Richard Duarte, DDS Joins McCarl Dental Group

May 25, 2016

Dr. Richard Duarte, DDS, a new Associate at McCarl Dental Group

Dr. Richard Duarte, DDS is a new associate at McCarl Dental Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Richard Duarte, a new associate dentist at the Greenbelt, Maryland office of McCarl Dental Group. We selected Dr. Duarte after an extensive search during which we vetted more than 30 highly qualified candidates. Dr. Duarte stood out as an excellent person and dentist. He will provide outstanding care to our dental patients.

Dr. Duarte grew up in Columbia, MD and attended The University of Maryland at College Park where he received a Bachelor of Science in General Biology in 2010 with a minor in Spanish. He attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2015. Dr. Duarte is finishing an Advanced Education Residency in General Dentistry at Chase Brexton Health Care Center in Baltimore through the New York University Lutheran Health System. The residency provides superior experience in the different aspects of general dentistry and is an invaluable asset in learning to provide the best possible patient care. Dr. Duarte has traveled to Central America twice on dental mission trips to provide care to those in need in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama.

Dr. Duarte has earned numerous awards, including:
The American Academy of Oral Medicine Award
For demonstrating the highest standards of care in diagnosis and treatment of medically compromised patients.
Dean’s Community Service Award
For serving 80+ hours of community service while in dental school.
The Ferdinand J. S. Gorgas Odontological Honor SocietyAn honorary student dental organization for recognition of a superior grade point average and class rank.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Award
Recognition of commitment to creating an inclusive environment and bringing dental attention and education to a local community in need.
The Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society
An honorary student dental organization for scholarship and interest in the field of prosthetic dentistry.

He is engaged to marry Claire Balkam in July 2016. They reside in Baltimore and are enjoying city life with their soft coated wheaten terrier, Ryleigh. They enjoy cheering on the O’s as well as the Terps! We know you will enjoy meeting him soon!

 

 

 

Teeth Whitening Recommendations for Coffee, Tea, & Red Wine Drinkers

January 18, 2016

If you’re one of our many patients who loves drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, you may think that dental stains are inevitable, but at McCarl Dental Group, we have good news for your pearly whites. Regular cleaning with a dental hygienist along with application of professional teeth whitening gel can remove staining and restore your smile to brilliant white. Grab a glass of your favorite staining beverage and read on to find out more about teeth whitening with our knowledgeable Greenbelt dentists and their team.
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Why are There White Spots on my Teeth?

November 9, 2015

There are many possible causes for white spots on teeth, but the most common is a condition known as hypomineralization, hypocalcification, or hypoplasia. Whatever word you hear a dentist use to describe the condition, it refers to the loss of minerals from tooth enamel, and it is quite common. If you have a few of these white spots or they are in highly visible locations on front teeth, contact McCarl Dental Group. Our skilled dental team provides a variety of treatment options to perfect your smile. Watch our informative video, and continue reading to find out more.
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The True Consequences of Smokeless Tobacco

November 1, 2015

Smokeless tobacco goes by many names: chew, snuff, dip, and snus. It has many forms: dry, moist, ground, powdered, shredded, leaf, and plug; but a smokeless tobacco by any other name is still tobacco. These products have a long history in the US of being marketed as enhancing athletic performance, helping people quit smoking, and as a non-addictive form of tobacco. The hard truth is that all of this is false. At McCarl Dental Group, we want our patients to know the true story behind the effects of smokeless tobacco on health: Ray’s story. Watch the video within this post to hear Ray’s oral cancer survival story.

Ray’s Story

Ray is a McCarl Dental Group patient who spent a year of his life undergoing combined chemotherapy and radiation to remove a small tumor from the back of his tongue. Ray was a long time user of smokeless tobacco, and his oncologist (cancer specialist) attributes the blame for his cancer to the period in his life when he used smokeless tobacco. Some studies indicate that oral cancer caused by smokeless tobacco can have an incubation of up to ten years. However, that doesn’t mean that quitting is pointless. The damaging effects of the toxins in the body are cumulative. So, the longer patients use, the more damage is done to their oral and whole body health.
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Worn Down Teeth? Get Nightguards!

September 28, 2015

Teeth grinding damage needs nightguards from mccarl dentalTooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body, but even the strongest teeth become worn down over time. Dietary changes, improved oral hygiene, and better dental treatment make it possible for patients to retain their natural smiles for a lifetime. One of the first reasons dentists noted this change was the increased necessity for wisdom tooth extraction. The third set of molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth because they erupt between 17 and 25 years of age. Anthropologists believed that the early function of wisdom teeth was to replace teeth that were lost because our ancient ancestors ate coarse foods that quickly wore down tooth enamel. Most modern lifestyles are much less tough on teeth. This has made wisdom teeth almost entirely unnecessary. Unfortunately, teeth still wear down throughout our lives (just not before our 20th birthdays!). The caring team at McCarl Dental Group can help you protect your smile. Call our Greenbelt dental office or our Millersville, Maryland dentists. Call for an appointment today.
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Dental Cleaning by Greenbelt Dental Hygienists

September 17, 2015

Patient recieves a thorough teeth cleaning for your Greenbelt dental hygienists at McCarl Dental GroupDental cleaning Greenbelt residents prefer isn’t just about having a beautiful smile it’s about optimal oral health, and you can’t get the same results from at-home care alone. Talk to our dentists or hygienists during your next visit about the powerful positive effects of consistent dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Our Millersville, MD dental team is determined to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Both our Greenbelt and Millersville, Maryland Dental Hygienists receive 5 star reviews! Call to schedule your six month checkup and hygiene appointment today. If you have periodontal disease, you may need to have your teeth cleaned professionally more frequently than every six months. Your dental hygienist and dentist will help you with a schedule that works best for you.
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Are Your Teeth Sensitive After Whitening? Try At-Home Whitening in Millersville, Maryland

August 28, 2015

fantastic results with at-home teeth whitening in millersvilleMany patients hear that teeth whitening can be painful for those with sensitive teeth. This may be the case for some patients, but advances in dentistry have made teeth whitening more comfortable than ever. At McCarl Dental Group, our dentists offer professional at-home whitening to help patients achieve the brilliant smile they want without the discomfort they fear. Our Millersville and Greenbelt, MD offices welcomes patients from surrounding areas to contact us to schedule a whitening consultation today.

Teeth Whitening Greenbelt Trusts

Every smile is unique and McCarl Dental Group never takes a one size fits all approach to dentistry. When it comes to helping our patients brighten their smiles, we offer a range of at-home treatments to fit your budget and whitening need. We use Zoom! teeth whitening products, and this versatile whitening line allows our patients the ability to find an option that fits their needs including the ability to customize the strength of whitening gel to avoid sensitivity. Best of all, because McCarl Dental Group is committed to helping Millersville residents have the smiles they deserve, we offer whitening to our patients at our cost.

At-Home Whitening in Millersville

Zoom!, the leader in teeth whitening, offers a full range of at-home whiteners for the comfort and convenience Greenbelt, MD area residents desire. Zoom!’s line of at-home products offer a variety of peroxide levels, durations of wear, and result times. We prepare a customized application tray to make your home whitening more comfortable and effective than generic, over the counter whitening gels and strips. Patients whiten their teeth to remove coffee, tea, and wine stains, yellowing, and to lighten teeth that have darkened with age. Some reasons patients prefer at-home teeth whitening:

  • Patients are in the driver’s seat – choose the strength, time of wear, and can stop at any time
  • Convenience of not having to schedule whitening appointments
  • Ability to touch up their results before special events or photo opportunities

Zoom! at-home products include

  • DayWhite Maximum White – 14% hydrogen peroxide, worn 15 minutes 2 times a day, and shows results in 2 weeks. Great results for minimal wear time.
  • NiteWhite Maximum White – 16% carbamide peroxide, worn overnight or 2-4 hours/day, and shows results in 2 weeks. Great results for those who prefer whitening while sleeping.
  • NiteWhite Quick 3-day – 22% carbamide peroxide worn overnight or 2-4 hours/day, and shows dramatic results quickly. Great for patients with less sensitive teeth who want fast results.
  • DayWhite Gentle – 6% hydrogen peroxide, worn 30 minutes/day, shows results in 2 weeks. Great for patients with very sensitive teeth.
  • DayWhite Touchups – 9.5% hydrogen peroxide, worn 5-10 minutes/day as needed, helps to maintain results of in-office or at-home whitening. Great for all whitening patients who want to extend their results.

Call the Cosmetic Dentist Greenbelt, MD Prefers

For Greenbelt, MD residents with sensitive teeth, a brilliant smile doesn’t have to be out of reach, with the wide variety of Zoom! Whitening products offered by McCarl Dental Group. There are some cases where patients’ teeth will be too sensitive even for the gentlest whitening products. Sometimes dark, staining that goes beneath the enamel layer of the teeth cannot be removed through whitening. When this happens, we offer thin veneers that require no dental preparation, and regular veneers to cover deep set stains. As an added bonus, veneers can also reduce tooth sensitivity. Call our Greenbelt or Millersville offices to find out more or schedule your whitening consultation today.

Continuing Education for Dentists

June 1, 2015

The Maryland Board of Dental Examiners requires that licensed dentists participate in 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including two hours of infection control. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group participate in about four times the required amount of dental continuing education per year. Here are some of the courses that McCarl Dentist have participated in during the last few years.

Occlusal Adjustment/Therapy – Dental Occlusion

New Trends in Esthetic Implant Dentistry

Comprehensive Communication Program – Patient Education

Treatment Planning Session – Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Dental Implants

Skeletal Relationships: The Impact on Facial Esthetics

Analgesics for Pain Management

Wisdom Teeth – Current Knowledge and Treatment Indications, The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons White Paper

Effective Diagnosis and Restorative Treatment for Worn Dentition

Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: The Benefits and Challenges of Implant Replacement – Dental Implant Surgery

New Trends in Esthetic Implant Dentistry

Facial Trauma – Trauma Management

Workshop for Successful Anterior Esthetics – Dental Implant Restorations (Prosthodontics/Fixed)

Management of Complications in Oral Surgery

Intraoral Scanning of the Future

Concepts verses Clinical Realities of High Strength Ceramic Restorations – All Ceramic Restorations

Common Sense Operative Restorative Dentistry

The Art of Cosmetic Dentistry

Efficient Implant Dentistry to Optimize Treatment

Sleep Prosthodontics – Sleep Apnea & Appliance Therapy

Patient Education and Problem Solving

Restoration of Multiple Failing Teeth with Implants in the Aesthetic Zone

Bone Preservation around Dental Implants, the Prosthetic View – Surgical Phase Therapy

The Anterior Single Tooth Implant – Restorative Management of the Soft Tissue in the Esthetic Zone

The Egoscue Method – Chronic Neck and Back Pain Relief

Top Game Changers for Every Dental Practice

Craniofacial Epigenetics – Orthodontics BioModeling Solutions

Aesthetics through Innovation – Esthetics/Cosmetic Dentistry

The Christensen Bottom Line – Operative (Restorative)

The Christensen Bottom Line – Prosthodontics/Fixed Dentistry

Dental Practice Management from a Dental CPA’s Perspective

If I Can, You Can: Overcoming Obstacles

Concepts vs Clinical Realities – Dental Implants

Creating Implant Provisionals to Support Soft Tissue Management

Immediate vs. Delayed Provisional Restoration of Anterior Post-Socket Implants: The Influence on Soft Tissues and Ultimate Aesthetic Success – Implant Restorative Dentistry

Meeting Esthetic Demands with Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning – Dental Implants

Locations of these dental continuing education courses include: Annapolis, MD 21401, Crofton, MD 21114, Rockville, MD 20850, Catonsville, MD 21228, Baltimore, MD 21201

Common Causes of Missing Teeth

May 29, 2015

Our Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland Dentists help dental patients replace missing teeth and restore healthy functional smiles.

Our Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland Dentists help dental patients replace missing teeth and restore healthy functional smiles.

Have you seen Aziz Ansari’s question about missing teeth on your Chipotle bag? Chipotle decorates their bag with commentary from authors and comedians and calls it their “Cultivating Thought” series.

To answer Ansari’s question… Tooth loss is an indication of overall dental health and access to dental care.

Here are some common causes of tooth loss.

Untreated cavity – you wouldn’t believe how many people delay dental treatment or even ignore holes in their teeth! Unfortunately, a dental cavity cannot repair itself. If the area of tooth decay becomes too large it may be impossible to save the tooth. Regular dental check-ups are vital in identifying early tooth decay. Dental X-rays help us identify decay that may not be visible to the eye. Cleaning by a dental hygienist every six months or more frequently helps remove plaque and calculus and helps prevent cavities. And please don’t forget, prevention starts at home. Brush your teeth three times each day and floss your teeth daily.

Periodontal disease or gum disease is also a leading reason for tooth loss. Periodontal disease starts in the sulcus, the gap between the gum and the tooth. Gum diseases are usually divided into two categories, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that causes tender, red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which damages the bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth.

Symptoms of Periodontitis include:
•    Gum inflammation, with redness and bleeding.
•    Deep pockets or gaps that form between the gum and the tooth.
•    And finally, loose teeth, caused by loss of connective tissue structures and bone.

Other risk factors for missing teeth include:
•    Age – people older than 35 are at higher risk for loosing teeth
•    Gender – men are at higher risk than women
•    Lack of professional dental care
•    Poor oral hygiene – not brushing teeth
•    Smoking (current or past)
•    Diabetes
•    High blood pressure
•    Rheumatoid arthritis

Our goal for our dental patients is that they keep healthy teeth for their lifetime. Our dentists and dental hygienists emphasize prevention and early treatment of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Our Greenbelt Dental Office is conveniently located near Riverdale Park 20737 , University Par 2782, College Heights Estates 20783  and College Park, 20740.

When tooth loss cannot be prevented, there are several options for tooth replacement. Dental implants are an excellent option for tooth replacement. Please read our blog about replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

Ansari continues his musing on the back of the bag about his quest for the perfect toothbrush. “Why do we always want the best?” he asks. Of course he goes to Google for the answer. How often do we do that?!  Click below to hear our thoughts on the best toothbrushes.

Our Millersville Dental Office is located near Crownsville 21032, Gambrills 21054, Crofton 21114, Annapolis 21403, 21401 21409

Maryland Dentists Recommend Hydro Floss

January 26, 2014

How Often Do You Floss Your Teeth?
Some dental patients tell us that they don’t use dental floss unless there is something stuck between their teeth. Are you a reluctant flosser?

We think this will change after you try the new Hydro Floss. It is comfortable, affordable, easy and convenient!

How often should you floss your teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least daily. The dentists and hygienists recommend flossing with traditional dental floss as well as cleaning between teeth with oral irrigation or water flossing. At McCarl Dental Group, we especially like the Hydro Floss, a magnetized water oral irrigator.

Why should you floss your teeth?
Flossing helps remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach.  Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can harden into calculus or tartar within just 26 hours. If tartar and dental calculus are not removed, it can progress into a serious form of gum disease.

Daily brushing and flossing as well as routine cleaning by a dental hygienist remove plaque, tartar and calculus. All are part of the basic dental care necessary to help prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Dentists and hygienists are always trying to motivate dental patients to floss their teeth. Flossing can be challenging for patients with limited dexterity. Some dental patients find flossing difficult and some patients are just too lazy to floss. Water flossing is even easier than traditional dental flossing. Oral irrigation is also ideal for patients with hard to reach areas around bridges, crowns, implants or braces.

We can’t say it too many times: the dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group recommend flossing with both traditional dental floss and oral irrigation.

Hydro Floss is an oral irrigation device that delivers a steady stream of water that flushes out food particles, bacteria and plaque from under the gums and between teeth, the areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Hydro Floss is easy to use and cleans hard to reach areas before using traditional dental floss.

Our patients are having great success with the Hydro Floss. It is easy. Turn a switch and let a gentle stream of water clean between your teeth and around your gums. The convenience of water flossers increases patient compliance in maintaining oral hygiene. The result is healthier gums and teeth, and cleaner oral appliances such as braces, bridges and dental implants.

For patients with sensitive teeth, Hydro Floss allows you to adjust the pressure of the water stream through manual controls. You may also fill the water reservoir with warm water (slightly warmer than your body temperature) to maximize comfort.

The dentists and staff at McCarl Dental Group encourage and promote oral health for each of our patients. Part of that responsibility includes teaching about products that can help improve oral health.

The Hydro Floss is $129.95 on their website and is not currently carried in stores. If our patients use our office discount code of #942111 they can purchase the Hydro Floss for $98.00 with no shipping fees. This can be done online or by phone 1-800-635-3594.

If our patient orders a Hydro Floss by phone while in our office the price is only $78.40, again with no shipping fees. Their office is open Central Standard Time on Mon-Thurs 8:30-5:00pm and Fri. 8:30-12:30pm. If these times do not correspond with the time of the patients dental appointment, we recommend just stopping by another day, whenever it’s convenient for the patient. Patients interested in purchasing a Hydro Floss are always welcomed to stop by to order one, no appointment is necessary.

If you’re looking for a dentist, please visit one of our offices near you. McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, our Millersville dental office is conveniently located near Severn Park, Crownsville, Gambrills, Annapolis, Crofton, Glen Burnie, and Severn. Call 410-987-8800 for an appointment in our Millersville dental office.

Our Greenbelt Dental Office is close to College Park, New Carrollton, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, Laurel, Glen Dale, University Park, Hyattsville, and Maryland. Call 301-474-4144 for an appointment in our Greenbelt dental office.

You may also schedule dental appointments online at www.McCarlDental.com.