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.
SCOTT FINLAY, DDS, Scott Finlay DDS & Associates, PA
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
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
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
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
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
How do you rejuvenate my face after eyelid surgery?
Using a high school portrait and your wishes as a guide, fillers, Botox, lasers, and other state of the art technologies are combined to create the contours and skin of your younger self. We can even improve on that one cheek or the one side of your lip that was always less than perfect in your eyes. We rebuild a youthful face around your new eyes, and can also rejuvenate your hands with filler, laser and peels to complement your new look.
Using a high school portrait and your wishes as a guide, fillers, Botox, lasers, and other state of the art technologies are combined to create the contours and skin of your younger self. We can even improve on that one cheek or the one side of your lip that was always less than perfect in your eyes. We rebuild a youthful face around your new eyes, and can also rejuvenate your hands with filler, laser and peels to complement your new look.
Dr. Elba M. Pacheco
Adoro Medical Spa @ Center for Eye & Laser Surgery
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!
NEIL SULLIVAN, DMD, Oral Surgery Specialists
What is the single best piece of advice you’d give a parent who is concerned about their child’s weight?
Besides discussing it with the child’s doctor, the single most important recommendation I’d make is that any health changes apply to the whole family. We never want to single out one child separately to, for example, no longer drink sodas or sweet tea while keeping those drinks in the house and allowing the rest of household including the adults/parents to drink them. The lifestyle changes that are important to achieving a healthy weight are generally good health changes for everyone to make whether they have excess weight or not. If you want the child to be more active, the child needs the whole family to be more active. If you want them to eat more fruit, everyone should be served more fruit.
Meagan Chaney, MD, Bayside Pediatrics
What options do I have for treating receding gums?
Gum recession can be a result of many different factors so it is important to look at the causes before treating. Often, recession can be due to genetically thin gum tissue, toothbrush trauma and a bite-related problem. Depending on the nature and extent of recession, various gum grafting procedures can be used to esthetically and predictably repair gum loss. The benefits of gum grafting include reduction of cold sensitivity, improved esthetics of long appearing teeth, reduction in the risk of root cavities and most importantly to help prevent additional boneloss and recession which will reinforce and protect the bone surrounding the teeth.
DR. MELODY Ward, Annapolis Periodontics
NEIL SULLIVAN, DMD, Oral Surgery Specialists
What is the single best piece of advice you’d give a parent who is concerned about their child’s weight?
Besides discussing it with the child’s doctor, the single most important recommendation I’d make is that any health changes apply to the whole family. We never want to single out one child separately to, for example, no longer drink sodas or sweet tea while keeping those drinks in the house and allowing the rest of household including the adults/parents to drink them. The lifestyle changes that are important to achieving a healthy weight are generally good health changes for everyone to make whether they have excess weight or not. If you want the child to be more active, the child needs the whole family to be more active. If you want them to eat more fruit, everyone should be served more fruit.
Meagan Chaney, MD, Bayside Pediatrics
Gum recession can be a result of many different factors so it is important to look at the causes before treating. Often, recession can be due to genetically thin gum tissue, toothbrush trauma and a bite-related problem. Depending on the nature and extent of recession, various gum grafting procedures can be used to esthetically and predictably repair gum loss. The benefits of gum grafting include reduction of cold sensitivity, improved esthetics of long appearing teeth, reduction in the risk of root cavities and most importantly to help prevent additional boneloss and recession which will reinforce and protect the bone surrounding the teeth.
DR. MELODY Ward, Annapolis Periodontics
How do cataracts form?
A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens, creating protein clumps. These clumps, or deposits, prevent light from passing clearly through the lens, thus disrupting normal vision. A patient with a cataract cannot see images clearly. Instead, images appear cloudy or blurry, especially at night. Cataracts can begin to affect the patient’s ability to perform simple, everyday tasks like reading and driving. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment in these cases and has a 98% success rate.
A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens, creating protein clumps. These clumps, or deposits, prevent light from passing clearly through the lens, thus disrupting normal vision. A patient with a cataract cannot see images clearly. Instead, images appear cloudy or blurry, especially at night. Cataracts can begin to affect the patient’s ability to perform simple, everyday tasks like reading and driving. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment in these cases and has a 98% success rate.
What is a sleep study and why should I consider one?
A sleep study is a painless, non-invasive test that records measures of your body’s functions during sleep for the purpose of diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder. It is a diagnostic tool that will give the physician a course of treatment that will assist you in your sleep that will leave you feeling refreshed and give you the opportunity to live a healthier life. Home studies are also available.
Are dental treatments safe while pregnant?
The two big concerns for an expecting mother are gingivitis due to rising hormone levels that cause gums to swell, and increased risk of tooth decay, from increased intake of carbs and acid from morning sickness. You should definitely continue and possibly increase your routine visits to your dentist during this time. Oral infections like gum disease have been linked to preterm birth. Make sure to mention what stage of pregnancy you are in when you make your appointment. And, keep in mind, it’s always better to prevent an issue than to have to repair permanent tooth loss due to gingivitis and tooth decay.
ONEAL RUSSELL, III, DDS
A sleep study is a painless, non-invasive test that records measures of your body’s functions during sleep for the purpose of diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder. It is a diagnostic tool that will give the physician a course of treatment that will assist you in your sleep that will leave you feeling refreshed and give you the opportunity to live a healthier life. Home studies are also available.
Are dental treatments safe while pregnant?
The two big concerns for an expecting mother are gingivitis due to rising hormone levels that cause gums to swell, and increased risk of tooth decay, from increased intake of carbs and acid from morning sickness. You should definitely continue and possibly increase your routine visits to your dentist during this time. Oral infections like gum disease have been linked to preterm birth. Make sure to mention what stage of pregnancy you are in when you make your appointment. And, keep in mind, it’s always better to prevent an issue than to have to repair permanent tooth loss due to gingivitis and tooth decay.
ONEAL RUSSELL, III, DDS
Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth have very important functions. Some obvious functions such as chewing your food and not so obvious ones, like holding space for permanent teeth as well as protecting their health. If a child develops a cavity on a baby molar and it is not treated promptly it can eventually develop an infection that can affect the permanent tooth if left untreated. The permanent tooth develops between the roots of the baby molar. If the tooth needs to be extracted a space maintainer should be placed to hold the space for the permanent tooth, otherwise the adjacent teeth will shift and close the space for the new tooth.
What is the treatment recommendation for ketamine for patients with depression?
For optimal results, it is recommended that patients with mood disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression, receive six to eight infusions over a period of two to three weeks. Initially, two infusions are performed to determine if ketamine will be beneficial to the patient. If the results are positive, four to six more infusions are recommended depending on disease severity. Ketamine infusions occur over a 40-minute period. After the infusion, patients are monitored for approximately 30 minutes, or until their vitals return to baseline.
Dr. T. Necole Fontenot, Hydrafuse Health and Wellness
Do children need milk after turning 12 months?
Actually, in most cases the answer is no. We were raised to think that we need to drink milk throughout childhood. However, we are the only species that drinks milk after the newborn period, and the only species that drinks another species milk. The only thing we need from milk is calcium and vitamin D. If we can get those from other sources, then all we need is water. Calcium is available from many sources now; including other dairy, fortified foods, gummies and supplements. Vitamin D comes from sun exposure from June to September or supplementation. However, if they like milk and tolerate dairy, it is fine.
JEFFREY Nold, DO, Bayside Pediatrics
What do you wish more parents knew about bringing their child to the dentist?
Baby teeth have very important functions. Some obvious functions such as chewing your food and not so obvious ones, like holding space for permanent teeth as well as protecting their health. If a child develops a cavity on a baby molar and it is not treated promptly it can eventually develop an infection that can affect the permanent tooth if left untreated. The permanent tooth develops between the roots of the baby molar. If the tooth needs to be extracted a space maintainer should be placed to hold the space for the permanent tooth, otherwise the adjacent teeth will shift and close the space for the new tooth.
What is the treatment recommendation for ketamine for patients with depression?
For optimal results, it is recommended that patients with mood disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression, receive six to eight infusions over a period of two to three weeks. Initially, two infusions are performed to determine if ketamine will be beneficial to the patient. If the results are positive, four to six more infusions are recommended depending on disease severity. Ketamine infusions occur over a 40-minute period. After the infusion, patients are monitored for approximately 30 minutes, or until their vitals return to baseline.
Dr. T. Necole Fontenot, Hydrafuse Health and Wellness
Actually, in most cases the answer is no. We were raised to think that we need to drink milk throughout childhood. However, we are the only species that drinks milk after the newborn period, and the only species that drinks another species milk. The only thing we need from milk is calcium and vitamin D. If we can get those from other sources, then all we need is water. Calcium is available from many sources now; including other dairy, fortified foods, gummies and supplements. Vitamin D comes from sun exposure from June to September or supplementation. However, if they like milk and tolerate dairy, it is fine.
JEFFREY Nold, DO, Bayside Pediatrics
Parents should bring their child to the dentist once the child has their first tooth, and no later than their first birthday! This gives us the opportunity as pediatric dentists to establish a relationship with the family and child, and to provide anticipatory guidance on important matters in early childhood development. We want to ensure parents feel comfortable when dealing with issues like teething, nursing, oral hygiene, and pacifiers and thumb/finger habits in their child before problems arise!
TARYN N. WEIL, DDS, Pediatric Dental Specialists
All dentists, including your general dentist, received endodontic training in dental school. Endodontists are dentists with advanced specialty training in doing endodontic procedures and complex facial pain diagnosis. We perform routine, as well as difficult and very complex, endodontic procedures, including root canals and surgical procedures. Our office is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art technology, like surgical microscopes and digital X-rays, for providing the best endodontic treatment possible.
DR. LOUIS H. BERMAN, Annapolis Endodontics
Yes, it’s especially critical if it’s a front tooth, you show a lot of gum in your smile, or it’s congenitally missing. Careful planning by an experienced, cosmetically trained dentist is required to achieve a realistic, natural result. Sometimes soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, or even orthodontics is required. Make sure your dentist works with a master ceramicist, perhaps certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists.
DR. MEREDITH ESPOSITO, Chesapeake Dental Arts
As the American Association of Orthodontist recommends, we’d like to see children come in for their first appointment around the age of 7. By that time, children have a good mix of primary and permanent teeth. This initial visit is important because the jaw and face are growing, and the permanent teeth are taking the place of primary teeth which gives us a wealth of information. Whether there’s an existing problem or if one is developing we can come up with a treatment plan that best suits your child.
Ora Reinheimer, DMD, MS, Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics
I want my eyes done but I still want to look like myself. What is your secret?
Natural eyelid surgery is achieved when I carefully remove or reposition just the right amount of skin and/or fat using a sophisticated laser to return the eyes to a bright youthful state. I then use the laser to reduce the wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin. This subtle approach rejuvenates you, without changing the shape of your eyes, which earned us the 2018 Best Oculoplastic Surgeon vote.
Natural eyelid surgery is achieved when I carefully remove or reposition just the right amount of skin and/or fat using a sophisticated laser to return the eyes to a bright youthful state. I then use the laser to reduce the wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin. This subtle approach rejuvenates you, without changing the shape of your eyes, which earned us the 2018 Best Oculoplastic Surgeon vote.
Dr. Elba M. Pacheco Adoro Medical Spa @ Center for Eye & Laser Surgery
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, Scott Finlay DDS & Associates, PA
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, Scott Finlay DDS & Associates, PA
Why do I need a crown?
The most common reasons for a crown are when a tooth has a large cavity or a fracture that involves half or more of the tooth, or compromises the cusp of the tooth. The crown is done to protect the weak remaining tooth structure that is susceptible to fracture. Teeth may also need a crown after a root canal as the tooth is hollowed out and the non-vital tooth structure remaining can become brittle and prone to fracture beyond repair.
Dr. MARTHA SIDLOWSKI Chesapeake Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
When should I start getting Botox?
How does tomorrow sound? It’s much better to start Botox or Dysport treatments before deep wrinkles develop. Once your wrinkles become etched in your deep dermis, it becomes more difficult to reduce their appearance. Botox or Dysport can be a great preventative measure to keep your skin looking young.
Dr. George GavrilA, ProMD Health
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
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 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
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.
How does tomorrow sound? It’s much better to start Botox or Dysport treatments before deep wrinkles develop. Once your wrinkles become etched in your deep dermis, it becomes more difficult to reduce their appearance. Botox or Dysport can be a great preventative measure to keep your skin looking young.
Dr. George GavrilA, ProMD Health
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
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
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 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
With fall and winter sports starting, are braces going to be a hazard in contact sports?
Drs. Labbe and Bolton reassure athletes that wearing braces shouldn’t impact participation in any sports; but they do remind them that over 34% of all sports injuries involve the face; therefore, a well-fitting mouth guard is critical. Athletes are 60% more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a mouth guard. Talk to your orthodontist about providing you with a mouth guard that fits snugly around your teeth to allow you to breathe and talk freely. Your mouth guard, if fit correctly, will minimize risks of broken/chipped teeth, injuries to soft tissue, jaw fractures, and concussions.
DR. STEPHEN LABBE, DDS, Labbe Family Orthodontics
Is it a myth? Is root canal treatment painful?
Drs. Labbe and Bolton reassure athletes that wearing braces shouldn’t impact participation in any sports; but they do remind them that over 34% of all sports injuries involve the face; therefore, a well-fitting mouth guard is critical. Athletes are 60% more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a mouth guard. Talk to your orthodontist about providing you with a mouth guard that fits snugly around your teeth to allow you to breathe and talk freely. Your mouth guard, if fit correctly, will minimize risks of broken/chipped teeth, injuries to soft tissue, jaw fractures, and concussions.
DR. STEPHEN LABBE, DDS, Labbe Family Orthodontics
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
What is the latest and greatest available in dentistry today?
For patients with severe compromised dentition, the latest process is called “teeth in a day” via technologies used by TeethXpress and the like. Four to six implants are placed into the jaw with abutment posts. Your denture is then attached to the abutments. The procedure typically can be completed in one day and can be done under local anesthesia. Millions of people around the world are missing enough teeth to require the use of dentures. Dentures supported by implants have been successful and the number of patients is growing rapidly due to their effectiveness, durability and the high success rate of dental implants.
PAUL KINSEY, DDS, Severn River Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Charles Herbert, Endodontics, PA
For patients with severe compromised dentition, the latest process is called “teeth in a day” via technologies used by TeethXpress and the like. Four to six implants are placed into the jaw with abutment posts. Your denture is then attached to the abutments. The procedure typically can be completed in one day and can be done under local anesthesia. Millions of people around the world are missing enough teeth to require the use of dentures. Dentures supported by implants have been successful and the number of patients is growing rapidly due to their effectiveness, durability and the high success rate of dental implants.
PAUL KINSEY, DDS, Severn River Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
What Should an Evaluation for Autism Look Like?
Autism screening is often done by pediatricians. If there are indications that further evaluation would be appropriate, it is best to work with someone who has both experience and expertise in diagnosing children on the autism spectrum. The next evaluation often is a diagnostic instrument such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or the ADOS-2. Even with standard diagnostic tools, it is important to work with someone who understands the subtleties. For example, an expert will be able to distinguish if a child has poor eye contact because the child is shy, rather than poor eye contact in the way seen it in an autism spectrum disorder.
Shannon Senefeld, Psy.D., CPE Clinic
What are the benefits of intravenous vitamin infusions?
One of the biggest benefits is 100% absorption of micronutrients into the bloodstream. Vitamins taken orally can yield an absorption level as low as 20% by the time they pass through the gut. Some of the other benefits of intravenous vitamin infusions include rehydration, energy restoration, faster results, and customized treatments.
Dr. Tonya Watson, Hydrafuse Health and Wellness
When is the correct time to take x-rays on a child?
Each patient and every situation is unique. It is our responsibility to use our training and experience to develop an appropriate protocol for each and every patient. “To see is to know…Not to see is to guess…We prefer not to guess about your child’s health.”
Autism screening is often done by pediatricians. If there are indications that further evaluation would be appropriate, it is best to work with someone who has both experience and expertise in diagnosing children on the autism spectrum. The next evaluation often is a diagnostic instrument such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or the ADOS-2. Even with standard diagnostic tools, it is important to work with someone who understands the subtleties. For example, an expert will be able to distinguish if a child has poor eye contact because the child is shy, rather than poor eye contact in the way seen it in an autism spectrum disorder.
Shannon Senefeld, Psy.D., CPE Clinic
One of the biggest benefits is 100% absorption of micronutrients into the bloodstream. Vitamins taken orally can yield an absorption level as low as 20% by the time they pass through the gut. Some of the other benefits of intravenous vitamin infusions include rehydration, energy restoration, faster results, and customized treatments.
Dr. Tonya Watson, Hydrafuse Health and Wellness
Each patient and every situation is unique. It is our responsibility to use our training and experience to develop an appropriate protocol for each and every patient. “To see is to know…Not to see is to guess…We prefer not to guess about your child’s health.”
Dr. Scott Lawrence & Dr. Jen Fan Weng
The Pediatric Dental Specialists
My child is falling behind in reading. I suspect there is reading problem, what should I do?
As a parent you know when something is wrong. The most important thing you can do is discover why your child is struggling. A comprehensive evaluation (diagnostic testing) will signal the areas of strength and weakness in your child’s learning profile. The evaluation can be done privately or through the school and should be conducted by a professional specifically trained for this type of evaluation such as a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or educational diagnostician. The results may point to a diagnosis, but more importantly, will identify the necessary supports - both at home and in the classroom - to help your child succeed. Don’t wait, early intervention is key!
Dr. Joan Mele-McCARTHY, CCC-SLP
The Summit School, Executive Director
What happens after a tooth is extracted?
After the extraction of a permanent tooth, bone and gingival tissue (gums) start to fill the extraction site. However, the body also starts to “melt away” the bone in a vertical and horizontal dimension. If implant tooth replacement is desired, a site preservation bone graft is usually required to prepare the surgical site, especially if bone loss occurred prior to the extraction. This recreates ideal bony contours, and makes dental implant success more predictable. The bone graft is usually performed at the time of extraction with no additional discomfort.
ZIAD BATROUNI, DDS, Maryland Oral Surgery Associates
After losing weight I am uncomfortable with excess skin around my stomach. Should I consider a tummy tuck?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Following the procedure, you can expect a narrower waistline and a flatter stomach. If you are considering a tummy tuck, our board-certified surgeons can help determine if it is right for you.
Christopher Spittler, M.D., Plastic Surgery Specialists
What exactly is a mommy makeover?
The term “mommy makeover” can be used to refer to almost any combination of procedures designed to reverse the changes a woman goes through during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and then general life as a mom. I think most frequently people think of a tummy tuck when they hear “mommy makeover,” but it also applies to breast procedures such as implants to restore lost fullness or a lift to improve breast position. The term “mommy makeover” can also include more personal procedures such as a labiaplasty which restores both comfort and self-confidence.
Claire S. Duggal, MD, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
After the extraction of a permanent tooth, bone and gingival tissue (gums) start to fill the extraction site. However, the body also starts to “melt away” the bone in a vertical and horizontal dimension. If implant tooth replacement is desired, a site preservation bone graft is usually required to prepare the surgical site, especially if bone loss occurred prior to the extraction. This recreates ideal bony contours, and makes dental implant success more predictable. The bone graft is usually performed at the time of extraction with no additional discomfort.
ZIAD BATROUNI, DDS, Maryland Oral Surgery Associates
Tummy tucks are performed to correct excess skin and fat in the abdomen caused by pregnancy, aging or weight loss. During the procedure, fat is removed, abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin is trimmed. Incisions are kept just above the pubic area and are easily camouflaged.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Following the procedure, you can expect a narrower waistline and a flatter stomach. If you are considering a tummy tuck, our board-certified surgeons can help determine if it is right for you.
Christopher Spittler, M.D., Plastic Surgery Specialists
The term “mommy makeover” can be used to refer to almost any combination of procedures designed to reverse the changes a woman goes through during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and then general life as a mom. I think most frequently people think of a tummy tuck when they hear “mommy makeover,” but it also applies to breast procedures such as implants to restore lost fullness or a lift to improve breast position. The term “mommy makeover” can also include more personal procedures such as a labiaplasty which restores both comfort and self-confidence.
Claire S. Duggal, MD, Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery
What is the “Brace Bus”?
The “Brace Bus” is like an Uber for your child’s orthodontic appointment. We understand when both parents are working that it becomes challenging getting your child into their routine check-up appointments without having to take time off from work. This is especially true for our Kent Island families who may both work west of the Bay Bridge. We are here to help by offering complimentary shuttle pick-up on the Brace Bus (an outfitted H2 Hummer complete with Xbox) to and from your child’s school for their orthodontic appointment. Let us do the driving so you don’t have to!
MARY C. TRAHAR, DDS, PA, Smiles By The Bay
When is a dental crown necessary?
A tooth with broken cusps or large cavities usually will need a crown to protect them for the long term. Teeth with large fillings that are breaking down sometimes require a crown. Also, teeth with root canals often need crowns because the root canal process can weaken a tooth. Crown precedures normally take 2 visits. The second visit is typically a short cementation visit, or as my one patient calls it: “the coronation”.
DR. DENNIS CHERRY, Cherry Family Dentistry
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’ve been diagnosed with Ankle Arthritis. What are my options?
If non-operative/conservative measures have failed to provide adequate pain relief and return to function, an ankle joint fusion or Total Ankle Replacement are good surgical options for severe ankle joint arthritis. There have been significant advancements in both procedures to allow patients to experience decreased pain and increased function. Recent advances in Total Ankle Replacement have made this technically difficult procedure an option for more patients and allows them to preserve motion in the ankle joint. To best determine which procedure would benefit you the most, consult with an orthopedic surgeon who has done extra training in Reconstructive Orthopedic Foot and Ankle surgery.
Justin L. Cashman, MD, Performance Orthopedics
The “Brace Bus” is like an Uber for your child’s orthodontic appointment. We understand when both parents are working that it becomes challenging getting your child into their routine check-up appointments without having to take time off from work. This is especially true for our Kent Island families who may both work west of the Bay Bridge. We are here to help by offering complimentary shuttle pick-up on the Brace Bus (an outfitted H2 Hummer complete with Xbox) to and from your child’s school for their orthodontic appointment. Let us do the driving so you don’t have to!
MARY C. TRAHAR, DDS, PA, Smiles By The Bay
A crown becomes necessary when the long term restorability of a tooth becomes questionable due to one of several factors.
A tooth with broken cusps or large cavities usually will need a crown to protect them for the long term. Teeth with large fillings that are breaking down sometimes require a crown. Also, teeth with root canals often need crowns because the root canal process can weaken a tooth. Crown precedures normally take 2 visits. The second visit is typically a short cementation visit, or as my one patient calls it: “the coronation”.
DR. DENNIS CHERRY, Cherry Family 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
If non-operative/conservative measures have failed to provide adequate pain relief and return to function, an ankle joint fusion or Total Ankle Replacement are good surgical options for severe ankle joint arthritis. There have been significant advancements in both procedures to allow patients to experience decreased pain and increased function. Recent advances in Total Ankle Replacement have made this technically difficult procedure an option for more patients and allows them to preserve motion in the ankle joint. To best determine which procedure would benefit you the most, consult with an orthopedic surgeon who has done extra training in Reconstructive Orthopedic Foot and Ankle surgery.
Justin L. Cashman, MD, Performance Orthopedics
My mammogram shows I have dense breasts and I also have a family history of breast cancer. My doctor ordered a breast MRI in addition to my annual screening mammogram. If MRI is better than mammography, can I just get an MRI instead of a mammogram?
Annual screening breast MRI should be used in addition to mammography, not as a replacement for mammography in women with dense breasts who have an increased risk of breast cancer. Breast MRI is a very sensitive test and finds many cancers that may be missed on a mammogram. This is especially true for women with dense breasts. On the other hand, there are some cancers that mammography might detect that are hard to see on MRI because mammography is better at detecting small calcium deposits known as microcalcifications that are often an indicator of early cancer.
MARK D. BAGANZ, md, Chesapeake Medical Imaging
Annual screening breast MRI should be used in addition to mammography, not as a replacement for mammography in women with dense breasts who have an increased risk of breast cancer. Breast MRI is a very sensitive test and finds many cancers that may be missed on a mammogram. This is especially true for women with dense breasts. On the other hand, there are some cancers that mammography might detect that are hard to see on MRI because mammography is better at detecting small calcium deposits known as microcalcifications that are often an indicator of early cancer.
MARK D. BAGANZ, md, Chesapeake Medical Imaging
