1. Smoking or using any tobacco products accelerates the chance for tooth loss.
2. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria that are found on the tongue.
3. You should change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after a flu or cold.
4. Oral habits such as cheek and lip biting increase the chance for oral cancer.
5. The best age to take a child for his/her first visit to the dentist is between 18-24 months.
6. Periodontitis is inflammation of the supporting structures of a tooth or teeth including
the gum, the periodontal ligament and the jaw bone.
7. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.
8. Fluoride is useful because it decreases the chance for cavities.
9. As we get older, our chance for cavities increases.
10. McCarl dentists and hygienists recommend that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss your teeth daily.
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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
The health of your gums is intricately connected to the health of your teeth. We use the phrase, “brush your teeth,” but that really means “brush your teeth and the crevices of your gums.”
One of the most common causes of gum problems is insufficient flossing. If you do not floss your teeth, you never fully clean between your teeth. With time, lack of flossing leads to bleeding gums and sometimes more severe problems like advanced gum disease and loss of teeth. Gum neglect is one extreme of the spectrum.
The other extreme is when you brush your gums really hard. In this situation, gums actually start to recede up and away from their teeth. Receding gums leave sensitive parts of the tooth exposed and can lead to discomfort and later infection.
A misconception about dental care is that you need to brush really hard. This is not true. In fact, it’s often better for your gums and teeth if you use a soft brush and gentle touch. The plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth are removed more effectively with a soft, gentle scrub. If you brush too hard, you are risking gum recession and you are not cleaning your teeth as efficiently as you could be.
Here are a few tips if you are a “gum scrubber” who tends to brush too hard:
• Lighten up! The first step is to admit that you brush too hard. Practice brushing with a gentle touch. You can also ask your spouse or a family member to watch you brush and remind you if you start brushing too hard.
• Find a new angle. Reduce the force of the brush against your gums and make sure that your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45-degree angle.
• Power up with an electric toothbrush. If you just can’t seem to brush more softly, get a machine to do it for you! Purchase a battery-powered toothbrush, like a Philips Sonicare or OralB electric toothbrush. Your McCarl dentists and dental hygienists are happy to make a recommendation based on your brushing preferences. Electric toothbrushes give your teeth and gums a steady, consistent and gentle scrubbing, just like the professional teeth cleaning at your dentist’s office.
• Try Disclosing tablets. Disclosing tablets are chewable pills or liquid that stains the plaque red. Then you simply brush and floss until the red is gone. You do not need to brush longer or harder than it takes to get the red off your teeth.
• Soothe your sensitive teeth with special toothpaste. If you have receding gums caused by excessive brushing, your dentist can prescribe an analgesic toothpaste with special ingredients to reduce discomfort and promote healthier gums. You may also try Sensodyne or Colgate Pro Health toothpaste.
You can usually repair the harm that has been done to your gums from the pressure of excessive brushing or lack of flossing. At the very least, you can prevent receding gums from getting worse. Ask your dentist at McCarl Dental Group for advice – that’s why we’re here!
Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center or canal of the tooth that contains a tiny nerve, artery, and vein. The pulp is the part of the tooth that gets infected from decay or trauma and transmits pain messages to the brain. Once the damaged, infected or decayed pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled which seals the canal.
With the experienced dentists at McCarl Dental Group, a root canal is a simple and routine procedure that will have you feeling great again quickly. During the root canal, your dentist will remove the pulp from the center of the tooth and fill the pulp cavity. This dental procedure promotes healing and can relieve a toothache and prevent the development of a painful infection that may spread to other teeth. A root canal can also treat an infection that has progressed into an abscessed tooth.
It is important to make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing dental pain. Bacteria from an infected tooth can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. Dental patients who are at higher risk of complications from infection or are immunosuppressed may need to take antibiotics before and after a root canal.
The Root Canal Procedure
• First, your dentist will numb your gums with a gel and then your dentist will inject a local anesthetic that will completely numb the teeth, gums, tongue, and skin near the infected tooth.
• The dentist may use a dental damn to separate the decayed tooth from the other teeth. A dental damn is a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame that helps stop liquid and tooth chips from entering your mouth and throat.
• The dentist will use small instruments and a drill to remove the pulp from the tooth. Your dentist may also fill the interior of the tooth below the gum line with medicines, temporary filling materials, and a root canal filling.
• When the root canal is complete, a permanent filling and often a dental crown is needed to strengthen the weakened tooth. When making a crown, the dentist shapes the tooth and then scans the tooth to create a digital impression that is sent to the dental lab fabricating the tooth. With digital impressions, each porcelain crown is a perfect fit! The tooth may be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent crown is fabricated and cemented into place.
What to Expect After Your Root Canal
After a root canal, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off. An antibiotic will be prescribed if your tooth was infected. If there is any discomfort, pain medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a stronger prescription painkiller will be prescribed by your dentist.
Root Canal Illustration
From time to time people with removable partial plates are forced to be without their partial. Whether it has been removed for routine cleaning, a medical procedure, or has been sent to a dental lab overnight, patients inevitably have to do without it for periods of time. When one or more of your front teeth are replaced by that partial, it is embarrassing to be seen without your front teeth. It is ideal not to have front teeth included as part of a partial plate so that your smile is unaffected for those times when it is not in place.
The dental patient in this video has an upper removable partial plate that replaces one front tooth and a few others in the back. By inserting a mini dental implant and restoring it with a crown we were able to remove the front tooth off of the existing partial so that it just replaces missing back teeth. The entire procedure took two visits, 2 weeks apart, with a combined chair time of 90 minutes. The dental visits were extremely easy for the patient. This patient did NOT need general anesthesia, incisions, stitches, and virtually needed no recovery. For the first time in years this Annapolis patient is not missing a front tooth! He is amazed that the mini implant restored with a porcelain crown feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Annapolis Dental Implant Patient Before Procedure
Annapolis dental implant patient after restoring mini implant with a porcelain crown.
With the most recent advances in dental implants, more patients are candidates for permanent tooth replacement. Some patients do not have enough bone in their jaws to place the larger, traditional implants while most patients have sufficient bone mass for placement of a tiny minimally invasive dental implant. Mini implants withstand normal chewing forces just like natural teeth.
Dr. Clayton McCarl, Dr. Jay McCarl and Dr. David McCarl have attended dental implant mini-residency programs and are certified in treatment planning, case selection, implant placement protocol and restorative techniques for both traditional and minimally invasive dental implants.
Did you know that straight teeth are healthier than crooked or crowded teeth? Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss causing plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease. When left untreated, crowded, missing or widely spaced teeth can prevent normal chewing which also increases the likelihood of periodontal disease and bone loss. Similarly, misaligned teeth and jaws can cause abnormal wear on your teeth, painful jaw joint problems, TMJ syndrome, tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Overall gum and bone health are improved when teeth fit together with an ideal bite. Clinical studies have shown that when teeth are properly aligned, gums fit tighter around the teeth, which improves periodontal health. And, of course, there are cosmetic benefits of a beautiful straight smile. Your teeth should make you look and feel great. Our Millersville and Greenbelt Dental patients love their healthy, straight teeth and beautiful smiles.
Adults are having their teeth straightened in unprecedented numbers! Whether you are self-conscious about your smile or concerned about your dental and overall health, Invisalign is a great solution. Many adults notice their teeth shifting, crowding and getting crooked, especially the lower front teeth. Even people who had braces as teenagers often experience relapse causing crowded teeth.
Benefits of Straight Teeth
• Improved function and wear patterns of the teeth
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• A more attractive smile
Fortunately there are simple and convenient ways to straighten your teeth. Invisalign trays straighten teeth and correct your bite just like metal braces – only nobody else knows you are wearing them! The metal brackets and wires used with braces often cause irritation to the mouth and gums. Also no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your dentist’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign is more comfortable, more convenient and less expensive than metal braces. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are premier providers of Invisalign Orthodontics.
Invisalign can correct a wide variety of dental and orthodontic concerns. Before starting Invisalign orthodontics at McCarl Dental Group, your dentist will take x-rays and photographs that are combined with 3-D computer imaging technology to design your individual treatment plan. You will receive a series of custom made clear trays which fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is worn for two weeks before moving to the next tray. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually shift until they have straightened to an ideal position. If you have only minor crowding, it will take fewer trays to correct. Some Invisalign cases take only ten trays (20 weeks) to correct fully. Major crowding cases take longer; however, Invisalign is often faster than traditional braces. For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Invisalign is a great way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.
Sally McCarl Moore adds that hygienists LOVE Invisalign because the patients take them out to eat and brush and floss before replacing them. “This keeps the gums healthy during treatment and does not cause any decay or tooth discoloration, which are all significant problems with traditional braces. Invisalign allows patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits and is a great way to straighten teeth!”
Invisalign Orthodontics are often combined with other dental procedures including, dental implants, porcelain veneers and crowns. Because crooked teeth and misaligned bites can contribute to other health problems, Invisalign orthodontics may be covered by dental insurance. There are also excellent financing options available. Call our Greenbelt Dental Office at 301-474-4144 or our Millersville Dental Office at 410-987-8800.
How much do you know about Periodontal Disease?
1. What systemic diseases are related to periodontal disease?
a) heart disease
b) diabetes
c) premature birth
d) rheumatoid arthritis
e) dementia
f) all of the above
2. Flossing and gum health have been linked to longer healthier lives. True or False
3. What percentage of Americans over the age of 35 has some form of periodontal disease?
a) 25%
b) 50%
c) 100%
d) 75%
4. Patients who want to maintain a healthy smile should…
a) visit their dentist at least twice a year
b) brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily
c) floss teeth daily
d) all of the above
5. Match the dental term with the correct definition
a) gingivitis _____
b) periodontal disease _____
c) plaque _____
1) chronic bacterial infection that causes gum tissue to pull away from the teeth forming pockets and
resulting in damage to the bone supporting the teeth and ultimately the loss of teeth
2) sticky film with bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gums
3) mild inflammation of the gums often characterized by red, swollen and bleeding gums which can
be prevented by regularly brushing and flossing teeth
Contest Rules
1) Must be a Facebook Fan of www.Facebook.com/McCarlDental (Just click “LIKE”)
2) Submit quiz answers to McCarl Dental Group via email to mccarldentalgroup@gmail.com
3) The winner will be selected randomly from Facebook Fans with correct answers.
4) Employees are not eligible for prize money but their families are!
5) Winner must pick up the check from our Millersville or Greenbelt Dental Office.
6) Drawing will be held on July 1, 2010.
Answers are in our Taste of the Bay Cover Story!
Cheryl Pruitt was surprised when the surgeon replacing her knee required a complete dental work up prior to surgery. “It was a real wake up call,” she says. “I had no idea I would need to go to the dentist before getting knee surgery.” Pruitt, a corporate human resources specialist from Millersville, needed her dentist to verify that she didn’t have any bacterial infections, such as nerve abscesses, gum disease or plaque build up on her teeth….
Retired dentist and Heritage Harbour Annapolis resident Dr. Walter Smith summarized the recent dental presentation by McCarl Dentists by saying there has never been a better time for dentistry. The newest technological changes have made dentistry more comfortable for dental patients than ever. When Dr. Smith retired in the 1980s, dental implants were in their infancy. Dentists could not have imagined a digital scanner taking pictures of teeth prepared for dental restorations with images sent via high speed internet for fabrication of perfect dental crowns and bridges. Neither could dentists imagine computer morphology that would allow clear aligner trays to straighten teeth. Today’s dentistry is remarkable!
Dr. James McCarl interviewing retired dentist Dr. Walter Smith.
Drs. Clayton and Jay McCarl discussed four of the newest procedures and technologies in dentistry at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis Maryland last week. The four topics they presented were dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, digital scanning for dental impressions and healthy mouth – healthy body: the relationship between oral and overall health.
Door prizes are always fun! Dr. Walter Smith won a professional custom in-home teeth whitening, Lillian Gill won a dental exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays. Sheri Reagor won a Sonicare Electric toothbrush.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can improve your quality of life if you are missing teeth! Dental implants have improved dramatically since the 1980s and have continued to improve during the last few years. They are small titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw bone and function like the root of a tooth. Implants are an effective and reliable anchor for dental crowns, removable bridges and dentures. The jaw bone fuses to the titanium implant and withstands forces from chewing food. Mini dental implants, known as minimally invasive implants, are thinner in diameter and the procedure for placing them is less invasive than traditional dental implants. Case selection is instrumental in a successful dental implant case. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are certified in traditional and mini dental implants and understand what is best for each individual patient.
Invisalign Orthodontics
Crooked teeth contribute to gum disease. Invisalign orthodontics are less expensive, more esthetic and can also be faster than metal braces. Adults of all ages are straightening their teeth in record numbers. These dental patients improve the health and appearance of their smiles. McCarl dentists are preferred providers of Invisalign orthodontics.
Digital Scanning for Dental Impressions
Digital scanning for dental impressions is the future! McCarl Dentists and LVI Dentists use the Cadent iTero 3D Intraoral Scanner. The iTero has a camera on a wand that takes digital pictures of teeth that have been prepared for a dental crown or bridge. These pictures are sent over high speed internet to fabricate dental restorations. This method provides the most accurate impression of teeth available today. The crowns and bridges fabricated using digital scanning for impressions require very little or no adjustment – they fit perfectly! Digital imaging will replace conventional dental impressions in our lifetime.
Healthy Mouth-Healthy Body
Diseases in the mouth affect your entire body. Prior to joint replacement surgery it is essential to have a dental exam to check for infection in your mouth. Oral infections range from gum disease or periodontal disease to tooth abscesses. Germs in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. Are you planning a knee or hip replacement? See your dentist first! Are you about to start chemotherapy? Have your dentist check your gums and teeth for potential sources of infection before taking immunosuppressant drugs including chemotherapy. When teeth are healthy it enhances nutrition. McCarl Dentists help our patients enjoy smiling and eating. A healthy smile contributes to your overall health and well being. Visit our YouTube Channel to see videos of the presentation. McCarl Dentists discuss Healthy Mouth Healthy Body
No Prep Veneers can be a conservative, esthetic, and affordable veneer solution for chipped teeth, spaces between teeth and dark or stained teeth. McCarl dental patients have been delighted with their smile makeovers that have been accomplished in two quick dental visits. We can brighten smiles, change shapes of teeth, eliminate spaces between teeth and create natural beautiful smiles without Novocain or drilling!
Minimal and No Prep Veneers aren’t the best solution for every patient who would like to enhance their smile. A dentist with experience in all types of veneers will create an individual dental treatment plan for each dental patient to create the best possible results. McCarl dentists in Greenbelt Maryland and Millersville Maryland have been enhancing smiles with veneers for more than 20 years and continuously study the technologies, products and procedures available for our dental patients. Because we stay current with the latest dental techniques and technologies in dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, porcelain veneers and crowns and teeth whitening, we can offer our dental patients a wide range of options for comprehensive custom smile makeovers.
Please watch our videos to hear McCarl dental patients tell about their great experiences with no prep veneers and smile makeovers.
Explanation of No Prep Veneers before Dental Procedure
McCarl Dental Patient After No Prep Veneers>
