What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a groundbreaking option for those who have lost all or most of their teeth. This dental procedure offers a stable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures, providing both functionality and aesthetics. Understanding what All-on-4 dental implants are and how they work can help those considering this option make an informed decision.

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The Connection Between Snoring and Your Dental Health

Snoring affects millions of people worldwide. While it is often regarded as a minor inconvenience, snoring can sometimes signal underlying health problems, including those related to dental health. Understanding the connection between snoring and dental health can help you deal with the root causes and improve your overall well-being.

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How Improving Your Dental Health Can Make You Happier

Maintaining good dental health is often seen as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. While the benefits of brushing and flossing are well-known in terms of preventing cavities and gum disease, the positive impact of good oral hygiene extends far beyond just a healthy smile. In fact, improving your dental health can cause you to feel happier and improve your quality of life.

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The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Tooth Sensitivity

Understanding and Managing Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects many people worldwide. It’s defined by a sharp pain or discomfort in the teeth when exposed to certain stimuli, including cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. The sensation can be temporary or chronic, but regardless of its duration, it significantly impacts one’s quality of life. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into the causes of tooth sensitivity and offer practical solutions to manage and reduce it effectively. Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Tooth Sensitivity”

A Guide to Understanding Dental Insurance

Man using his dental benefits to visit dentist

Understanding Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a critical component of healthcare that often goes underappreciated until the need arises for routine cleanings, unexpected fillings, or more significant procedures like crowns and bridges. Understanding the intricacies of dental insurance can save you from unexpected expenses and help you maximize the benefits you’re entitled to. This guide, drawing from a comprehensive overview of dental insurance basics, aims to clarify the subject and provide practical advice for navigating dental insurance plans effectively.

Understanding the Basics

Dental insurance functions similarly to health insurance but is specifically designed to cover dental care. Plans typically cover preventive services such as exams and cleanings, basic procedures like fillings, and more complex treatments including root canals and crowns. Understanding your plan’s structure—monthly premiums, annual maximums, deductibles, and copays or coinsurance—is essential for making informed decisions about your dental care.

Key Terms Explained

Navigating dental insurance requires familiarity with several key terms:

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Choosing in-network providers can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, thanks to negotiated rates.

Coverage Tiers: Dental services are often categorized into preventive, basic, and major services, each with varying levels of coverage.

Waiting Periods: Some plans impose waiting periods before certain benefits can be utilized, affecting when you can receive specific treatments.

Maximizing Your Benefits

To get the most out of your dental insurance:

Stay In-Network: Opt for providers within your plan’s network to enjoy lower rates.

Regular Preventive Care: Leverage your plan’s coverage for preventive care to maintain oral health and detect issues early.

Understand Your Plan: Familiarize yourself with the details of your coverage, including limitations and exclusions, to avoid surprises.

Choosing the Right Plan

Picking the right dental insurance plan requires consideration of your dental health needs, budget, and the plan’s coverage specifics. Plans vary in terms of monthly premiums, deductibles, annual maximums, and coverage details for different types of dental care. Whether it’s a PPO, which offers flexibility in choosing providers, or a DMO, which typically offers lower costs but requires you to stay within a network, understanding the differences is crucial.

Practical Considerations

Costs: Dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for dental care, but it’s important to compare the costs of premiums against potential out-of-pocket savings.

Eligibility: Dental insurance is accessible to individuals regardless of employment status, with options available for students, part-time workers, and those in transition.

Timing: Unlike health insurance, dental insurance can often be purchased at any time, providing flexibility for those needing immediate coverage.

Stay Informed

A thorough understanding of dental insurance not only helps in selecting the right plan but also ensures that you can make the most of your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. Regular reviews of your dental insurance plan, staying informed about the coverage and exclusions, and making strategic decisions about dental care can lead to significant savings and a healthier smile.

Park 56 Dental is here for you in New York, delivering top-quality care since 1997. Our expert team offers a wide range of treatments from pediatric to sedation dentistry, ensuring personalized care for every patient. Experience the difference with a complimentary consultation where we’ll address your sensitivity concerns and guide you toward the best treatment options. Enjoy a comfortable dental visit with our modern practice and diverse insurance plan acceptance. Schedule with us today online or at 646-679-3973 and take the first step toward tackling tooth sensitivity with confidence!

Flu, Allergies, or Tooth Ache?

Woman unsure if she’s experiencing flu, allergy, or tooth ache symptoms.

Seasonal Health Dilemmas

Navigating the murky waters of cold weather ailments, many of us find ourselves puzzled: Is it the flu, allergies, or just a toothache? This confusion is not unfounded, as the symptoms of these conditions often overlap, affecting our oral health in unexpected ways.

The Flu and Oral Health

The common cold and the flu are notorious for causing discomfort beyond just a runny nose or a cough; they can also lead to tooth pain. This is primarily due to the close relationship between our sinuses and oral health. When we’re battling a cold or the flu, the inflammation in our sinuses can exert pressure on our dental nerves, particularly those near the upper teeth, causing a sensation that mimics tooth pain. This phenomenon, often mistaken for dental issues, is actually a side effect of our bodies fighting off the infection.

Medications and Oral Hygiene

Moreover, our oral health can take a hit during illness due to the medications we consume. Decongestants, while relieving nasal congestion, can lead to dry mouth by reducing saliva flow. Saliva is important for washing away food particles and bacteria, protecting our teeth and gums. A decrease in saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, exacerbating the sensation of tooth pain.

Allergies and Tooth Pain

Seasonal allergies compound this issue by affecting our oral cavity. Allergies can lead to sinus congestion and inflammation, putting pressure on our teeth and causing pain, particularly in the upper molars. This pressure is often due to the swelling of the sinus tissues, which, in turn, press against the roots of the teeth. The use of antihistamines, a common remedy for allergies, can also contribute to dry mouth, further increasing the risk of dental discomfort.

Maintaining Oral Health During Illness

Maintaining oral hygiene becomes even more crucial when we’re under the weather. Brushing, flossing, and staying hydrated can mitigate the effects of colds, the flu, and allergies on our oral health. However, distinguishing between a toothache caused by sinus pressure and one resulting from dental issues is essential. If tooth pain persists beyond the illness or is localized to one tooth, it may be time to consult a dentist.

Navigating Oral Health Through Seasonal Challenges

In conclusion, while the flu, allergies, and toothaches may present with similar symptoms, understanding their interconnections can help us better manage our health during these trying times. Regular dental check-ups, along with proper hygiene practices, can go a long way in keeping our teeth and gums healthy, regardless of the seasonal challenges we face.

Need assistance with a toothache?

Park 56 Dental has been the trusted solution in NYC since 1997. Our skilled team offers personalized care, from pediatric to sedation dentistry. Book a complimentary consultation today to address your sensitivity concerns and explore tailored treatment options. Experience comfort and convenience with our modern practice and comprehensive insurance coverage. Schedule your visit online or at 646-679-3973 now and start your journey to a sensitivity-free smile!

How To Beat Bad Breath

Young woman checking breath.

Bad Breath-Let’s Get Rid of It

Bad breath, sometimes known as halitosis, is a blight many people bear. But what causes it? And how can we get rid of it once and for all?

What Causes Bad Breath?

• Certain Foods-Although all foods can cause bacteria buildup and bad breath, onions and garlic cause bad breath in a different way. They are absorbed into the blood stream and sulfur compounds are released once they reach the lungs.
• Poor Dental Hygiene-This is the most common cause of bad breath. Food left on the teeth is a very quick way to not smell great.
• Illness-Kidney disease, acid reflux, advanced diabetes, liver failure, and infection are also common causes of bad breath.

How Can We Get Rid of Bad Breath?

• Good Dental Hygiene-We know this. Brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping are great ways to keep a clean mouth.
• Regular Visits to the Dentist-It is imperative to visit your dentist. If you are worried about your breath, ask your dentist to help. The dental team at Park 56 is happy to help with breath issues.
• Stay Hydrated-Water is so beneficial to the body. It can help flush the body of toxins and wash food particles off your teeth.
• Stay Away from Alcohol-Based Mouthwash-Although that first burst of freshness can feel great, alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out the mouth and cause worse issues with breath. Try to find a hydrating mouthwash.
• Quit Tobacco-Cigarettes, smoke-free tobacco, pipes, ecigs, and cigars are all stinky. There is no type of tobacco that is safe to use. And it is all going to cause bad breath. Stay away.
• Drink in Moderation-Red wine has good bacteria that can help reduce breath issues. One glass is fine. There are other types of alcohol that contain good bacteria. But for the most part, drinking is not good for your breath. Try to stick to a drink or two, a couple times a week. This way you won’t wreck your dental health and your breath will stay fresh.

Some Quick Remedies for Bad Breath

• Citrus-These delicious fruits are refreshing and can clean the teeth. Just don’t go crazy with lemons. They can be a little too acidic if not consumed in moderation.
• Milk-A glass of milk can cut down on onion or garlic breath.
• Apples-We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It can help keep you from dental issues, too. Apples are great at quickly cleaning the teeth.
• Yogurt-There are healthy bacteria in yogurt that can actually combat the harmful bacteria that causes bad breath.
• Parsley and Fennel-Certain herbs can combat bad breath when chewed.
• Sugar-Free Gum-Many dentists recommend chewing a piece of sugar-free gum if you don’t have the time to brush and floss between meals.

Park 56 Dental
When you are looking for the best advice about how to keep a healthy mouth and great smelling breath, the best place in New York is Park 56 Dental. Voted the number one dentist in the New York area, we have everything you need for perfecting that beautiful smile. For more information about dental services, to book an appointment, or to ask any questions about your teeth, visit our website or give us a call at (646) 679-3973.

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Young woman with good dental hygiene habits.

We know a lot about the fact that it’s important to keep a clean mouth. We also know that the way to a clean mouth is by brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. What are the reasons we want to keep a clean mouth? Here are some facts about oral hygiene, including some tips you may not have known about keeping those pearly whites nice and healthy!

1. Keeping Your Teeth
   This one may seem obvious, but some people don’t realize how easy it is for teeth to fall out of an unhealthy smile. It’s not only tooth decay, but there are other ways you can easily lose teeth. Gum disease is another way that teeth can fall out. We need our teeth to enjoy those delicious, healthy foods. Not only that, those who keep all of their teeth for life are likely to live longer than those without all of their 20 teeth. So do your best to keep a clean mouth and healthy teeth.
2. Lowers Risk of Sickness and Disease-This is a big one. Did you know that keeping your teeth clean can greatly reduce your risk of serious illness? It’s a fact. Here are some facts about disease that you maybe didn’t know.

• Covid-Recent studies have shown that keeping your mouth clean can reduce your risk of suffering a fatal outcome from covid. Keep your mouth clean and reduce your risks.
• Heart Disease-Gum disease and periodontal disease have been linked to heart disease according to the CDC. It is theorized that bacteria from the gums enter the bloodstream and affect the cardiovascular system.
• Cancer-As if that weren’t enough, gum disease has been linked to certain cancers as well. In fact, those with gum disease are 14% more likely to experience some form of cancer in their lifetime. Those with gum disease are more likely to develop gall bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and skin cancer.
• Dementia-Another big one, this one is hard to hear. But there is a 70% greater chance of developing dementia for someone who has unhealthy gums than for someone who has healthy gums. Gum disease is a very serious affliction.

3. Having a Healthy Baby
   Moms who have healthy mouths are much less likely to have premature babies or babies with low birth weight. If you are pregnant, keep those teeth nice and clean and you will increase your beautiful baby’s chance at a healthy birth.
4. Staying Gorgeous
   Keeping all your teeth means you’re just one step closer to lifelong beauty. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental exams will help you keep the wonderful smile you were born with and that is very important. Whether it’s a first date, a job interview, or your first day at college, having a healthy and attractive smile means you’re able to put your best foot forward in every situation.

Park 56 Dental
When you are looking for the best advice about how to keep a healthy mouth and a healthy body the best place in New York is Park 56 Dental. Voted the number one dentist in the New York area, we have everything you need for perfecting that beautiful smile. For more information about or to ask any questions about your teeth, visit our website or give us a call at (646) 679-3973.

The Impact of Lifestyle On Your Dental Health

Eating well for healthy teeth.

How Lifestyle Impacts Your Dental Health

We are all constantly trying to improve our lifestyle choices. The focus on health is one that is unprecedented in prior generations. We work out, eat right, and even try to exercise our brains. How do these lifestyle choices affect our dental health? Here are some ways.

1. Dietary Choices
   We’ve all heard that you are what you eat. Your teeth are also a reflection of what you are putting in your body. When you eat foods that are high in sugar for example, you are very likely to suffer from tooth decay. If you consume acidic beverages, you may have damage to the enamel of your teeth. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals includes foods like lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, calcium rich foods are important to consume for optimal dental health. All dairy products contain calcium which is essential to healthy teeth and bones.
2. Tobacco Use
   How many more ways can we say this? Tobacco use is the worst thing you can do for your health and therefore it’s also the worst thing you can do for your teeth. Smoking stains the teeth, causes bad breath, causes gums to recede, and can even cause tooth loss. Just don’t do it. No tobacco use, please.
3. Alcohol consumption
   Alcohol consumption is ok in moderation. However, alcohol use can cause dehydration and that can mean dry mouth. When saliva flow is reduced the mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This means that tooth decay is imminent. So, if you do drink, make sure to hydrate. And please don’t combine alcohol with tobacco. This increases the negative effects of both.
4. Hydration
   On that note, let’s talk hydration! Keep the H2O flowing, and you will slowly be removing food and debris from the mouth between brushing. Not only that, drinking water increases the flow of saliva in the mouth and saliva protects the teeth and helps clean the mouth by breaking down particles and bacteria.
5. Stress
   Being stressed alone has little effect on your teeth. However, people under stress usually clench their jaw or grind their teeth. The person who does this is usually not even aware it is happening. This means that teeth could be suffering damage while we sleep. Try meditative exercises and try to keep stress to a minimum.
6. Regular Dental Checkups
   It’s essential to your dental health that you regularly visit your dentist. From regular dental cleanings to x-rays and regular exams, you can’t go wrong having regular dental cleanings and checkups. In fact, you can ask your dentist for more tips on a healthy lifestyle that promotes a healthy smile.

Park 56 Dental
When you are looking for the best advice about how to keep a healthy mouth, the best place in New York is Park 56 Dental. Voted the number one dentist in the New York area, we have everything you need for perfecting that beautiful smile. For more information about keeping good oral hygiene habits to promote a healthy lifestyle or to make an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (646) 679-3973.

Everything You Need To Know About Dental Implants

Young woman confident about her smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Whether you’re talking about veneers, bridges, or crowns, dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are permanently secured into the mouth. They are a great solution for people who have one or more missing teeth.

The bottom line is that if you have missing teeth, they must be replaced as soon as possible. It is essential to have all your teeth. If one tooth goes missing, your bite will be compromised, and more teeth could suffer from that misalignment. Not only that, a missing tooth is unsightly. Let’s go over all the information concerning dental implants.

What are Implants Made Of?

Dental implants are created using ceramic and metal together to craft a tooth that looks nearly identical to the original tooth. A dentist can craft teeth out of these materials and even match the color of your other teeth. Some dental implants are made from titanium or zirconium oxide. Some implants are made of gold alloys, or cobalt-based alloys.

Implants are made of three parts:

1. Implant Body: This is a piece made of metal that is screwed into the gums and fixed to the jaw.
2. Abutment: An abutment is fixed into the screw and is meant to secure the new prosthetic tooth.
3. Crown: The crown is the ceramic and metal piece that fits onto the abutment. This is what will look exactly like your old tooth.

Are You a Candidate for Implants?

You may be a candidate for dental implants. There are many factors that will affect your candidacy. These factors include:

• Are you missing at least one tooth?
• Are you healthy enough for surgery?
  Receiving implants means going under sedation and it requires oral surgery. If your body isn’t healthy enough for surgery, you are not a candidate for dental implants.
• Did you lose your tooth or teeth due to gum disease? If the answer to this question is yes, you aren’t a candidate for dental implants. But never fear! If you get that gum disease under control, you will be able to eventually be a candidate for dental implants.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

Pros:

• Appearance-Cosmetically, implants are likely to look more like your original teeth. This is why some people prefer them to dentures or just leaving the tooth missing.
• Keeps the surrounding bone and gums healthy-When you lose a tooth and receive a dental implant, the surrounding teeth, jaw, and gums recognize it and don’t wither away, like they would do if you left the space empty.
• Keeps nearby teeth stable-nearby teeth are less likely to shift when there is a replacement tooth.
• The ability to chew is preserved-This is the most practical reason to get dental implants.

Cons:
There are no real cons to getting dental implants. There are however some risks involved.

• Possible harm to surrounding teeth during insertion.
• Shifting of teeth or changes to bite.
• Implant failure-sometimes the implant doesn’t work like it should or it comes out.
• Gum damage-Dental implants can sometimes cause gums near the tooth to become less healthy tissue.
• Issues with cleaning around implant, possibly leading to the loss of other teeth.
• Numbness after surgery

Conclusion:

Dental implants can be a wonderful solution to a missing tooth or missing teeth. They are a particularly positive choice for someone who has one to several missing teeth, but not completely missing teeth. They can boost confidence, improve bite, and complete your smile.

Park 56 Dental
If you are thinking about dental implants or other dental procedures, the best place in New York is Park 56 Dental. Voted the number one dentist in the New York area, we have everything you need for perfecting that beautiful smile. For more information about dental implants or to ask any questions about your teeth, visit our website or give us a call at (646) 679-3973.