Comprehensive Dental Care
for the Whole Family
At Currituck Dental, we’re proud to offer a full range of dental services designed to support every stage of life—from your child’s first checkup to advanced care for adult smiles. No matter your needs, you can expect treatment that’s gentle, personalized, and focused on lasting health.
We also introduce digital dentistry at every opportunity, using 3D digital scanning to enhance comfort, precision, and results across many of our treatments. That means saying goodbye to old-fashioned, goopy impressions that make you gag—our technology makes the process faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than ever.
And because quality matters, we partner with high-quality dental labs and use trusted materials to create results that not only look beautiful, but truly last.
Preventive Care
Routine exams, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants to keep your smile healthy and strong.
There’s no such thing as just a cleaning or just a check-up. Thorough, evidence-based, and forward thinking preventative care is at heart of establishing good oral health. Every visit is a chance to protect your health, catch small issues early, and keep your smile strong for the long haul. With personalized care and a focus on prevention, we help stay ahead of problems before they start and enjoy a healthier, happier mouth—without the stress.
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore function and confidence.
The best providers have the ability to make complex ideas and treatment options easier to understand and embrace, all while executing that treatment in a way that makes even the the most challenging cases feel routine. That's what we strive for. Whether it’s a filling, a crown, or a denture, we use predictable, proven methods and high-quality materials and labs to restore your teeth to their best function and appearance. This area of dentistry can have the greatest variation in opinion among professionals, but we believe in an evidence-based, scientifically proven approach. We take the time to explain your options clearly, so you can make informed decisions that you can feel good about—ensuring your restorations not only look great but truly last.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth whitening, bonding, and custom smile enhancements to help you love your smile.
At Currituck Dental, we believe our best selves are our most natural, authentic selves. Our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to enhance your smile in a way that looks and feels true to who you are. Whether it’s brightening your teeth, reshaping a tooth, or closing gaps, we focus on subtle improvements that complement your unique features—so you can smile confidently, knowing you’re showcasing your best, natural self.
ClearCorrect Aligners
A comfortable and discreet way to straighten your teeth using clear, removable aligners.
ClearCorrect aligners offer a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. These custom-made, nearly invisible trays gently shift your teeth into place, helping you achieve your best, natural smile. Short, periodic visits and digital dentistry allow you to experience this transformation largely from the comfort of your own home, while maintaining the confidence of knowing your treatment is overseen by a talented professional.
Dental Implants
Modern, long-lasting tooth replacement options for a natural look and feel.
Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re securely anchored into your jaw, offering a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. With dental implants, you can restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile, and enjoy a durable,
comfortable result that feels just like your own teeth.
If traditional dentures have ever felt loose, uncomfortable, or just not quite right—you’re not alone. Implant-retained dentures offer a secure, long-term solution by anchoring your denture to dental implants. That means no more slipping, no messy adhesives, and a bite that feels strong and natural. For many, it’s a total game-changer—bringing back the freedom to eat what you love and smile without worry.
Tooth Extractions & Emergency Dentistry
When needed, we provide safe and comfortable extractions, including prompt attention for toothaches, injuries, or urgent dental concerns.
Toothaches hurt. We get it. If a tooth is beyond saving, extraction may be the best way to relieve your pain and prevent further issues. Dr. Gray is very skilled at performing extractions with a gentle touch, often surprising patients with how comfortable the experience can be. Nothing gives him greater satisfaction than seeing a patient's relief that the trouble is behind them and that healing and happier days are ahead.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea, helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
Snoring a lot? Waking up tired even after a full night’s sleep? You might be dealing with sleep apnea—a condition where breathing briefly stops during sleep. The good news? We offer the Silent Nite appliance, a small, custom mouthpiece that helps keep your airway open so you can sleep (and breathe) better. It’s comfy, quiet, and often a great alternative to a CPAP machine."
TMJ & Bite Therapy
Solutions for jaw pain, grinding, and bite-related issues.
If you're dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or clenching, an occlusal guard can help relieve the pressure and protect your teeth. The best part? We can create a custom guard for you quickly and painlessly using advanced 3D intraoral scanning—no goopy impressions needed. These appliances not only help restore balance to your bite, but they’ll also preserve the function and aesthetics of your smile for a lifetime, saving you tremendously on future dental costs.
Our Services Include:
Our Services Include:
Preventive Care
Routine exams, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants to keep your smile healthy and strong.
There’s no such thing as just a cleaning or just a check-up. Thorough, evidence-based, and forward thinking preventative care is at heart of establishing good oral health. Every visit is a chance to protect your health, catch small issues early, and keep your smile strong for the long haul. With personalized care and a focus on prevention, we help stay ahead of problems before they start and enjoy a healthier, happier mouth—without the stress.
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore function and confidence.
The best providers have the ability to make complex ideas and treatment options easier to understand and embrace, all while executing that treatment in a way that makes even the the most challenging cases feel routine. That's what we strive for. Whether it’s a filling, a crown, or a denture, we use predictable, proven methods and high-quality materials and labs to restore your teeth to their best function and appearance. This area of dentistry can have the greatest variation in opinion among professionals, but we believe in an evidence-based, scientifically proven approach. We take the time to explain your options clearly, so you can make informed decisions that you can feel good about—ensuring your restorations not only look great but truly last.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth whitening, bonding, and custom smile enhancements to help you love your smile.
At Currituck Dental, we believe our best selves are our most natural, authentic selves. Our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to enhance your smile in a way that looks and feels true to who you are. Whether it’s brightening your teeth, reshaping a tooth, or closing gaps, we focus on subtle improvements that complement your unique features—so you can smile confidently, knowing you’re showcasing your best, natural self.
ClearCorrect Aligners
A comfortable and discreet way to straighten your teeth using clear, removable aligners.
ClearCorrect aligners offer a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. These custom-made, nearly invisible trays gently shift your teeth into place, helping you achieve your best, natural smile. Short, periodic visits and digital dentistry allow you to experience this transformation largely from the comfort of your own home, while maintaining the confidence of knowing your treatment is overseen by a talented professional.
Dental Implants
Modern, long-lasting tooth replacement options for a natural look and feel.
Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re securely anchored into your jaw, offering a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. With dental implants, you can restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile, and enjoy a durable,
comfortable result that feels just like your own teeth.
If traditional dentures have ever felt loose, uncomfortable, or just not quite right—you’re not alone. Implant-retained dentures offer a secure, long-term solution by anchoring your denture to dental implants. That means no more slipping, no messy adhesives, and a bite that feels strong and natural. For many, it’s a total game-changer—bringing back the freedom to eat what you love and smile without worry.
Tooth Extractions & Emergency Dentistry
When needed, we provide safe and comfortable extractions, including prompt attention for toothaches, injuries, or urgent dental concerns.
Toothaches hurt. We get it. If a tooth is beyond saving, extraction may be the best way to relieve your pain and prevent further issues. Dr. Gray is very skilled at performing extractions with a gentle touch, often surprising patients with how comfortable the experience can be. Nothing gives him greater satisfaction than seeing a patient's relief that the trouble is behind them and that healing and happier days are ahead.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea, helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
Snoring a lot? Waking up tired even after a full night’s sleep? You might be dealing with sleep apnea—a condition where breathing briefly stops during sleep. The good news? We offer the Silent Nite appliance, a small, custom mouthpiece that helps keep your airway open so you can sleep (and breathe) better. It’s comfy, quiet, and often a great alternative to a CPAP machine.
TMJ & Bite Therapy
Solutions for jaw pain, grinding, and bite-related issues.
If you're dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or clenching, an occlusal guard can help relieve the pressure and protect your teeth. The best part? We can create a custom guard for you quickly and painlessly using advanced 3D intraoral scanning—no goopy impressions needed. These appliances not only help restore balance to your bite, but they’ll also preserve the function and aesthetics of your smile for a lifetime, saving you tremendously on future dental costs.
Giving Our Patients the Best Outcomes
At Currituck Dental, we also believe that the best outcomes come from a team-oriented, interdisciplinary approach to care. We’ve worked hard to build strong, trusted relationships with some of the most talented dental specialists in our area to connect our patients with when needed so that—together—we can deliver the very best care possible for every patient we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully not! Our goal is nope. Dr. Gray’s whole thing is making dental care as gentle as humanly (and dentist-ly) possible. But if you're nervous, we totally get it. He’s made it his life’s work to create a gentler, more comfortable dental experience—and that means we take pain management seriously. Whether it’s numbing gel before we numb you (yes, that’s a thing), taking things slow, or using techniques and technology that minimize discomfort, we’re all about keeping you comfortable.
We know dental anxiety is real. If you’re nervous, tell us—we’ll listen. We can talk you through it and have very kind eyes. Bottom line: we care about your comfort as much as your teeth.
And if you’re especially brave, we might even give you an honorary sticker. No promises—but we’re very proud of you already.
We’re just glad you’re here. No judgment. No lectures. Just a fresh start and a team who’s genuinely happy to see you. And you’re not the only one who’s put it off. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help, not shame.
Yes—but maybe skip the garlic knots, unless you really want to test our kindness.
Well, technically... yes, we can remove all your teeth and give you dentures, but that's usually not our first choice. Your natural teeth are designed to be strong, resilient, and customized just for you. Removing them is a big step and not something we’d do unless absolutely necessary. The real goal is to save your teeth—through fillings, crowns, or other treatments—because keeping your natural teeth is the best way to preserve bone health, chewing function, and your smile's natural fit.
Dentures are a replacement for no teeth. They’ll never be a replacement for teeth, even imperfect ones. They will never offer the same support and functionality as your real teeth. They can sometimes lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. So, unless we’re in the “emergency extraction” zone, we’ll do everything we can to help you keep your teeth in place and working like the little superheroes they are.
If you experience a sharp zing from cold drinks or sweet treats, your teeth might be trying to tell you something. Sensitivity usually happens when the protective layer of enamel gets worn down or your gums recede, exposing the sensitive inner layer called dentin. That dentin has tiny tubes that lead straight to the nerve, so hot, cold, sweet, or even a gust of wind can feel like a mini lightning bolt.
So what can you do? Quite a bit, actually!
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Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth— they contain compounds like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride that help block those tiny nerve channels.
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Avoid acidic foods and drinks (like soda and citrus) that can wear enamel down faster.
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Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush—your teeth don’t need scrubbing like a casserole dish.
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Fluoride treatments in our office can help strengthen enamel and calm those nerves.
If sensitivity sticks around, it could be a sign of a deeper issue like a crack, cavity, or grinding habit—so let’s take a look and make a plan. You deserve to enjoy ice cream without flinching.
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Dental Treatments
We totally get it—a “deep cleaning” sounds intense, and you might be wondering why you can’t just get the usual polish and go. The answer lies beneath the surface—literally. Scaling and root planing is recommended when there’s a significant buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and the gums have started to pull away from the teeth (this is called periodontal disease).
A regular cleaning is great for maintaining healthy gums, but once gum disease sets in, we need to get a bit more serious. Believe it or not, studies have shown us that an adult prophy (regular cleaning) in the presence of active disease actually makes the situation worse. Think of it like trying to mop the floor when there’s a mess under the rug—you’ve got to lift it up and clean underneath to really fix the problem. Scaling and root planing helps reduce inflammation, remove harmful bacteria, and give your gums a chance to reattach to your teeth.
And here's something important: we have an ethical responsibility to recommend the right treatment. We can't just "turn the other cheek" and ignore active disease—we’re here to help you heal, not just to check boxes.
The good news? It’s a very common and effective treatment, and we’ll make it as gentle and comfortable as possible. Your gums may not send you a thank-you card, but they’ll definitely appreciate the care.
Ah, fluoride—the dental hero your teeth never knew they needed. We’re big fans of fluoride at Currituck Dental. Why? Because we love science. Here’s the truth: fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel by encouraging the remineralization process, helping to repair early stages of tooth decay before it turns into a cavity. It also makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and food, keeping your teeth stronger and healthier in the long run— even if you accidentally bite into ice cream with a little too much enthusiasm.
But don’t worry—we’re not here to push fluoride on you. If it’s not your thing, that’s totally cool. We’ll work with you to find the best approach for your dental health, whether that means adjusting your routine or using other methods to protect your teeth. Your smile, your rules. We’re just here to make sure you have all the info to make an informed decision.
We understand that questions about tongue and lip ties can be emotional and urgent. When your new baby has difficulty feeding, the anxiety, frustration and disappointment can feel overwhelming. But there are many nonsurgical ways to make your breastfeeding experience positive and successful, and we feel it's important for all moms to know that.
A very small percentage of babies are born with a bundle of tissue connecting the tip of their tongue to the bottom of their mouth. In select cases, it may be beneficial for these tongue ties to be released. However, scientific research shows that the majority of tongue ties are harmless, and snipping them rarely has a real effect on the baby’s ability to breastfeed. Thankfully, more and more pediatricians are noting that tongue-tie procedures are being pushed at an unnecessary rate.
While these procedures can be helpful in specific cases, we believe it’s important to approach each child with a whole-health perspective. We don’t frequently recommend tongue and lip tie releases (also called frenectomies) for infants and young children unless we see clear, functional issues that cannot be resolved with gentler or more conservative approaches. Many times, challenges with nursing, bottle feeding, or speech may have multiple contributing factors. That’s why we often suggest working closely with a team—including pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other qualified experts—before jumping to surgery. Our goal is always to support families with honest, evidence-based guidance and a commitment to doing only what’s truly necessary. If we do believe a procedure is the right step, we’ll refer you to trusted specialists who prioritize both precision and compassion in care.
Great question! The short answer: sometimes, yes, a filling will do. But when a tooth is seriously damaged or weakened, a crown might be the best option. Think of a filling like a Band-Aid for your tooth—it’s great for small repairs. But if the tooth is cracked, weakened, or needs a lot of rebuilding, a crown is like giving it a full-body armor upgrade. It covers the tooth entirely, providing extra strength and protection so it can keep doing its job (i.e., chewing everything from pizza to popcorn).
We’ll always explain why we think a crown might be necessary and give you the full science behind it. If it’s just a minor issue, we can stick with a filling. But if we suggest a crown, it’s because we want to make sure your tooth lasts for the long haul, staying strong and healthy for years to come.
Well, the exact lifespan of your dental work depends on a few things—like the type of treatment, how well you care for it, and just how tough your teeth are. For example, fillings might last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, while crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years if you’re giving them the TLC they deserve.
It’s kind of like your car—if you take care of it, it’ll run smoothly for a long time. But if you treat your teeth like a demolition derby car (lots of chewing ice, biting pens, or avoiding regular check-ups), things might wear down a little faster.
We’ll give you all the info on how to make your dental work last longer, and if you ever need repairs or touch-ups, we’ve got your back.
Bottom line: treat your teeth with respect, and they’ll keep working hard for you!
Absolutely—and you’re not alone in feeling that way. Many people struggle with traditional dentures that feel loose, bulky, or uncomfortable. The good news is: yes, there’s something you can do.
Implant-retained dentures can be a life-changing upgrade. Instead of relying on suction or adhesives, your denture is securely anchored to dental implants placed in your jaw. That means:
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No slipping or shifting
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A slimmer, more comfortable fit (less bulk = less gagging)
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More confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling
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And yes—you can enjoy a sandwich again.
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Because they require fewer implants than non-removable options, they can also be a more financially attainable solution for many patients—while still providing fantastic support, stability, and function. We’d be happy to walk you through what’s possible and help you decide if implant-retained dentures are a good fit for you. You deserve to feel good about your smile and your meals.
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Clinical Excellence
At Currituck Dental, Clinical Excellence is the perfect harmony of art, science, and technology. From precise diagnostics to beautifully crafted restorations, we focus on quality that lasts and care you can trust. It’s about earning your confidence through skill, integrity, and attention to detail.