McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice

We all know that gum can be bad for you. Sugar containing gum actually increases our risk for tooth decay. Cavities that develop from chronic gum chewing often are not very noticeable in plain view. A small hole will be evident on the tooth enamel, but when an x-ray is taken, half of the tooth is “bombed out” on the inside. This type of decay is unique to gum chewing. Even when excellent oral hygiene habits are in place, frequent gum chewing continues to cause decay of the teeth. (i)

Sugary chewing gum can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Now there are now chewing gums available that have the sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol containing gums have actually been shown to reduce tooth decay and encourage enamel remineralization.(ii) Further studies show that chewing a gum with Xylitol encourages healthier gums, reduces bleeding, and decreases harmful bacteria.(iii) For patients who are actively fighting gum disease and recurrent tooth decay, chewing these gums may be beneficial to their oral health.

According to the American Dental Association, chewing gum may also be beneficial for patients with dry mouth. Medications and certain medical conditions are a common cause of dry mouth. Radiation therapy may also be the culprit, as it can destroy the salivary glands within the mouth. When there is no saliva to cleanse the teeth on a normal basis, decay becomes rampant. Xylitol containing gum promotes salivary production and can help decrease the decay rate. Dry mouth can also be very uncomfortable, and salivary supplements that don’t damage your teeth are extremely important. While the old school of thought might have been to suck on a peppermint, we know this is not the healthiest option for our teeth. Within just 5 to 10 minutes of chewing gum, saliva production will peak.(iv) Chewing a Xylitol gum may be a good option to decrease the dental consequences and discomfort of dry mouth.

Research indicates that chewing  gum containing Xylitol can be beneficial to dental health. Check the labels of different brands of chewing gum. You’ll be able to see on the front side of the package, usually in the corner, whether or not Xylitol is an ingredient. Brands like Orbit and Trident use this sweetener in most all of their products. If you or your children enjoy chewing gum, the American Dental Association recommends that you choose gum that contains Xylitol.

It is important to have routine dental hygiene cleaning and preventative oral health care. Please call McCarl Dental Group, dentists in Greenbelt MD 301-474-4144 or Millersville MD 410-987-8800 to schedule an appointment. Visit McCarl Dental Group at http://www.mccarldental.com/dental-hygiene-periodontal-therapy-dental-services.php

References:

(i) Paice EM, Vowles RW, West NX, Hooper SM.; The erosive effects of saliva following chewing gum on enamel and dentine: an ex vivo study.; Br Dent J. 2011 Feb 12;210(3):E3.

(ii) Chewing gum and dental health. Literature review. ; Rev Belge Med Dent (1984). 1992;47(3):67-92.

(iii) Campus G, Cagetti MG, Cocco F, Sale S, Sacco G, Strohmenger L, Lingström P.; Effect of a Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract on Different Variables Related to Caries and Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Trial.; Caries Res. 2011 Aug 3;45(4):393-399

(iv) Olsson H, Spak CJ, Axéll T.; The effect of a chewing gum on salivary secretion, oral mucosal friction, and the feeling of dry mouth in xerostomic patients.; Acta Odontol Scand. 1991 Oct;49(5):273-9.

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

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

McCarl dental patient with a beautiful smile after teeth whitening, thin porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and gum re-contouring.

Dental patient before teeth whitening, thin veneers, porcelain crowns and gum re-contouring.

Every dental patient is unique and dentistry should be customized specific to each patient’s situation and needs. When a patient consults with a dentist at McCarl Dental Group about concerns and goals for their smile, we listen. Our dental practice features  general dentists with advanced dental skills offering a wide range of dental treatment options. We offer a full range of advanced dentistry  in our Greenbelt and Millersville dental offices.

Combining dental procedures allows us to address our dental patients’ unique needs and provide solutions that will create the most attractive smile AND the most cost effective option. A combination case is the best choice when “just whitening teeth” or covering teeth with “all veneers” or “all crowns” would be inappropriate, unnecessary, or might not be the best way to achieve the dental patient’s goals. Patients who want to straighten and whiten crooked teeth benefit with Invisalign orthodontics combined with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers and crowns. The dentists at McCarl Dental group provide a wide range of dental treatment options to best meet their patients needs.

In a recent case, a patient came to us with 10 year old porcelain fused to metal crowns on her two front teeth after root canal therapy following trauma. The crowns were well made but were not attractive. No matter how well made, dental crowns made completely with porcelain (called all-porcelain crowns) look more natural, lifelike and esthetic than crowns made from porcelain fused to metal.

When the patient and dentist discussed the advantages of replacing the porcelain fused to metal crowns with “all-porcelain crowns”, the patient also wanted to address a slight uneven gum height and small, uneven teeth (lateral incisors) adjacent to the front two teeth.  In this case, full crowns would be unnecessary on the lateral teeth so we elected to place minimal preparation veneers (also called thin veneers). Thin veneers eliminated the need for reduction of healthy teeth, allowed us to improve the size relative to the front two teeth. All four teeth were restored with identical matching porcelain in an attractive white shade chosen by the patient. The gum line was re-contoured and the remaining natural teeth were whitened with beautiful results.

The” general dentists” at McCarl Dental Group are skilled in advanced “combination dental cases.”  We offer our patients the best dental materials and procedures to create beautiful smiles. We can often combine dental treatments and dental materials so that the most attractive smile  is also the most cost effective .

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.

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.

Did you know that having straight rather than “crowded” teeth is much healthier for your gums? It is more difficult to clean crooked teeth so they are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign Orthodontic trays are a custom, invisible, removable, comfortable, affordable and effective way to straighten teeth!

The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners that allows McCarl Dental patients to straighten their teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Each pair of aligners is worn two weeks. Patients are instructed to remove them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. In just months, the aligners move the teeth into the desired final position.  Patients of all ages love the comfort, ease and affordability of Invisalign.  Our Annapolis Maryland octogenarian is half way through her Invisalign treatment – she says it is a breeze! A McCarl Dental patient from Crownsville Maryland says, “The process was less costly and less time consuming than conventional braces. People never knew about my treatment unless I choose to tell them about my invisible braces. The best advice I would give someone considering Invisalign is not to hesitate. You will be wearing a great big smile immediately.”

Invisalign Orthodontics are often combined with other dental procedures including, dental implants, as well as porcelain veneers and crowns.  McCarl Dental Group has been named a 2010 Preferred Provider of Invisalign Orthodontics by Align Technology.

McCarl Dental Invisalign Orthodontics patients are all smiles with their straight and healthy teeth. Invisalign Orthodontics are affordable and we offer interest free financing options.

Special Offer Invisalign Orthodontics McCarl Dental Group

“The Time I Broke my Tooth”
by Amanda (age 12)

I have never been rushed to the hospital for an injury, but I over the summer I slipped unexpectedly.  It was 10:30pm, the night before my family was going to fly out to Orlando, Florida for a vacation.  I was brushing my teeth when my brother shouted out a joke he had just heard.  This made me laugh so hard that I lost my balance.  I slipped forward while my mouth was opened and hit my front tooth on the counter.  I had hit my tooth before, so I thought this was another one of those moments.  However, when I looked up and smiled into the mirror, I saw that half of my tooth was broken off!  I screamed, not knowing what to do.  My parents didn’t know what to do either.  My mom quickly searched the internet and said I needed immediate dental care.

“Where are we going to find a dentist to fix my tooth at 10:30 at night?” I asked.  We called Dr. Jay McCarl, and he spoke with my dad over the phone as I waited nervously beside him.  “Okay,” my dad said and then hung up phone.  He said that Dr. McCarl would meet us at the Shipley’s Choice Medical Center at 11:00pm.  My heart was so relieved that we had found somebody.  My parents drove me to the Medical Center, and we found Dr. McCarl standing at the front door.  We went into a room, and he numbed my gums.  This felt funny, but I had had this done before.  He spent a while fixing my tooth, but at this point I didn’t care how long it took.  I just wanted my tooth fixed before the trip.  Dr. McCarl was finished soon.  I smiled into a mirror again, but this time I looked perfectly normal.  This is a story I will always remember.  I am just thankful that I didn’t have to spend a week in Florida with a painful, broken tooth, because there is a dentist gracious enough to meet my needs even at 11:00 at night.

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.