Preparing for Your First Visit to Our Dental Office

Park 56 Dental is committed to giving every patient with the highest possible caliber dental care available on every visit. Our focus on putting patients first is one of the reasons that we have been voted Top Dentist in NYC. Whether you’re looking for general dentistry care or a cosmetic treatment to feel more confident in your smile, you’ll find it at our dental practice. Are you considering making an appointment for your first visit at our dental office? Here is a look at what you can expect.

Review of Your Health History

Before any exams or treatments begin, we need to understand your health. We will review any records you have from previous dentists and the dental and medical history forms you complete for our office. Be sure to provide as much information as possible. There are many medical conditions that have an impact on your dental health, such as diabetes, so we need a full picture of your health status. This is also a good time to discuss any questions you have or to share your history of dental anxiety. We offer sedation dentistry for your comfort and can help you decide if it’s a good option for you.

Digital Imaging of Your Teeth and Mouth

Our digital imaging process uses 90% less radiation than traditional dental x-rays, and the images are available for immediate review. These images will form a baseline for your current dental health that we can use to make treatment decisions.

Cleaning and Treatment Planning

After a comprehensive cleaning and exam, your dentist will sit down with you to review his or her findings and discuss a treatment plan that meets your needs. This is also a chance to discuss cosmetic treatments that you are considering, from veneers to a full smile restoration.

Get your first visit on the calendar today by calling Park 56 Dental. Our team is here to ensure every stage of the process meets your satisfaction. Make a dentist appointment in NYC today by calling (646) 783-3529.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

If you’re experiencing sudden tooth pain while enjoying an ice cream cone or a hot coffee, then you may have tooth sensitivity. This temporary discomfort can also occur when brushing or flossing your teeth. The underlying cause of tooth sensitivity is the exposure of the dentin, which lies underneath the enamel. A number of factors can cause the dentin to be exposed. Your dentist can figure out what’s going on and develop a customized treatment plan for you.

Oral Hygiene Habits

It’s important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth, even if you experience tooth sensitivity. Neglecting your oral care can make the problem worse. However, dentists strongly recommend brushing with a soft or very soft toothbrush, and using gentle, circular motions. Brushing too aggressively is one possible cause of tooth sensitivity. And if you’ve just eaten something acidic, like marinara sauce, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. The acidity softens the enamel, which allows the toothbrush to erode it more easily.

Plaque Buildup

Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on the teeth. Everyone gets plaque, but you can prevent it from causing tooth sensitivity. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily will prevent the excessive formation of plaque, and the hardening of plaque into gum-irritating tartar.

Gum Disease

At first, gum disease causes the gums to become swollen, inflamed, and irritated. If you don’t have a dentist treat it, it can eventually turn into periodontal disease. In this stage, the gums can pull away from the teeth. Gum recession is another possible cause of tooth sensitivity.

Cracked Teeth

A crack in the enamel can expose the dentin. This leaves you susceptible to tooth sensitivity when consuming very cold or hot foods and beverages. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can to get the cracked tooth repaired.

Sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable, but the dentists at Park 56 Dental can help! In addition to designing smile restorations in NYC, our team offers preventive and general dentistry services. New and current patients can get in touch at (646) 783-3529.

Basics of Invisalign for Teens

Did you know that Invisalign makes aligners just for teens? Invisalign Teen lets kids eat the foods they love, play the sports they enjoy, and smile with their friends without fear of showing metal brackets and wires. Get the facts about Invisalign for teens when you watch the accompanying video.

You’ll hear about the sophisticated computer imaging software the dentist will use to precisely map every stage of the treatment. You’ll even get to see what your teen’s smile will look like before beginning the treatment!

When your teen is ready for Invisalign treatment in NYC, call Park 56 Dental at (646) 783-3529. Our dental clinic maintains a friendly, welcoming environment, and focuses on high-quality, patient-centered care.

Caring for Your Teeth Between Dental Visits

Dentists recommend scheduling a professional teeth cleaning and exam every six months. But between trips to see your dentist, your teeth can accumulate a lot of plaque and tartar. Keep your teeth clean and healthy between visits by brushing at least twice daily. If you’re prone to tooth decay or gum disease, you might want to brush your teeth an extra time after lunch. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.

As essential as brushing is, it can’t reach the areas between the teeth. This is why you need to floss at least once per day, every day. Talk to your dentist if you have trouble gripping or maneuvering the floss. He or she may recommend using a proxabrush or handled floss pick. You can also add mouthwash to your brushing and flossing routine. Look for mouthwash that carries the ADA seal, contains fluoride, and doesn’t contain alcohol, since alcohol can dry out your mouth.

Schedule your next dentist appointment in NYC at Park 56 Dental. Call us today at (646) 783-3529, and find out for yourself why we have some many rave reviews from our patients!

Does Laughing Gas Really Make You Laugh?

Sedation dentistry is the use of safe, FDA-approved medications to help dental patients relax during their treatments. Nitrous oxide offers the lightest level of sedation available. It’s often called “laughing gas,” but it doesn’t actually make you laugh. Nitrous oxide works to induce a state of calmness and relaxation. It can also cause patients to feel a sense of euphoria. While patients are enjoying this altered state of mind, the dentist can perform any sort of procedure—from dental fillings to root canals.

Because laughing gas makes dental patients fully relaxed, they may be more likely to laugh when they encounter something humorous. However, laughing gas won’t make a patient suddenly start laughing for no reason at all.

Park 56 Dental is pleased to offer safe and effective sedation dentistry in NYC for patients who are interested in a relaxing, completely stress-free dental experience. Give us a call today at (646) 783-3529, and let us help you love your smile!

Examples of Common Dental Emergencies

Most people don’t expect to see a dentist more than twice a year, unless they’re having cosmetic dentistry or restorations done. But sometimes, accidents happen. An emergency dentist can provide prompt care for common problems like a cracked tooth, severe toothache, or knocked-out tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is clinically referred to as an avulsed tooth. If you lose a permanent tooth, time is of the essence. You need to get to the dentist’s office within an hour for the best chances of re-implantation. First, locate the knocked-out tooth. Only pick it up by the white part, which is the crown. You can rinse the tooth with water, but don’t scrub it. Try to reinsert it in its proper place, making sure the crown faces the right way. If this isn’t possible, you can protect the tooth with a tooth preservation kit, available at drugstores and some supermarkets. If this kit isn’t readily available, place the tooth in a cup of milk while you get to the dental clinic.

Cracked Tooth

If you have a minor chip on a tooth, it can wait a few days to receive a dentist’s attention. But if you have severe chipping or a cracked tooth, you should see a dentist right away. A severe crack may indicate damage inside the tooth. The dentist will likely take an x-ray to assess the possible internal damage. If the pulp has sustained trauma, then you may need a root canal and a crown.

Toothache

Toothaches can be extremely distressing, particularly if they’re severe enough to interfere with normal oral functions. Some toothaches are caused by large particles of food wedged between the teeth. If possible, try to gently floss the area to see if your toothache lessens. If flossing doesn’t help or you’re unable to floss, seek emergency dental care. The dentist may determine that the toothache is caused by any of the following:

• Oral abscess
• Tooth decay
• Gum infection
• Damaged filling
• Tooth fracture

Park 56 Dental has dentists on call after hours to provide emergency dental care to patients in NYC. If you need prompt assistance during office hours, call (646) 783-3529, and we’ll get you in right away. Our highly trained providers have access to the latest medical technology to perform accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans.

See How Invisalign Fits into This Patient’s Active Lifestyle

Invisalign is a game-changer for patients who are dissatisfied with their crooked smiles. Since they don’t have to worry about brackets and wires, Invisalign patients can safely enjoy all their favorite sports and activities. Watch the accompanying video to see how these clear plastic aligners changed one woman’s life.

Sarah is a self-described nature lover. When she isn’t working as a science journalist, she loves to snowboard and ice skate. Sarah chose Invisalign because it fits into her active lifestyle. Even though she’s only halfway through her treatment, she’s already seeing great results and feeling more confident about her smile.

Are you ready to begin your Invisalign transformation in NYC? Call Park 56 Dental at (646) 783-3529, and become our next patient success story!

FAQs and Answers About Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is perhaps the most well-known type of sedation dentistry. Your dentist might recommend nitrous oxide for you if you are a little nervous about receiving dental care. If you’re very nervous, or you’re having oral surgery done, then your dentist might recommend a deeper level of sedation instead.

What exactly is nitrous oxide?

A typical formulation of nitrous oxide consists of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrous oxide is breathed in through a special mask. From the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs), the gas enters the bloodstream. It’s not understood exactly how nitrous oxide works, but scientists are pretty sure it works by inhibiting certain receptors in the brain, while stimulating other receptors, called parasympathetic GABA receptors. It also reduces perceptions of pain.

Is nitrous oxide safe for children?

Yes. In fact, dentists typically prefer to administer nitrous oxide to children compared to deeper levels of sedation. This is because it has an excellent safety profile.

Why are patients given oxygen after nitrous oxide?

It’s common to administer 100% oxygen to patients once they are no longer breathing in nitrous oxide. The oxygen therapy eliminates any lingering nitrous oxide in the lungs, while helping patients become more alert. The oxygen therapy also prevents headaches, which can sometimes be caused by nitrous oxide.

Who shouldn’t receive laughing gas?

Although nitrous oxide is safe for most people, you should always tell your dentist about your health history first. It’s not recommended for women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, nitrous oxide is generally contraindicated for people with:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency
• Cobalamin deficiency
• History of substance abuse

Laughing gas may also be contraindicated in people who are receiving treatment with bleomycin sulfate.

Nitrous oxide is one of the many sedation dentistry options we offer here at Park 56 Dental. Our dentists in NYC are committed to making your experience as positive and pleasant as possible. New and current patients can get in touch by calling (646) 783-3529.

Losing Baby Teeth: A Stress-Free Guide for Parents

Everybody remembers what it was like to lose their baby teeth when they were children. Once you’re a parent, however, you’ll be dealing with the same situation from a very different perspective. Is there anything you need to know about this important moment? Read on for the answers to your questions.

When do children start losing their teeth?

Most of the time, children will lose their first baby tooth around their sixth or seventh birthday. It’s most likely that the two bottom teeth will be the first to go. Losing baby teeth is a longer process than you might remember—most children do not lose their last baby teeth, the second molars, until they are about 13.

How long does it take for a tooth to fall out?

The process begins when your child notices that a tooth is loose. In most cases, it is safe to wiggle the tooth using a finger or the tongue to loosen it further. However, there is no definite timeframe for losing the tooth. Some teeth will come completely loose and fall out of the mouth in only a few days, while others may take a month or longer to fall out.

What should I do after a tooth falls out?

There may be some bleeding after a baby tooth comes out, but that’s not unusual. Your child can rinse using warm water to clean out his or her mouth. It is safe to continue to brush as usual—though it’s a good idea to be gentle around the area where the tooth has fallen out. The new tooth will begin to erupt shortly after the old tooth falls out, though it usually takes a few months to fully emerge.

Is it time for your child’s first visit to the dentist? Park 56 Dental is dedicated to providing you and your entire family with safe, comfortable, and gentle dental care. We are able to accept most insurance plans, and we have flexible payment options for your convenience. For more information, you can reach our NYC dental office at (646) 783-3529.

Can Sedation Dentistry Help Your Special Needs Child?

When you have a child who has special needs, you’ll need to take the time to find an appropriate dentist. Some dentists have the expertise necessary to provide a comfortable, calming environment for children with special needs. You might also be curious about whether sedation dentistry would help your child have a positive experience. Here’s what you need to know.

How does sedation dentistry work?

Sedation dentistry uses different types of medication to calm patients who are experiencing dental anxiety, allowing them to have a better experience. There are a number of ways to administer the sedation treatment, but intravenous (IV) sedation, which uses an injected sedative, is one of the most commonly used in dental offices.

How can I tell if sedation dentistry is the right choice for my child?

It’s important to keep in mind that every child’s needs will be different. Some children may benefit from having only mild sedation when they’re at the dentist’s office. Other children, however, may require general anesthesia in order to have a good experience during their visit. It all depends on your child’s specific circumstances. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist before your child’s first visit so that you can determine what the right approach will be.

How can I prepare my child?

Along with sedation dentistry, there are a number of other steps you can take to help your child feel better about a trip to the dentist. A favorite stuffed animal may make a good companion for your child. You may also want to talk about the visit beforehand, explaining what will happen in simple, clear language.

If you’re interested in learning more about how sedation dentistry could help your child, contact Park 56 Dental. We work to provide all of our patients with the calm, stress-free experiences they deserve. If you’d like to schedule a dental appointment at our NYC office, give us a call today at (646) 783-3529.