dental implants

Replacing a missing tooth is important for several reasons. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone gradually loses strength and firmness, causing bone loss and changes in facial features. The loss of even one tooth can cause an unstable bite and chewing problems. Because remaining teeth often shift, proper cleaning becomes more difficult leading to periodontal problems and tooth decay. Teeth that have shifted no longer fit together properly which can create excessive wear, headaches, and many other problems. There are also concerns associated with the appearance of a smile with missing teeth. First impressions are made at a glance and nothing makes a better impression than a beautiful smile. Most adults feel extremely self-conscious about a gap in their smile.

A dental implant restored with a crown looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are safe, reliable and effective for single and multiple tooth restoration. Implants are made of a biocompatible titanium alloy and are placed in the jaw bone, where they fuse to the bone, replacing the root of the tooth. In many cases, a temporary crown can be placed on the tooth immediately and replaced with a permanent crown. Implants typically last a long time (they won’t decay), and they are the best restorations in cases where the neighboring teeth are healthy and properly aligned.
With the recent advances in minimally invasive dental implants, more patients are candidates for permanent tooth replacement. Mini dental implants are popular because of their immediate use and also because they are less invasive, less expensive, and heal faster than traditional implants. The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures.

The bottom line for many dental implant patients is that for the first time since they have had dentures, they can actually talk and chew without being afraid that their dentures will fall out or shift causing sores in their mouths. Patients are able to remove and replace the denture easily so that they can clean their gums and dentures daily.

The dentists  at McCarl Dental Group listen to their patients’ concerns and goals for dental health and present a range of treatment options. Together the McCarl dentists and their patients choose a plan which best suits the patients’ dental needs.

Dental Implant in Millersville Maryland

Dr. Clayton McCarl Jr. is attending a two day course on the benefits of the CAMLOG Dental Implant System. Although Dr. McCarl has been placing and restoring dental implants for more than 25 years, he has attended at least 7 full days of continuing education about the newest technologies in dental implants this year.

An Outstanding Colleague and Friend
One of the most exceptional aspects of this course is that it is being taught by Dr. Kevin Doring, University of Maryland Dental School classmate of Dr. Clayton McCarl and Dr. Jay McCarl. After dental school, Dr. Doring completed a General Practice Residency at the Charleston Area Medical Center and received certification as a Dental Anesthesiologist. Dr. Doring is a member of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy as well as a Fellow and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He lectures on a wide variety of dental topics, is active in the Maryland State Dental Association and practices dentistry in Edgewater, Maryland. Kevin’s wife Tammy graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dental Hygiene.

“We have tremendous respect for Kevin, both professionally and personally,” says Dr. Clayton McCarl. “This course reviewed the newest advancements in dental implant technology and how to bring these improvements to our patients. Dr. Doring does an outstanding job of communicating the keys to long term success in implant surgery and restorations.”  Regional Implant Specialist and CAMLOG representative from Henry Schein, Bob Voelker provided excellent support for the dentists attending the seminar with materials, supplies and educational resources.

Why are Dental Implants Important?
Traditional and minimally invasive dental implants have surpassed traditional dentures and bridges as the best solution for missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone slowly loses strength and density, causing bone loss and changes in facial features. The loss of even one tooth can cause an unstable bite and uneven chewing. Because remaining teeth tend to shift, proper cleaning becomes more difficult and increases the likelihood of gingivitis and even periodontal disease.

When a dental implant is restored with a crown, the finished product looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Implants are effective for single and multiple tooth restoration. They are placed in the jaw where they fuse to the bone and replace the root of the tooth with a biocompatible titanium alloy. In some cases, a crown can be placed on the tooth immediately.

Dental implants are the best restoration solution for dental patients in whom neighboring teeth are healthy and properly aligned. Unlike a partial denture or bridge, a dental implant can prevent bone loss at the site of the missing tooth.

The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. Many dental implant patients tell us that for the first time since they have had dentures, they can actually chew, talk and laugh without being afraid that their dentures will fall out. Implants anchor a denture securely and still allow patients the ability to remove and replace the denture easily for cleaning.

Three Generations of Trust
At McCarl Dental Group, we use a variety of traditional and minimally invasive dental implant systems with different types of implants based on the unique needs of each dental patient. CAMLOG dental implants will be a great addition to the dental implant systems that we are currently using in our dental practice.

CAMLOG is a division of Henry Schein, a company that provides dental supplies and has a three generation relationship with McCarl dentists. The Henry Schein Company supplied the digital panoramic x-ray machines and ITERO digital impression scanners for both our Greenbelt and Millersville, Maryland dental offices. We are excited to offer McCarl dental patients the exceptional benefits of the CAMLOG dental implant system.

For additional information about dental implants, please read our article from Taste of the Bay Magazine http://www.mccarldental.com/pdfs/TOTB-July-Implant-Article.pdf.

Retired dentist and Heritage Harbour Annapolis resident Dr. Walter Smith summarized the recent dental presentation by McCarl Dentists by saying there has never been a better time for dentistry. The newest technological changes have made dentistry more comfortable for dental patients than ever. When Dr. Smith retired in the 1980s, dental implants were in their infancy. Dentists could not have imagined a digital scanner taking pictures of teeth prepared for dental restorations with images sent via high speed internet for fabrication of perfect dental crowns and bridges. Neither could dentists imagine computer morphology that would allow clear aligner trays to straighten teeth. Today’s dentistry is remarkable!

Dr. James McCarl interviewing retired dentist Dr. Walter Smith.

Drs. Clayton and Jay McCarl discussed four of the newest procedures and technologies in dentistry at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis Maryland last week. The four topics they presented were dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, digital scanning for dental impressions and healthy mouth – healthy body: the relationship between oral and overall health.

Door prizes are always fun! Dr. Walter Smith won a professional custom in-home teeth whitening, Lillian Gill won a dental exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays. Sheri Reagor won a Sonicare Electric toothbrush.

Dental Implants
Dental implants can improve your quality of life if you are missing teeth! Dental implants have improved dramatically since the 1980s and have continued to improve during the last few years. They are small titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw bone and function like the root of a tooth. Implants are an effective and reliable anchor for dental crowns, removable bridges and dentures. The jaw bone fuses to the titanium implant and withstands forces from chewing food. Mini dental implants, known as minimally invasive implants, are thinner in diameter and the procedure for placing them is less invasive than traditional dental implants. Case selection is instrumental in a successful dental implant case. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are certified in traditional and mini dental implants and understand what is best for each individual patient.

Invisalign Orthodontics
Crooked teeth contribute to gum disease. Invisalign orthodontics are less expensive, more esthetic and can also be faster than metal braces. Adults of all ages are straightening their teeth in record numbers. These dental patients improve the health and appearance of their smiles. McCarl dentists are preferred providers of Invisalign orthodontics.

Digital Scanning for Dental Impressions
Digital scanning for dental impressions is the future! McCarl Dentists and LVI Dentists use the Cadent iTero 3D Intraoral Scanner. The iTero has a camera on a wand that takes digital pictures of teeth that have been prepared for a dental crown or bridge. These pictures are sent over high speed internet to fabricate dental restorations. This method provides the most accurate impression of teeth available today. The crowns and bridges fabricated using digital scanning for impressions require very little or no adjustment – they fit perfectly! Digital imaging will replace conventional dental impressions in our lifetime.

Healthy Mouth-Healthy Body
Diseases in the mouth affect your entire body. Prior to joint replacement surgery it is essential to have a dental exam to check for infection in your mouth. Oral infections range from gum disease or periodontal disease to tooth abscesses. Germs in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. Are you planning a knee or hip replacement? See your dentist first! Are you about to start chemotherapy? Have your dentist check your gums and teeth for potential sources of infection before taking immunosuppressant drugs including chemotherapy. When teeth are healthy it enhances nutrition. McCarl Dentists help our patients enjoy smiling and eating. A healthy smile contributes to your overall health and well being. Visit our YouTube Channel to see videos of the presentation. McCarl Dentists discuss Healthy Mouth Healthy Body

Dental implants in the New York Times.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/health/17brod.html?_r=2  This is an excellent article about the benefits of dental implants.

At McCarl Dental Group as third generation dentists we are marveling at the newest innovations that are revolutionizing dentistry.  Imagine the difference between the foot-operated drill used in the 1930s and dental lasers or the current digital scanners that that we now use to send images to our dental lab through cyberspace.  Our iTero digital scanners help us make perfect porcelain crowns and vereers – every time! If you would like to see the latest technology in dental equipment, please visit our dental office conveniently located 15 minutes or less from Annapolis, Severna Park, Crownsville, Gambrills, Crofton and Odenton Maryland.

Another procedure that has dramatically improved with new technology during the last year is dental implants. Today, we can permanently replace missing teeth and securely anchor loose dentures and partials in one appointment.  Just a few years ago, a patient who wanted a permanent solution for a missing tooth needed to have a surgical incision for implant placement with a six month recovery time. Now we can help patients replace missing teeth immediately with greater comfort and less expense. Dental implants can also make it easier to keep gums and underlying bone healthy.

It is not an exaggeration to say that changes in the technology and procedures for dental implants have made profound improvements in the quality of life for people with dentures.

At McCarl Dental Group, we combine the latest technology with three generations of experience in caring for your smile.

One of our McCarl Dental Group patients from Greenbelt, Maryland lost a front tooth and has worn “removal partial-plate” for over thirty years. With the new advances in dental implants, we replaced his front tooth in one hour!

First we placed a single dental implant and temporary crown. Two weeks later he received his permanent crown. No more removable plate! In addition to all of the wonderful traditional holiday fare, he will now be able to eat corn on the cob, apples, and even sticky candy for Christmas!

For your Greenbelt MD dental implants, please call McCarl Dental Group at 301-474-4144.