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.

Could Humans Regrow Teeth Someday?

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.