Dr Maria Wood

Dr. Wood is passionate about practicing biomimetic, or biology mimicking dentistry. This approach relies on 3 pillars: highly innovative and technologically advanced restorative materials, proven to be the highest and longest performing of their kind. the use of those materials under the most ideal clinical conditions (ie total moisture isolation) to prevent contamination and maximize the lifespan of a tooth and it's restoration. very meticulous, strict techniques and protocols which allow the materials to perform to their highest degree and function in the most natural way, minimizing stress and strain on the tooth. This vision allows us to approach even the simplest of restorations with the most diligence, understanding how our restorations will impact the long term prognosis of the teeth on which we work. The more tooth structure is missing, the more important technique and materials become. While preserving tooth structure and restoring function in the most natural way is great for everyone's teeth, it may be especially helpful to certain populations. One of these is those people suffering from eating disorders. Bulimia can increase our risk of acid erosion up to 10x, with 90% of people with bulimia displaying signs of enamel erosion. Many such patients have few options to restore their teeth's function aside from a full mouth rehabilitation. When the patient is very young, this can create restorative challenges down the road, when those restorations begin to fail. Biomimetic dentistry can offer another approach, where severely eroded teeth that would otherwise need root canal treatment or extraction could avoid having this treatment, relying on adhesive principles to retain restorations that would otherwise not stay on. This can allow for more conservative tooth preparation, avoiding exposure of the nerve. This approach can therefore be less costly and more conservative. Dr.Wood struggled with body image and eating disorders herself in early adolescence, and is passionate about helping rebuild the smiles, self love, confidence and self care of those struggling with eating disorders. Another population that Dr.Wood has treated extensively is those patients undergoing cancer treatment and bone density treatment. Due to certain medications, these patients may not be great candidates for dental implants. This leaves them few options if a tooth cracks suddenly and they are not prepared for living without a tooth. While bridges and removable appliances are often an option, some people are also not great candidates for extractions, as they have an increased risk of bone necrosis. For them, extraction is contraindicated, and biomimetic dentistry can provide an alternative approach where the tooth may be maintained. Other patients who we have treated with this approach include the very elderly, who are frail and unable to tolerate physically taxing procedures. We see many such patients and are grateful for the trust our patients' caregivers and loved ones place in our care. Aside from biomimetic dentistry, Dr.Wood also stays up to date on the latest material innovations and technology, and does her best to incorporate those into her practice. For example, we offer a remineralizing procedure that can arrest the decay process before it reaches deeper into the tooth, giving the tooth a second chance before having to place a drill and fill restoration. This approach does not require anesthesia and is quicker than placing a restoration. Lots of our patients have extremely stressful jobs and drink coffee routinely, and eventually this can erode our enamel. Others just aren't planning to ever start flossing even after they have had cavities, so recalcifying weak spots in such patients can be extremely helpful in preventing decay. Dr.Wood is a mom and understands how challenging it is to get your kids to brush much less floss. Recalcifying weak spots for our youngsters who will need those 6 year old molars for many more years can be a tremendous service to their older selves. Dr.Wood also relies on her soft tissue laser to help merge the gap in her patients' periodontal care. Our hygienists are laser certified and also share her passion! Aside from helping to decontaminate gum pockets, the laser can help zap a cold sore the week of your wedding or work event, and turn painful canker sores into scabs immediately. In addition, lasers can also treat root sensitivity. Not all patients are candidates for gum grafting, and now have another tool available to them to treat sensitivity aside from topical agents, which can take a long time to build up and not always very long lasting. Dr.Wood is passionate about dentistry and loves helping patients to maximize the health, function and esthetics of their smiles. While esthetics many not be important to everyone, if we are to restore a tooth, we may as well do it in the most beautiful way. She works with a highly competent team of laboratory technicians who co-plan restorations with her to optimize their performance. Dr.Wood loves to pay attention to details from planning an entire treatment plan to executing a restoration. Aside from improving your smile, Dr.Wood can help you improve your overall look. She has been injecting BOTOX ® since 2009 and has many returning patients who have seen her for this treatment through the years. She can inject both those muscles creating wrinkles as well as those involved in grinding, clenching, and TMJ pain. She loves what this product can do to make us look and feel refreshed when injected with care. Dr. Wood treats patients with a variety of dental needs, from pediatrics to implants. She completed the Doctor of Dental Surgery program and Advanced General Dentistry residency at the University of Maryland Dental School. She then received her dental implantology certificate from New York University College of Dentistry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from George Washington University and a Master's degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from Georgetown University. She attends continuing education courses regularly to stay current on the latest advancements in her field. She is also a contributing author on complementary and alternative medicine practices for the "ADA/ PDR Guide to Dental Therapeutics." When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Wood can often be found either on a yoga mat or chasing after her toddler on a playdate. She loves to travel and immerse herself in other cultures, and makes it a goal to participate in dental mission trips to the underserved corners of the world. In addition to English, she speaks Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian. Dr. Wood can't wait to explore your smile goals with you and help you look and feel your best!