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
I think I have a bunion, should I have surgery now?
Surgery should always be a last step treatment approach when addressing the majority of foot and ankle pathologies. It is also possible for patients to have bunions without any pain. Typically bunions cause patient’s pain because the deformity causes your forefoot to be wide. Certain shoes, such as tapered toed boots, some clogs, flats and high heels can cause rubbing and discomfort during walking and can sometimes even progress the deformity further. Trying more healthy shoe gear with a wider toe box (or forefoot area of the shoe) can keep you comfortable as well as using silicone bunion sleeves to prevent rubbing in your more “dressy” shoes. It is not possible to conservatively reverse the deformity, but if conservative treatments fail and your quality of life is suffering due to the discomfort, surgery is a reasonable treatment plan.
Dr. Weaver, Podiatry Group of Annapolis
My heels are painful when I get out of bed in the morning and are sore at the end of the day. Is this common?
If you are experiencing symptoms like this, it sounds like a textbook case of plantar fasciitis. Many patients suffer from heel pain, and it can be quite a debilitating pathology depending on the severity. There are several treatments that help get rid of the discomfort such as taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, a short course of an oral steroid, certain soft heel braces, custom molded orthotics, having healthy shoe gear and steroid injection. However, the best treatment is Achilles stretching and plantar fascial stretching exercises and to continue doing them regularly even after symptoms have subsided. It is best to see a podiatrist when you begin experiencing this as they can get you put on a path to faster symptom relief.
Dr. McKee, Podiatry Group of Annapolis
What is a Blepharoplasty and does insurance cover it?
Blepharoplasty is the removal of the excess skin and fat surrounding the eyes. Insurance will sometimes cover the upper eyelid blepharoplasty. An in-office consultation is required to determine if you meet the insurance criteria. An upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty will rejuvenate the eyelids and make you appear less tired.
Emily MacQuaid MD, FACS, Michael Boyle MD, MacQuaid Eye Institute
Can you share an industry secret?
Practice makes perfect. The best injectors are constantly improving their techniques with experience and refining their skills both in and out of the office. Did we mention that ProMD Health does 5 times the national average of cosmetic injections per provider?
Dr. AMY FLEMING, PA-C, ProMD Health
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin wafers of porcelain, about the thickness of a fingernail, that are bonded on top of your natural teeth. With recent advancements in material, they can be extremely thin, requiring little or no preparation of the tooth surface in ideal situations. With proper planning and design, veneers can be as durable as any restoration placed in the mouth and can be a conservative and beautiful option to upgrade your smile.
SCOTT FINLAY, DDS, Annapolis Smiles
What can dental implants do for me?
Dental implants have become a proven and durable solution for missing teeth. Implants can serve as support for a single tooth, help stabilize many teeth in the form of removable dentures, or even provide fixed solutions for all teeth that are not removable by the patient. With today’s technology, this can often be completed in the same day that the teeth are removed, which helps to insure the individual’s quality of life.
HA LIM, DDS, Annapolis Smiles
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
What is the best option for fat removal?
Coolsculpting! At Skin Wellness MD we have two Coolsculpt devices offering the latest technology. Increased fat cell reduction, better comfort, covers more surface area and shorter treatment time. Coolsculpting is the only device that allows us to contour each patient individually safely and effectively with results that are permanent. Coolsculpting is the #1 nonsurgical, no downtime fat reduction treatment. Coolsculpting can be performed during your lunch hour.....Coolsculpting treats abdomen, flanks, bra fat, under the chin, banana roll, arms and knees.
Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS, Skin Wellness MD
Is it safe to go to the dentist during covid or should I wait for a vaccine?
There have been zero reported cases of covid transmission in the dental office. Dental offices in years past have always operated under what is know as universal precautions. They have always sterilized all their equipment, worn face masks, used hospital grade disinfectants between patients. Now they are operating under an even higher level of infection control know as air borne precautions. At our dental office staff members are wearing n95 masks and shields during all aerosol generating procedures. We have had our vents sprayed with disinfectants that inhibit the growth of viruses in our air ducts and we have HEPA air filters in every room. We are limiting the number of patients in our reception area and spreading out appointment times. We are taking staff and patient temperatures on arrival. There is of course a risk of getting covid anytime you leave your house, but we have done everything we can to minimize that risk in our office. We ask that you consider your underlying medical conditions and your prior dental health and weigh the cost benefit to you.
DR. MEREDITH ESPOSITO, Chesapeake Dental Arts
What are Dental Implants?
When you are missing teeth, you may feel uncomfortable eating, speaking or worst of all SMILING. Dental implants offer a permanent solution to these problems. Dental implants are titanium replacements for missing teeth that act as a strong foundation to support new crowns, bridges or anchor slipping dentures. The implant procedure is painless and involves placing the implant under the gums and into the jawbone just like the roots of your own natural teeth. Recovery time is usually no more than 24 hours and total treatment time from the day of your implant placement to the time of attaching the new teeth range from 2 months to as little as 1 day. Dental implants are the next best thing to your own teeth...IT’S TIME TO SMILE AGAIN!
KURT JONES, DDS, Oral Surgery Specialists
I would like to look younger, but I’m not ready for surgery yet. What are my options?
I like to think of the changes that happen over time in our faces as having 3 components: skin (fine lines, pigment changes, laxity), wrinkles associated with repeated muscle movements (number “11’s” between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crowsfeet), and wrinkles or changes from losing fullness in areas of the face (around the mouth, the cheeks, and under the eyes). Each of these factors can be addressed separately in non-surgical ways to restore youthful features without looking “done” or unnatural. A combination of skin care, Botox® (for movement-related wrinkles), and conservative use of fillers such as Juvederm® and Restylane® (for restoring fullness) can target the 3 aspects of aging when you are not yet ready for surgery.
Claire S. Duggal, MD, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
How has the COVID-19 pandemic made oral health even more important?
It has been known for some time that poor oral health is a risk factor in respiratory infections. Dental plaque can absorb and contain respiratory pathogens that are then breathed into the lungs. Bleeding gums from gingivitis allow pathogens access to the bloodstream. The mouth is the opening to the inside of the body and its health directly impacts our overall immune response.
DR. TYSON BROSS, Naptown Smiles
Plastic teeth aligners are much less expensive by mail order. Why would I go to an orthodontist to have my teeth straightened?
Mail-order orthodontic companies make it sound easy – take a selfie, receive your aligners – and then……. straight teeth! However, aligners are meant to move teeth within the confines of each patient’s specific anatomy: muscles, bones, lips, and cheeks. A computer doesn’t know 1) where your bones and muscles are, 2) if the underlying foundation is healthy, 3) how your lips/cheeks are influencing your tooth positioning. A computer is programmed only to make the teeth look straight, regardless of the patient’s anatomy. Without an Orthodontist’s in-person evaluation and supervision, movement of teeth done incorrectly can lead to irreversible damage to your teeth, gums, and underlying bone, and to changes in your bite, which will contribute to jaw-joint dysfunction. Remember there’s so much more to creating a healthy, beautiful smile than moving only the visible part of your teeth.
Mairead M. O’Reilly, DDS, MS Dr. Mairead M. O’Reilly Orthodontics
Is it a myth? Is root canal treatment painful?
It is absolutely a myth! Modern technology, better local anesthetics, and advancements in endodontic therapy have made the root canal procedure as efficient as a dental filling. Years ago, it would take several visits and hours in the chair to adequately perform a root canal. Today, with digital radiographs, surgical operating microscopes, rotary instrumentation, and improved filling methods, most of these procedures can be completed in less than an hour, with little or no discomfort for the patient. I’m here to change the painful root canal perception one tooth at a time!
Dr. Charles Herbert, Endodontics, PA
Who should I see for non-surgical treatment options for orthopedic or spine injury or chronic pain such as arthritis?
Start with a physician with appropriate post-residency training, (i.e. a sports medicine or pain medicine fellowship). They should be an expert in both ultrasound-guided injections, (which are critical for both accurate diagnosis and treatment), and fluoroscopically guided injections, (which are critical for some spine treatments). The physician should use FDA approved equipment and orthobiologic techniques that utilize the patient’s own blood or cells. A physician with academic medicine credentials who is actively publishing and lecturing in this field will generally have the most up-to-date knowledge. Finally, check on-line reviews.
Sean Mulvaney, M.D., Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Annapolis
What do you wish more patients knew about stem cell therapy?
Stem Cell Therapy, particularly in musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, can repair or even replace damaged tissue, such as tendons, bone or cartilage. Stem cell therapy is a safe, non-invasive option for sports injuries, osteoarthritis and many other conditions.
Dr. Zvezdomir Zamfirov, All Star Pain Management
In what ways do you think therapy has helped children and families cope with the changes in routine brought about by COVID-19?
I think therapy helps because it allows the parents and children to consider new ideas that they may not have thought of to help with the current situation. It also gives them someone to talk to that they can confide in and talk about frustrations that they may have about their current home situation and can’t discuss with parents. I also try to bring my knowledge about learning styles to them to help with ideas of how to do online learning in a way that may help with the boredom of not being in a classroom.
Lauren Pantoulis, LCPC, Oasis: The Center for Mental Health
How has Covid-19 changed your practice?
Aside from the numerous additional safety measures and protocols, I think the biggest change for me was the realization that I needed to simplify things. I made the decision to sell my Odenton office and concentrate on growing and devoting my full attention to About Smiles Dentistry in Annapolis. This has turned out to be a very positive change for me as I can spend more time with my patients, we have the capacity to add new patients and I have a much better work/life balance. I don’t love wearing all of the additional PPE but I do what is necessary to keep myself, my family and my patients SAFE!
DR. APRIL CALTON, About Smiles Dentistry
My teeth are worn and discolored, but I think I’m too old for veneers. What do you recommend?
Age has nothing to do with whether or not a patient receives treatment. It’s all about the quality of life. Many of my patients come to me and tell me they are embarrassed to smile for pictures because they don’t like the way their teeth look or that they avoid eating certain foods. This is a disability that can affect the lifestyle and dietary habits of an individual. With proper diagnosing restorations on worn teeth, which could be veneers, is not just for cosmetics. It is for function and the ability to eat foods that you want. I feel that quality of life for my patients is something they deserve.
Dr. Brian Valle
How has the office adapted and what are you doing to ensure your staff and patients are safe?
Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics understand these are unprecedented times. We are doing everything we can to ensure your smile doesn’t fade while we push through this together. Our offices have been air fogged and there are new safety and sterilization protocols in place for patients and staff. To adapt to these extraordinary times, we’ve initiated Virtual Consultations!
Ora Reinheimer, DMD, MS, Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics
Does Maryland Healthy Smiles (MHS) insurance cover the cost of orthodontics?
We believe that access to quality healthcare is fundamentally important to building strong communities in Maryland. That’s why we are proud to participate in the Maryland Healthy Smiles program in all of our offices. We are committed to making top quality orthodontic care easy and accessible for Maryland families, regardless of financial ability. Not every orthodontic practice accepts this type of insurance, but we think it’s an important part of doing business in this community. It’s also an incredible experience to be able to help a family in this way. When a child qualifies for orthodontic coverage under Maryland Healthy Smiles, that means they’ll be able to get the orthodontic treatment they need for no out-of-pocket cost.
Dr. Mary C. Trahar-Thomas, DDS, PA
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
How do I get my medical cannabis card?
The first step is getting pre-approved by the MMCC (Maryland Medical Cannabis Commision). You can do so by going to the MMCC Registration link on the main page of www.my420dr.com. Once you receive your patient identification number from the state, you can then return to www.my420dr.com and begin your telehealth consultation with one of our medical providers. Then, it is off to the dispensary to begin shopping.
Mrs. Laura Graham, MD
Why would I choose HALO with Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS?
Halo precisely repairs years of skin damage and the visible signs of aging. Halo restores the glow that sun, time and stress have depleted from your skin and continues to improve over time. Halo combines a deep dermal revitalization with epidermal renewal, works on damage you can.....and can’t see. When it comes to something as precious as your face, you want the right person, the highest quality of work. I am a Fellow of the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery. I am Certified in Lasers Physics. I have extensive experience with Cosmetic Lasers and I am a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist.
Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS
How has your industry changed over the years?
People are spending more time on their phones and tech devices. Not only does this harmful blue light accelerate aging, but the rise of video calls has made our patients seek us out to look their best on-screen without the need for the perfect lighting. The growing acceptance of aesthetic treatments has empowered both men and women to consider our services as an investment in themselves to Look and Feel better for longer.
Dr. George Gavrila
What is Pain Management?
Why do I hurt? That is the question I answer for my patients. Pain is defined as
an emotional and physical response to injury. I have always looked for the source of one’s pain before treating it. Once the source is determined, treatment is easier. Unfortunately, when we think of pain treatment, many assume we are just prescribing pills. However, pills usually will not fix the problem. Most patients will receive therapy to help support their joints and spine, therapeutic injections to help alleviate inflammation and pain, or radiofrequency lesioning. Lastly some might require pharmacological management. So, when I think of pain management, I must find the source. Once that is found I will begin to improve your quality of life.
DR. BRIAN KAHAN
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
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
What is blue light and do blue blocker glasses really help?
Blue light is a short wavelength light, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. This type of light is commonly emitted from electronic screens such as computers or cell phones. Over long periods of time, it can cause eye fatigue, eye strain, and disrupt sleep cycles. Blue light has also shown to cause an earlier onset of macular degeneration due to damaging the sensitive retinal cells. Blue light blocking glasses have filters in their lenses that block or absorb this blue light. That means if you use a blue blocking coating on your prescription glasses when looking at a screen, it can help reduce exposure to blue light waves and may reduce overall eye fatigue.
DR. VEERA PATEL
Some direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies make treatment sound so easy and after so many months – straight teeth! What else should I be concerned about?
Orthodontics is more than just the movement of the part of teeth you can see. X-rays of your teeth and jaw are crucial so the doctor can see what the naked eye can’t. A clinical exam of your jaw alignment, and the relationship of your teeth to your skeletal structure is imperative. What if there were an issue during treatment? Who would you contact that would care about your health and end-result?
Remember! Orthodontics isn’t a product – it’s a professional, medical service. When your care is supervised by an orthodontist, you are assured that your orthodontist spent 2-3 more years studying beyond dental school.
DR. STEPHEN LABBE, DDS
I want my eyes done but I still want to look like myself. What is your secret?
Laser eyelid surgery allows me to carefully remove or reposition just the right amount of skin and/or fat to achieve a natural, youthful result. I then use the laser to reduce the wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin. This subtle approach rejuvenates your eyes, without changing their shape. This earned us the 2020 Best Oculoplastic Surgeon vote.
Dr. Elba M. Pacheco