Dr. Sidney Fowler
Dr. Sid Fowler has lived in East Texas all his life. He attended high school in Gilmer, TX in Upshur County. Home of the Buckeyes. Then moved to Nacogdoches to attend Stephen F. Austin State University. He was a fireman and paramedic with the Nacogdoches fire department until he graduated from the university with a biology and chemistry degree. He then attended Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. After graduation he moved to Nacogdoches and opened his own practice. He has practiced in Nacogdoches for 42 years at his office and at 3 of the hospitals. He is a general dentist with special interests in pediatric dentistry and sedation dentistry on adults and children. Other special interests are oral diagnosis and surgical treatment. Dr. Fowler has received special postdoctoral training in craniofacial pain (headaches and TMJ) and body chemistry balancing. In addition, he has been trained in a non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of gum disease. He has traveled to Europe, Central America and South America providing medical and dental relief to underprivileged areas and to Eastern Europe and Caribbean carrying Bibles to countries where it used to be illegal to open a Bible.
Dr. Fowler likes ranching and range management whenever he is not practicing dentistry. He is involved with church activities locally and on an international level.
He has traveled a lot in the past and looks forward to traveling more with his family in the future, especially more outdoor activities involving water sports and hunting.
Also, he is interested in community support and is experienced in underwater, swift water and helicopter rescue efforts with the sheriff’s office.
DR. Gaurav Puri
Born and raised in India, Dr. Gaurav Puri’s journey into dentistry began at Himachal Dental College in Sundernagar, India where he earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2002. It was there that he first witnessed the transformative power of reconstructive procedures, igniting his passion for advanced dentistry and setting him on a path to specialize. His unique background allows him to combine a diverse clinical perspective with the most advanced techniques in reconstructive dentistry.Dr. Puri’s dedication led him to a highly competitive Advanced Education in Prosthodontics residency at Marquette University, where he trained exclusively in complex restorative and implant dentistry for three years. During this specialized training, he honed his skills in procedures such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and full-mouth reconstructions. His commitment to dental excellence was further refined while teaching at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine before he entered private practice.
A philosophy of patient-centered care
Dr. Puri is particularly passionate about helping patients who feel hopeless about their smile. For him, patient care is centered on a philosophy where the patient must always win. This means going beyond simply treating dental problems to restoring confidence and quality of life.
His comprehensive approach to patient care includes:
- Empathy and emotional support: Dr. Puri understands the anxiety and fear that can accompany dental procedures, especially for those with complex cases. He is committed to putting patients at ease and ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience at every step.
- Collaborative treatment planning: Dr. Puri believes in a partnership with his patients, ensuring they are an integral part of their care. For complex issues, he serves as the leader of a multidisciplinary team, coordinating care with other specialists to ensure every aspect of a patient’s dental health is addressed.
- Education and empowerment: He focuses on empowering his patients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their dental health. This includes clear communication about treatment options and a strong emphasis on preventive care to maintain long-term oral health.
- Emphasis on lasting value: Dr. Puri’s work focuses on long-term, durable solutions, not just quick fixes. By addressing the root causes of oral health issues, he ensures his patients receive lasting stability and functionality, protecting their investment and their smile for years to come.
Life beyond the practice
Outside the office, Dr. Puri enjoys trying new BBQ recipes for his family and spending time with his wife, Dr. Dhir, also a prosthodontist, and their two children, Jay and Gia. Dr. Puri and Dr. Dhir, who met in India and married in 2002, are committed to providing world-class dental services in smaller communities across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Once retired, Dr. Puri plans to pursue small-scale organic farming.