Dentist in Greenbelt Maryland

Are You Happy With Your Smile?
We all know that a beautiful and healthy smile makes us more attractive.  Did you know that smiling can also help you feel better?  According to Dr. Mark Stibich, smiling helps reduce your stress level, boosts your immune system,  releases endorphins, our body’s natural pain killers and lowers blood pressure. Smiling helps improve our mood and keeps us from looking tired, overwhelmed, and worn down.

A smiling person brings happiness with them and  helps others feel better. Dr. Robin Smith says a smile is so powerful and contagious your life may change for the better once you start smiling.

At McCarl Dental Group, we specialize in healthy beautiful smiles for a lifetime. A beautiful and healthy smile expresses warmth, confidence and success. However, many people feel extremely self-conscious about their smile. If you do not smile because you are embarrassed by your teeth, there are many options available to give you an attractive and confident smile.

Lorie after Porcelain Veneers by McCarl Dental Group

Lorie did not like to smile for the camera

Our dental patient Lorie chose porcelain veneers to improve her smile. She said, “My teeth were crowded and a little discolored and considered myself unphotogenic. A relaxed confident smile is important as a public speaker and financial consultant.  After reviewing options with Dr. McCarl and serious consideration, I chose porcelain veneers to give me a smile consistent with my professional image. I am very happy with my veneers and my new smile and will never again shy away from a camera!”

Porcelain veneers improve your teeth’s appearance by making them look straighter, and also whiter; creating a natural-looking and beautiful smile in just two visits. Veneers are more than cosmetic, they can improve the health, form and function of the mouth. Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for a variety of conditions including:
•    crooked teeth
•    spaces
•    gaps
•    worn or chipped teeth
•    stained or discolored teeth
•    teeth that are too small or too large
Veneers are more durable and effective than bonding, and are a more conservative procedure than crowns.

Thin veneers (also called no-preparation veneers), are also a great option for a natural-looking, beautiful smile. Thin, no prep veneers are ideal for teeth that are worn down, small or unevenly shaped and teeth that have spaces between them. These veneers can also be an excellent solution for replacing old cosmetic bonding.

A dentist experienced in placing thin veneers can create a beautiful smile with NO drilling, No needles and No Novacain!

Laszlo after Thin No Preparation Veneers by McCarl Dental Group

Laszlo had worn down, chipped teeth that had darkened over the years

Like most people, Laszlo’s teeth had darkened with age.  His bite was such that normal wear and chipping on his front teeth were accelerated. He was told by several other dentists that that same bite prevented him from restoring his teeth with veneers.  Although it presented a challenge, we were able to lighten and lengthen his teeth with thin, minimal preparation veneers.  We lightly smoothed the surfaces of his teeth and took impressions.  There was no need for Novacain or temporary crowns. A few weeks later his thin veneers were placed. Before, his smile barely showed the tips of dark, chipped and worn front teeth.  Now he beams with a big, bright, youthful smile.

Laszlo said, “I am a recent recipient of a beautiful set of thin veneers done by Dr. McCarl, fulfilling a long dream of mine to have a full smile showing a nice set of teeth. Dr. McCarl’s artistry and vision to know the process to create that look is amazing! Having a difficult under bite I had been told by other doctors that it would be impossible and yet, Dr. McCarl assured me that this WAS possible and with very positive results. His wonderful disposition and total understanding of the process gave me a look and smile that I thought was only a dream. Well, he made this dream come true and I can’t believe after all these years I am comfortable in pictures and feel confident enough to smile. I feel very fortunate to have found this practice and have Dr. McCarl as my dentist. Smiling is now a pleasure!”

Call 410-9897-8800 or 301-474-4144 to contact the dentists at the Millersville Maryland and Greenbelt Maryland dental offices of the McCarl Dental Group www.McCarlDental about ways to keep your smile looking and feeling great. Everyone deserves a HEALTHY and BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

Tooth brushing is one of the first lessons of personal care that we learn as children – for many of us, brushing our teeth is one of the first “health habits” that we are taught in life. Brushing and flossing your teeth is the simplest and most cost-effective way to preserve your oral health and to enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

McCarl Dental Group’s First Dental Visits for Pediatric Dental Patients are Fun and Free! Pediatric Dentistry is part of our comprehensive dental care at McCarl Dental Group. A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his or her 4th birthday.

The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a dentist and dental hygienist. We entertain our pediatric patients with a ride up and down in the dental chair.  Then we talk to them about opening wide so that we can shine a light into their mouth and count their teeth.  Next the child tests the water by using the “Mr. Thirsty” suction and rinsing their mouth in the chairside basin. Finally we use our beloved puppet “Choppers” to teach tooth brushing technique.

A fun and comfortable first dental visit builds trust and helps put children at ease during future dental visits.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth twice every day – once at night before going to bed, and once in the morning. Brushing your teeth at night helps to remove bacteria and keeps your mouth clean while you sleep. Brushing your teeth in the morning helps freshen your breath and removes any bacteria that built up during the long night of sleep.

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, the ADA recommends that you floss once a day. Flossing is important because it allows you to clean in between your teeth – removing bacteria and plaque, and keeping your gums healthy. Flossing helps keep your gums in shape – if you don’t floss often enough, your gums might bleed, which, if you’re not careful, can be a sign of possible gum disease and infection.

Your oral health can be a reflection of your overall health. Sometimes the first sign of a disease shows up in your mouth. In other cases, infections in your mouth, known as periodontal disease, can cause problems in other areas of your body.

More than 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum or periodontal disease.  Signs of periodontal disease include: bleeding gums when brushing or flossing; red, swollen or tender gums; loose teeth; persistent bad breath; or receding gums. Sometimes there are NO obvious signs of periodontal disease. That is why routine professional dental exams are so important to your overall health.

Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to a more serious disease, called periodontitis that causes gum tissue to pull away from the teeth forming pockets that become infected. Periodontitis results in damage to the bone supporting your teeth, and ultimately the loss of your teeth.

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums, and the byproducts of oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. When oral bacteria escapes into the bloodstream it increases inflammation throughout the body and can injure major organs. Chronic inflammation is recognized as a significant factor in aging and disease.

Bacteria and inflammation from periodontal disease is associated with a number of serious health problems including:
•    Heart disease
•    Diabetes
•    Dementia
•    Rheumatoid arthritis
•    Premature birth

Joint replacements: Gum disease is a major risk for infections in your joints after joint replacement surgery. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth is critical for preventing serious problems in your new joints. Current guidelines recommend taking antibiotics before having your teeth cleaned and any necessary dental work. Be sure to list joint replacements on your medical history at your dental office. Antibiotics are also recommended prior to dental care for patients who have had heart valve replacement.

If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, please take it seriously and call McCarl Dental Group in Millersville at 410-987-8800 or our Greenbelt Dental Office at 301-474-4144  for a thorough dental exam! You can also schedule an appointment online at http://www.mccarldental.com/mccarl-dental-office-appointments.php

Greenbelt Dentists at McCarl Dental Group Feature Beautiful Smile Makeovers with Porcelain Crowns and Veneers

JACQUI WAS NOT HAPPY WITH HER SMILE. The teeth were crooked, the old fillings were discolored, and her teeth were worn. Each of these dental problems was successfully corrected with a combination of porcelain crowns and traditional dental veneers.  Jacqui is delighted with her smile by Dr. Jay McCarl!

“I’m so happy with my new teeth and my new smile.  It was money well spent, and Dr. Jay made it an almost painless experience.  Thank you, Dr. Jay.”

If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, a smile makeover can restore your confidence when you smile and laugh. Successful cosmetic dentistry, ranging from matching a single porcelain crown or veneer with your existing teeth, to designing a completely new smile, requires extensive knowledge, planning and a high level of technical skill. Not all dentists performing smile makeovers use the latest techniques. It is important for the appearance of your smile and also the health, function and longevity of your dental restoration that your dentist is highly skilled and up-to-date.

At the McCarl Dental Group, every smile makeover begins with a comprehensive dental check-up and consultation. During this consultation, the dentist identifies and discusses with you various dental concerns that may be affecting your smile. These may include tooth decay, periodontal disease, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, gaps, misalignment, and stained or discolored teeth.

There are usually a wide range of dental treatments to consider. Together, you and your dentist will choose a treatment plan specific for your dental health problems and concerns. This plan may involve the use of multiple general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry options. If your teeth are badly chipped or stained, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers will improve the quality of your smile. If you have broken teeth, porcelain crowns may be the best option for you. Orthodontic treatment may also be considered. The procedures used to repair your teeth will depend on the types of dental problems that you have.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Porcelain crowns encase the entire tooth in a protective covering. All-porcelain crowns and veneers are durable and natural looking. The quality of porcelain also significantly affects the appearance of dental crowns. There are many porcelains on the market with a wide price range. The highest quality porcelains create a more aesthetic and natural appearance.

At McCarl Dental Group, your dentist has a wide range of options for keeping your smile looking and feeling great. Everyone deserves a HEALTHY and BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

Thin Dental Veneers – beautiful, painless and more affordable!

McCarl Patient after no prep veneers

Everyone loves a beautiful smile! This dental patient used to have spaces between otherwise attractive, healthy teeth. The spaces existed because the teeth were too small for his mouth – a problem that could not fixed by straightening the teeth with orthodontic dentistry. Thin porcelain veneers to increase the size of his teeth were the answer.

McCarl Patient before no prep veneers

New advancements in thin porcelain veneers allowed us to improve his smile with no-prep veneers. No Novocain.  No drilling. No dental temporaries.  We helped our patient select an ideal color for his teeth and made impressions.  At his next dental appointment, his thin veneers were cemented in place.

No prep veneers also known as thin porcelain veneers can be made as thin as .03 millimeters. Thin veneers are ideal for teeth that are small or unevenly shaped and teeth that have spaces between them. Thin veneers are also often an excellent solution for replacing old cosmetic bonding.  With thin veneers, we not need to reduce the size of teeth as we would to prepare for traditional veneers or crowns.

These “no prep” veneers make smile makeovers possible without drilling. The dentist lightly smooths the surface of your teeth and makes an impression. There is no need for Novocain or dental temporaries.  That is why thin veneers are often called “no-preparation veneers.” Two to three weeks later your veneers are cemented in place.

Contact the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, 8601 Veterans Hwy, Millersville MD 21108, (410) 987-0870 or the McCarl Dental Group, 28 Ridge Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, (301) 474-4144  to learn your options for improving your smile and to see if you are a candidate for no prep thin veneers.

Here is what this patient said about his experience in our Millersville Dental Office:  “Dr. McCarl is a great talent and a true artist and master of his craft. During my consultation he presented realistic options and made recommendations without ever seeming pushy. After deciding to undergo a no prep veneer procedure he and his staff provided me with personalized attention every step of the way. The results not only met my expectations but far exceeded them. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. McCarl is one of the best, bar none.”

When is a Panorex X-Ray the Best Choice?

Panorex or Panoramic x-rays are a one of a kind radiograph that is taken outside of the patient’s jaw. Panorex x-rays can show dental practitioners an overall look at structures like impacted teeth, jaw anatomy, nasal sinuses, and any suspected pathology around the mouth.

Panorex films are most commonly known for being taken on young adults with orthodontic consultations or when dentists are beginning to monitor wisdom tooth development. Because smaller x-rays taken inside of the mouth cannot show dentists much of the jaw, the panorex films are the best way to do this.

Individuals considering dental implants also need to have panorex films taken in order to evaluate the bone levels and anatomy of the nasal sinuses. This helps the dentists with McCarl Dental Group determine whether or not our patient are an ideal candidate, or if other procedures like bone grafts or nasal surgeries would first need to be completed. It also helps dentists know what type of implant needs to be placed in the mouth, as each implant is designed for different anatomical needs.  Panorex films are the x-ray of choice for accidents such as a broken jawbone.

For routine dental appointments, the dentists at McCarl Dental Group recommend a panorex film every 5 years. Most of our new patients have a panorex taken on their first appointment with us. This complies with the ADA standard of care, which is developed to help dentists monitor their patient’s oral health care needs. (1) Because some conditions like cysts, cancers, infections or tooth damage cannot be seen without the view that a panorex x-ray gives, it is important to have these taken regularly for preventative care. Patients who are undergoing orthodontic, or implant therapy may need to have these films taken more often to evaluate the progression that their treatments have made.

At McCarl Dental Group we have a digital Panorex. This allows us to share x-rays with patients and other health professionals at the request of our dental patients.

Each type of dental x-ray is designed to view different features. The image that the panorex provides cannot be replicated with other types of intraoral x-rays. For example, bitewing x-rays that are taken once a year to evaluate dental decay will not show areas around tooth roots, wisdom teeth,  or relationship of teeth to the sinuses.

Panorex films are easy and painless. These films are taken with a machine that rotates around the head in just a few seconds. Digital panorex films are ready for instant viewing and use a minimum of radiation.  All our patients feel it is exceptionally easy to have done. Panoramic x-rays eliminate gagging and discomfort sometimes caused by holding a film in the mouth.

If  have more questions on dental x-rays or are looking for a dental care provider we would love to hear from you. McCarl Dental offices are conveniently located near Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie and College Park Maryland. You can contact our Millersville, MD dental office at (410) 987-8800 or call our Greenbelt, MD location at (301) 474-4144. Please visit the McCarl Dental Group website at http://www.mccarldental.com/

Reference:

1. Choi JW.; Assessment of panoramic radiography as a national oral examination tool: review of the literature.; Imaging Sci Dent. 2011 Mar;41(1):1-6. Epub 2011 Mar 26.

YES! Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

At McCarl Dental Group we care about your oral health and also your overall health! We recently had a question regarding a YouTube video that one of our patients requested that we post on our website. Unfortunately, this patient was diagnosed with oral cancer. Fortunately his treatment was very successful. The cancer was located at the base of the tongue beyond visible range and was not visible upon oral examination. It was diagnosed by an ear nose and throat doctor. The question asked  what percentage of people who dip everyday will get mouth cancer? We researched and were not able to find those specific statistics. Here is the information we found.

Wishing you a healthy and blessed New Year!

Harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco include:

• Mouth, tongue and throat cancer
• Cancer in the esophagus
• Stomach cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke
• Addiction to nicotine
• Leukoplakia (white sores in the mouth that can become cancer)
• Receding gums (gums slowly shrink from around the teeth)
• Bone loss around the roots of the teeth
• Abrasion (scratching and wearing down) of teeth
• Tooth loss
• Stained teeth
• Bad breath

Smokeless tobacco products are a major source of cancer-causing nitrosamines and a known cause of human cancer. They increase the risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, esophagus and pancreas. (Source: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts and Figures 2010)

Smokeless tobacco products are considered less lethal but are NOT a safe alternative to smoking. Use of tobacco in any form harms health and can also lead to nicotine addiction.

Results from a large American Cancer Society study showed that people who switched from cigarettes to snuff or chewing tobacco had higher death rates from heart disease, stroke, cancer of the mouth and lung, and all causes of death combined than former smokers who stopped using ALL tobacco products.

The American Cancer Society, the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. National Toxicology Program have all issued strong reports warning on the adverse health effects of smokeless tobacco.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011)

Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011)

Lung cancer estimates for 2011 (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011):

New cases of lung cancer: 221,130

Males: 115,060

Females: 106,070

Deaths from lung cancer: 156,940

Males: 85,600

Females: 71,340

Here are 5 helpful tips if your New Year’s Resolutions include having a healthy, beautiful smile in 2012.

1. Quit smoking! Smoking is major culprit when it comes to gum disease – and most other diseases. Smoking constricts and damages small blood vessels throughout your body and decreases blood supply that carries healthy nutrients. Smoking also darkens your teeth. It is not too late to make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking!

2. 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. Your dental health affects your overall health! Visit your dentist and/or dental hygienist every six months and more often when needed.

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 broken teeth, headaches, and pain in your jaw muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). 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. A night guard will also ease the tension in your jaw muscles.

5. Never use your teeth as tools! A frequent source of dental emergencies is broken or chipped teeth from people using them as scissors, pliers or fingernail clippers. You would not believe the things people try to open or cut with their teeth – bottles, plastic bags, tape, string, fishing lines, cloth … you name it! We see chipped teeth and broken teeth that damage the dental enamel of natural teeth, but also in porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns. PLEASE DON’T USE YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS!

The Dangers of Soft Drinks and Sport Drinks

When we think of active, healthy people, we normally envision athletes or someone with a gym membership. Most likely if you’re watching a sporting event, there is an ample supply of sport drinks available to the athletes. While these drinks are often intended to help rehydrate the athlete, they wreak havoc on our teeth.

The same goes for soda and soft drinks. Both sports and soft drinks contain sugars and acidic juices. When these combine with our saliva and are broken down for digestion, an acid byproduct is created. This acid is active on the tooth surface for about 30 minutes. Because it is in liquid form, drinks coat the tooth and reach into deep grooves and areas between teeth. When we have more frequent exposure to these beverages, our decay rate increases. Erosion of the tooth enamel also occurs during consumption of these drinks.(i)

A study done on triathletes showed that while only a small percentage of them perceived themselves at a risk for dental decay, over 80% consumed sport drinks and showed extremely high risk for decay.(ii) Surprisingly, some sports drinks are more damaging to the teeth than soft drinks.(iii) Most of the time these drinks are consumed on a frequent basis over a long period of time. This is a recipe for dental disaster!

So do we need to give up these drinks completely? Not necessarily. However, we should be drinking water more often than anything else. Water hydrates the body extremely well and helps the teeth by rinsing some of the naturally accumulating bacteria. Our body needs water and it’s one of the best things that we can drink. If you decide that you need to drink a sport drink or soda, limit the exposure to your teeth. This can be done first of all by not sipping on the drink over an extended period of time. Sipping causes the exposure to be spread out through the day, extending the time frame in which the teeth can be damaged. Drink all at once, preferably with a meal. By limiting the time that your teeth are exposed to sweet and acidic liquids, you will help decrease the tooth decay caused by those beverages.

If your teeth suddenly happen to become sensitive to the sweet taste of sodas or sport drinks, this is an early symptom of tooth decay. If you or your athlete is experiencing any of these symptoms, call McCarl Dental Group today at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144 to schedule an exam in our Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD location. You may also visit us online and print coupons for special offers at www.McCarlDental.com.

(i)Noble WH, Donovan TE, Geissberger M.; Sports drinks and dental erosion.; J Calif Dent Assoc. 2011 Apr;39(4):233-8.

(ii)Bryant S, McLaughlin K, Morgaine K, Drummond B.;  Elite Athletes and Oral Health.; Int J Sports Med. 2011 May 17.

(iii)Kitchens M, Owens BM.; Effect of carbonated beverages, coffee, sports and high energy drinks, and bottled water on the in vitro erosion characteristics of dental enamel;J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2007 Spring;31(3):153-9.

Sometimes our patients ask “why is it important that I have x-rays taken when I come for my check-up?” The short answer is dental x-rays also called  radiographs can show us things that we cannot clinically see with our own eyes.

The dentists and dental hygienists at the Millersville and Greenbelt offices of McCarl Dental Group follow guidelines determined by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA standard of care is to perform routine intraoral radiographs once a year for most patients. These are the films that we normally refer to as “bitewing” x-rays. The other type of radiographs, Panoramic or Full Mouth Series of films, are normally taken once every 5 years. Occasionally there will be the need to take an x-ray of just one tooth for treatment or monitoring. To help provide incentive for people to get very important preventive care, we offer special discounts for an introductory visit with teeth cleaning, evaluation by a dental hygienist, dental x-rays as necessary and an exam by a dentist. The comprehensive dental exam also includes an oral cancer screening.

Each type of dental radiograph works in a different way. A panorex/panoramic film shows us a broader view of the entire oral cavity, bone structures and anatomy surrounding the teeth. This allows us to screen for any problems such as cysts, bone degeneration or missing teeth.

Bitewing x-rays are more detailed and allow us to closely look into the contact area between your back teeth. This is an important area to watch for early signs of decay and periodontal disease. A periapical x-ray will show us more of an individual tooth than a bitewing, and allow us to see around the tip, or apex of the tooth. These smaller films, the bitewing and PA, also allow us to detect abscesses and monitor the quality of existing dental work.

Without x-rays, we might not be able to see dental problems like failing restorations, recurrent decay, or a tooth abscess in the earliest stages. By the time many of these symptoms become evident visually, they are advanced and causing notable discomfort. That’s why coming in for routine dental hygiene cleaning and dental examinations can prevent more advanced treatments later. Our goal is to prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy smile. Dental x-rays help us achieve that goal.

Dental x-rays are extremely safe. They use minimal levels of radiation, and newer digital x-ray equipment uses even less. We are able to view and discuss digital x-rays with our patients on a large television screen in the dental operatories. This allows our patients to see what we are seeing and understand the treatment process better. Patients who have an increased risk of decay, or who suffer from periodontal disease may need more frequent radiographs. This is to help us monitor any suspected areas and intervene with therapy before problems progress to a more severe stage.

If you’re behind on your dental care or need to schedule your routine dental cleaning and exam, call us at our Millersville, MD dental office (410) 987-8800 or Greenbelt dental office (301) 474-4144 to schedule a check-up. www.mccarldental.com

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.