• 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!

  • The Pros and Problems of Pacifiers

    Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex. It’s what allows them to feed. But even when they aren’t drinking milk or formula, sucking on the thumbs helps babies feel calm and secure. To accommodate the sucking reflex and to soothe a fussy baby, most parents provide pacifiers. It’s your decision (and your baby’s) whether to provide a pacifier or not. You can always talk to the pediatrician for guidance. And if you’re at all concerned that your child is using a pacifier for too long, don’t hesitate to speak with the dentist . Remember that kids need to see a dentist for a first visit no later than their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth erupts.

    Pros of Pacifiers

    There are definitely many advantages to giving your baby a pacifier. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is highest from birth until six months. Pacifier use during this time may help reduce the risk of SIDS. Additionally, pacifiers can help calm down a crying baby, distract babies while they’re getting shots, and help babies equalize ear pressure during air travel.

    Potential Problems with Pacifiers

    Pacifiers can indeed cause problems with oral development when they’re used too late in a child’s life. Some dentists recommend trying to wean kids off their pacifiers by the second birthday. If they give up the pacifier by age two , oral development problems can usually self-correct. After this point, self-correction is harder, and problems can persist or worsen. In addition, prolonged pacifier use can increase the risk of recurrent middle ear infections. Very early pacifier use can interfere with healthy breastfeeding behaviors. And if your baby becomes too dependent on pacifiers to fall asleep, he or she may be unable to get back to sleep after awakening when the pacifier falls out.

    The friendly team at Park 56 Dental is always excited to welcome new pediatric patients to our dental office in NYC. It’s our mission to help kids feel at ease in the dentist’s chair so that they are encouraged to pursue lifelong oral health! You can get in touch at (646) 783-3529 to schedule your child’s dentist appointment.

  • Is Sedation Dentistry Appropriate for Root Canals?

    Root canals have an undeserved reputation for being painful procedures. In fact, they allow dentists to save a failing natural tooth, rather than having to extract it. They’re also pain-free, thanks to local numbing medications. But many people still have anxiety about dental treatments in general and root canal procedures in particular. That’s why dentists often recommend sedation dentistry.

    Sedation dentistry is definitely appropriate for root canal patients. Different medications can be used to achieve a mild, moderate, or deep level of sedation. Your dentist will work with you to identify the most appropriate option for you. You’ll also need to disclose your full health history to make sure the medications are safe for you to use.

    You’ll find a full menu of services at Park 56 Dental, including comfortable, pain-free root canals with sedation dentistry. If you’ve been told you need a root canal procedure and you live in NYC, give us a call today at (646) 783-3529.

  • A Quick Look at Nitrous Oxide

    Nitrous oxide is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. When inhaled through a nose mask, it induces a calm, relaxed feeling. This is why dentists often recommend it to patients who struggle with dental anxieties or phobias.

    You can learn more about nitrous oxide by watching the accompanying video. The dentist featured here explains that nitrous oxide is safe for patients of all ages. Although nitrous oxide is a form of sedation dentistry, it doesn’t cause patients to lose consciousness. Plus, its effects are short-lived, which means patients do not require any recovery time after receiving nitrous oxide.

    Park 56 Dental is committed to providing a comfortable, pleasant experience for our patients by offering sedation dentistry in our NYC office. You can reach our dental clinic at (646) 783-3529 to request an appointment.