McCarl Dental Group

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

Is your smile causing you to lose confidence? Veneers can transform an everyday smile into a Hollywood smile in just a couple of simple appointments to the dental office. Smiles with spaces, gaps, crooked, discolored, broken or missing teeth are easily improved with the placement of dental veneers. Because veneers make your teeth appear straighter and whiter, your smile will be more beautiful than ever before.

Traditional veneers are used to cover darkened teeth or very crooked teeth. They require the preparation or grinding off of natural tooth surface before the veneer can be constructed, manufactured and placed on the patient’s teeth. Should the veneer ever come off, there is an immediate need to have the veneer replaced due to the dark appearance and condition of the tooth underneath.

That was before no-prep veneers came along.

At the McCarl Dental Group, we have placed porcelain veneers for over 20 years, and now in selected cases, we offer veneers that require minimal to no-prep! Placing these no-prep veneers almost never causes any discomfort to our patients and the appointment process is extremely simple. In fact, when beginning the process for minimal or no-prep veneers, after the first appointment at our Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD dental office locations, it is often not even evident that anything has been done to the patient’s teeth. It’s that easy.

At the first appointment at our Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD dental office we simply skim the surface of the teeth that are to receive the veneers, then take an impression of the patient’s mouth. These impressions are used to create models of the teeth, so that customized veneers can be constructed in a dental lab to fit the patient’s mouth appropriately. After about 3 weeks, the patient returns to our office to have the veneers placed on their teeth, and we will adjust their bite as needed so that they will fit appropriately with the teeth on the opposite arch.

These minimal to no-prep veneers are so thin, at about 0.2mm in thickness, that they are extremely comfortable for our patients to wear. Our patients often say that in addition to being beautiful, the procedure is remarkably comfortable.

McCarl Dental Group has performed porcelain veneers for over 20 years and offers various other cosmetic dentistry options as well. Our cosmetic dentists in Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD will work with you to generate the smile that you’ve been dreaming of. Veneers are a wonderful cosmetic option to help restore self-esteem and confidence to your everyday life.

To learn more about the benefits of dental veneers call our Millersville dental office at 410-987-8800, Greenbelt dental office at 301-474-4144. You may read more about no-prep veneers and see pictures of our dental patients on the McCarl Dental Group website.  http://www.mccarldental.com/porcelain-veneers-dental-veneers-cosmetic-dentist.php

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.

At McCarl Dental Group we strive for excellence in dental care. 3-D Digital scanning with CAD/CAM technology has become a critical component of top quality dentistry.

CAD/CAM is an acronym for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Cadent iTero digital impressions use CAD/CAM technology to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. This enhances the design, analysis, and manufacture of dental restorations including dental crowns, bridges and veneers.

On January 10, 2011 Align Technology and Cadent Announced a Joint Development Agreement to develop 3-D digital scanning for impressions for Invisalign orthodontic treatment. The new applications will improve assessment, diagnosis and planning for orthodontic treatment by dentists who use the Cadent iTero digital scanner for their Invisalign orthodontic cases. Dental patients who are candidates for Invisalign orthodontics will love the convenience and comfort of digital scanning for dental impressions. Dentists will love the quality, accuracy and precision of Cadent’s exceptional scanning technology. The technology is in final beta tests now and should become available in the second quarter of 2011.

Dr. Clayton McCarl, Jr is a member of the Dean’s Faculty at University of Maryland Dental School. He was recently asked to provide input about his clinical experience with the iTero Digital Scanning System to Gary Hack, DDS Associate Professor, and Director of Simulation Research at the Dental School in the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry. Dr. Hack teaches dental students about CAD\CAM technology. Dr. Hack also presents continuing education courses to dentists reviewing evidence-based support for CAD\CAM and conducts research at the University of Maryland Dental School in cooperation with the ADA.
“Several thoughts come to mind with my experience using the Cadent iTero digital scanner. Digital scanning in lieu of elastomeric impressions is a significant technological advancement that is a must in every progressive practice.  It is not possible to do away with all impressions yet but the digital image produces superior model and dies for the lab technicians or for a milling machine to produce a restoration.  In my 27 years as a dentist, have seen gimmicky, panacea, technologies come and go.  This is for real.

When we were dental students, we trimmed our own dies.  We were encouraged by “old school professors” to continue to do this in our private practices telling us it would make us better dentists. The reason became obvious.  As we became pressed by office time schedules and demands placed upon us, “mystery margins” and slight distortions in an elastomeric impression suddenly started to look more acceptable or go unnoticed.  Dental labs report they are pressured to satisfy their client doctors.  They compensate with gallons of die spacer and creative die trimming.  Yes the crown can be seated but why do some restorations last five years and others twenty-five?

When you scan your prep there is no hiding.  Either you see a clear, defined, continuous margin or you don’t.  It’s like trimming your own dies again only at hyper speed.  You tend to stay above the gum lime with less potential irritation to the gum – significant benefits to our patients.  The margins are more chamfer than feather edge – allowing a wide range of options for restoration material selection.

Restorations insert easily with consistent minimal adjustments and excellent fit.  We strive for excellence in dental care and digital scanning has become a critical component of top quality dentistry.”

Did you know that you may be able to save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? Now is the time to call for your appointment to use available benefits to complete any outstanding dental treatment. Most dental insurance plans are based on the calendar year and do not let you rollover unused dollars to the next benefit year. Enjoy the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile during the holidays.

At McCarl Dental Group, we find that the holiday season is always our “busy time.” It is a great idea to call as soon as possible so we may help you evaluate your remaining coverage for this year or plan ahead for next year.

Please call 410-987-0870 to schedule an appointment at our Millersville Dental Office and 301-474-4144 to schedule an appointment at our Greenbelt Dental Office. We look forward to seeing you soon! Click here to see our special offers. We are conveniently located in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland, serving dental patients in College Park, Annapolis, Severna Park, Crownsville and surrounding areas.

Happy Holidays from the dentists, hygienists and staff at McCarl Dental Group!

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.