iTero digital oral scanner at McCarl Dental Group

At McCarl Dental group in Greenbelt and Millersville, MD we are excited to be using the advanced iTero technology that almost completely eradicates the need for conventional dental impressions. Instead, the iTero device allows a virtual 3D impression to be taken of the patient’s teeth in about the same amount of time that it used to take impression material to set and harden.

iTero technology works by using an intra-oral scanner that takes approximately 300 slices of information with 100,000 points in each picture. A voice-guided computer program navigates the clinician on proper placement of the scanning mechanism, so that a thorough image is recorded. These different layers of information are laced together to create a 3D image of the teeth.

Because the iTero impression technology is extremely accurate, it improves the seating of restorations like crowns and bridges by requiring little to no adjustment to the fit of the restoration when it is permanently placed into the mouth. With conventional impressions there are numerous steps to be taken, all of which require extreme detail, and all of which can alter the way a dental restoration fits into the mouth. With iTero, these other steps are not required, and the precise digital 3D image ensures proper fit of the final restoration.

Our patients love the iTero because there is no need for taking traditional impressions that may trigger a gag reflex. The iTero also saves time for both our patients and our staff by shortening appointment length and doing away with the need to fabricate models in our own dental lab. Instead, the 3D impression is sent wirelessly to the iTero laboratory that takes the information and creates an accurate polyurethane model of the teeth, which is sent to the dental technician who will create the crown, bridge, veneer, or other dental restoration. The need for re-impressions, sometimes needed with conventional impressions, is not a factor with iTero technology.  This also helps McCarl Dental do its part to go green, by reducing consumables and waste products.

The iTero digital impression allows restorations to be made from all types of materials, whether porcelain or gold, it doesn’t matter. McCarl Dental Group uses the iTero to scan for various restorative and cosmetic dental procedures like crowns, bridges, veneers, onlays and inlays.

If you’ve been putting off dental treatment because of dental impressions or other conventional treatment, call our Millersville or Greenbelt, MD locations at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144 to schedule an appointment.

iTero digital oral scanner next to foot pedal drill (circa 1920s) Dentistry has come a LONG WAY!

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.

To celebrate our new arrival, we are offering a COMPLEMENTARY consultation with a McCarl dentist for Invisalign Orthodontics or dental implants including a digital panoramic x-ray. To schedule your complementary consultation, please call our Millersville Maryland office at 410-987-8800or our Greenbelt Maryland office at 301-474-4144.   This special offer is available from February 15 through March 15, 2010.

Missing teeth are also restored in a variety of different ways, ranging from dental implants and dentures to bridgework.  The options are truly exciting for people who have endured uncomfortable and unsightly dental work for many years.  The results are absolutely rejuvenating!  We are seeing an increase in patients who are requesting dental implants.  With  Panorex digital x-rays and IMTEC minimally invasive dental implants, dental implants have never been more convenient or cost effective. Patients have been excited about our special invitation in the Greenbelt News Review for a complementary 30 minute consultation for Greenbelt MD Dental Implants.  We will soon extend this same offer for Millersville, Annapolis and Severna Park dental implants.

For your Greenbelt, Annapolis and Severna Park porcelain veneers and crowns, please visit McCarl Dental Group — we specialize in healthy, beautiful and confident smiles!

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.