Recently, I was asked if we treat halitosis (bad breath) with lasers in our office. My initial reaction was, can you actually do that? This obviously meant, no we do not do this. After that conversation I decided to do some research on the subject of lasers and halitosis as it seemed like a pretty interesting topic. Here is some of what I learned.
Apparently, lasers are said to be the next big thing in treating severe halitosis. We are not talking about bad breath caused by the bacteria that builds up in and around your gums and teeth. Regular brushing, flossing and mouthwashes usually solve this problem. The bad breath that lasers are being used to treat are the cases that are much more persistant and severe. One of the main reasons for this severe halitosis is the build up of bacteria on the tonsils. Apparently the bacteria usually created in the tonsils builds up at an alarming and consistent rate.
So what exactly does the laser do? Well supposedly it vaporizes the tissues that hold the bacteria and the scar tissue that is formed can't be colonized by bacteria. This means that harmful germs and impurities will not fester inside the mouth.
We are not performing this procedure in our office yet and from what I can tell many other dentists are not yet as well. As more information becomes available I will post it. Amazing what technology enables us to do these days.

I recently came across an article at
www.msn.com that I found very interesting. I have always thought that flossing was important. This is partially because my mother developed gum disease in her 30's and partially because I work for a large dental group. The article I am referring to lists 10 healthy habits that may help you live to 100. Floss every day just happens to be one of those 10 habits. The article states that by flossing every day you may help keep your arteries healthy. Those of us working in dental offices have been speaking about the connection between the plaque in your mouth and the plague in your arteries for quite some time. It is nice to see it being mentioned in an article aimed at the general population.
Flossing twice a day will really help you to receive the most benefit. To read the full article please go to the following link:
health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx
Invisalign treatment is now being offered by many of our doctors in several of our office locations in Delaware. Below is information from the Invisalign website.
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system.
Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.
To schedule an appointment or for more information regarding the best Dental Group Delaware has to offer visit us at www.delawaresmiles.com.
For more information regarding Invisalign please visit www.invisalign.com

Do you remember the first time you walked into the dentist's office? Do you remember how old you were? I do. I was a little over 3 years old and the office was in Scarsdale, NY in a shopping center. The dentist was my "Uncle Mel". Now he wasn't really my uncle but he was my uncle Bruce's best friend. He was a pediatric dentist. I remember the waiting area with all the toys and never really wanting to leave that area. I remember having to sit in the chair while "uncle Mel" examined my teeth and then while a very nice lady cleaned them. I thought this is really not so bad. Then came the flouride. She placed these big trays in my mouth filled with flavored flouride and said to try not to gag. This was when I realized that it was impossible for me not to gag. After this part was over I was given a toy. Do you know, that even though those flouride trays scared me tremendously, I still loved going to the dentist. Getting that new toy was all I needed to brave the flouride trays.
Now all of these years later I find myself working for the largest Dental Group Delaware houses. I watch how our dentists and hygienists interact with the children here and see how excited the kids are to come in for their visits. It makes me recal all of those great trips to "uncle Mel" when I was a kid.

Dr. Hounsell is a native of Hockessin, DE. Shejoined our State-of-the-Art office in Lantana Square in Hockessin in September of 2007. Dr.Hounsell earned her dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Prior to attending dental school, Dr. Hounsell earned her undergraduate degree from Westminster College. She is a member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, the American Dental Association and the Delaware State Dental Society. In addition to these affiliations, Dr. Hounsell is a Lumineers certified dentist and has taken courses in esthetics at the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education.

Dr.Cornatzer earned his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Prior to attending dental school, Dr.Cornatzer earned his undergraduate degree from Rowan University in New Jersey. After receiving his degree from Nova, Dr.Cornatzer practiced with the United States Air Force in which he has also earned the rank of Captain. He is a member of the First State Implant Study Group, the Delaware State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Delaware State Emergency Response Team and Psi Omega Dental Fraternity.

Dr. McSpadden is a native of Wilmington who graduated from Friends School in 1967. After working as a musician for 5 years, he graduated with honors from the University of Delaware in 1976, from the state University of Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1980 and completed an internship at Wilmington Hospital in 1981 .He has maintained a private practice in Greenville and then on Rockland Road since that time. Dr. McSpadden received a Fellowship from The Academy of General Dentistry in 1985 and became a Master in the Academy in 2005. He is a member of the Delaware State Dental Society, the American Dental Association and is past President of the Delaware State Dental Board. Dr. McSpadden is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the L.D.Pankey Institute for Advanced Restorative Dentistry. As a member of The Crown Council, Dr. McSpadden has been involved with the National Smiles for Life Foundation which has raised over $20 million for children's charities. Dr. McSpadden and his staff have raised almost $100,000 in Delaware for this cause.

Dr. Fortunato is a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry and has been in private practice since 1981. As a member of Dental Associates of Delaware since 1986, Dr. Fortunato practices in our Greenville Office. Dr. Fortunato is a member of the American Dental Association, the Delaware State Dental Society and the International Team for Implantology(ITI). He is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Kennett Pike Association and a past Trustee of the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Symphony Association.
Please pick up the March issue of Delaware Today which will feature an article titled "Ending the Daily Grind". Dr. Richard Carroccia of Dental Associates of Delaware was interviewed at length for the content of this article. The article will speak of the symptoms and treatments of TMJ and Neuromuscular Dental concerns. From the title it is evident that one of the symptoms many people exerience is a teeth grinding problem. As the largest dental group Delaware has, we are able to treat these problems.
If you would like to know more about Neuromuscular dentistry or Dr. Carroccia please vist the Dental Associates of Delaware website at
www.delawaresmiles.com

Prior to his residency at the Christiana Health Care System, Dr. Binnersley graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1996. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Delaware State Dental Society. Dr. Binnersley has attended courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Duke University, Dr. Ryan graduated from the University of North Carolina Dental School in 1992. Dr. Ryan completed his residency at the Christiana Care Health System. Entering private practice in 1993, Dr. Ryan became the second to join our Middletown Office. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry. In Addition, Dr. Ryan has completed courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Dr. Hansen graduated from Swarthmore College in 1982 and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Temple University in 1986. He was the first to join our Middletown office in 1987. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. D'Antonio earned his dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry. Prior to receiving his dental degree he completed his undergraduate studies at Rowan University. In private practice since 2003, Dr. D'Antonio comes to us with extensive knowledge in general dentistry. He has been asked to speak at Rowan University to educate the undergraduate science majors on the details of dental school on several occasions.

Dr. Rocheleau earned his dental degree from Temple University and has been in practice since 1969. One of the founding doctors of Dental Associates of Delaware, Dr. Rocheleau is a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Philadelphia County Dental Society, and First State Implant Study Group.

Dr. Bond received his dental training from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been with Dental Associates of Delaware since 1984. Dr Bond is a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, and First State Implant Study Group. Along with the previous affiliations, he is also on the dental staff at the Wilmington Hospital of the Christiana Care Health System.

Dr. Anzilotti received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has been in private practice since 1971. He has been a part of the Dental Associates of Delaware team since 1977. Dr. Anzilotti is a member of both the American Dental Association and Delaware State Dental Society.

Prior to entering private practice in 1991, Dr. Bradley received his dental degree at the University of North Carolina. He then completed his residency at the University of Maryland. Dr Bradley joined the group in 1992. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Stomatology and the Delaware Academy of Practice Management. Dr Bradley has completed courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and is trained in Neuromuscular Dentistry.

A graduate of the University of Delaware and Temple Dental School, Dr. Giles has been in practice since 1969. A founding doctor of Dental Associates of Delaware, Dr. Giles has been a partner since 1977. Dr. Giles is a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, and the United States Golf Association, Junior Championship Committee. Dr. Giles attended courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

A graduate of the Boston University School
of Graduate Dentistry, Dr. Carroccia has
practiced Restorative Dentistry for over twelve
years. In addition to his dental degree from
Boston, Dr. Carroccia has completed several
courses at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for
Advanced Dental Studies. The training he has
received from LVI has encouraged Dr. Carroccia
to concentrate on Aesthetic and Cosmetic
Dentistry as well as Neuromuscular Dentistry.
Dr. Carroccia’s neuromuscular training allows him to
diagnose and treat TMJ problems by utilizing state of the
art EMG and Jaw tracking technology. He is certified in
invisalign and dental lasers. Dr. Carroccia has recently
become involved with the iTero system which incorporates
impression free procedures. He maintains an active affiliation
with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The
Academy of Graduate Dentistry, The American Dental
Association, Delaware State Dental Society, and the First
State Implant Study Group. Dr. Carroccia is a staff
member and an attending dentist with Christiana Care. In
addition to his professional commitments, Dr. Carroccia also
lectures to the public on cosmetics, neuromuscular dentistry
and the latest advances and technology in modern dentistry.
"At 55 years old, after decades of smoking, drinking coffee, and partaking in other tooth staining habits, I found myself consciously avoiding smiles or even showing my teeth in conversations. My teeth looked terrible and I was resigned to having a stained and strained smile forever. Now after having my smile restored, I look for opportunities to show a full confident smile. The entire staff at Dental Associates of Delaware succeeded in integrating high-tech equipment, up-to-date procedures, and space-age materials into a friendly, non-threatening, family oriented practice while maintaining a highly professional atmosphere. Thanks to all of you. I'm glad I found you. And I'm glad that I am able to tell others about you."
"Dr. Carroccia is absolutely wonderful. From the moment I met him I liked him. He took a genuine interest in me and did everything possible to make my smile perfect. There is a wonderful spark to him. You feel it as soon as he walks into the room. He is friendly, upbeat and very considerate of your concerns and requests. Dr. Carroccia was fantastic throughout my smile restoration. I am extremely pleased with the results. He did an excellent job."