High Technology Dentistry

Have you seen our  iTero Digital Scanner? It looks like R2D2 and talks to us in a robot voice! It makes crowns, bridges and veneers from hundreds of images of your teeth instead of from rubber impressions.

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!

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

A very popular procedure in today’s world of cosmetic dentistry is the no-prep veneer. With improved dental technology, dentists can create porcelain veneers that are less than half a millimeter thick. These “thin veneers” can allow smile makeovers with little or no drilling. No-prep veneers are ideal for permanent whitening, minor orthodontic issues and transforming small teeth or teeth with spaces into beautiful and dazzling smiles. The McCarl dental patient in the pictures above transformed his smile in just two visits to our dental office with no preparation thin dental veneers. The thin veneers covered chipped teeth, gave crooked teeth a straight appearance and permanently whitened his smile.

Many people want the cosmetic improvements porcelain veneers provide for a smile but are hesitant about the preparation of the face of the tooth that is required for traditional dental veneers. With the new minimal and no preparation veneers, cosmetic dentistry has become more comfortable, affordable and convenient. Dental veneers can transform a smile in just two visits to the dentist. Thin veneers are often an ideal solution.

Click this link to watch a video testimonial by a McCarl dental patient who improved his smile with minimal preparation thin veneers. He was concerned about yellowed, chipped teeth with spaces and was thrilled to have a beautiful white smile in just two visits.

Traditional veneers are thicker porcelain and require some reduction on the face of your teeth. These veneers are still the treatment of choice when teeth are too crowded or when protruding teeth need to be brought back into the smile line. Many times a patient’s unique situation is best served by a combination of thin and traditional veneers. Tooth structure may need to be modified only on selected teeth in your smile to get optimal results.

A smile makeover consultation with a dentist who is experienced in cosmetic dental treatment is the first step for improving your smile. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group combine experience in cosmetic dentistry, advances in dental technology and genuine care for our dental patients. We listen carefully to your concerns and goals. There is usually more than one solution to dental problems. McCarl dentists offer a variety of dental procedures and explain how they can improve your smile. A smile makeover can include teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain traditional veneers, thin veneers or porcelain crowns. The combination of treatments gives a great outcome and lowers the total price.

It is important for dentists to use a top quality dental lab for fabrication of porcelain veneers. The highest quality traditional and thin porcelain veneers have the shading and characteristics of natural teeth. With the recent improvements in dental technology, more people are choosing to enhance their smiles with restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask a dentist experienced with all types of cosmetic dentistry what would be best for you.

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.

The newest developments in dental technology improve comfort, accuracy of and precision of dental procedures as well as enhancing communication among dentists and their patients and also with other health professionals.

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have equipped our progressive Millersville and Greenbelt dental offices with modern technology and amenities to give you the best possible dental experience. Our state-of-the-art techniques, procedures and equipment increase your comfort, decrease the time you have to spend at the dentist, and help your smile look and feel its best.

Benefits of Dental Technology at the McCarl Dental Offices
•Intraoral cameras that let you see what the dentists at McCarl Dental Group see inside your mouth
•Chair side monitors to view X-rays, intraoral photos, and patient education videos
•Panoramic Digital Imaging technology for two-dimensional views of your entire oral cavity precise placement of dental implants
•Digital X-rays for detailed images of teeth and supporting structures
•Cadent iTero Digital Impression with optical scanning for the most accurate dental restorations
•Invisalign Orthodontics a custom, invisible and removable way to straighten teeth
•Patient education videos to learn more about suggested treatment options
•NTI bite guards to decrease TMJ discomfort

Our progressive dental offices provide Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville College Park, Millersville, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, and Greenbelt Maryland with exemplary service and personalized care. Call 410-987-8800 or 301-474-4144 today to schedule your appointment or consultation with the dentists at McCarl Dental Group!

Receiving an artificial knee, hip or lens of the eye has become a reliable, predictable part of mainstream healthcare. After 30 years, dental implants are also a predictable and safe procedure to enhance dental function and comfort. Dental implants are effective for single and multiple tooth restoration in crown and bridge dental cases and also for securing dentures.

A McCarl Dental Group patient from College Park Maryland experienced trauma to his mouth more than 40 years ago and lost a front tooth. He has lived with the inconveniences of wearing a “partial-plate” since high school. During a one hour dental visit we placed a single dental implant and temporary crown. Two weeks later he received his permanent crown and now he is able to bite into apples and eat corn on the cob for the first time in 40 years!

The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience and embarrassment. It is not uncommon for denture wearers to experience bad breath from food trapped beneath their denture. Successful placement of the mini dental implant resolves social and practical problems commonly associated with dentures. With the cost savings and rapid healing of the newest advances in dental implants, there is no reason to suffer from loose or poorly fitting bridges, partial dentures or full dentures. The bottom line for many patients with dental implants 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 causing extreme embarrassment, or shift causing sores in their mouths.

Dental implants fall into two primary categories. There are traditional implants, which are placed and need to heal or “sleep” 4 to 6 months before use or “loading.” The other type of dental implants is minimally invasive which allows them to be placed and put into use right away. The immediate loaded implants are very popular not only because of their immediate use but also because they are less invasive, have a very rapid healing response and cost significantly less for the patient. Mini or minimally invasive implants have become available to almost all of the population. Previous traditional implants may have been too expensive for some patients while other dental patients did not have enough bone in their jaws to place larger, traditional implants. Most patients have sufficient bone mass for placement of a tiny minimally invasive implant. The mini dental implants will withstand normal chewing forces just like natural teeth.

Our McCarl Dental Group patients from Lanham, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt, Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville and Millersville Maryland are thrilled with the new mini dental implants. When a dental patient comes to our office for dental implants, we make the determination for the location of implants during the initial consultation while viewing a digital panoramic x-ray. When using dental implants to retain a lower denture, we gently insert up to four mini dental implants into the front of the patient’s lower jaw. This is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed by a dentist certified in the installation of dental implants and requires only mild anesthesia. The miniature dental implants, which are approximately the size of wooden toothpicks, are placed about five millimeters apart. The patient’s denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the mini implants. Patients are able to remove and replace the denture easily so that they can clean their gums and dentures regularly.

The result is a secure fitting denture that allows a patient to speak and eat with confidence. Minimally invasive dental implants are placed in about an hour’s time and the typical dental patient can enjoy a light meal an hour or so after having the mini implants placed. It is a win-win situation for our dental patients who now have a quick, comfortable and affordable solution for the discomfort and inconveniences of missing teeth and dentures, as well as our dentists, who love to keep dental patients smiling.

On Friday March 5, 2010 Dr. Clayton McCarl and Dr. Jay McCarl took time off from treating dental patients to attend a continuing education course on the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry. Because the dentists at McCarl Dental Group strive to always stay current with the latest dental procedures and technologies, many of the procedures and materials discussed are already in place at our Millersville and Greenbelt Maryland dental offices. What we look for are “the pearls” of knowledge and information that will make a difference to our patients.  Last Friday, we found some pearls to further enhance our cosmetic dentistry techniques and, especially our patients’ healthy and beautiful smiles.  Our emphasis on continuing education and current technology is always appreciated by our patients from  Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville, Millersville, College Park and Greenbelt.

The lecture emphasized porcelain veneers and crowns, ultra thin veneers that require no drilling, smile makeovers, and other esthetic forms of dental care available today. Dr. David Hornbrook an internationally acclaimed innovator in cosmetic dentistry taught the course. Dr. Hornbrook has founded several world renown cosmetic dental training centers including:  The Hornbrook Group Center for Advanced Continuing Education, The Las Vegas Institute (LVI), and PAClive. The program was sponsored by The Academy of General Dentistry and Becden Dental Lab.

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are committed to ongoing study in all fields of dentistry. Dr. Hornbrook’s course allowed us additional insight into advancements in new stronger and more esthetic forms of porcelain, diode lasers, easier and more effective ways to improve a patient’s bite, and an honest discussion on which innovations will bring benefit to our patients and which products are more hype than substance.

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group were among the first dentists in the Annapolis, Severna Park and Washington, DC area to learn and implement the techniques of the highest quality aesthetic dental restorations with porcelain crowns and veneers. The Drs. McCarl began their advanced post-doctorate training in cosmetic dentistry in the 1980s as these techniques were being invented and regularly attend continuing education for training in all of the latest restorative and cosmetic dental procedures and dental products. Successful cosmetic dental cases, whether a full-arch restoration or matching a single anterior porcelain crown or veneer, require extensive knowledge and planning as well as a high level of technical skill. McCarl dentists fully integrate art and science of dentistry with patient centered dental treatment.

With the iTero digital scanner, Drs. McCarl are able to use laser and optical scanning to digitally capture three-dimensional (3D) virtual images of tooth preparations so that all dental restorations  including porcelain crowns and veneers are perfectly shaped with a precision fit.  The iTero scanner captures 100,000 points of red laser light which creates perfect focus images of more than 300 focal depths of the tooth structure. Digital scanning also eliminates problems associated with traditional impressions including errors caused by air bubbles, tray movement, inadequate tray adhesive, or distortion.  This is a “win-win” situation for our patients because in addition to increased precision, digital scanning is more comfortable than traditional dental impressions.  These images are sent via high speed cable to our dental laboratory, BECDEN.  All of the information that we provide to our dental laboratory is confidential, secure and protected consistent with HIPPA standards. In addition to digital impressions, our dentists send very detailed information for each dental patient, including the patient’s goals for their smile makeover.  We provide photographs of the prepared teeth, facial photographs, study models with detailed descriptions, bite registration, and amount of incisal translucency and surface texture desired.

At McCarl Dental Group, we feature the latest technology, combined with twenty-five years of post-doctorate education and three generations of experience in caring for your smile. Please visit our website http://www.mccarldental.com or http://www.dtidental.com/ourlabs/becden/welcome.html to see cosmetic dentistry with porcelain crowns and veneers by McCarl dentists.

Designed to replace the inconveniences associated with traditional dental impressions, iTero enables McCarl Dental Group to offer their patients a technology driven impression procedure. By using a hand-held wand to optically scan the area to be restored, the patients’ entire impression is created 100% digitally with no mess or bad taste. This digital impression is sent over the internet to a dental lab where models of our patients’ teeth are robotically milled. Dentists and dental labs report an accuracy level greater than any impression material available. This translates into a more comfortable dental visit and porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges that look and feel like natural teeth.  Our patients are enjoying the benefits of  iTero  impressions for Greenbelt MD porcelain crowns at  McCarl Dental Group.  Soon our patients with Annapolis and Severna Park porcelain crowns will also experience the convenience of iTero.