Family Dentistry

Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland Dental Hygienists at McCarl Dental Group

At McCarl Dental Group we recommend that all patients see one of our registered dental hygienists for routine prophylactic cleaning appointments at least every 6 months. For patients with gum disease we may recommend visits every 3-4 months. Our hygienists work with each one of our patients to ensure that they maintain optimum gum health, which means keeping their teeth healthier for years to come. With extensive training in the removal of tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces and below the gums, dental hygienists play an active role in fighting periodontal disease.

Many people believe that if they do not have problems with their teeth, they do not need to have their teeth cleaned by a hygienist and examined by a dentist. This can mean a couple of years quickly turns into 5, 10, or even 15 before some people have another dental exam. Unfortunately, for most of these people, waiting longer between visits means unhealthy gums and sometimes very rampant tooth decay.

When plaque is missed from irregular flossing, it hardens and becomes tartar under the gumline. This contributes significantly to the destruction of gum and bone attachment levels around your teeth. Eventually this uncontrolled gum disease, correctly known as periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss.  Through routine cleaning appointments and screenings, patients can help prevent conditions including periodontal disease and advanced tooth decay.

The hygienists at McCarl Dental Group work with each individual patient to help them create an oral hygiene regimen that will work best for their own needs. Fifty percent of tooth and gum health comes from what you’re doing at home. Because every person’s mouth is different, so are his or her home care needs. What works for one person may not work for the next.

Hygienists don’t just clean teeth or check for suspicious areas of decay. They also screen for oral cancer and precancerous lesions of the mouth, head and neck.  Many medical conditions and diseases of the human body first manifest themselves as symptoms that are seen in the mouth. Because people are more likely to see their hygienists for routine cleanings as opposed to annual physical exams with their doctor, many conditions are first found in the dental office. Many Dental Hygienists also offer nutritional counseling because of the vital connection between overall health and oral health.

McCarl Dental Group hygienists help promote and safeguard your overall health and wellness. If you’re behind on your dental hygienist visits, it’s better to be late than never. Contact us today to schedule your biannual cleaning appointment. You can reach our Millersville, Maryland dental office at (410) 987- 8800 or our Greenbelt, Maryland dental office at (310) 474-4144. You may also request an appointment online at 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.

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

It is very evident to our patients when they meet Christine Stovenour that she is not only a highly skilled dental hygienist, but also an exceptionally caring and wonderful person.  Christine started working at the Greenbelt office of McCarl Dental Group as a dental assistant when she was sixteen. “My older sister Rachel recommended me for the position after she had been working at McCarl Dental Group for a few months.”   The dentists at McCarl Dental Group were immediately impressed with Christine’s maturity.  After working at the dental office for a few years, she decided to become a dental hygienist. “I knew I wanted to have a career in the medical field because I really liked the patient connection.  I enjoy helping my patients feel comfortable and want them to have a positive experience at the dentist.  Christine put herself through school while working full time.  She has always shown tremendous work ethic and perseverance.  Her transition from dental assistant to hygienist was very smooth.

Christine says, “Becoming a Dental Hygienist has been a great career path for me.  Not only do I love meeting, treating and educating patients on their oral health on a daily basis but my great work schedule allows me to be home with my one year old son two days a week.  I love the flexibility with my schedule that Dental Hygiene allows me.  The McCarls have always made family a priority and, therefore, are extremely understanding with their staff about family issues.  I really appreciate this aspect of my job because family is very important to me.”  As mentioned above, Christine and her sister Rachel work together. Their younger sister, Emily, also works with Christine and Rachel at McCarl Dental Group.

Christine enjoys continuing education courses on a variety of dental topics.
She is interested in nutrition and the effects on oral health as well as all of the latest studies on the links between gum disease and the effects on a person’s overall health (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)  “It helps me to educate my patients about how important their oral health is and how it affects their overall health.”  Our patients are very complementary about their hygiene visits with Christine and all of our staff members enjoy working with her.

McCarl Dental Group’s Spectacular Sisters – Rachel, Emily and Christine

Your Severna Park Dentists at McCarl Dental Group are pleased to congratulate Mrs. Janice Tuttle, the winner of our first Sonicare Electric Toothbrush drawing!  You may enter to win our next Sonicare toothbrush at our Shipley’s Choice dental office or on the following link of the McCarl Dental Group website http://www.mccarldental.com/mccarl-dental-office-directions-hours-dental-services.php .

Electric tooth brushes are excellent for more thorough brushing because they make it easier to have the proper technique for cleaning teeth and gums, reducing tooth decay, gingivitis and other gum disease. Not everyone takes the time to correctly angle manual tooth brush bristles and apply the needed motion.  If teeth are brushed too hard, the gum tissue can become damaged causing recession and tooth sensitivity. An electric toothbrush requires less pressure, leaving gums with minimal damage from brushing. Even though it exerts less pressure, an electric toothbrush enhances plaque removal providing whiter and cleaner teeth and fresher breath.

Even with the most effective tooth brushing techniques, it is important to have a professional cleaning and dental exam at least every six months.  Please visit McCarl Dental Group one mile from Severna Park where we emphasize quality dental care, healthy smiles and patient satisfaction.

Sarah Chisholm has been a hygienist with the McCarl Dental family for 17 years. “I came to the McCarl Dental Group in 1992 as a temporary hygienist and loved it so much I stayed!  The best part is of course our office family. We work so well together and our dentists and staff truly are a source of kindness and support.  It’s what I affectionately call the “McCarl Brain Trust.” Someone at work always knows the answer to a question, or can point you in the right direction.”

Sarah has made significant contributions to McCarl Dental Group over the years. Last November she arranged for a guest speaker to update the entire staff regarding the latest initiatives on infection control so that we meet and exceed required standards. Sarah also regularly attends dental continuing education courses on a variety of topics including advances in periodontal care, nutrition and Invisalign Orthodontics. She always shows initiative and gets jobs done quickly and efficiently. We value Sarah’s high energy and professional demeanor.

Sarah tells us, “One of the many things I enjoy about being a hygienist is building relationships with my patients. Our office is unique in that we have many multi-generational patients. These long term relationships make it comfortable for our patients to share information about medical changes and for the dentists and hygienists to introduce the latest information as well as the newest technologies in dental care and products. In recent years we have been educating our patients about the link between periodontal and cardiovascular disease.  Our patients are very responsive and appreciate the concern we show not just for their dental health, but whole body health as well.”

Sarah also contributes to our office with her fabulous sense of humor.  Where ever she is, a trail of laughter is sure to follow. A big part of that was being the only girl in her family, raised with three hockey playing brothers, one of them her twin! She has an irrepressible smile, and enjoys her job, her patients and a good laugh. Sarah and her husband Pat were high school sweethearts, and live in Rockville with their two sons Nick and Sam. Sarah adds, “When we are not busy with our boys’ sports and activities, we love to golf.”

Sally McCarl Moore has been practicing as a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1980, and works in the McCarl Dental Group offices in Greenbelt and Millersville. Sally is known for her excellent clinical skills and is constantly updating professional techniques and products based on the latest research. Her main focus however, is the personal relationship she forms with each of her patients. Sally is compassionate and has a great sense of humor. She has built wonderful friendships with her patients over the years and is a great asset to our practice. Sally teases her long time patients that when anything of importance happens to them the first person they should call is their dental hygienist!  A relaxed atmosphere and a lot of laughter make a trip to the Greenbelt, Annapolis and Severna Park Dentists at McCarl Dental Group an enjoyable one. Who says dental visits can’t be fun!

Sally is the sister of Drs. Clayton and Jay McCarl, and is Dr. David McCarl’s cousin. She started working as a dental assistant with her father, Dr. Clayton McCarl Sr. when she was sixteen. Each Saturday and every summer vacation was spent at the Greenbelt office learning the family business. While assisting in high school and college, Sally worked beside her aunt, Mary Jean McCarl Bonham. Many of her cousins also worked for the dental office in various positions ranging from dental assistant to lawn maintenance. “We were taught at a young age about the importance of serving others and to take great pride in our work. Our grandfather and fathers lead by a strong example that made a great impression on us all.”

Sally lives with her husband, Brian in Crofton. She has three fabulous grown children, Kelly, Colleen and Alex. They are all enjoying and excelling in their fields as an attorney, history teacher, and accountant.

Sally’s husband, Brian likes to joke that she should be a great hygienist; because that’s the only job she’s ever had!  Sally says, “Actually that is true. I never saw the point in working anywhere else. What could be better than working with your family?”

When you enter our College Park / Greenbelt dental office, one of the first smiling faces you encounter is that of Gail Beane. Gail has worked for McCarl Dental Group for 30 years, since she was a teenager! She is always very kind and welcoming to our patients. Gail helps patients schedule appointments and keeps our front desk running smoothly. She is cheerful even on the busiest days and shares her beautiful disposition with a song in her voice.

Gail joined McCarl Dental Group in 1979 when she answered an ad in the Greenbelt News Review for a receptionist. Dr. Clayton McCarl Sr. met Gail and decided she would be a fabulous dental assistant, working directly with him at chair-side. College Park Dentist, Dr. Clayton Sr. and his wife Jane became very fond of Gail and welcomed her to the McCarl Dental “family.” Gail moved to her position at the front desk soon before Dr. Clayton McCarl, Sr. retired, and has been happily assigned there ever since.

Gail says, “I am blessed to have so many wonderful and treasured memories of working with Dr. Clayton McCarl, Sr. and the entire McCarl family over the years. The Drs. McCarl have always made me feel as if I were a part of their family, for which I am very grateful.”

Gail lives in Beltsville with her husband and 12 year old daughter. Her two grown sons live nearby in Ellicott City and Berwyn Heights.

Lois Rapp has worked with the Greenbelt, College Park, Millersville and Severna Park dentists at McCarl Dental Group for more than twenty five years. She has tremendous clinical experience and great rapport with our patients. Many of our dental assistants are in their mid-twenties and Lois, a grandmother of three, sets an amazing example for them with her positive attitude, impressive energy and work ethic. She commutes from York, PA two days a week and works in the McCarl Dental Group Millersville and Greenbelt dental offices serving our patients in New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt, Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville and Millersville.

Lois says, ” Working in this office has always been a good fit for me and I really enjoy our patients and the people who work on the McCarl dental team.” THANK YOU LOIS for your dedication to our dental office and especially our patients!

To Greenbelt and Severna Park Dentist, Dr. Jay McCarl, the answer is simple – BOTH! The exciting new technologies like: intraoral photography; scanning digital impressions for veneers, crowns and bridges; implants and mini implants; Invisalign for invisible orthodontics, Oraverse to reverse the effects of novacaine, Vizilite for comfortable precancer screening are all examples of new things we provide for patients. However, there is no replacement for the time spent to get to know people and develop a trusting relationship. This lesson has been handed down to us through three generations of dentists in our immediate family.

At McCarl Dental Group, we are happy to provide complementary consultations for Greenbelt and Severna Park porcelain veneers, crowns and dental implants.