Sedation Dentistry

Happy Patient Waking Up From Sedation Dentistry

Does the thought of visiting the dentist make your heart race and your palms sweat? If so, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of people, causing them to avoid much-needed dental care. Fortunately, there’s a solution: sedation dentistry. Explore the benefits of sedation dentistry and how it can help you overcome your fears.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s especially beneficial for people with dental phobia, sensitive gag reflexes, or low pain tolerance. You may be familiar with some of the sedation techniques used in dentistry, ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation to intravenous (IV) sedation for achieving deep unconsciousness. The chosen method depends on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Feeling anxious about the dentist is a significant barrier to receiving proper oral healthcare. The fear of needles, dental instruments, or the sounds and smells of a dentist’s office can be overwhelming for some. Sedation dentistry makes the experience calming and stress-free, allowing patients to receive needed treatment.

Pain Management

Dental procedures can be extremely uncomfortable for those with a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth and gums, or anesthetic resistance. Sedation dentistry minimizes discomfort during treatment, allowing the dentist to perform procedures more efficiently and with less strain on the patient.

Increased Efficiency for Complex Procedures

Certain dental care, such as wisdom teeth extractions or extensive restorative work, can be time-consuming and require multiple visits. With sedation dentistry, dentists can sometimes complete procedures in fewer appointments because patients are more relaxed and able to tolerate longer treatment sessions. This saves time and effort for both the patient and the dental team.

Gag Reflex Control

Some people have overly sensitive gag reflexes, making dental procedures like taking X-rays and impressions an uncomfortable and challenging affair. Sedation dentistry helps relax the gag reflex, enabling the dentist to perform necessary procedures without triggering discomfort or causing difficulties for the patient.

Improved Communication and Cooperation

Maintaining patient cooperation while receiving dental care is crucial for successful treatment. Patients with dental anxiety or developmental disabilities may struggle to communicate their needs or sit still during appointments. Sedation dentistry reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation to create a more cooperative environment, allowing the dental team to provide the best possible care.

Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Appointment in NYC

Sedation dentistry is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with dental anxiety. Park 56 Dental, located in the 10022 zip code of New York City, provides sedation solutions as part of our comprehensive dental services. We offer a wide range of treatments in addition to sedation dentistry, including general dentistry, smile restoration work, emergency dentistry, and more. Our experienced and caring team takes the time to treat each patient individually, ensuring that all their needs are met.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Contact Park 56 Dental today at (212) 826-2322 to schedule a consultation and discover how sedation dentistry can transform your dental experience.

Why You Should Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry is an Essential Part of Dedicated Dental Care

A positive patient experience is an important part of excellent dental care. Fear of the dentist prevents too many from taking care of their teeth in a timely manner. Dentists are dedicated to helping their patients feel welcome, comfortable, and enthusiastic about improved oral health and aesthetics through sedation dentistry techniques. Sedation dentistry can eliminate fear before or during treatment!

By the Numbers

An estimated 30% of adults avoid the dentist due to fear. That’s a lot! For many people, they could be suffering needlessly from oral diseases despite modern technological advances that offer them relief and comfort with their dental health care needs. But researchers estimate 75 million US citizens don’t seek dental care that can easily be treated by conscious sedation dentistry or general anesthesia.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Many people refer to sedation dentistry as “sleep dentistry” but the nickname is inaccurate since the patient does not actually sleep during treatment. Sedation dentistry is a form of dental treatment that significantly reduces pain and makes procedures easier to tolerate.

This process usually involves giving patients time-release injections or intravenous anesthesia, so they can relax during their procedure without being bothered by the sight or sound in any way.

Eight Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who are afraid or anxious about visiting the dentist. It allows them to receive routine oral care without feeling threatened. It allows their minds to relax during procedures while under close supervision from providers trained in sedation techniques.

Studies have shown that this form of treatment often results in less treatment time compared to those not under sedation. Other benefits of sedation dentistry include:

• Makes the appointment time go by faster.
• Reduces your dental anxiety during and before treatment.
• Encourages you to make your preventive appointments.
• Reduces the strength of your gag reflex.
• Minimizes pain during treatment.
• Helps you sit still for longer procedures.
• Improves your overall health as you better your oral health.
• Offers different strengths of sedation dentistry for ultimate comfort.

Park 56 Dental is IV-certified and licensed by the American Dental Association to deliver sedation dentistry. Our specialty training by the State Board of Dental Examiners allows us to administer controlled medications to foster a comfortable, pain-free experience.

Contact us today at (646) 679-3989 to learn the type of sedation dentistry that is best for you.

Everything You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they’re nervous about having work done. Some dental anxiety stems from a fear of pain or finding out something is wrong. Other people worry about racking up expenses or being rushed to make decisions. You might be prone to dental anxiety if you have had a negative experience like this in the past.

Ironically, neglecting your oral health makes you more likely to develop problems. For instance, gingivitis is easily treated and reversed if diagnosed early. However, if you never get your teeth cleaned, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which can be painful and eventually causes tooth loss.

But knowing this doesn’t necessarily alleviate dental anxiety. What you need is a solution that makes you more at ease in the dentist’s chair. That’s where sedation dentistry comes in. Here’s what you need to know about making every dentist visit more comfortable.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax while undergoing various dental procedures, from routine cleanings to root canals. Multiple levels of sedation are available to meet your needs:

• Mild sedation: You remain awake, but you feel sleepy and relaxed.
• Moderate sedation: You’re still able to communicate, but you may not remember much afterward.
• Deep sedation: The medication takes you to the edge of consciousness, but your dentist can wake you as needed.
• General anesthesia: You are completely unconscious during the procedure and unable to communicate.

What Sedation Methods are Used?

You may receive a sedative using one of these methods:

• Inhalation: Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild to moderate sedative. Recovery is quick, so you can resume normal activities immediately.
• Oral: Taking a pill is another needle-free way to achieve mild to moderate sedation.
• Intramuscular (IM): Injecting medication into the muscle of your thigh or upper arm relaxes you quickly prior to your dental procedure.
• Intravenous (IV): Lengthy or in-depth procedures may call for general anesthesia using an IV.

Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

This could be a great option for you if:

• You have dental anxiety.
• You have a low pain threshold.
• You have a strong gag reflex.
• You are undergoing a long procedure or deep cleaning.
• You need your wisdom teeth extracted.
• You’re getting dental implants or a root canal.
• Your child can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair.

How Do I Find a Sedation Dentist I Can Trust?

Park 56 Dental is IV-certified and licensed by the American Dental Association to perform sedation dentistry. This means we have received specialty training by the state Board of Dental Examiners to administer controlled medications that alter a patient’s consciousness to provide a comfortable, pain-free treatment.

If this sounds like the experience you want to have at the dentist, please contact us today at (212) 826-2322 to find out which type of sedation dentistry may be right for you.

Tips to Reduce Dental Anxiety

Are you among the millions of Americans who avoid the dentist out of fear and anxiety? You might be nervous about feeling pain, being rushed to make a decision, incurring high costs, or having your concerns neglected. You might be especially prone to dental anxiety if you had a negative experience in the past.

Ironically, skipping routine cleanings could lead to oral health problems, resulting in more costly, in-depth treatment later on. Here are the top tips for reducing dental anxiety so you can take care of your smile without fear.

• Speak up: Tell your dentist about feeling anxious. It may be possible to adapt your treatment to make it more pleasant for you.
• Use hand signals: Inform your dentist that you will signal with your hands to communicate your needs. This gives you the right to raise your hand if you feel uncomfortable at any time. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask your dentist to ease off or pause the procedure.
• Focus on your breathing: If you’re nervous, you may involuntarily hold your breath. The resulting decrease in oxygen can make your anxiety worse. Close your eyes and focus on slow, regular breaths during your dental procedure.
• Listen to music: It can be helpful to shut out the world with a pair of headphones. Play your favorite album or listen to soothing songs to reduce your tension.
• Avoid caffeine and sugar before the appointment: These substances might make you even more jittery, so opt for a high-protein meal instead, which has a calming effect.
• Set a low-stress appointment time: Don’t schedule your dental visit at a time when you will feel rushed or under pressure. This might mean taking the day off work or setting a Saturday appointment so you can take your time without fear of running late.
• Try a new dentist: If your previous provider wasn’t sensitive to your needs, it might be time to find a different dentist. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations to increase your confidence.
• Ask about sedation dentistry: Dental sedation is the best way to reduce stress for people who struggle with anxiety at the dentist. You don’t lose consciousness, but you become so relaxed that you feel completely at ease with the experience. Some patients even fall asleep in the dentist’s chair! Depending on the level of sedation you receive, you may also not remember the procedure afterward.

Park 56 Dental is pleased to help our patients overcome their fear of the dentist in our spa-like, patient-centered New York dentist office. We offer different levels of sedation to meet your needs, from inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to swallowing a pill to receiving conscious IV sedation with help from our board-certified anesthesiologist.

When you leave our office, you’ll feel so pampered—you won’t believe you once dreaded trips to the dentist! Contact us online or call us at (212) 826-2322 to learn more about our sedation dentistry options.

Wisdom Teeth: What You Need to Know

They say that with age comes wisdom. They may not say this as often, but with age also comes wisdom teeth. This is the last big developmental milestone your mouth undergoes as childhood comes to an end. 

Wisdom teeth usually appear between ages 17 and 21. They are your third row of molars evolutionarily designed to replace any teeth you may have lost by now. Thankfully, because of modern dentistry and oral hygiene, you probably still have all of your adult teeth at this age. As a result, there may be no room to allow your wisdom teeth to grow in naturally. 

If you’re in your late teens or early 20s, here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth to help you make the right choice for your oral health. 

Why are Wisdom Teeth So Often Removed? 

When they grow in properly, healthy wisdom teeth can be beneficial, helping you chew and filling in your jaw with a final row of teeth. However, if the jaw is too small, or the wisdom teeth don’t grow in straight, they may need to be removed. Scenarios like these are incredibly common, meaning that more likely than not, you will need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. 

Here are some of the problems your dentist looks for as he or she monitors the growth of your wisdom teeth: 

• Impacted wisdom teeth, which are trapped in the jaw or under the gums and can cause a harmful cyst to develop 
• Improperly positioned wisdom teeth, which can allow food to become trapped and flossing to be difficult 
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth, which give bacteria a place to enter the gums and cause an infection to develop 
• No room for wisdom teeth to come through without overcrowding or damaging the surrounding teeth 

When to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed 

Everyone is unique, but your dentist may recommend extracting your third molars in these situations: 

• As a preventative measure if your mouth appears too small 
• As part of your oral health plan, such as before getting braces  
• If X-rays reveal impacted wisdom teeth 
• If you experience pain, cysts, tumors, damaged teeth, or gum disease 

Is it Possible to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth? 

If it’s not immediately necessary to remove your third molars, you may choose to let them continue developing. Your dentist will recommend monitoring them regularly because of the possible problems that can occur later. Be sure to floss around your wisdom teeth, including behind them, and visit your dentist at least every six months. 

Park 56 Dental offers compassionate, high-quality dentistry in NYC. We know you might be anxious about having your wisdom teeth extracted. That’s why we make sedation dentistry available to our patients. We’ll work closely with you to determine whether nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation is the best option. 

Please contact us today at (212) 826-2322 to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction consultation at our New York office. 

What to Expect with Oral Dental Sedation

If your dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry, one of your options may be oral conscious sedation. The dentist will give you a prescription for an oral medication ahead of your appointment. You’ll need to fill the prescription and take it as directed. Typically, patients are asked to take the pill about an hour before their dental office visit. 

Because the pill needs to be taken ahead of your appointment, a responsible adult will need to drive you there and bring you home afterward. As the medication begins to take effect, you’ll feel very relaxed. The pill won’t put you to sleep, but you may feel sleepy. During your appointment, time will seem to pass more quickly and you might not remember much of the treatment. 

Park 56 Dental is pleased to offer safe and effective sedation dentistry services in NYC, including oral sedation. Give us a call at (646) 783-3529 and one of our dentists can determine if sedation could be right for you. 

Moderate Dental Sedation 101

Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients who are nervous about their upcoming visit to the dentist. There are different levels of sedation. Your dentist may recommend moderate sedation if you have moderate dental anxiety or require a lengthy, complex treatment. Be sure to tell your dentist about your full medical history before receiving any sedatives. Your dentist will consider your current medications and medical conditions before confirming that moderate sedation is a good choice for you. 

Moderate sedation is achieved through oral medications or intravenous (IV) medicines. It’s also referred to as conscious sedation because the drugs won’t force you to fall asleep. However, you’ll be completely relaxed, time will seem to pass quickly, and you probably won’t remember much about your treatment. You may be groggy for quite some time afterward. For your own safety, please arrange to have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you for a little while. 

Park 56 Dental is a leading provider of sedation dentistry services in NYC. New and current patients can give us a call at (646) 783-3529 if they have any questions about upcoming dentist visits. 

What to Expect Before and After Dental Sedation

Dental sedation has allowed countless patients who previously avoided the dentist out of anxiety to get the treatments they need. Sedation also allows your dentist to combine multiple treatments into a single appointment, saving you time and money. There are multiple forms of dental sedation, from mild nitrous oxide—better known as laughing gas—to deep IV sedation. Your dentist will help you select the best kind of sedation for your needs. Here is a closer look at what you can expect before and after your sedation dentistry appointment.  

Before Sedation 

Your dentist will provide you with instructions for preparing for sedation. It is important to follow them closely, as failing to so could lead to your appointment being rescheduled. In some cases, it is not necessary to do anything other than arriving at your appointment. This is the case for nitrous oxide. For other kinds of sedation, you may need to avoid eating within six hours of your appointment and drinking for two hours before your appointment. If you are taking an oral sedative, you will need to take the pill at the time requested by your dentist, to make sure the sedation is in effect for your appointment. Before your sedation dentistry appointment, you should also arrange for someone to take you to your appointment and drive you home afterward.  

After Sedation 

With some forms of sedation, such as nitrous oxide and intramuscular injections, the effects wear off quickly. However, other forms of sedation will leave you feeling tired and groggy for a few hours afterward. It is recommended to take the remainder of the day off to relax at home while the sedative wears off. All forms of sedation can cause headaches and nausea, but these symptoms are typically mild and clear up quickly.  

Could sedation dentistry be right for you? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with Park 56 Dental. You can make an appointment at our dental office in NYC by calling (646) 783–3529.  

Is Sedation Dentistry a Good Option for You?

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry