• Could Humans Regrow Teeth Someday?

    srcset=

    Sharks are fascinating on so many levels. To some, they’re terrifying predators. To others, they are majestic and misunderstood creatures. But if you ask a dentist what he or she likes best about sharks, you’ll probably hear something about the animals’ amazing ability to regrow row upon row of teeth. Unfortunately, humans lack the capacity to regrow teeth lost to disease and physical trauma… or do they?

    Growing New Teeth

    Sharks never have to worry about tooth decay, and they’ll definitely never need tooth implants. Throughout their lifetime, sharks continually regrow new teeth to replace the old ones. Humans can only grow two sets of teeth. However, scientists say they’ve discovered that the same gene that lets sharks grow infinite numbers of teeth, and it’s still present in humans.

    Discovering the Gene

    About 450 million years ago, humans and sharks had the same common ancestor. You might say we’re very distant cousins. This fact might have inspired the scientists who conducted the study. Scientists studied the tiny teeth of catshark embryos, and isolated the genes involved with forming their teeth. These genes are present in the dental lamina cells, which are linked to the shark’s enviable capacity to regenerate teeth. When they isolated the genes, the scientists discovered that humans also have these genes—they’re just dormant after humans grow their permanent set of teeth.

    Getting Your Teeth Back

    While the research is still in its infancy, scientists are hopeful that one day, they’ll be able to tweak the genes so that humans can regrow teeth when they need new ones. In the meantime, your dentist can help you replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are an effective way to replace lost teeth with a completely natural-looking alternative.

    The dentists at Park 56 Dental can’t help you regrow your teeth, but we can implant replacements for you! Call (646) 783-3529 today to talk about your smile restoration options. We offer sedation dentistry to each dental implant patient in NYC.

  • How Can I Prepare for IV Sedation?

    If you will be getting IV sedation during your next visit to the dentist, it’s important to know how to prepare. You should follow all of your dentist’s specific guidelines, but in general, you should refrain from eating or drinking for at least eight hours prior to receiving IV sedation. You should also make sure that a friend or family member will be available to drive you home following your dental appointment, as it isn’t safe for you to drive yourself after being sedated. If possible, try to relax for the rest of the day.

    Park 56 Dental has been providing state-of-the-art dental services to NYC for more than two decades. We also offer 24-hour emergency dental care to ensure that our patients always have somewhere to go in the event of a crisis. If you have any questions for our dental team or would like to arrange an appointment, call us at (646) 783-3529.

  • Is Your Loved One Having Dental Implant Surgery? Here’s How You Can Help

    Dental implant insertion is a routine oral surgery, particularly if the patient goes to a dentist with plenty of experience restoring smiles. Most people have a fairly short initial recovery, and are able to resume light activities in just a day or two. But patients will still need a responsible adult to help them out on the day of surgery. If your loved one is planning to have dental implant surgery, here’s how you can help.

    Filling Prescriptions

    After you drop your loved one off at the office, you may be able to pick up the prescriptions while you wait for the procedure to be finished. Ask at the desk to find out if the prescriptions have been sent to the pharmacy electronically, and if so, confirm the location of the pharmacy. Your loved one may be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection, a prescription-grade mouth rinse, and a pain reliever. While you’re at the pharmacy, you can pick up an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for your loved one, as recommended by the dentist.

    Offering a Tea Bag

    It’s normal to have some minor bleeding after getting tooth implants. If your loved one notices that the bleeding doesn’t stop, despite using the sterile gauze provided by the dental assistant, you can offer a tea bag. Moisten the tea bag with plain water and direct your loved one to place it over the surgical site. Note that it should be at room temperature. The tannins in the tea help stop bleeding. Black tea works best for this purpose.

    Encouraging Fluid Intake

    Your loved one will feel a little groggy for a few hours if he or she had sedation dentistry for the procedure. And so your loved one might forget to sip fluids frequently. Offer a glass of water or juice. Avoid very hot beverages, and do not give your loved one a straw, as using a straw can disturb the blood clot.

    Here at Park 56 Dental, we take great pride in every smile we restore with our cutting-edge dental implant techniques. Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Call us today at (646) 783-3529 to find out if getting dental implants in our NYC office is the right solution for you!

  • Understanding the Different Levels of Sedation Dentistry

    Dentists may recommend sedation dentistry to patients who get anxious about their appointments. It’s also ideal for people with a low pain threshold, particularly if they have trouble getting numb with topical anesthetics. Additionally, sedation dentistry can be used for people who need to have a lot of dental work done, and who have difficulty sitting still for so long. Your dentist will help you determine which level of sedation is appropriate for you.

    Mild Sedation

    Mild sedation, also called minimal sedation, can be achieved with oral medications. The dentist may administer anxiolytic drugs to patients with mild dental anxiety who want to feel relaxed, yet remain awake during the procedure. Anxiolysis can also be achieved with an inhaled sedative called nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. These oral and inhaled medications allow patients to recover quickly from their effects after the procedure. Because of this, patients receiving mild sedation can safely drive themselves to and from the dental office.

    Moderate Sedation

    Moderate sedation is also called conscious sedation. It’s typically achieved with intravenous (IV) medications or oral medications. Moderate sedation is ideal for patients with dental anxieties that might inhibit them from receiving dental care without sedation. This level of sedation dentistry doesn’t force patients to fall asleep. Rather, they are in a state of deep relaxation. Patients will need a responsible adult to take them to and from the office.

    Deep Sedation

    Dentists who are IV certified can administer intravenous drugs to bring about deep sedation. With this level of sedation, patients drift in and out of consciousness. They aren’t typically able to respond to directives during the procedure. This level of sedation is ideal for patients with very severe dental phobias. With deep sedation, patients often remember little or nothing about the appointment. Patients receiving deep sedation need a responsible adult to bring them to the dental office and take them home afterward.

    Patients at Park 56 Dental receive sedation dentistry from a dentist who is IV certified and licensed to administer the medications. If you’re nervous about your upcoming dentist appointment, consider asking us about having sedation dentistry in NYC. New and current patients can get in touch with our friendly staff at (646) 783-3529.

  • How Long Must Teens Wear Their Aligners?

    If you have teeth alignment issues, Invisalign offers an effective way to correct them. If you’re considering investing in Invisalign for your teenager, however, you might be concerned about how effective the aligners will be. Can you really depend on your teen to be diligent about wearing the aligners? Fortunately, there’s an easy way to tell if somebody has been wearing their aligners as much as they should be, as you’ll learn when you watch this video.

    From Invisalign to dental implants, there are a wide range of dentistry procedures that can help you enjoy a better smile. As one of the best dentists in NYC, Park 56 Dental is here to provide you with comprehensive care for your teeth and gums. For an appointment, call us today at (646) 783-3529.

  • What Is Intramuscular Sedation?

    Dentists can use a few different methods to help nervous patients relax during a dental procedure. One of them is intramuscular sedation. This type of sedation dentistry involves administering an injection to the muscles of the upper arm or upper thigh. One of the benefits of intramuscular sedation is that it’s capable of producing feelings of calmness and relaxation very quickly—within about five minutes.

    Before deciding whether intramuscular sedation is right for you, your dentist will need to know your full health history. Be sure to tell your dentist whether you’ve previously had any reactions to medications, if you’re currently taking any medicines or supplements, or if you have an existing medical condition. Safety is always a top priority for dentists, and knowing your full health history will help your dentist make appropriate and safe recommendations for you.

    The dentists at Park 56 Dental have been specially trained, certified, and licensed to administer sedation dentistry services. Call (646) 783-3529 if you have questions about receiving sedation dentistry near NYC.

  • Alyson Stoner Answers Questions About Invisalign

    Invisalign is a top choice among both dentists and patients. To find out why, and to hear the answers to common questions about Invisalign, watch the accompanying video. It’s an interview with actor, singer, and dancer Alyson Stoner. She’d previously gone through treatment with metal braces, and after experiencing the difference Invisalign makes, Alyson wholeheartedly recommends this newer treatment system.

    Alyson answers questions like “How does Invisalign really work?” and “Can I play sports while wearing aligners?” She also points out that, with fewer visits to the dental clinic, Invisalign treatment won’t disrupt your daily routine. Plus, it can straighten teeth up to 50% faster!

    Curious about whether Invisalign is right for you? Call (646) 783-3529 to request an appointment at Park 56 Dental—a trusted Invisalign provider in NYC.

  • Can Nervous Habits Affect Your Smile?

    Some people bite their fingernails. Others grind their teeth, clench their jaws, and gnaw on the insides of their cheeks. All of these nervous habits can indeed affect your smile. Talk to your dentist about any lifestyle issues that could affect your oral health. If you can’t kick the habit, you may find yourself calling for emergency dental care because of broken crowns or chipped teeth.

    Watch this video to hear a dentist explain how nervous habits can damage oral health. Gnawing on your cheeks can cause canker sores. Nail biting, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching can all damage the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially leading to TMJ disorder.

    If you ever require emergency dental care in NYC, you can call Park 56 Dental any time of the day or night at (646) 783-3529. We also offer general dentistry services, like mouth guards to protect your pearly whites.

  • Here’s Why Our Patients Trust Us for Sedation Dentistry

    Park 56 Dental has long been known for our enduring commitment to patient safety. It’s why so many New Yorkers trust our sedation dentistry team. Our dentists are certified and licensed to administer intravenous (IV) sedation. This means we’ve undergone intensive training and examination by the state Board of Dental Examiners.

    This is significant because, in the hands of an untrained, uncertified dentist, IV sedation can be risky. All administering clinicians must have a keen understanding of the actions, dosage, and side effects of sedatives, as well as their appropriate antidotes. Patients receiving sedation dentistry must also be closely monitored by a competent clinician. At Park 56 Dental, our patients’ safety and well-being are our highest priorities, which is why only certified and licensed practitioners administer IV sedation in our practice.

    If you’re curious about sedation dentistry and live in NYC, give us a call today at (646) 783-3529. Park 56 Dental works with most insurance plans and offers flexible payment arrangements.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign Buttons

    For years now, Invisalign has been the preferred choice for adolescents and adults of all ages who want to straighten their crooked teeth. This system of clear plastic aligners is an effective way to correct many types and degrees of malocclusion. Since the aligners are made of smooth plastic, they’re much more comfortable than conventional braces. Many people also prefer Invisalign because it’s a discreet treatment choice, regardless of whether or not buttons are necessary.

    Understanding Invisalign Buttons

    Invisalign buttons, also called Invisalign attachments, are tiny dots of dental bonding material affixed to the teeth. They’re made of the same composite resin material that your cosmetic dentist uses to fill in cavities and repair minor chips. Since the resin is tooth-colored, it’s virtually invisible. It’s important to note that buttons aren’t necessary for every Invisalign patient. Your dentist will develop a customized treatment plan designed to give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.

    Figuring Out Whether You Need Buttons

    Your dentist can determine whether you’ll need Invisalign attachments when you have your consultation. The purpose of the buttons is to increase the effectiveness of the aligners. Essentially, they act like an anchor to grip the aligner. In doing so, the buttons help to strategically apply the gentle force needed to shift the teeth. Throughout the years that Invisalign has been on the market, its makers have realized that some cases of malocclusion are too complex to be adequately corrected by aligners alone. By introducing Invisalign attachments, they’ve opened the door to Invisalign for dental patients with complex malocclusions who otherwise would be forced to try conventional metal braces. Thanks to these clever and unobtrusive buttons, you won’t have to deal with unsightly metal brackets and wires, even if your teeth prove stubborn to move.

    As a certified Invisalign provider, Park 56 Dental is a top choice among residents of NYC who are interested in Invisalign. Call our comfortable dental clinic at (646) 783-3529 to request our next available appointment. You deserve a beautiful, straight smile you can be proud of!