Dentistry

An important measure of periodontal (gum) health is the depth of the pocket around each tooth. The top of gum tissue does not attach directly to teeth. There is a space of pocket between the gum and the tooth before it attaches. This space or pocket deepens in the presence of gum disease. To monitor and evaluate gum health, the pocket depth must be measured, recorded, and monitored over time.

Many diseases are not obvious without testing. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels must be measured in order to be evaluated. Similarly, periodontal disease needs to be measured by pocket depth around each tooth.

The pocket depths are compared to see if gum health is improving, maintaining, or getting worse. Gum disease is sometimes called “the sneak thief of teeth.” You may not know you have it until it is too late. People may assume their gums are fine because “they don’t hurt,” but if the pockets haven’t been measured, you can’t be for sure. The dentists and hygienists at McCarl Dental Group work to monitor these levels closely for each patient in our Greenbelt and Millersville, MD dental offices.

In a healthy mouth, a pocket can be anywhere from 1-3 millimeters deep. To measure a pocket we use a periodontal probe. The probe allows us to measure in millimeters from the top of the pocket to the bottom of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket is the area where the tissue is connected through ligaments to the root.
This measurement is taken very gently and causes no damage to the delicate gum tissue.

When a tooth has periodontal disease, this tissue becomes detached past 3mm deep. Under 3mm deep a pocket is considered healthy, while 4mm or deeper it is considered unhealthy. When connective tissue loss occurs, it is also a sign that there is bone loss. By our hygienists and dentists measuring the periodontal pockets regularly, we can monitor bone and tissue attachment levels. These measurements should be taken once or twice a year, or more often in patients with active or previous periodontal disease.

The recordings taken during periodontal probing are recorded onto a chart. There are 6 measurements taken for each tooth, 3 on the facial side and 3 on the tongue side. By monitoring the recordings against each other, the dentists and hygienists at our dental offices in Millersville and Greenbelt, MD are able to make sure no areas become progressively worse, or note improvement where treatment has occurred.

When several deep pockets are evident we will recommend scaling and root planing, or “deep cleaning.” The deep cleaning is more involved in that the focus is to remove the tartar from all pocket areas, since that is the bacteria’s “hiding place.”  Not even diligent brushing and flossing can remove the tartar from a deep pocket. If left alone, these infections can cause more bone loss and tissue detachment, resulting in tooth loss.

The Dentists at McCarl Dental Group in Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD, we believe in early intervention and prevention. By recording periodontal measurements at regular recall appointments, it can help us to detect small problems before they turn into large ones. We will work together with our patients to help them understand where these periodontal pockets are, and what we can do to help them heal. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Greenbelt or Millersville, MD area, please feel free to call and schedule an appointment. Greenbelt dental office -  301-474-4144; Millersville, Maryland dental office 410-987-8800. We’re available 6 days a week.   To learn more about periodontal charting and other dental topics, please visit the McCarl Dental website at www.mccarldental.com.

We all know that gum can be bad for you. Sugar containing gum actually increases our risk for tooth decay. Cavities that develop from chronic gum chewing often are not very noticeable in plain view. A small hole will be evident on the tooth enamel, but when an x-ray is taken, half of the tooth is “bombed out” on the inside. This type of decay is unique to gum chewing. Even when excellent oral hygiene habits are in place, frequent gum chewing continues to cause decay of the teeth. (i)

Sugary chewing gum can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Now there are now chewing gums available that have the sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol containing gums have actually been shown to reduce tooth decay and encourage enamel remineralization.(ii) Further studies show that chewing a gum with Xylitol encourages healthier gums, reduces bleeding, and decreases harmful bacteria.(iii) For patients who are actively fighting gum disease and recurrent tooth decay, chewing these gums may be beneficial to their oral health.

According to the American Dental Association, chewing gum may also be beneficial for patients with dry mouth. Medications and certain medical conditions are a common cause of dry mouth. Radiation therapy may also be the culprit, as it can destroy the salivary glands within the mouth. When there is no saliva to cleanse the teeth on a normal basis, decay becomes rampant. Xylitol containing gum promotes salivary production and can help decrease the decay rate. Dry mouth can also be very uncomfortable, and salivary supplements that don’t damage your teeth are extremely important. While the old school of thought might have been to suck on a peppermint, we know this is not the healthiest option for our teeth. Within just 5 to 10 minutes of chewing gum, saliva production will peak.(iv) Chewing a Xylitol gum may be a good option to decrease the dental consequences and discomfort of dry mouth.

Research indicates that chewing  gum containing Xylitol can be beneficial to dental health. Check the labels of different brands of chewing gum. You’ll be able to see on the front side of the package, usually in the corner, whether or not Xylitol is an ingredient. Brands like Orbit and Trident use this sweetener in most all of their products. If you or your children enjoy chewing gum, the American Dental Association recommends that you choose gum that contains Xylitol.

It is important to have routine dental hygiene cleaning and preventative oral health care. Please call McCarl Dental Group, dentists in Greenbelt MD 301-474-4144 or Millersville MD 410-987-8800 to schedule an appointment. Visit McCarl Dental Group at http://www.mccarldental.com/dental-hygiene-periodontal-therapy-dental-services.php

References:

(i) Paice EM, Vowles RW, West NX, Hooper SM.; The erosive effects of saliva following chewing gum on enamel and dentine: an ex vivo study.; Br Dent J. 2011 Feb 12;210(3):E3.

(ii) Chewing gum and dental health. Literature review. ; Rev Belge Med Dent (1984). 1992;47(3):67-92.

(iii) Campus G, Cagetti MG, Cocco F, Sale S, Sacco G, Strohmenger L, Lingström P.; Effect of a Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract on Different Variables Related to Caries and Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Trial.; Caries Res. 2011 Aug 3;45(4):393-399

(iv) Olsson H, Spak CJ, Axéll T.; The effect of a chewing gum on salivary secretion, oral mucosal friction, and the feeling of dry mouth in xerostomic patients.; Acta Odontol Scand. 1991 Oct;49(5):273-9.

Have you seen our  iTero Digital Scanner? It looks like R2D2 and talks to us in a robot voice! It makes crowns, bridges and veneers from hundreds of images of your teeth instead of from rubber impressions.

iTero digital oral scanner at McCarl Dental Group

At McCarl Dental group in Greenbelt and Millersville, MD we are excited to be using the advanced iTero technology that almost completely eradicates the need for conventional dental impressions. Instead, the iTero device allows a virtual 3D impression to be taken of the patient’s teeth in about the same amount of time that it used to take impression material to set and harden.

iTero technology works by using an intra-oral scanner that takes approximately 300 slices of information with 100,000 points in each picture. A voice-guided computer program navigates the clinician on proper placement of the scanning mechanism, so that a thorough image is recorded. These different layers of information are laced together to create a 3D image of the teeth.

Because the iTero impression technology is extremely accurate, it improves the seating of restorations like crowns and bridges by requiring little to no adjustment to the fit of the restoration when it is permanently placed into the mouth. With conventional impressions there are numerous steps to be taken, all of which require extreme detail, and all of which can alter the way a dental restoration fits into the mouth. With iTero, these other steps are not required, and the precise digital 3D image ensures proper fit of the final restoration.

Our patients love the iTero because there is no need for taking traditional impressions that may trigger a gag reflex. The iTero also saves time for both our patients and our staff by shortening appointment length and doing away with the need to fabricate models in our own dental lab. Instead, the 3D impression is sent wirelessly to the iTero laboratory that takes the information and creates an accurate polyurethane model of the teeth, which is sent to the dental technician who will create the crown, bridge, veneer, or other dental restoration. The need for re-impressions, sometimes needed with conventional impressions, is not a factor with iTero technology.  This also helps McCarl Dental do its part to go green, by reducing consumables and waste products.

The iTero digital impression allows restorations to be made from all types of materials, whether porcelain or gold, it doesn’t matter. McCarl Dental Group uses the iTero to scan for various restorative and cosmetic dental procedures like crowns, bridges, veneers, onlays and inlays.

If you’ve been putting off dental treatment because of dental impressions or other conventional treatment, call our Millersville or Greenbelt, MD locations at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144 to schedule an appointment.

iTero digital oral scanner next to foot pedal drill (circa 1920s) Dentistry has come a LONG WAY!

Advances in Dental Hygiene

We have seven very talented dental hygienists who work at our dental offices in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland.

Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland Dental Hygienists at McCarl Dental Group

Recent years have shown tremendous strides in the advancement of technology in the area of dental hygiene. The Dental Hygienists at McCarl Dental Group stay current with the latest advancements so they are able to deliver the highest quality dental hygiene care.  Several of our hygienists have worked at McCarl Dental Group for more than 20 years! Our patients always give fabulous reviews of their dental hygiene care. Because prevention and early intervention is key at your professional dental cleanings with the hygienists at McCarl Dental Group, we want to take a moment to share some of the technological steps that preventative dentistry is making.

• Desensitization

For patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity that does not require restorative dental treatment, desensitizing agents are now more effective than ever.  McCarl Dental Hygienists can apply topical gels that make your teeth “pain free.” Fluoride varnish helps block the pain receptors of the hypersensitive tooth surface. Our dentists can also provide prescription strength fluoride toothpaste for everyday use. This allows patients to eat and drink without associated tooth sensitivity and helps ensure dental comfort between dental appointments.

• Digital Radiography

In the beginning of dental radiography, x-ray films had to be dip processed in 3 separate tanks with chemicals that allowed the films to be viewed. This development process took 20 minutes. Electric processors shortened this time dramatically, usually developing an x-ray within 5-7 minutes after being placed in the machine. In the 21^st century with digital radiography, the images are ready for viewing in an instant. McCarl Dental Group uses digital radiography machines for several types of x-rays. This shortens the time it takes to view x-rays and decreases radiation exposure to our patients. While the exposure levels with traditional films were already safe, digital radiography lowers exposure even more. The detail and resolution of digital radiographs is of extremely high quality, and the files can be sent electronically to other dental professionals or insurance companies.

• Local and Systemic Delivered Medications

For patients who suffer from periodontal disease, in addition to procedures such as Scaling and Root Planing, local delivery of medication to areas with advanced bone loss can improve healing as well as encourage tissue attachment and bone regeneration. (1) These medications are placed below the gum surface into the infected pocket area, and are delivered through fibers, gels, chips, ointments and microspheres.

Recent studies also show that Statin drugs, commonly used to control blood cholesterol, are suggested to improve tissue attachment on the root surfaces of teeth, and encourage bone growth. (2) Azithromycin, another orally delivered medication, has also been shown to improve the success in Scaling and Root Planing therapy. (3)

At McCarl Dental Group  we strive to provide state of the art, quality preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental care to each of our patients. To find out more about the advanced dental care we offer in Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD, please call us at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144.

References:

1. Pradeep, A., Thorat, M.: Clinical Effect of Subgingivally Delivered Simvastatin in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Perio 81: 214- 222, 2010.

2. Fajardo, M., Rocha, M., Sanchez-Marin, F., Espinosa-Chavez, E.: Effect of Atorvastatin on Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Pilot Study. J Clin Perio 37: 1016-1022, 2010

3. Rotundo, R., Nieri, M., Francesco, D., Mervelt, J., Bonaccini, D., Esposito, M., Pini-Prato, G.: Lack of Adjunctive Benefit of Er:YAG Laser in Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment: A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Trial. J Clin Perio. 37: 526-533, 2010

McCarl dental patient with a beautiful smile after teeth whitening, thin porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and gum re-contouring.

Dental patient before teeth whitening, thin veneers, porcelain crowns and gum re-contouring.

Every dental patient is unique and dentistry should be customized specific to each patient’s situation and needs. When a patient consults with a dentist at McCarl Dental Group about concerns and goals for their smile, we listen. Our dental practice features  general dentists with advanced dental skills offering a wide range of dental treatment options. We offer a full range of advanced dentistry  in our Greenbelt and Millersville dental offices.

Combining dental procedures allows us to address our dental patients’ unique needs and provide solutions that will create the most attractive smile AND the most cost effective option. A combination case is the best choice when “just whitening teeth” or covering teeth with “all veneers” or “all crowns” would be inappropriate, unnecessary, or might not be the best way to achieve the dental patient’s goals. Patients who want to straighten and whiten crooked teeth benefit with Invisalign orthodontics combined with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers and crowns. The dentists at McCarl Dental group provide a wide range of dental treatment options to best meet their patients needs.

In a recent case, a patient came to us with 10 year old porcelain fused to metal crowns on her two front teeth after root canal therapy following trauma. The crowns were well made but were not attractive. No matter how well made, dental crowns made completely with porcelain (called all-porcelain crowns) look more natural, lifelike and esthetic than crowns made from porcelain fused to metal.

When the patient and dentist discussed the advantages of replacing the porcelain fused to metal crowns with “all-porcelain crowns”, the patient also wanted to address a slight uneven gum height and small, uneven teeth (lateral incisors) adjacent to the front two teeth.  In this case, full crowns would be unnecessary on the lateral teeth so we elected to place minimal preparation veneers (also called thin veneers). Thin veneers eliminated the need for reduction of healthy teeth, allowed us to improve the size relative to the front two teeth. All four teeth were restored with identical matching porcelain in an attractive white shade chosen by the patient. The gum line was re-contoured and the remaining natural teeth were whitened with beautiful results.

The” general dentists” at McCarl Dental Group are skilled in advanced “combination dental cases.”  We offer our patients the best dental materials and procedures to create beautiful smiles. We can often combine dental treatments and dental materials so that the most attractive smile  is also the most cost effective .

General dentists have a wide range of training and offer different services in their dental practices. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have extensive advanced dental training and accreditations and consistently exceed continuing education requirements. They continuously research and offer the highest quality dental procedures, equipment and technologies. This means that our dental patients are often able to have their comprehensive dental needs met in one dental office with as few visits as possible – efficiently and conveniently for our dental patients. At McCarl Dental Group we offer extended hours including evenings and weekends. We also offer same day emergency dental care.

Here are a few of the advanced dental services we provide at McCarl Dental Group:

• Dental implant surgery – minimally invasive and traditional dental implants

Dental Implants can replace teeth that have been lost over the years. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used to support crowns, bridges, partials and full dentures. Among other benefits, implants preserve bone and facial appearance and allow the dentist to attach crowns, bridges and dentures right away, saving time when both procedures are performed in the general dentist office.

• Invisalign orthodontics – McCarl dentists are Preferred Invisalign Providers. Straight teeth help reduce the likelihood of periodontal disease. A beautiful straight smile actually contributes to your health!

Invisalign orthodontics can correct a wide variety of dental and orthodontic concerns and is more convenient, more comfortable and less expensive than metal braces. The clear, comfortable aligner trays straighten teeth and correct your bite just like metal braces – only almost no one else can tell you are wearing them. Invisalign is usually faster than traditional braces – some cases take only five months to correct fully.

• Advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry – including the newest technology in thin porcelain veneers, traditional veneers and porcelain crowns.

At McCarl Dental Group, we don’t distinguish between a healthy smile and a beautiful smile. We consider them to be one and the same. Restorative dentistry improves both health and appearance of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry also restores teeth while improving the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of options from teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers. Many smile makeovers can be completed in just two visits.

• Digital impressions and x-rays – improved precision and diagnostic excellence. Our digital imaging is sent online to the dental lab to create the most precise porcelain crowns and veneers. Digital x-rays have less radiation and increased accuracy.

Our patients enjoy the benefits and convenience of a wide range of advanced dental procedures. Let the dentists at McCarl Dental Group help you have a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Your smile is one of the first things other people notice about you. You deserve a porcelain crown, veneer or even composite bond that matches your other teeth.  A confident, sincere and beautiful smile helps you make a great first impression.

When you smile, no one else but your dentist should know that you have had dental work. A broken front tooth is a dental emergency – and even emergency dental treatment needs to give beautiful results. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group in Millersville and Greenbelt Maryland treat cosmetic dental problems as true dental emergencies. When a dental emergency is causing pain, discomfort or embarrassment – we ask, “How soon can you meet us at one of our dental offices?” For three generations, we have treated our patients like family.

Catherine Brandt, a dental patient who visits both our Millersville and Greenbelt Maryland dental offices broke her front tooth. Here is what Catherine said about her experience at McCarl Dental Group. “I never realized how much I valued the ability to smile with confidence until I broke my front tooth.  I wasn’t in any pain, but Dr. Clayton McCarl still treated it as an emergency and fixed me right up with a temporary crown.  Soon after, Dr. Clayton took a mold and fitted me with a permanent crown that perfectly matched my other front tooth in color.  I visited other dentists when I lived outside of Maryland, and each commented on the quality work that Dr. Clayton did on my crown.  The same outstanding level of care and talent is applied to all of my dental needs from the doctors, hygienists, and staff at McCarl Dental.”

Each year about 800,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed.  Even more frightening- the Center for Disease Control reported a 70% increase in diabetes diagnosed in 30-39 year olds from 1990-1998.  In diabetics, the blood glucose level is higher than normal due to a lack of insulin.  Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, the organ that breaks down sugar in our bodies.  Diabetics are typically unable to produce enough insulin or use the body’s natural insulin.  Heart disease, blindness, organ failure, and poor circulation are medical concerns associated with high glucose levels.  However, diabetes also increases the risk of gum disease, which can affect your overall health.

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis.  Gingivitis occurs when normal bacteria in the mouth are not removed adequately. This causes the gums to become inflamed or swollen. Bacteria grow in plaque, a sticky film that everyone can remove with proper brushing and flossing.  If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (also known as calculus).  When teeth are not cleaned properly, gums start to bleed while brushing and flossing, a sign of gingivitis. Only a professional cleaning by your dental hygienist or dentist and can remove tartar or calculus.  The dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group emphasize preventive oral hygiene. Every patient has unique oral health needs. Some people are more prone to plaque accumulation and need to have their teeth cleaned professionally by a dental hygienist more often than the usually recommended time interval of every six months.

If gingivitis is ignored, more severe gum disease called periodontitis may develop.  Periodontitis causes pockets to form between your teeth and gums.  The gums pull away from your teeth allowing more germs to enter.  The resulting infection may cause bone loss around your teeth which often leads to loose teeth and ultimately results in losing teeth. Missing teeth cause additional health problems.

Research indicates a strong correlation between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetics are more prone to bacterial infections and cannot fight bacterial infections as well as a patient with normal glucose levels.  Common symptoms of oral infections include swelling, pus, pain while chewing or general pain in the mouth, oral sensitivity to temperature and sweetness, and white or red patches within the mouth.

New, studies emphasize the importance of oral health and suggest that gum disease may actually contribute to diabetes.  Serious oral infections like periodontitis can cause unbalanced glucose levels which increase the risk factors for diabetes.

Preventing oral health problems in diabetics is first controlled by regulating diabetes.  Keep a healthy glucose level.  Secondly, brush and floss your teeth properly at least twice daily.  Finally, maintain regular check-ups with your dentist.  Make sure to keep your dentist and hygienist updated on your health condition, medications, and glucose levels.  Dental procedures are best performed when blood sugar is carefully controlled.  Diabetics are typically slower healers, so regulating diabetes allows for a faster healing time.  Remember to eat before heading to the dental office and stick to your normal meal plans afterwards in order to maintain regular blood sugar levels.  If you cannot chew well after the visit, plan an alternative way to sustain your calorie intake.  If you have any concerns about how your diabetes will affect your upcoming dental visit, please contact McCarl Dental Group serving Anne Arundel County and Prince Georges County Maryland to plan your strategy for a healthy smile.

Sally McCarl Moore, RDH of the McCarl Dental Group is one of the first dental hygienists in the area to become licensed to administer local anesthesia.  New 2010 laws in Maryland allow licensed dental hygienists who complete additional requirements to give local anesthesia injections for soft tissue periodontal treatment.
Congratulations Sally!

Sally completed a rigorous 28 hour continuing education course on local anesthesia for dental hygienists offered by the Dental Hygiene Program of the University of Maryland Dental School. With successful completion of the examination given by the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), Sally is now licensed to administer local anesthesia for dental hygiene procedures. Sally has been a dental hygienist at McCarl Dental Group since 1980. She works in our Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland dental offices and consistently gets fabulous reviews from our dental patients .

It is important that hygienists delivering periodontal therapy be able to ensure optimal patient comfort. Patient comfort increases the success of periodontal treatment because dental hygienists can do a more thorough job. Dental Hygienists at McCarl Dental Group perform a wide range of periodontal treatments including scaling, root planing, deep scaling and soft tissue management.

The local anesthesia course was presented by Marion C. Manski, RDH, MS, Director of Admissions and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Dental Hygiene Program of the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, Maryland. The course is based on the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.44.04 for local anesthesia. Ms. Manski taught fundamentals of the anatomy and neurophysiology of pain and pain control, pharmacology of anesthetic agents, and the importance of patient’s medical history as it relates to local anesthetics. Participants demonstrated proper administration of topical and local anesthetics in a clinical setting. Successful completion of the course and the Local Anesthesia NERB examination are requirements for certification of dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia in Maryland.

Continuing Dental Education for our dentists and dental hygienists is an important priority at McCarl Dental Group. Lifelong learning is essential for oral health professionals to keep abreast of the frequent advances in science and technology related to dentistry. We are very proud of Sally!

At McCarl Dental Group we strive for excellence in dental care. 3-D Digital scanning with CAD/CAM technology has become a critical component of top quality dentistry.

CAD/CAM is an acronym for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Cadent iTero digital impressions use CAD/CAM technology to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. This enhances the design, analysis, and manufacture of dental restorations including dental crowns, bridges and veneers.

On January 10, 2011 Align Technology and Cadent Announced a Joint Development Agreement to develop 3-D digital scanning for impressions for Invisalign orthodontic treatment. The new applications will improve assessment, diagnosis and planning for orthodontic treatment by dentists who use the Cadent iTero digital scanner for their Invisalign orthodontic cases. Dental patients who are candidates for Invisalign orthodontics will love the convenience and comfort of digital scanning for dental impressions. Dentists will love the quality, accuracy and precision of Cadent’s exceptional scanning technology. The technology is in final beta tests now and should become available in the second quarter of 2011.

Dr. Clayton McCarl, Jr is a member of the Dean’s Faculty at University of Maryland Dental School. He was recently asked to provide input about his clinical experience with the iTero Digital Scanning System to Gary Hack, DDS Associate Professor, and Director of Simulation Research at the Dental School in the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry. Dr. Hack teaches dental students about CAD\CAM technology. Dr. Hack also presents continuing education courses to dentists reviewing evidence-based support for CAD\CAM and conducts research at the University of Maryland Dental School in cooperation with the ADA.
“Several thoughts come to mind with my experience using the Cadent iTero digital scanner. Digital scanning in lieu of elastomeric impressions is a significant technological advancement that is a must in every progressive practice.  It is not possible to do away with all impressions yet but the digital image produces superior model and dies for the lab technicians or for a milling machine to produce a restoration.  In my 27 years as a dentist, have seen gimmicky, panacea, technologies come and go.  This is for real.

When we were dental students, we trimmed our own dies.  We were encouraged by “old school professors” to continue to do this in our private practices telling us it would make us better dentists. The reason became obvious.  As we became pressed by office time schedules and demands placed upon us, “mystery margins” and slight distortions in an elastomeric impression suddenly started to look more acceptable or go unnoticed.  Dental labs report they are pressured to satisfy their client doctors.  They compensate with gallons of die spacer and creative die trimming.  Yes the crown can be seated but why do some restorations last five years and others twenty-five?

When you scan your prep there is no hiding.  Either you see a clear, defined, continuous margin or you don’t.  It’s like trimming your own dies again only at hyper speed.  You tend to stay above the gum lime with less potential irritation to the gum – significant benefits to our patients.  The margins are more chamfer than feather edge – allowing a wide range of options for restoration material selection.

Restorations insert easily with consistent minimal adjustments and excellent fit.  We strive for excellence in dental care and digital scanning has become a critical component of top quality dentistry.”