Common questions answered by our local professionals.
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.
SCOTT FINLAY, DDS, Annapolis Smiles
I heard about something on TV called “teeth-in-a-day”, can you tell me more?
It is a single-visit procedure in which multiple diseased teeth are removed, implants placed, and you are fitted with a temporary version of your teeth – all made possible by our state-of-the-art in-office CAT scan technology. Once your implants have time to heal, you’ll visit our office for a final restoration and follow-up adjustment. The benefit over a typical multi-visit approach is that the patient spends no time without teeth – retaining facial shape, chewing function, and clear speech. Unlike traditional dentures, the result is natural looking, fully functional and non-removable. This type of “dental makeover” can be a life-changing experience for patients who have put off larger dental restorations for years. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn about financing options.
DR. MEREDITH ESPOSITO, Chesapeake Dental Arts
What has been the biggest change in your practice in the last couple of years?
We added intra oral scanners that allow us to image the mouth instead of using bulky, gross tasting impression material that gags the patients. This allows us to send images instantly to our lab partners to make clear aligners, nightguards, crowns, veneers, and retainers. Another great benefit of the scanners is that the image of their teeth appears instantly on a large screen the patients can see and discuss with us, our patients love it!
DR. APRIL CALTON, About Smiles Dentistry
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
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
What is your belief as an office?
We see so many people living a life that isn’t their best. This could be because of pain, because of fear and because for so long, they’ve been afraid to smile. Every day in our practice, we meet patients who are afraid or embarrassed to smile. We also see patients who have just never liked the appearance of their teeth, or felt confident in their smile. We want you to know that when you can smile with confidence, chew comfortably and have a healthy mouth, life is better. If your smile is holding you back from the life you want, if you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety, or if you’re simply looking for the perfect dental home for yourself and your family, you’re in the right place. We promise no lectures or judgments ever, no matter how long it has been, or the condition of your mouth. We believe that with a healthy smile, life is better.
DR. CHRIS WOLF, Churchton Dental Care
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
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
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
You made my eyes beautiful already. What less-invasive options are there for my face and body?
While laser eyelid lifts have earned me the Best Oculoplastic Surgeon vote, total rejuvenation requires more:
I make you youthful by the artful use of Fillers, Botox, BBL, Laser peels, and Thermage, which are customized for you to create the contours and skin of your younger self.
Dr. Elba M. Pacheco, Adoro Medical Spa @ Center for Eye & Laser Surgery
What options besides surgery are there for my arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries?
For many musculoskeletal conditions, several options exist instead of steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications to treat pain and restore function. Your body has the ability to repair itself! Sometimes, you just need a little help from a Sports Medicine physician to harness your healing abilities and precisely direct them to the injured area.
An evidence-based example of restorative treatments is platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is created by drawing your blood and concentrating it in a special centrifuge. We then inject your own platelets into your damaged tissue using precise ultrasound guidance. This procedure optimizes your body’s own ability to heal without surgery and is performed in conjunction with physical therapy.
James H. Lynch, MD, Sports Medicine, ROSM Annapolis
What Does it Mean to be a “Trauma-Informed” Therapy and Business Practice?
The words “Trauma-Informed” is an approach to therapy and business grounded in 6-Guiding Principles. They are Trustworthiness and Transparency, Peer-Support, Collaboration and Mutuality, Empowerment and Choice, and Cultural, Historical and Gender Issues.
At Anchored Hope Therapy, we are intentional about every decision we make to support both our clients and our team of therapists. This includes promoting work-life balance and self-care for our team. We believe you cannot pour from an empty cup. In addition, it is about creating a therapy space that is inclusive and feels safe and a therapy culture that is authentic and supportive for our clients. We strive to partner with our clients in their journey to promote growth and recognize resilience. We are aware that mental health therapy has historically felt unsafe for many, including marginalized populations, and we aim to provide services that intersect with social justice efforts and are grounded in the above trauma-informed care principles.
Chelsea M. Haverly, LCSW-C & Christine Coyle, LCSW-C, Anchored Hope Therapy
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
My hair is thinning and falling out and I would like to know what are my options to maintain or even restore my hair?
Hair maintenance/restoration has really progressed over the last 5 years. We are fortunate to be able to offer patients both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections alone can help restore thinning hair. These growth-factor-rich PRP treatments are often supplemented with topical and oral medications. We also offer state-of-the-art NeoGraft follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique to repopulate areas of baldness and thinning hair. This in office technique leaves no visible scarring and has a 98% success rate.
BRYAN T., AMBRO, md, MS, Annapolis Plastic Surgery
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 type of sunscreen do you recommend?
I like to recommend sunscreens that are at least SPF 30 or higher, offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (primary cause of skin aging/wrinkles) and UVB (main cause of sunburn) rays, and are water resistant (meaning the sunscreen will maintain its SPF level for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating). Physical sunscreens (which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) may be better for young children or those with sensitive skin. The most important thing to remember is re-application! Sunscreen does not last all day, so I recommend reapplying at least every 2-3 hours throughout the day, and sooner while swimming or sweating.
Dr. Alice He, Annapolis Dermatology
How do you treat Sleep Apnea?
As with virtually all health disorders, there is more than one treatment option for people suffering from Sleep Apnea. In addition to invasive surgery (UPPP) which can involve a painful and difficult recovery, there is the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine and oral appliance therapy. The traditional method uses a Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) mask. While proven effective, a substantial number of CPAP users abandon this therapy due to embarrassment or discomfort. Oral appliances or occlusal guards offer a more practical and effective alternative to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Maria Colucciello, DDS, West Annapolis Family Dentistry
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, Labbe Family Orthodontics
What can patients expect from your office?
Not only are you greeted with a warm and inviting environment with lush sofas and a beverage bar but you will be more than pleased with the level of service our team provides. Our top priority is to care for each patient as an individual. We get to know each of you personally, and not in a distant manner as if you were another set of teeth, a chart, or just another patient. Every patient at every appointment will have our competent and attentive team giving you the best dental care in a warm and friendly manner. From your very first visit, you will notice the difference.
DR. CHRIS WOLF, Churchton Dental Care
I’d like fuller lips. Is lip filler my only option?
No! The position and size of your lips are a combination of the skin above and the pink portion of the actual lip. Lip filler only augments the pink portion of the lip and is limited by the natural size and shape of your lip. A lip lift is a surgical procedure where the space between your nose and upper lip is shortened so that more of your pink lip is visible and lifted. Your mouth appears slightly fuller and taller. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed with very little downtime and long-lasting results.
Dr. Namita Murthy, Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery
What is the advantage of seeing a dermatologist for cosmetic procedures such as Botox, filler, or laser?
Injectables and laser treatments are medical procedures and therefore best to be performed by a medical doctor to ensure your safety. Dermatologists are medical doctors and skin experts, making them most capable of addressing aesthetic concerns accurately and comprehensively. In many cases a patient’s concern is more than meets the eye, requiring first and foremost an astute diagnosis, followed by a cohesive plan combining both medical and cosmetic treatments. By seeing a dermatologist for your procedures, you can ensure your investment is going towards the most appropriate treatment for your concern, while also ensuring safety and optimal results.
Dr. Molly Walterhoefer, Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center
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
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 conditions can be treated with regenerative medicine?
Common conditions treated with regenerative procedures include osteoarthritis, shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears and labrum tears, tennis and golfer elbow, Achilles tendinitis and partial tears of the Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, degenerative disc disease, hamstring injuries, and certain types of ACL tears.
Dr. Zvezdomir Zamfirov, All Star Pain Management
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.
DR. SAMUEL BOLES, Anne Arundel Eye Center
How does exercise help breast cancer prevention and recovery?
For people at risk for breast cancer, exercise can help with prevention, post-surgery survival and reduce side effects during and after treatment. One study of breast cancer survivors found that those who were the most physically active had a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer than those who were the least active. Light exercise pre-operation can also lead to a smoother surgery and easier recovery.
To start, aim for 30-minutes of exercise a day for five days a week. If you’re not very active, try splitting the time into fragments and choose activities you enjoy, such as walking or gardening.
Learn more: umms.com/Breast-Cancer-Exercise-BW
Dr. Cynthia Drogula, MD, Medical Director of the Aiello Breast Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Why would I take my child to the orthodontist at age 7 or before, when they still have mostly baby teeth?
Orthodontists will recommend your child be seen by age 7 to prevent problems with jaw growth, spacing for permanent teeth, protruding teeth, bite issues and deleterious habits like thumb/finger sucking or tongue thrusting. Failure to recognize and treat misaligned jaws early will undoubtedly lead to long term bite anomalies and TMJ dysfunction, often requiring surgical correction. Making enough room at an early age for the permanent teeth before they come in can reduce the need for braces or clear aligners later on. Uncorrected thumb, finger or tongue habits can seriously affect the position of erupting permanent teeth, leading to damage of the teeth as well as periodontal and gum issues later in life. As the saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”!
Mairead M. O’Reilly, DDS, MS, Dr. Mairead M. O’Reilly Orthodontics
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, Djawdan Center for Implant & Restorative Dentistry
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, ProMD Health
What is the most exciting advancement in the treatment of cancer?
Immunotherapy has changed the approach to the treatment of many types of cancer. Immunotherapy enables your own immune system to fight cancer. It can be used alone or combined with other drugs to enhance the potential for response. With immunotherapy treatments, patients can often have durable responses with minimal side effects. In the future it is expected that the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer will continue to expand.
DR. BENJAMIN BRIDGES, Maryland Oncology Hematology
At what age should I take my child to their first orthodontist appointment?
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.
Dr. Ora Reinheimer, Philbin & Reinheimer Orthodontics
I want to restore volume loss to my breasts but also think I might need a lift, and those scars worry me. What should I do?
Women often express this concern during a consultation leading up to the examination, only to be pleasantly surprised that their “droop” is not as bad as they thought and that they just “need” augmentation with saline or silicone breast implants, which can be placed using small inconspicuous scars. In advance of your consultation look online at some before and after photos making sure the “before” looks like you and the “after” is your goal look. When you look I think you might agree that lifted breasts with scars look better than droopy looking breasts without.
JAMES E. CHAPPELL, md, FACS, Annapolis Plastic Surgery
What sets your physical therapy office apart from other physical therapy offices?
Fyzical has equipment not available at other outpatient physical therapy offices. We use a Safety Overhead Support System which uses a harness suspended from ceiling mounted rails making it the safest and most effective way to exercise without falling. We also utilize CDP technology (Computerized Dynamic Posturography) to individualize your treatment and determine the most effective way to improve your balance.
Erica Hood, PT, DPT, CDNT, Physical Therapist, Annapolis Fyzical Therapy & Balance
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
Are “painkillers” also known as opioids the only way to treat my pain?
Treatment of pain first comes with accurately diagnosing the problem, which sometimes can be challenging. Imaging such as X-rays and MRI’s are helpful in identifying potential sources of pain. At Clearway Pain, we specialize in various treatments that not only help to diagnose the cause of pain, but also treat it at its source, all without having to rely on opioids.
WAI LEONG FOO, DO, Clearway Pain Solutions
What is Neuro-Muscular Dentistry and how does it affect my treatment?
How your bite is aligned translates throughout your posture. For most patients, it is not top of mind when they visit the dentist with imminent pain, noticeable dental condition, oral discomfort, or cosmetic goals. This limits the dental service to simple, symptom-driven treatment. Neuro-muscular dentistry is an advanced area in dentistry that takes an integrated approach to teeth, muscles (and associated nerves), and joints. It brings together different tools and treatments to investigate the root cause of occluso-postural abnormalities. The treatment goal is to restore dental form and function as well as bring postural balance and harmony.
Dr. Ishita Rahman, West Annapolis Family Dentistry
Why should I see an orthodontist to straighten my teeth?
Orthodontists endure an additional 2 to 3 years of training after dental school, called a residency, to concentrate on tooth movement and dento-facial orthodpedics. One of the most important aspects of their focus is the diagnosis and treatment planning, which is unique to each and every individual, since orthodontics should not be a cookie-cutter treatment. They not only straighten teeth but also improve jaw positioning and enhance tooth functioning to give you a healthy and beautiful smile.
DR. ROBERT LARAWAY, Kent Island Orthodontics
What is a digital scanner?
In our office, we utilize the latest technology to treat our patients, including a digital scanner. A digital scanner is a handheld device used to create a digital impression of the mouth. It creates a highly detailed 3D model of a patient’s teeth and gums which is then processed by the scanning software and displayed in real-time on a touch screen. The 3D model is then used to fabricate crowns/caps and clear braces (i.e. Invisalign) for a perfect fit. This scan system replaces the use of the goopy impression material used in many dental offices, which is messy, time consuming and can be inaccurate. The scan is comfortable for the patient, provides accurate results, and can be completed in minutes.
DR. CHRISTIE HAGERt, Hagert Family Dentistry
Who would benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Anyone who gets anxious or has a fear of going to the dentist would benefit from sedation dentistry. It creates a relaxing, comfortable, and anxiety-free experience where hours pass like mere minutes. More dentistry can be performed in a single visit because the dentist is able to work more efficiently, and it can help reduce the mounting costs and repercussions of untreated dental disease. It’s a win-win for both the patient and the dentist.
Dr. Christopher K. Murphy, DDS, Eastern Shore Dental Care
Is it safe to use over the counter skin tag and mole removers?
No. Most over the counter cosmetic skin tag removers contain high concentrations of salicylic acid. Using them to remove skin tags can result in irritation and possible skin infection.
Removing moles on your own can result in delayed or missed diagnosis of skin cancer. If left untreated or partially removed, these skin cancers continue to grow with the possibility of spreading throughout your body. Due to these risks, the FDA warns against using these products.
Seeing a Board Certified Dermatologist or other trained skin specialist is your best line of defense in the prevention and management of unwanted skin growths.
Michael Del Torto, MD, FAAD; Donald Stranahan Jr., MD, FAAD, Easton Dermatology
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
Does my insurance cover this? What’s MY cost?
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
What is TMJ and what can be done about it?
People commonly say they have “TMJ” when what they mean is that they have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which is an umbrella term for problems with the TMJ joint. Symptoms of TMD may include pain, difficult or limited opening, getting “locked” open or closed, headaches, muscle fatigue, and even pain or ringing in the ears.
TMD can be caused by a whole host of factors including bite issues, teeth grinding, trauma, arthritis, stress, and sleep problems. Treatments in our office may include oral appliances (like a nightguard or snoring appliance), restorative treatment, orthodontics, Botox, and/or photobiomodulation laser therapy.
Understanding the patient’s triggers and root causes helps us address the pain in the most appropriate manor.
MEREDITH TODD, DDS, Harbor Dental Center
Urinary incontinence is interfering with my daily life. Is this something I must live with?
Urinary incontinence, especially in women, is a common issue. But while it’s common, it is not a normal part of aging and can be effectively treated by an experienced urologist. Whether you’re experiencing frequency and urgency caused by overactive bladder or urinary leakage caused by stress incontinence, there are many treatment options available. New, non-invasive and minimally invasive therapies are proving to be highly effective for managing and treating the life-altering symptoms of urinary incontinence, helping more women reclaim their quality of life. We have treatments to fit every lifestyle and every age, so women no longer need to live with incontinence.
Dr. Alyssa Gracely, Urologist/Urogynecologist | Chesapeake Urology
How can dental implants help me?
Whether you need to replace one tooth or all of them, dental implants are a dependable solution to restore your smile and allow you to eat the foods you love. Implants can be used to stabilize or secure your existing denture or they can retain your denture permanently in your mouth. To replace a missing or broken tooth, implants can often be placed immediately, the same day as your extraction! Implants are an important tool in my toolbox to restore my patients to a fully functional dentition. A virtually painless procedure, almost anyone is a dental implant candidate.
DR. MIKE Hoglund, Easton Dental Studio
Why should I see a dermatologist?
The skin is the largest organ of the body and performs many critical functions. To name a few, the skin protects you from infection, helps to keep you hydrated, protects your organs, and helps to regulate your body temperature. A yearly skin checks helps to detect skin cancer in its early stages which is life saving. The skin, hair, and nails can also provide clues of internal disorders such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, lupus, and nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to maintain the health of the skin so that it can continue to take care of you.
KATINA BYRD MILES, MD, FAAD, Skin Oasis Dermatology
Why shouldn’t I purchase glasses online?
Prescription glasses are medical devices that require precise measurements such as pupillary distance, ocular center height, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt and more. When purchased online, many of these measurements are estimated or completely omitted. This can contribute to headaches, nausea, and further eye strain and visual degradation. In addition, many websites use low quality plastic lenses with no anti glare coating which can further harm your vision. Studies have shown that over 60% of glasses made online are made incorrectly or did not meet ANSI safety standards! We’ve had countless patients say that when they purchased online in the past it was a waste of time and money for them. Our expert opticians are certified and highly trained in using the latest technology to get precise and accurate measurements for you along with excellent quality lenses and eyewear. Let the professionals help you see your best and help support your local family-owned eye care practice.
DR. VEERA PATEL, Peepers Eyecare Centers
