Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist. Dental sedation can also be helpful for patients with issues such as a sensitive gag reflex, fear of needles or difficulty getting numb. Just about any procedure can be performed with sedation – even a dental cleaning. There are several sedation options including inhalation sedation (laughing gas), oral medications and IV sedation. Sedation dentistry makes it possible to have multiple procedures done in one visit – meaning fewer visits to the dentist!
KIAN DJAWDAN, DMD,
Djawdan Center for Implant & Restorative Dentistry
Is “smile direct” a good choice to straighten my teeth?
Smile direct is effective in straightening minor alignment issues. However, what most people feel is minor alignment is not necessarily as easy as one might think. Many times, just straightening teeth can leave a person with bite issues that could lead to unhealthy and sometimes serious dental health issues down the road. Always check with a professional before considering moving your teeth.
DR. PHIL PHILBIN, Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics
What would you tell parents whose children are struggling with acne?
I’d start off by telling them that they are not alone! More than 90% of teens suffer from acne – an infection that’s diagnosed when someone has five or more pimple outbreaks a month – and its hidden effects, above all low self-esteem. Then I’d tell them that, regardless of how uncomfortable it might be for them or their child, they need to break the ice and address the issue because THERE IS HELP. From suggesting better cleansing and hygiene routines (a.k.a. HANDS OFF!), to prescribing topical prescriptions (many of which, it’s worth noting, are covered by insurance, and all of which DO WORK if taken as prescribed), dermatologists can and will help them conquer what likely seems like the worst thing in their world.
Smile direct is effective in straightening minor alignment issues. However, what most people feel is minor alignment is not necessarily as easy as one might think. Many times, just straightening teeth can leave a person with bite issues that could lead to unhealthy and sometimes serious dental health issues down the road. Always check with a professional before considering moving your teeth.
DR. PHIL PHILBIN, Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics
I’d start off by telling them that they are not alone! More than 90% of teens suffer from acne – an infection that’s diagnosed when someone has five or more pimple outbreaks a month – and its hidden effects, above all low self-esteem. Then I’d tell them that, regardless of how uncomfortable it might be for them or their child, they need to break the ice and address the issue because THERE IS HELP. From suggesting better cleansing and hygiene routines (a.k.a. HANDS OFF!), to prescribing topical prescriptions (many of which, it’s worth noting, are covered by insurance, and all of which DO WORK if taken as prescribed), dermatologists can and will help them conquer what likely seems like the worst thing in their world.
Dr. Peter Niebyl
Anne Arundel Dermatology (Easton Office)
How do I know what the best dental treatment option is for me?
Almost every dental problem has at least a couple of treatment options, which could lead to a successful resolution. After taking time to listen to the specifics of a particular dental problem, I feel that it’s my job to inform my patients of the pros and cons of each option so that they can make an educated decision on treatment. I want an end result that optimizes function, esthetics, and comfort, knowing that is what I would recommend to any member of my own family.
DR. EUGENE r. McNINCH, iii, Kent Island Dentistry
How can I rejuvenate my tired eyes?
There are several options, both surgical and non-surgical, to rejuvenate tired eyes. The first step is identifying what your goals are and the cause for your tired eyes. Is it loose skin or weakened muscles causing the eyelids to droop and look tired? Or is it the eyebrows weighing down on the upper eyelid area? Maybe, it’s just the lines around your eyes that are giving you a tired look. After a thorough evaluation, an individualized approach will be discussed. It may be recommended to have surgery, as well as use non-surgical treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, to further enhance your outcome giving you a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
Almost every dental problem has at least a couple of treatment options, which could lead to a successful resolution. After taking time to listen to the specifics of a particular dental problem, I feel that it’s my job to inform my patients of the pros and cons of each option so that they can make an educated decision on treatment. I want an end result that optimizes function, esthetics, and comfort, knowing that is what I would recommend to any member of my own family.
DR. EUGENE r. McNINCH, iii, Kent Island Dentistry
There are several options, both surgical and non-surgical, to rejuvenate tired eyes. The first step is identifying what your goals are and the cause for your tired eyes. Is it loose skin or weakened muscles causing the eyelids to droop and look tired? Or is it the eyebrows weighing down on the upper eyelid area? Maybe, it’s just the lines around your eyes that are giving you a tired look. After a thorough evaluation, an individualized approach will be discussed. It may be recommended to have surgery, as well as use non-surgical treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, to further enhance your outcome giving you a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
Dr. Orin Zwick, Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center
Non-extraction versus extraction and early treatment in orthodontics?
Extraction should only serve as a last resort in orthodontic treatment. If done in the incorrect situation, extraction can lead to many adverse consequences such as a “dished-in” facial appearance. Extraction of permanent teeth can be avoided in a very high percentage of children when treated early before all the baby teeth are lost by creating room for the crowded teeth during the growth years. Your best plan of action is to see an orthodontist that focuses on non-extraction treatment as early as age seven when many options are available to avoid extraction of permanent teeth.
DR. JOHN SERINO, Serino Orthodontics
Does my insurance cover this? What’s MY cost?
DR. JOHN SERINO, Serino Orthodontics
Every patient’s needs are different as well as their insurance. It’s important to be aware of your benefits. You pay for them and you want to use them before you lose them! Our amazing treatment plan manager reviews all cases closely, provides complimentary benefits checks and communicates the patient’s estimated financial responsibility. Each plan is customized to your needs. We’ll always inform before we perform. If you don’t have insurance, that’s OK! We offer a Dental Savings Plan and many other financial opportunities that will be discussed with you at your reserved appointment. Still not sure? Call our office to schedule a Free Consultation just to check us out!
Jonathan T. Soistman, DDS
Soistman Family Dentistry & Associates
Will my Maryland Healthy Smiles (MHS) insurance cover the cost of orthodontics?
Yes, if medically necessary and your child is under the age of 21, has only permanent teeth, and ‘scores’ a 15 or higher on their HLD exam with a credentialed provider. The HLD form (Handicapping Labio-lingual Deviations Form) is designed to quanitify the severity of your child’s malocclusion and determine if correction of the bite is a medical necessity rather than a cosmetic request. Cosmetic treatment and Invisalign Teen are not covered by MHS. We are proud MHS providers at all of our locations.
MARY C. TRAHAR, DDS, PA, Smiles By The Bay
I’d love to get rid of the excess skin in my neck. Is there a way to do this with minimal downtime?
Facelift or necklift surgery is different than it was in the past. We now have techniques that are less invasive with downtimes of about a week. Droopy skin in the neck simply has to be lifted into its’ natural position and the excess removed with minimal incisions hidden around the ears. Virtually no scars are visible and the results are very natural. Unfortunately, despite the marketing you may see on the internet, there is no way to remove this extra skin without surgery. But thankfully, it’s now a very simple procedure to undergo.
DR. HENRY D. SANDEL IV, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
Yes, if medically necessary and your child is under the age of 21, has only permanent teeth, and ‘scores’ a 15 or higher on their HLD exam with a credentialed provider. The HLD form (Handicapping Labio-lingual Deviations Form) is designed to quanitify the severity of your child’s malocclusion and determine if correction of the bite is a medical necessity rather than a cosmetic request. Cosmetic treatment and Invisalign Teen are not covered by MHS. We are proud MHS providers at all of our locations.
MARY C. TRAHAR, DDS, PA, Smiles By The Bay
Facelift or necklift surgery is different than it was in the past. We now have techniques that are less invasive with downtimes of about a week. Droopy skin in the neck simply has to be lifted into its’ natural position and the excess removed with minimal incisions hidden around the ears. Virtually no scars are visible and the results are very natural. Unfortunately, despite the marketing you may see on the internet, there is no way to remove this extra skin without surgery. But thankfully, it’s now a very simple procedure to undergo.
DR. HENRY D. SANDEL IV, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
When should children begin using toothpaste?
There are many recent changes for toothpaste guidelines; current recommendations are to start brushing teeth shortly after birth! Before teeth erupt, brush gums with water using a soft toothbrush or cloth. Once teeth erupt, use toothpaste, a soft toothbrush, and brush twice daily. New AAPD guidelines state fluoride toothpaste should be used once teeth erupt, using smear/grain of rice-sized amount, and wiping teeth to prevent swallowing. Some parents prefer fluoride-free toothpaste for infants. By age two, definitely use fluoride toothpaste with the same grain of rice-sized amount. Parent supervision is required for all children to encourage spitting and prevent swallowing.
MARGARET C. MCGRATH, DMD, MPH
Kent Island Pediatric Dentistry
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon?
There are 3 steps to take in order to find the right surgeon for you. First, do your research online. Look for plastic surgeons in your area that specialize in the procedure you’re most interested in. Learn about them from their website and look at their videos and before and after photos. Second, ask your friends and neighbors, or even your family doctor, about the surgeon’s professional reputation. Third, schedule a consultation and meet your surgeon personally. This face- to- face meeting will reveal how well you will be taken care of by your surgeon as well as the nurses and staff in the office.
DR. HENRY D. SANDEL IV, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
There are 3 steps to take in order to find the right surgeon for you. First, do your research online. Look for plastic surgeons in your area that specialize in the procedure you’re most interested in. Learn about them from their website and look at their videos and before and after photos. Second, ask your friends and neighbors, or even your family doctor, about the surgeon’s professional reputation. Third, schedule a consultation and meet your surgeon personally. This face- to- face meeting will reveal how well you will be taken care of by your surgeon as well as the nurses and staff in the office.
DR. HENRY D. SANDEL IV, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
Why is it so important for people to get an annual skin cancer screening?
Most importantly, skin cancer screenings, which take just 10-20 minutes, save lives. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour, but the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98%. And while I am a huge advocate of self-exams, it is very important for a board-certified dermatologist to establish a baseline by examining the entire skin surface and measuring suspicious spots or removing or sampling them if needed. The dermatologist may also point out any potentially worrisome lesions for the patient to monitor throughout the year.
Most importantly, skin cancer screenings, which take just 10-20 minutes, save lives. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour, but the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98%. And while I am a huge advocate of self-exams, it is very important for a board-certified dermatologist to establish a baseline by examining the entire skin surface and measuring suspicious spots or removing or sampling them if needed. The dermatologist may also point out any potentially worrisome lesions for the patient to monitor throughout the year.
Lisa Anderson, M.D.,
Anne Arundel Dermatology (Kent Island Office)
What is Sleep Apnea and how can it impact me?
Sleep Apnea is when a person has pauses of cessation in breathing during sleep. When this occurs, the brain undergoes repeated episodes of suffocation and this deprives the brain of oxygen. Snoring is often viewed as funny however the resulting snore is often times a person gasping for air. The result may be extremely taxing on the heart, can cause a wide range of health-related problems and if left untreated may lead to more severe consequences. The American Academy of Sleep medicine has approved oral appliance therapy as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea and also recommends oral appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Dr. SAMUEL POLLINA, Annapolis Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center
I have many missing teeth and I’ve tried partials which haven’t helped at all. What can be done for me?
The best solution for your situation is dental implants. Implants are a tooth root substitute made of titanium that attaches into the jaw bone creating a stable foundation for solid, new teeth. This means your new teeth feel, look, and perform like natural teeth. Because there are no longer any painful stresses put on your gum tissues, denture and partial pain is completely eliminated. The best news is that the ‘New Teeth in One DayTM Dental Implant procedure takes you from a situation with missing or hopeless, problem teeth to having new, comfortable, stay-in the mouth teeth that look great on the very same day as surgery.
KIAN DJAWDAN, DMD, Djawdan Center for Implant & Restorative Dentistry
Sleep Apnea is when a person has pauses of cessation in breathing during sleep. When this occurs, the brain undergoes repeated episodes of suffocation and this deprives the brain of oxygen. Snoring is often viewed as funny however the resulting snore is often times a person gasping for air. The result may be extremely taxing on the heart, can cause a wide range of health-related problems and if left untreated may lead to more severe consequences. The American Academy of Sleep medicine has approved oral appliance therapy as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea and also recommends oral appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Dr. SAMUEL POLLINA, Annapolis Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center
The best solution for your situation is dental implants. Implants are a tooth root substitute made of titanium that attaches into the jaw bone creating a stable foundation for solid, new teeth. This means your new teeth feel, look, and perform like natural teeth. Because there are no longer any painful stresses put on your gum tissues, denture and partial pain is completely eliminated. The best news is that the ‘New Teeth in One DayTM Dental Implant procedure takes you from a situation with missing or hopeless, problem teeth to having new, comfortable, stay-in the mouth teeth that look great on the very same day as surgery.
KIAN DJAWDAN, DMD, Djawdan Center for Implant & Restorative Dentistry
