As a dentist for nearly 40 years, Dr. Joe McCartin has witnessed many advancements in the field of dentistry.
However, he said, in the last 10 years, those advancements have been remarkable.
“We are living in the Golden Age of Dentistry,” Dr. McCartin said, “and patients have never been happier.”
Dr. McCartin has served the community from his office at 10401 S. Kedzie Ave., in Mt. Greenwood, for over 39 years. Along with his wife, Office Manager Suzanne McCartin, and their staff, Dr. McCartin has put a smile on the face of thousands of local residents.
Those smiles are the result of the latest in dental technology because his patients experience less pain, faster healing times and better results.
Technology has made it possible for Dr. McCartin to offer comprehensive dental services, and while he has always used the latest technology, Dr. McCartin is especially impressed by recent developments.
Advances in dental technology and techniques that benefit patients include cone beam tomography (CBCT) for radiographs (X-rays), root-canal procedures, utilizing a patient’s blood for bone and skin regeneration, using dental lasers to treat a variety of dental-facial problems, and new materials and techniques to restore teeth and for dental cleanings.
Cone Beam Tomography
A specialized type of X-ray, CBCT provides more information than conventional dental X-rays. This computerized scan generates a three-dimensional image of dental structures, soft tissues and nerve paths, and CBCT enables Dr. McCartin to produce more precise diagnosis and treatment planning for implant placements, tooth removals, orthodontic evaluations and root-canal treatments.
Root Canals
A properly performed root canal will preserve a tooth and alleviate pain. Compared to the past, Dr. McCartin said, advancements in root-canal therapy provide benefits that are 10-fold. He uses CBCT to generate the highest level of diagnosis and treatment for his patients.
In addition, advanced instruments and the use of bio-ceramics to fill the root canal have increased predictability of outcomes, and they lead to a success rate of approximately 85 percent.
Platelet Rich Fibrin
Using the body’s own healing proteins and growth factors to rejuvenate skin and bone and provide a speedy recovery, platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is concentrated from the patient’s own blood. To capture the proteins and growth factors, Dr. McCartin follows protocols developed by the renowned Dr. Richard Miron of the Scripps Institute.
PRF provides a 3-D matrix made of fibrin that, according to experts, accelerates wound healing. PRF contains a supraphysiologic dose of growth factors that assists in tissue regeneration and decreases the occurrence of infections during implant placement and tooth extractions.
To rejuvenate facial tissues around the lips, eyes and nasal folds, Dr. McCartin uses PRF to give patients a more youthful appearance by naturally regenerating those tissues.
Dental Lasers
Advances in dental/medical lasers continue, and Dr. McCartin said the results of laser therapy are amazing. The precision of laser technology enables dentists to remove excessive gum tissue as well as provide the best treatment for periodontal disease, diseased implants, facial muscle pain, temporomandibular joint pain, and herpetic outbreaks around the oral cavity.
Piezosurgery
An amazing new microsurgical technique in dental bone surgery, piezosurgery has gained acclaim for providing minimally invasive surgeries with extreme precision for implantology, periodontics and oral surgery. Dr. McCartin said the piezosurgery device provides precision and safety, and its micrometric cutting allows him to selectively section diseased bone structures. In addition, the device causes less bleeding during and after an operation, and the healing process is quicker. Dr. McCartin also uses piezosurgery technology for dental cleanings and root-canal therapy.
Guided Biofilm Therapy
A systemic and predictable solution for managing dental biofilm (formally known as plaque), guided biofilm therapy (GBT) was developed by scientists in Switzerland. The Swiss system uses a 14-micron, water-soluble powder to clean 4 millimeters below the gum line. The remaining calculus (tartar) is removed using piezosurgery technology. GBT has decreased the use of the old-fashioned scraping of teeth and abrasive polishing.
Dental Implants
According to Dr. McCartin, dental implants have revolutionized dentistry over the last 40 years. The use of CBCT X-rays and 3-D printouts of precise surgical guides have made dental implants widely popular with his patients. Dental implants are extremely predictable, he said, whether replacing one tooth or implanting a complete dental arch.
As a general dentist, Dr. McCartin provides comprehensive dental hygiene care as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. McCartin was born and raised on the South Side. He attended St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School and Marist High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and his doctor of dental surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He graduated with honors and was inducted into OKU National Dental Honor Society.
He has trained at the Dawson Center of Advanced Dental Studies and has studied “The Art of Endodontics” with Dr. Steven Buchanan. He has completed the curriculum and is an alumnus of the Kois Center for Advanced Dental Education in Seattle, Wash.
Dr. McCartin is currently affiliated with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Equilibration Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He earned a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is an associate fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is also a fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
In 2021, the Illinois State Dental Society granted Dr. McCartin lifetime membership.
Although he is proud of such recognition, Dr. McCartin believes that testimonials from patients are the true measure of success.
“I am very lucky I found such a skilled and kind dentist and his amazing team,” said one patient. “I went from fearing the dentist—to such an extent that I stopped smiling—to looking forward to seeing each one of them.
“Dr. Joe and his team are like family. I smile a lot now!”
For more information or an appointment, call Dr. McCartin at (773) 238-2906.