Greenbelt Dentist

Teeth Straightening Promotes Oral and Overall Health

McCarl Dental Group Invisalign Patient

The dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group are concerned not only with our patients’ dental health, but also their overall systemic health. Dental and systemic health go hand-in-hand, and procedures like Invisalign teeth straightening help to promote overall wellness for our patients who have crooked or crowded teeth.

Invisalign allows our patients to have proper teeth positioning, which allows for optimum function and personal oral hygiene as well as improved appearance. In areas where teeth are crowded, shifted or mal-positioned, the normal bacterial film that develops each day after eating becomes extremely difficult to remove from those areas with brushing and flossing.

When teeth are difficult to clean, bacterial film or plaque, is left on the tooth and root surface. This film also builds up under the gum and continues to multiply until it is removed. When plaque is not efficiently removed, it calcifies within 24 hours, leaving “tartar” or calculus behind on the tooth surface. This hard, calcified deposit cannot be removed without professional cleaning by a dental hygienist. The dental calculus harbors bacteria which cause periodontal disease, tooth loss, and is linked to conditions like stroke, premature births, heart attacks, obesity and diabetes.

McCarl Dental Invisalign Patient Wearing Aligners

Invisalign alignment trays are made of smooth plastic. There is no need for uncomfortable brackets or wires. Each set of aligners in the series is worn for about 2 weeks, before progressing to the next set. Invisalign and McCarl Dentists recommend that the alignment trays be worn for at least 20 hours each day in order to achieve optimum results. McCarl Dental Group sees its Invisalign patients approximately every 6 weeks at our Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD locations to monitor progress and response to their orthodontic treatment.

Because Invisalign trays can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, the impact on every-day activities is kept at a minimum. Traditional braces require omitting certain foods from your diet, and using special appliances to clean around your brackets and orthodontic wires. With Invisalign, simply remove your alignment trays for meals and eat whatever you like. Brush and floss as directed, without special threaders or brushes that are required for traditional braces. Cleaning is a snap. Even the aligners are low-maintenance and are simply cleaned with a toothbrush and lukewarm water.

To begin Invisalign treatment, our dentists and staff at McCarl Dental Group will first take x-rays, impressions and pictures of your teeth and smile at our Greenbelt or Millersville, MD location. We use these images to communicate with Invisalign laboratories where your aligners will be made.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate corrective needs, but may work in some types of severe alignment needs as well. To determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign teeth straightening, call McCarl Dental Group to set up a consultation with one of our dentists in Millersville or Greenbelt, MD. You can reach us at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144.

(I)    Amabile N., Susini G., Pettenati-Soubayroux I., Bonello L., Gil J-M., Arques S., Bonfil J.J., Paganelli F. (2008). Severity of periodontal disease correlates to inflammatory systemic status and independently predicts the presence and angiographic extent of stable coronary artery disease. Journal of Internal Medicine, 263, 6, 644-652.

Our population is living longer than ever but not everyone is keeping their teeth. Unfortunately, one’s own dental health may restrict lifestyles such as the type of food we can eat. For some this may mean pureeing food or avoiding some foods completely. While dentures work well for some patients, others prefer something more stable that will allow them to function the way they did with their own teeth.

Of maybe you’ve just lost a tooth due to other reasons. It could be from an accident or injury, and you’re looking for the best cosmetic dentistry option to replace your missing tooth. Dental Implants can be used to replace one, several, or all of your missing teeth.

What are dental implants? Dental Implants are titanium inserts that are artificially used as “roots” in the jawbone of the mouth, where a natural tooth root would be. These artificial roots provide an anchor to support crowns, bridges, partials and dentures. The unique surface of these titanium posts allows the patient’s bone to grow around the implant so that it remains stable. Successful placement of implants allows the patient to function the way they would as if a natural tooth were in its place.

Here at the McCarl Dental Group in Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD we offer both traditional and mini implants. Traditional implants are placed surgically at the dental office, into the bone and require about a 3-6 month time span to rest before a crown or bridge is placed on the post. After the healing time has elapsed, we expose the post in the dental office so that an appliance can be snapped to it.

We are also very excited to now be offering mini implants, which are minimally invasive and are about half the cost of traditional implants. With mini implants only a small amount of Novocain is needed and the post is placed directly into the mouth without any surgical procedures here at our dental office in Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD. Mini dental implants are excellent for stabilizing loose dentures.

Dentists at the McCarl Dental Group have performed dental implants since the 1980’s. Many medical procedures have advanced through the last 30 years and so has the field of implant dentistry. We at McCarl Dental remain committed to following the progression of dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, and apply our knowledge and extensive training to be able to offer state-of-the-art care to each of our patients. Our dentists are certified in the advanced treatment of both traditional and minimally invasive dental implants.

Call us today for a consultation at our Millersville, MD dental office 410-987-8800 or our Greenbelt, MD dental office 301-474-4144 to determine what type of dental implants or other cosmetic dentistry services are right for replacing your missing teeth.  You may read more about dental implants on the McCarl Dental Group website.

http://www.mccarldental.com/dental-implants-tooth-implant-dental-services.php

McCarl Dental Patient before Dental Implant with Sinus Lift

X-Ray of Dental Implant with Sinus Lift

McCarl Dental Patient after Dental Implant with Sinus Lift

Have you been told that you need a dental implant that will first require a sinus lift? Sometimes in the upper jaw, the floor of the maxillary sinus is too low to place a dental implant.  A traditional sinus lift procedure creates space for an implant but can be too costly or involved for many dental patients.  Now a “mini sinus lift” can be performed by your general dentists at McCarl Dental Group at the time of dental implant placement with lower cost and no additional recovery time.

Rather than entering the sinus from the cheek side of the arch, a mini sinus lift “bumps” up the floor of the sinus just ahead of the advancing dental implant.  There is no additional entry point, no additional healing period, and a substantial savings over a full lateral approach sinus lift.

Dentists Clayton McCarl Jr, DDS and David McCarl, DDS of the McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland have received advanced training in placing mini sinus lifts.

"Before" x-ray of missing tooth

"After" x-ray showing sinus lift with dental implant in place

In this x-ray, a patient of Dr. David McCarl needed an implant to replace a missing tooth on her upper arch.  The “Before” x-ray shows the floor of the sinus (white line) was so low there was not enough bone to place an implant.  The “After” x-ray shows a full sized dental implant placed with the floor of the sinus bumped up or lifted ahead of the advancing implant.

The mini sinus lift is an easy affordable way to receive a dental implant for dental patients who were  previously not candidates to receive a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adults are one of the fastest growing groups of people straightening their teeth. Invisalign orthodontics are clear braces that straighten teeth like traditional metal braces, but clear Invisalign trays are practically invisible.

Nancy had healthy, attractive teeth but noticed, like many adults, that her teeth had shifted over the years. Invisalign orthodontics are not just for straightening extremely crooked teeth – it is an ideal solution for a minor correction too. Now, after Invisalign treatment, Nancy has a beautiful straight smile again.  When discussing her orthodontic treatment, Nancy said, “I have been happy with the results of my straightened smile. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are considerate, competent professionals devoted to their patient’s well being, creating bright and beautiful smiles, one dental patient at a time.”

Many adults would like to correct some aspect of their teeth to have a straighter, more appealing smile – but few want to experience the hassle, awkwardness and discomfort of traditional braces. Invisalign is an excellent solution for a straighter beautiful smile, without the drawbacks of traditional metal braces. Many of our patients achieve their desired results in just 4-6 months. The average Invisalign treatment takes 12 months.

Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontics:

• Aligners (Clear Trays) are Removable – Traditional metal braces are fastened to the teeth for years at a time, whereas Invisalign aligners are clear, removable trays that are shaped like a mouth guard fitting snugly over the teeth.
• Straight Teeth are Healthier – Straight teeth are easier to clean and contribute to overall oral health. Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the likelihood plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease or even periodontal disease. Crowded, widely-spaced and missing teeth can inhibit normal chewing, cause abnormal wear and contribute to painful jaw problems, including TMJ disorders.
• Flexible –Fits your Lifestyle – Invisalign offers the flexibility to remove the aligners when needed. Most patients discover that people do not even notice they are wearing clear Invisalign aligners.
• Cleaner Teeth and Improved Oral Hygiene Food tends to get trapped in metal braces but not in your Invisalign trays! Dental patients remove Invisalign aligners before they eat – food does not get stuck in this type of braces. Oral hygiene is much easier for the Invisalign patient. There is no obstruction from metal brackets and wires when brushing and flossing teeth improving oral health and hygiene throughout the orthodontic treatment.
• Comfortable – Invisalign dental treatment is more comfortable than traditional braces. The Invisalign process is easier on your gums and jaws as your teeth move into place. Also, since Invisalign aligners do not involve metal brackets or wires, they are more comfortable than braces. No more getting stabbed in the mouth with metal wires!

Can all Dentists Prescribe Invisalign?
No – Invisalign has rigorous requirements for certification dentists and orthodontists. They must take approved courses and pass tests to become Preferred Providers of Invisalign Orthodontics. Invisalign recently upgraded to Invisalign G3. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group were among the first to take this course and meet and exceed qualifications to prescribe the newest Invisalign program.

Is Invisalign for Adults Only?
No –teenagers are also able to use Invisalign for straightening teeth. The parents, teenager and dentist determine if the teenager will be accountable for complying with the Invisalign regime. Teenagers need to have lost all of their baby teeth and with second molars at least partially erupted to be candidates for Invisalign orthodontics.

Invisalign may not be right for every dental patient – some people need a level of orthodontic work that can only be achieved with traditional metal braces. Please schedule a free consultation in our Millersville or Greenbelt Maryland dental office if you are interested in learning more about Invisalign and whether it would be a good choice for you. Invisalign is often an effective, convenient, and nearly invisible solution for your teeth-straightening needs.

McCarl Dentists are certified Invisalign Preferred Providers  based on their high level of clinical training and experience straightening teeth with the Invisalign system.  Correction of orthodontic problems is often covered by dental insurance.

This is an important update about the association between the Human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer and the link to other cancers, particularly oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, entitled “Human Papillomavirus and Survival of Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer,” two specific strains of the HPV virus (HPV-16 and HPV-18) are linked to the majority of HPV – positive oropharyngeal cancer tumors. There is a growing body of evidence that HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma has a better prognosis and survival rate than HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma. In a randomized trial of patients with oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma, the overall survival was substantially better among patients with HPV-positive cancer than among patients diagnosed with HPV – negative oropharyngeal cancer tumors. Specifically, the NEJM article states that using a sample of 720 patients, the 63.8% of patients with HPV-positive tumors had a 3 year survival rate of 82% versus patients with HPV – negative tumors whose 3 year survival rate was 57%. To read more, please visit the NEJM website and click the link for the July 2010 issue.

The dentists and dental hygienists  at the Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland dental offices of McCarl Dental Group attend continuing education courses regularly so that we can provide the highest quality dental care. We screen our dental patients for oral cancer as part of each routine dental visit and patient education is a high priority for us. If you ever have a dental concern, please contact our Greenbelt dental office at 301-474-4144 or our Millersville dental office at 410-987-8800.

The prevention of tooth decay through community water fluoridation is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of 10 Great Achievements in Public Health of the 20th Century. Here is the CDC’s List of Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the United States from 1900 to 2000:

• Vaccination
• Motor-vehicle safety
• Safer workplaces
• Control of infectious diseases
• Decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke
• Fluoridation of drinking water
• Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard
• Safer and healthier foods
• Healthier mothers and babies
• Family planning

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health action to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral found in plants, animals and soils that is necessary to help strengthen bones and make teeth more resistant to decay. Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to an optimal fluoride level recommended by the United States Public Health Service for the prevention of tooth decay.

Fluoride reduces tooth decay, prevents loss of teeth and reduces dental infection and pain. Even in teeth that are beginning to decay, fluoride use strengthens enamel and can stop further decay. Topical use of fluoride includes fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinses, and professionally applied fluoride foams and gels. Topical fluoride is absorbed into the surface of the teeth, making the enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Systemic fluoride is ingested into the body, either by drinking fluoridated water or through fluoride supplements. Teeth and bones do not store fluoride permanently, but need regular doses to stay strong and healthy. At the Millersville and Greenbelt dental offices of  McCarl Dental Group we apply fluoride after each teeth cleaning by a Dental Hygienist. When appropriate, our Dentists and Hygienists prescribe extra strength fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse.

Fluoride helps prevent dental cavities and decay at all ages. In young developing teeth, systemic fluoride enhances overall tooth development and provides long-lasting protection against tooth decay. Parents and caregivers should monitor the use fluoride-containing dental products by children younger than 6 years. Young children should be supervised while brushing and taught to spit toothpaste out, rather than swallowing the toothpaste. Place a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a young child’s toothbrush. The use of fluoride mouth rinses is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age because they may swallow the rinse. Ingestion of higher-than-recommended levels of fluoride by children has been associated with an increased risk of very mild or mild permanent discoloration in developing, un-erupted teeth.

Mature teeth also benefit from systemic use of fluoride. Fluoride is especially important for senior adults as their gums start to recede. Adults experiencing gum line recession are at increased risk for root decay because the root surface becomes exposed to decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. Topical fluoride applied in the dental office and systemic fluoride from fluoridated drinking water strengthens the structure of the root surfaces, making them more resistant to decay.

After more than 60 years of rigorous scientific study of water fluoridation by numerous organizations, the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence indicates that community water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure for preventing tooth decay. For more information about fluoride and oral health, visit “www.ada.org”.

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have a passion for providing top quality care to their dental patients. They understand that a smile can change a person’s attitude, health, and ultimately life. In addition to preventative care, many dental patients would like to correct problems they have had since childhood, such as discolored or misaligned teeth, while others would like to minimize the effects of aging that develop over time. McCarl dentists are adept at managing complex dental cases that require a combination of treatments, as well as cosmetic dental treatments that produce excellent results in one to three visits. Whether your profession requires being in front of a television camera, speaking with students or conducting business meetings, a beautiful smile conveys warmth, confidence and success.

The McCarl Dental Group is comprised of Dr. Clayton McCarl, Jr., Dr. Jay McCarl, and Dr. David McCarl—all of whom completed their Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland Dental School, and continue postdoctoral training with prestigious instructors and advanced programs throughout the country. The McCarl dentists are active in their communities, volunteer regularly, and are proud to honor their grandfather, Dr. James W. McCarl, who started his practice in 1924 and was the first dentist in Greenbelt, Maryland. Today, the McCarl Dental Group offers expertise in traditional porcelain veneers and no prep veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, Invisalign orthodontics, custom teeth whitening, minimally invasive and traditional dental implants, composite white fillings, dental hygiene and periodontal treatment.

More than seventy percent of new patients to McCarl Dental Group are referred by existing patients who are delighted with their dental care. Five current patients have shared their success stories through their own words and smiles on the following page. These patients are a testament to the brilliant work and service that McCarl dentists provide.

Patient Testimonials

“A smile is very important in the business world because it’s one of the first things a potential client, customer or coworker sees. I speak with a lot of crime victims in my line of work, and a warm smile often helps express concern and compassion when words seem to fall short. Thanks to the McCarl Dental Group my smile is the last thing I need to worry about. I can focus on the person in front me and help them find justice. The McCarl Dental Group is very professional and up-to-date on the latest technology, and best of all I didn’t have to travel the country looking for the best dentist. He was right in my backyard!”— Karen Daboroski, producer of America’s Most Wanted

“I always hated to see my teeth when I smiled for pictures because they were so yellow. Even after trying different whiteners, I could not get them any whiter. Dr. McCarl recommended a veneer to repair a front tooth that was dark and said that my smile could be further enhanced by placing veneers on the other front teeth that showed when I smiled. I had porcelain veneers placed on six teeth and couldn’t be happier with my white smile now!”— Cecily Duda, elementary school teacher

“The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have removed the anxiety one typically experiences when going to the dentist. It is an established practice that truly gives you the feel of an ‘old-time’ family practice, but with current, state-of-the-art technology and dental practices. Over the years, my visits to McCarl Dental Group have become more than the routine patient-dental service provider relationship—they treat me like family. Thank you to all of the members of the McCarl Dental practice for helping me attain the smile that I always desired and making my dental care a friendly, comfortable visit.”— Dan Dering, business executive

“Before my experience with the McCarl Dental Group, I did not like showing my teeth when I smiled. I am so glad I chose to enhance my smile through Invisalign, and I am pleased to have chosen the McCarl Dental Group for my dental needs. I now love showing my teeth when I smile, and especially love being photographed.”— Jackie Oddoye, recruiter

“My smile became increasingly important to me as I started to speak publically, and appear on national television shows. It was not just a matter a vanity—it became a necessity for career advancement. After doing the Dr. Phil Show over a dozen times, I had some of my own material pitched to different networks, and was told my work was great, but my teeth and smile were not up to standards. After consulting with three dentists, I choose the McCarl Dental Group to do my complete mouth restoration. Dr. McCarl’s knowledge and confidence about the process of dental restoration was evident. It was a fair and realistic price for my veneers and crowns, and I could not be happier with my smile. My favorite compliment is, ‘They look like your teeth,’ and that’s exactly what I wanted.”— Joani Gammill, RN and Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Interventionist

Yes! If the dental pain is from grinding your teeth!

Grinding and clenching teeth often occurs during times of personal stress.  For many people, the first symptom of teeth grinding is a headache or pain in the jaw. Grinding and clenching can also cause destruction of the enamel of the teeth which over time can lead to significant loss of tooth structure. Most people are not aware of the damage since grinding does not cause visible cavities in the teeth. Nighttime clenching is more subtle than grinding and often results in cracked or fractured back teeth.
A nightguard, such as the NTI device, is often the first treatment for grinding and clenching.  The NTI attaches to your front two teeth and prevents the back teeth from touching which suppresses clenching and allows the jaw muscles and joints to relax and heal.  Since the teeth do not have direct contact, teeth do not get worn down.

The NTI is easy to wear and is custom made in just one visit to the Greenbelt or Millersville Maryland offices of McCarl Dental Group http://www.mccarldental.com/mccarl-dental-office-directions-hours-dental-services.php.  Many of our patients experience relief from jaw discomfort in a few days.