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.”

Dental implants are today’s standard of care for replacing missing teeth and securing removable dentures. In the past few years, improvements in dental implant technology have made implants more reliable, more comfortable and more affordable. There are circumstances for which a dental implant has replaced the root canal as the preferred dental treatment. When the root of a tooth is too short or too badly damaged to support restoration with a dental crown, it may be best to extract the tooth and place a dental implant. The implant will provide greater support for the restored tooth and improved long term success. The dentists at the Millersville and Greenbelt dental offices of  McCarl Dental Group have received advanced training in dental implant technology. Our dentists are experienced in placing different types and sizes of implants and have expertise to determine which dental implant best suits the unique needs of each dental patient.

Dental implants are placed in the jaw where they fuse to the bone. They are effective for restoration of a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In the past, dentists relied on procedures that were often temporary measures to repair badly damaged teeth. Now, there are many circumstances when implants restored with crowns will last longer and cost less than ongoing repair efforts. Dental implants are the best solution in dental cases where adjacent teeth are healthy and properly aligned.

When you lose a tooth, your jawbone gradually loses firmness and strength. This leads to bone loss and can even cause changes in facial features. The loss of just one tooth can cause  an unstable bite and uneven chewing. The remaining teeth move and making proper cleaning more difficult. A misaligned bite can also contribute jaw joint dysfunction and headaches.  A dental implant, unlike a denture or bridge, can prevent bone loss at the site of the missing tooth.

Many of our patients at McCarl Dental Group tell us that having a dental implant placed is more comfortable than they expected. Unlike teeth, the jaw bone does not have nerves. The type and density of bone varies from patient to patient and even within different locations in the same patient’s jaw. This will determine whether the dental implant can be restored with a crown or used to secure a bridge or denture immediately, or whether the implant needs to “sleep” and strengthen for several months before use.

There are advantages to having a properly trained general dentist place your implant. A general dentist will be restoring the implant and can determine the type and size implant that is most suitable as well as optimal position for later restoration. When the implant is placed and restored at the Millersville or Greenbelt dental offices of McCarl Dental Group, there are fewer visits to the dentist which results in lower cost and greater convenience for the dental patient. Many patients are pleasantly surprised that the cost of dental implants is much lower than they expected.

Click this link to see a video of a McCarl Dental patient who had a dental implant placed painlessly in a one hour dental appointment and his existing denture retrofitted for secure placement. Placement of Dental Implant in McCarl Dental Patient

If you are missing teeth, visit a dentist at McCarl Dental Group with advanced training in the placement of dental implants to learn how dental implants can improve the health of your smile.

A very popular procedure in today’s world of cosmetic dentistry is the no-prep veneer. With improved dental technology, dentists can create porcelain veneers that are less than half a millimeter thick. These “thin veneers” can allow smile makeovers with little or no drilling. No-prep veneers are ideal for permanent whitening, minor orthodontic issues and transforming small teeth or teeth with spaces into beautiful and dazzling smiles. The McCarl dental patient in the pictures above transformed his smile in just two visits to our dental office with no preparation thin dental veneers. The thin veneers covered chipped teeth, gave crooked teeth a straight appearance and permanently whitened his smile.

Many people want the cosmetic improvements porcelain veneers provide for a smile but are hesitant about the preparation of the face of the tooth that is required for traditional dental veneers. With the new minimal and no preparation veneers, cosmetic dentistry has become more comfortable, affordable and convenient. Dental veneers can transform a smile in just two visits to the dentist. Thin veneers are often an ideal solution.

Click this link to watch a video testimonial by a McCarl dental patient who improved his smile with minimal preparation thin veneers. He was concerned about yellowed, chipped teeth with spaces and was thrilled to have a beautiful white smile in just two visits.

Traditional veneers are thicker porcelain and require some reduction on the face of your teeth. These veneers are still the treatment of choice when teeth are too crowded or when protruding teeth need to be brought back into the smile line. Many times a patient’s unique situation is best served by a combination of thin and traditional veneers. Tooth structure may need to be modified only on selected teeth in your smile to get optimal results.

A smile makeover consultation with a dentist who is experienced in cosmetic dental treatment is the first step for improving your smile. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group combine experience in cosmetic dentistry, advances in dental technology and genuine care for our dental patients. We listen carefully to your concerns and goals. There is usually more than one solution to dental problems. McCarl dentists offer a variety of dental procedures and explain how they can improve your smile. A smile makeover can include teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain traditional veneers, thin veneers or porcelain crowns. The combination of treatments gives a great outcome and lowers the total price.

It is important for dentists to use a top quality dental lab for fabrication of porcelain veneers. The highest quality traditional and thin porcelain veneers have the shading and characteristics of natural teeth. With the recent improvements in dental technology, more people are choosing to enhance their smiles with restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask a dentist experienced with all types of cosmetic dentistry what would be best for you.

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.”

College is a time for new experiences, new friends, and unfortunately – new cavities. A diet high in sugar combined with changes in personal hygiene cause tooth decay and a dramatic increase in dental cavities during college years.

Today’s hectic college lifestyle is filled with fast food, sugar-packed coffees and soft drinks. Even diet sodas increase the likelihood of cavities because bacteria thrive in an acidic environment. Sugar-loving bacteria that are normally present in and around the teeth produce byproducts which cause breakdown of tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay and dental cavities. The Greenbelt Office of McCarl Dental Group is 10 minutes from University of Maryland College Park Campus. Students with dental concerns are often referred to our Greenbelt office directly from the University Health Center. The College Park Shuttle Bus stops right in front of our Greenbelt dental office. McCarl Dentists offer same day emergency dental treatment. We can also help order replacement Invisalign trays and, of course, offer a full range of preventive dental health services. Our new patient visit costs only $45 for a comprehensive dental exam, professional hygiene cleaning and necessary x-rays.

Symptoms of cavities and tooth decay vary depending on the location and depth. Initially, cavities may not cause symptoms. As tooth decay progresses, it may cause tooth sensitivity or a toothache.  A toothache can cause varying degrees of pain when you bite down or when you eat or drink something sweet, hot, or cold. There may be visible holes or pits in your teeth which can also cause discomfort or pain in your mouth or jaw. A dental cavity will not get better on its own. If you’re experiencing one or more cavity symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist at McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland.

When you have a dental cavity, your dentist will remove the bacteria and decay and fill the cavity to restore strength to the tooth. In deep cavities, the nerve of the tooth may also be infected. This requires additional cleaning of the infected nerve called a “root canal”. Luckily, this only occurs in the deepest of cavities. Usually there are warning signs, such as sensitivity to extreme temperatures and to sweet foods.

“Pit and fissure” cavities are the most common type of cavities. Back teeth or molars have natural grooves, fissures and pits on their chewing surface.  Toothbrush bristles cannot reach inside deep pits, grooves, or fissures, which allows plaque and tartar to accumulate. During college years, flossing is often ignored, leading to tooth decay and cavities in between the teeth. Because of their location, cavities between the teeth or “interproximal” cavities are frequently only seen with an x-ray.

Preventing Dental Cavities
The first step in preventing cavities is to maintain good oral hygiene to minimize bacterial colonization. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It is also important to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals with limited snacking. The use of a fluoride rinse also helps strengthen tooth enamel.  Although college schedules are busy, it is very important to maintain regularly scheduled dental visits for teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment.  Dental exams improve the likelihood of early detection of cavities and treatment with a small rather than large filling.

Complete this checklist before you return to college!

1. Schedule a dental check up now. Call 410-987-8800 -we were voted best dentists in Millersville Maryland 21108 and 301-474-4144 for a top dentist in Greenbelt Maryland 20770.

2. Get your wisdom teeth checked. Wisdom teeth often erupt during college years. If they are not correctly aligned or are impacted they can cause pain or get infected requiring emergency dental care.

3. Ask for an NTI nightguard appliance. College students frequently experience stress. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause chipping and excessive wear to your teeth, NTI dental mouthguards can eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with teeth grinding.

4. Want to dazzle your new friends with your smile? Have your teeth whitened!

5. NOW IS THE TIME TO DEVELOP  EATING HABITS FOR A LIFETIME OF HEALTH!

Best wishes from your dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group!

McCarl Dental Group is delighted to support the Severna Park Community Center and Anne Arundel Medical Center at Fitness in the Park Health Expo 2011 on Saturday, Jan 8 from 9 am until 4 pm. The free event will include free blood pressure screening, osteoporosis and skin health screenings, health talks by AAMC physicians, fitness demonstrations, and tips for joint pain and arthritis management and prevention. Come get answers to your dental questions in a relaxed one on one conversation with Dr. McCarl, dentist at Shipleys Choice Medical Park.

Attend the Following Presentations:

1.  “Do You Want Your Hips and Knees to be Pain Free?”

2.  “When a Boo-Boo Turns Serious” Michael Clemmens, MD, Pediatric and Emergency Medicine AAMC

3.  “Brown Bag Lunch Ideas for the Whole Family“  Ann Caldwell, RD, LDN, Nutrition Services Coordinator at AAMC

4.  “Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes” Milford Marchant, Jr, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon – and four time NCAA All-American

Also Featuring:
Massage and Relaxation
Zumba
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Nutrition and Holistic Health
Going Green in Cleaning and Personal Products

1. Brush your teeth three times a day and floss at least once daily.

The most important part of tooth care happens at home. Learn correct techniques for brushing and flossing. The dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group recommend using an electric toothbrush! Proper brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Visit your dentist and/or oral hygienist every six months or more often when needed.

2. Quit smoking!

Smoking is major culprit when it comes to gum disease. Smoking damages the small blood vessels in your gums and decreases blood supply that carries healthy nutrients to your gum tissue. Smoking also darkens your teeth. It is not too late to make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking!

3. Switch to healthy snacks that include raw fruits and vegetables.

Sugary foods and sodas can damage the enamel that protects your teeth. Hard candies, breath mints and cough drops that contain sugar dissolve slowly in your mouth and are especially harmful to your teeth. Acidic drinks can also eat away at the enamel layer of your teeth.

4. Stop grinding your teeth!

Clenching and grinding wear down teeth and may lead to headaches, pain in your jaw muscle and temporomandibular joint. In just a few minutes at our dental office, we can make a custom night guard for you that will help prevent damage to your teeth caused by nighttime grinding and ease the tension in your jaw muscles.

5. Never use your teeth as tools!

Many of our patients who need to be seen for a dental emergency have broken or chipped a tooth when using their teeth as scissors, pliers or fingernail clippers. For more information on this topic please read the McCarl Dental Blog DENTAL EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR BROKEN TEETH http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-emergency-treatment/
Happy New Year from McCarl Dental Group! Thanks for voting us best dentists in the Annapolis Capital Reader’s Choice Survey. McCarl dentists have been serving dental patients in Greenbelt, Severna Park Annapolis and Millersville, Maryland for more than 73 years!