Thank You for Your Interest
in Currituck Dental
We’re so glad you’re here. At Currituck Dental, we believe great dentistry starts with great relationships—and we’re honored you’re considering joining our dental family.
As a locally owned practice, we’re proud to serve our community with a focus on comfort and kindness, clinical excellence, and providing care for all. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a fresh start, or simply want a more gentle and personal dental experience, we’re honored to be considered and think you’re in the right place.
We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors and show you what makes Currituck Dental a little different—in the best way.
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, 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!
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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Dear New Patient,
We’re so glad you’ve scheduled your first appointment with us at Currituck Dental! In our practice, everything we do is guided by three core values:
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Comfort and Kindness — We treat every patient with the same gentle care we’d want for our own families.
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Clinical Excellence — We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, high-quality results.
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Close to Home, Care for All — As a proud part of the Currituck community, we’re here for every smile—young and old, simple and complex.
Part of making a great first impression is giving you a clear idea of what you can expect at your first visit with us, which we believe is a critical part of laying the foundation of a wonderful doctor-patient relationship.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
A Warm Welcome
From the moment you walk through our doors, our friendly team will be here to greet you and answer any questions. If you haven’t already completed your new patient forms, we’ll help you get started when you arrive.
Getting to Know You
This visit is all about you. We’ll talk through your dental and medical history, any concerns you may have, and your personal goals for your smile. We believe great care starts with understanding you—not just your teeth.
A Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Gray will perform a gentle, thorough exam and take any necessary X-rays or even a 3D photographic scan of your mouth to get a complete picture of your oral health. These tools give us the advanced information we need to create a care plan that’s just right for you.
Why We Usually Don’t Clean Teeth at the First Visit
Because every smile is unique, we take time to fully understand your needs before starting treatment—even routine cleanings. One of our excellent dental hygienists will complete a periodontal assessment to establish a baseline for your gingival health and the effectiveness of your personal oral hygiene. This allows us to match you with the right frequency and type of cleaning and ensure you receive the best care possible, whether it’s a standard cleaning or something more specialized. In most cases, we’ll schedule your cleaning for a follow-up visit after your initial exam.
Next Steps & Questions
Before you leave, we’ll review any findings, answer your questions, and go over your recommended care plan. We want you to feel fully informed and confident every step of the way.
Helpful Tips Before You Arrive:
Bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking
Bring your dental insurance card (if applicable)
Arrive 10–15 minutes early if you need to complete forms
Call us with any questions—we’re always happy to help! We’re honored to care for your smile and can’t wait to welcome you into the Currituck Dental family.
About the Experience
What advice can you give to people who feel anxious about going to the dentist?
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Before walking in for your appointment, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing or other forms of meditation to calm your nerves. Dr. Gray is a religious person, so for him a brief personal prayer is always a source of inner strength.
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A lot of people seem to be anxious from the noise. Wearing earbuds and listening to a podcast, audiobook, or favorite album seems to put a lot of people at ease. We can stream a favorite TV show or movie as long as you keep it family friendly.
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Have a frank discussion with your dentist about your anxiety and other ways to alleviate your discomfort. Don’t be shy about telling us if you are nervous; we understand!
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For more serious anxiety, there’s nothing shameful about recognizing that you need pharmacological help to make it through your treatment. We don’t offer IV sedation or laughing gas in our clinic, but we would be more than happy to connect you with some excellent sedation providers in the area who can help you. Asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
About the Money
Most likely! We work with many PPO dental insurance plans and are happy to check your specific coverage before your visit. Just share your insurance info with us, and we’ll take care of the behind-the-scenes legwork to help verify your coverage and obtain some general knowledge about your policy and its limits.
That said, whether we’re in-network or not, it’s always a good idea to be informed about the details of your particular plan. We care for a lot of wonderful patients and do our best to stay up to speed—but when it comes to the fine print of your policy, you’ll always be your own best advocate. It’s important to be educated about what your plan covers, what it doesn’t, and what your out-of-pocket responsibility might be so that you can be more confident and in control of your care.
We’re here to help, explain, and guide—but when it comes to navigating the insurance maze, you’re the hero of that story.
Ah, the ever-frustrating insurance mystery! They’ve mastered the ability to maximize profits while minimizing the payment of promised benefits. The truth is, dental insurance isn’t really insurance at all. It’s more like a discount plan. And each carrier often has its own way of deciding what they’ll cover—and sometimes, that doesn’t always align with what we think is best for your smile. Some procedures may not be covered because they’re considered “cosmetic” or “preventive,” even though they’re crucial for your long-term oral health. Others might be excluded because the insurance company’s policy isn’t up-to-date with the latest dental advancements (we know, we wish they could get as excited about new treatments as we do!). Just remember, we follow the science. Insurance companies follow, well, something else.
We understand that navigating insurance can feel like decoding a secret language, so don’t worry—we’re here to help you understand your benefits and explore alternatives if needed.
And remember, doing nothing is always an option. But sometimes, investing in a procedure today can save you big-time on future treatment. We’ll work with you to find the best path forward, insurance coverage or not!
We wish! If you’d ever caught a glimpse of the old Honda Dr. Gray drives to work every day, you would know he definitely doesn’t have a boat.
Dentistry can seem expensive because there's a lot that goes into doing it well: the cost of high-quality materials, advanced technology, continuing education, safety protocols, lab work, and an incredible team who makes it all run smoothly. We invest in all of that so your care is comfortable, precise, and built to last.
That said, Dr. Gray never makes treatment recommendations based on cost. He makes them based on people—your unique needs, values, and what’s right for your health. That’s why when people ask him how much something costs, he usually doesn’t know the answer.
Whether it’s a simple filling or a full mouth reconstruction, we’re here to guide you, not pressure you. We’ll always be transparent about pricing, help you understand your options, and support whatever decision makes the most sense for you.
(And if Dr. Gray ever gets a boat, it’ll be after a long, long time of packing his own lunch.)
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, 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.
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.
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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About Dr. Gray
Dr. Gray’s age is a bit of a mystery—some say he’s a time traveler from the future, others say he’s just really good at staying young at heart. We can tell you this: He’s young enough to bring fresh ideas and energy to the practice, but experienced enough to have earned his place as one of the top dentists around. So, he’s kind of like a fine wine—aged just right for dentistry!
Shockingly, yes. Challenge him at your own risk.
That would be the real boss—Brittany Gray. Every color, every plant, every cozy touch is thanks to her eye for design and heart for hospitality. She wanted the office to feel more alive and fun than a medical space, and we think she nailed it.
So if you find yourself feeling relaxed in the waiting room or admiring the vibe mid-cleaning—you’ve got Brittany to thank. Dr. Gray may handle the teeth, but she makes the place beautiful.
But here’s the fun part: it’s never finished. Brittany’s always dreaming, rearranging, and adding new touches. So keep coming back—you’ll see this place slowly transforming into something that truly reflects the heart of Currituck. She’d also love to connect with other artists and creatives to keep growing the artistic flavor of our community.
Comfort & Kindness
At Currituck Dental, Comfort and Kindness means treating every patient like a neighbor and every visit like a chance to ease fears, not cause them. We prioritize a gentle touch, a listening ear, and a welcoming space where you feel genuinely cared for. Because to us, kindness isn't extra—it's essential.