EXPERT
Dr. Mark C. Carl
Dentist
Dr. Mark Carl is a Dentist practicing in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Carl specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Mark C. Carl
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Georgetown University
- Accepting new patients
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What happens if I don't go for my root canal?
If the tooth has been opened and treated with medication, and you are flying on your trip the tooth can be painful when flying. Airline pilots are grounded until they finish there READ MORE
If the tooth has been opened and treated with medication, and you are flying on your trip the tooth can be painful when flying. Airline pilots are grounded until they finish there root canals. If you put it off long enough the tooth will abscess at some point.
How long after my extraction stitches are removed can I drink or eat?
The stiches are removed when there has been enough healing for you to start using the area again. You can eat and drink right away
Does clove oil really work in easing tooth pain?
If a nerve is exposed the clove oil (eugenol) can help calm the nerve. If the tooth is abscessed it will not relieve the pain and it will have to be treated by a dentist and you READ MORE
If a nerve is exposed the clove oil (eugenol) can help calm the nerve. If the tooth is abscessed it will not relieve the pain and it will have to be treated by a dentist and you may need antibiotics
What are the ways to close the gap between two frontal teeth?
Depending on the size of the gap a couple of things can be done. If it is fairly small filling material can be bonded to the teeth to close the gap. If the gap is larger the filling READ MORE
Depending on the size of the gap a couple of things can be done. If it is fairly small filling material can be bonded to the teeth to close the gap. If the gap is larger the filling material will not be strong enough to last a porcelain veneers may be an option.
Do dentists offer services to the uninsured?
Dentists will usually see uninsured patients. Payment plans will depend on the individual office.
How often will I have to replace my braces?
Once the brackets are placed you will probable be seen every 3 to 4 weeks. The wires in the bracket will be chance at certain intervals depending on how the teeth are moving. READ MORE
Once the brackets are placed you will probable be seen every 3 to 4 weeks. The wires in the bracket will be chance at certain intervals depending on how the teeth are moving. They may also have to place certain elastics depending on what movement needs to be done.
Is a root canal in pregnancy safe?
If there is an infection your doctor will not want an active infection during you pregnancy an some thing should be done. A simpler procedure called a pulpotomy can be done to READ MORE
If there is an infection your doctor will not want an active infection during you pregnancy an some thing should be done. A simpler procedure called a pulpotomy can be done to treat the tooth and get it to clam down. This can buy you a couple of months before the root canal will need to be done. I have done root canals on women who are pregnant the important thing is to control any infection. The sequencing of treatment can be worked out with what your doctor feels is best for you and the baby.
How many times should I floss?
You should floss twice a day when you brush your teeth. It can be done more. The biggest problem can be doing it properly. If not done properly or too aggressively it is possible READ MORE
You should floss twice a day when you brush your teeth. It can be done more. The biggest problem can be doing it properly. If not done properly or too aggressively it is possible to damage your gum tissue. You should have the hygienist or dentist demonstrate it for you
Could wisdom tooth extraction cause an infection?
If food debris gets into the extraction socket it is possible to get a secondary infection. It is also possible for pain to come from a dry socket which can also get food in it. READ MORE
If food debris gets into the extraction socket it is possible to get a secondary infection. It is also possible for pain to come from a dry socket which can also get food in it. It should be evaluated by the doctor that did the extraction.
I have severe pain in my deep cavity filling. What could this be?
If the filling is very deep it is possible to have cold sensation. This usually improves. If it does not the nerve inflammation from doing the filling is not going away. If the READ MORE
If the filling is very deep it is possible to have cold sensation. This usually improves. If it does not the nerve inflammation from doing the filling is not going away. If the nerve inflammation is not suppress it can turn into an irreversible pulpitis that will require a root canal to keep the tooth. With the pain you describe that may be the case, but you should have it evaluated by a dentist to make sure. Some times if the bite is off you can get persistent pain and muscle spasms due to the incorrect bite
I underwent a root canal treatment and it is in pain again. What could be the reason?
If all of the bacteria and necrotic debris what not completely removed or the canals not filled properly the root canal can fail, and will have to be redone. The upper first molar READ MORE
If all of the bacteria and necrotic debris what not completely removed or the canals not filled properly the root canal can fail, and will have to be redone. The upper first molar commonly has a fourth canal that can be missed a lot. If that is the case that canal has to be treated for the pain to go away. The tooth many times is weaker because of previous filling done and the root canal and would need a crown. If this is the case and the crown is not done the tooth can crack and fracture. This can cause pain. If the fracture is minor it can still be fixed, but if it is sever it can cause the lose of the tooth
How can I reverse yellowing of my teeth?
If your teeth are getting yellow now and were lighter before. The stain is in the outer layers of the teeth and is due to what you are consuming (examples: coffee, tea, colas, READ MORE
If your teeth are getting yellow now and were lighter before. The stain is in the outer layers of the teeth and is due to what you are consuming (examples: coffee, tea, colas, red wine, smoking). There are many bleaching techniques that can lighten the teeth due to the outer staining. Reducing the things that are causing the staining will increase the time between touchup bleaching procedures.
What are the natural ways to deal with tooth sensitivity?
If the sensitivity is due to nerve in the tooth an abscess could be starting. If that is the case the tooth will have to be addressed. Your doctor will not want the abscess process READ MORE
If the sensitivity is due to nerve in the tooth an abscess could be starting. If that is the case the tooth will have to be addressed. Your doctor will not want the abscess process to be present during the pregnancy. There are some interim procedures that can suppress the abscess and give you some time before the root canal would have to be done. These will only be able to delay the root canal for a little while. The sequencing of this should be between your dentist and what your doctor feels is best for the baby.
Can calcium deficiency impact teeth?
Calcium is necessary to help form the teeth. If he is calcium deficient, the teeth structure will not form the best way it could. This can leave the teeth more susceptible to decay. READ MORE
Calcium is necessary to help form the teeth. If he is calcium deficient, the teeth structure will not form the best way it could. This can leave the teeth more susceptible to decay. I would check for the best type of calcium supplement from his doctor.
Abscessed tooth? What could this mean?
Typically most times a tooth abscess is associated with nerve problems in a tooth. The abscess process is the body response to a bacterial infection of the nerve or the body rejecting READ MORE
Typically most times a tooth abscess is associated with nerve problems in a tooth. The abscess process is the body response to a bacterial infection of the nerve or the body rejecting a dead nerve As the abscess gets worse puss builds up in the bone. As the pressure from this increases the pain will get worse. The abscess can pass from inside the bone to the tissue outside. Some time it will create a pimple called a fistula and the abscess will drain thru that into your mouth. This will usually help reduce the associated pain but the abscess does not go away. The abscess can also spread into the other tissue in your face and cause a cellulitis, this is a very serious condition that need to be treated quickly. If the abscess is sever the tooth is usually open to expose the nerve chamber and some tissue removed and different medications can be placed. Depending on the severity different antibiotic will be given also. Depending on the stage of the process several diagnostic test can be done.
What does bone loss in the teeth mean?
The bone is the foundation that holds your teeth in. The bone is like the foundation of a house. If you lose enough bone, the teeth will become loose, just like a house with a READ MORE
The bone is the foundation that holds your teeth in. The bone is like the foundation of a house. If you lose enough bone, the teeth will become loose, just like a house with a poor foundation becomes unstable. The bone is lost due to inflammation due to the build up of plaque and tarter. The cleaner you keep everything, the harder it is to lose bone. If your diabetes is not controlled well, it is easier for you to lose bone. If you are having problems with your home care, you can be seen more often to have your teeth cleaned. If there is appropriate documentation, you should have periodontal benefits with your insurance that may help pay for more cleaning.
Is higher or lower pressure better with water flossers?
High pressure on a waterpik can cause damage to the tissue, if the jet is not aimed at the tissue properly. You really should not use the highest pressure, that way it will be READ MORE
High pressure on a waterpik can cause damage to the tissue, if the jet is not aimed at the tissue properly. You really should not use the highest pressure, that way it will be less likely to cause damage.
Can novocaine be used during cleanings?
Novocain is usually just used for deep cleanings called root planing. If it is the scrapping that is most bothersome and not tissue sensitivity, a sonic scaler that vibrates and READ MORE
Novocain is usually just used for deep cleanings called root planing. If it is the scrapping that is most bothersome and not tissue sensitivity, a sonic scaler that vibrates and sprays water may feel better than removing the tartar with the hand instruments. If the tissue is sensitive, different topical anesthetics can be used to numb the tissue.
Wisdom teeth removal
Depending on the training a general dentist has had, it will determine what type of extraction they will do. Some programs do not have much training in extractions and then the READ MORE
Depending on the training a general dentist has had, it will determine what type of extraction they will do. Some programs do not have much training in extractions and then the dentist will only do very simple extraction. The oral surgeon on the other hand has had training in all types of extraction. Some general dentist may have had enough training to remove simple to moderately difficult wisdom teeth. The oral surgeon will remove wisdom teeth with all levels of difficulty
Can I whiten my teeth with baking soda alone?
Baking Soda will act as a mild abrasive to help clean your teeth and remove some stain, but it will not bleach teeth. The baking soda will dissolve into solution as you use it READ MORE
Baking Soda will act as a mild abrasive to help clean your teeth and remove some stain, but it will not bleach teeth. The baking soda will dissolve into solution as you use it , so it will not be too abrasive on the teeth. If you add hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda it will keep the amount of bacteria in your mouth down and it will have a mild bleaching effect. It will not be strong enough to have a quick bleaching effect. Long term use will get some bleaching effect. Your fillings or crowns will not bleach, only your existing tooth structure will bleach, so if you have a lot of filling in the front teeth, you may not see much of an effect
