 or e-mail us at info@drdoray.com. 

Tags: Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Dental Implants, Dental Implants Philadelphia, Philadelphia Denist

With Halloween upon us, its easy to be distracted by candy and sugary sweets. Indulging every now and then is fine, but a constant candy habit is bad for teeth – and not just for kids, adults too. Philadelphia dentist Dr. Pamela Doray sheds some light on the effects sugar has on the teeth and the hidden dangers you may not be aware of.

How Sugar Affects Teeth

We’re all aware that too much sugar is bad. Drinking one or two sodas a day can lead to an extra 10 or 15 pounds a year. Also, constant exposure to sugar and starches can cause tooth enamel to break down and wear away, making teeth more prone to cavity formation.

Adults are every bit as likely to get cavities as children. And adults are prone to other serious problems as well. “Patients risk serious damage to teeth and restorations such as crowns and veneers with regular use of sugared candies such as Tic Tac, BreathSavers, LifeSavers, etc.,” says Dr. Doray

Breath Mints = Bad Habit

Nick, a 60 year old patient of Dr. Doray, came to our Center City Philadelphia dental office with a serious problem. In just two years time, several of his dental crowns had begun to fail. Dr. Doray detected decay along the margins where the crown met the natural tooth.

After an examination and consultation with the patient, Dr. Doray determined that a bad habit was causing the problem. Nick was constantly sucking on sugary mints. “The concentrated and frequent sugar dosage to the teeth for someone who uses candies several times a day is significant,” reports Dr. Doray. This prolonged use of seemingly harmless breath mints had caused damage to Nick’s teeth, making his dental work to break down.

Kicking the Habit

It can be very difficult for someone to drop the habit of using candies every day. Using such candies is often a coping mechanism for stress or boredom. If eliminating the habit is not possible, Dr. Doray recommends switching to a sugar-free candy, such as those offered in her reception room. “Patients get the benefit of having something to suck on without causing damage to their teeth,” says Dr. Doray, adding that the candies taste just as good as sugared candies and most people don’t miss their old favorites.

What To Avoid

Sugar is in every human’s diet and is unavoidable. Sugar hides in seemingly safe places, though, like breath mints, flavored waters and even fruit. You can limit your exposure to sugar by avoiding the following:

• Tic-Tac’s
• BreathSavers
• LifeSavers
• Sugared Gums
• Soda
• Sports Drinks
• Flavored Waters

Healthy Alternatives

Dr. Doray recommends the following alternatives to keep teeth and gums healthy:

Water: Drinking water throughout the day is a great idea for your overall health and the health of your mouth. Water helps to wash away bacteria, sugar and starches that form on teeth. Unlike sodas or sports drinks, water doesn’t attack tooth enamel or stick with you after the beverage is gone.

Sugar-free Gum: Chewing gum is a healthy habit, as long as it’s sugar-free. When selecting a chewing gum, check the label for the ADA seal. Most popular brands like Orbit are ADA approved and can help the health of your mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production which helps to neutralize acids caused by bacteria. Gum can also help to remove food debris on the surface of and in between teeth.

Fresh Fruits: Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts is a great way to get your sugar fix and keep teeth healthy. Xylitol is a natural sugar found in trees, fruits and vegetables, thought to fight cavities by interacting with the bacteria found in the mouth.

Brush and Floss: Of course, one of the most important steps is to take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Dr. Doray recommends that you brush at least two times per day and floss once daily.

Tags: Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Local Dentist, Oral Health, Philadelphia Denist

“I was treated like a special friend although I am ‘only’ a patient. Dr. Doray took me in as an emergency and I am beyond pleased with the work thus far…….. I honestly cannot say enough to express to others the quality care and results one receives from this office!!!!! ”

Tags: Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist Philadelphia, Dentist Office Philadelphia, Find a Dentist, Local Dentist, Patient Testimonials, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Dentist

Ten percent of Americans experience daily burning and discomfort associated with heartburn. While heartburn may be a common condition, it certainly isn’t normal and is a frequent symptom of chronic acid reflux, also called gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Chronic acid reflux affects the body in many ways, one that is often overlooked is how teeth are affected by acid. Acid reflux can cause dental erosion, a condition where the tooth enamel dissolves, making them susceptible to damage, discoloration and decay.

What is Acid Reflux and GERD?
Normally, when you swallow, food travels down the esophagus into the stomach where it is digested. A muscle connecting the stomach and esophagus closes to keep food in the stomach and acid out of the esophagus. In someone suffering from acid reflux or GERD, the muscle is weakened, allowing food and stomach acid to travel back into the esophagus. This causes burning in the chest, neck and throat and often leaves an acidic or bitter taste.

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Teeth?
Teeth are covered by a thin layer of tooth enamel, which is highly sensitive to changes in the pH of saliva. Over time, stomach acid can cause tooth enamel to dissolve and erode. Most patients don’t notice damage caused by acid reflux until advanced stages. This is an alarming issue because once tooth enamel is lost, it will not grow back.

Sandra came to Dr. Doray with severe acid erosion damaging nearly all of her teeth. The loss of tooth enamel was significant, dramatically reducing the size of her teeth. Dr. Doray restored Sandra’s smile using porcelain dental crowns.

“I’m so much more confident. No more hand over my mouth when I smile!” – Sandra

Signs that Acid Reflux is Causing Tooth Enamel Loss
Common symptoms of tooth erosion include:

• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold or sweet food and drinks
• Chipped teeth or sharp tooth edges
• Tooth discoloration or darkening of the teeth
• Thinning or shortened teeth, may be recognized as changes in the bite
• Pain or irritation in the mouth
GERD and Acid Reflux Treatment
Acid reflux and GERD should be diagnosed by your physician. Though these are chronic conditions, they can be managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. The following treatments may be helpful:
• Dietary changes to remove trigger foods which often include fried or greasy food, tomato based food, chocolate, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, coffee and alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight, acid reflux and GERD are more common in patients who are overweight or obese
• Drink plenty of water
• Elevate the head of your bed at least 6 inches higher than the foot
While antacids can help to relieve the burning sensation caused by acid reflux, be sure not to overuse these medications as they can also cause dental problems.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
One of the best ways to prevent tooth erosion is to practice healthy dental habits. This should include regular visits to the dentist along with brushing twice daily using a dentin-sensitive toothpaste.

Tooth Erosion Treatment
If your teeth are already affected by dental erosion, your dentist will offer a range of treatment options to repair damage and restore teeth to their optimal health and appearance. Dr. Doray treats patients who have been affected by tooth erosion using porcelain veneers, dental crowns, cosmetic bonding.
If you are suffering from acid reflux or dental erosion as a result of acid reflux and GERD, contact Philadelphia dentist Dr. Doray for a consultation.

Tags: Chronic acid reflux, GERD, severe acid erosion