- 375 South End Avenue New York, NY 10280
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Medical technology has been advancing at a breakneck pace for the past several decades, and dentistry hasn’t been left behind. Dental professionals are constantly looking for the newest forms of treatments and technology that will aid in providing their patients with the best possible care, and we’re going to introduce you to some of the newest advancements that have been made.
This technology employs a special form of light that our dentists use to detect dental abnormalities. VELscope is particularly effective in the detection of disease and cancer in its earliest stages as part of an oral screening.
A common concern of patients is the amount of radiation they’re exposed to during a dental exam. The newest forms of imaging technology employ digital x-rays, which not only employs 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays but provides viewable films to the dental staff immediately. These images are able to be zoomed in on for highly accurate assessments of dental health.
For decades braces have been the go-to method of straightening misaligned teeth. While effective, braces are uncomfortable and unsightly. Invisalign is an innovation in this area of dental care that provides the benefits of braces while remaining nearly invisible. Additionally, Invisalign can be removed when eating, removing dietary restrictions associated with braces.
Past techniques for whitening, reducing tooth sensitivity, tumor removal, and filling cavities have often been uncomfortable for the patient, and time-consuming. New innovations in laser technology have created painless alternatives that also aid in eliminating harmful bacteria.
Traditional dentures are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and prone to embarrassing mishaps like slippage. Modern dental implants provide prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from normal teeth and are long-lasting.
This innovation uses ozone (O3) to rapidly kill bacteria and fungus painlessly. It also makes a great tool for detecting tooth decay and suppressing it before it becomes more advanced.
This cutting-edge technology is capable of detecting cavities in places that traditional x-ray techniques can’t locate. By employing DIAGNOdent your dentist ensures that no early signs of cavities go unnoticed, saving you time and money on future dental treatments.
This tool employs a special camera that provides well-defined and precise images of places difficult to see in a patient’s mouth with traditional imaging. Just one more tool to aid your dentist in a thorough and accurate assessment of your dental condition.
These are just some of the technologies that have been brought into common use in recent years in our dental offices. Every year we keep an eye out for new methods of treating our patient’s dental concerns by improving visibility, reducing discomfort, and aiding us in providing complete and thorough assessments. If you have any questions about the technology your dentist is using in your exams, don’t hesitate to ask! Curious patients are educated patients, and we love to encourage our patients to be knowledgeable about their dental care.
Our dentists offer frenectomy services to treat tongue ties and lip ties in infants. This procedure addresses restricted frenum, also referred to as the thin piece of tissue that secures other muscles, such as the tongue or the upper lip.
Tongue ties can affect the growth and development of the teeth and jaw, affecting alignment, tongue movement, and speech. In infants the primary concern is a poor latch for breastfeeding, which can result in other issues including:
Colic
Difficult intake of adequate milk
Early weaning from the breast
Extended nursing duration
Slow weight gain
Gassiness
Falling asleep during a feed
Unable to develop or sustain a good latch
Unable to hold a pacifier
Poor latching can cause problems for mothers too including difficult breastfeeding, mastitis, anxiety, slow post-delivery weight loss, painful conditions of nipples, and low milk supply or early cessation of lactation.
If your baby is struggling to latch and you suspect a physical impediment to success, look into the baby’s mouth and use your finger to feel for tightness in the tissue under his or her tongue or between the front upper gum and lip.
First, your baby will be swaddled and a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is applied to the area. The dentist then uses a precise laser to release the tightened or tethered tissue. The whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes and in most instances the baby is able to latch immediately when he or she is returned to you. Your baby may experience some slight swelling for a day or so following the treatment. Also, the dentist will provide advice on how to care for the baby’s mouth and if any exercises or post-surgical care is needed to ensure that the frenum does not reattach or tether again.
Laser frenectomies are extraordinarily precise and quick. There is no need for general anesthesia. Your baby will only have minimal discomfort or swelling and the laser treatment sterilizes the treatment area, reducing the chance of infection. In addition to the benefits of the laser procedure, once the release of the tongue tie is complete, your baby will be more able to latch on to the breast and feed more efficiently. This will improve the baby’s health and wellbeing as well as the mother’s.
If you have questions about this procedure or suspect that your baby might have a tongue tie, contact us to make an appointment with our doctors for assessment and advice.
More than half of children over age six have some degree of tooth decay. When cavities are left untreated, they can lead to pain, infection and even tooth loss. Fortunately, pediatric dentists can fill cavities to prevent them from worsening or causing complications. Modern dentistry has made it possible to fill cavities discreetly using tooth-colored fillings, also known as composites. Children with tooth-colored fillings can retain decayed teeth in a way that is both functionally effective and visually appealing.
Did you know…
that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the U.S.? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children as young as 6 months old can experience tooth decay. Tooth-colored fillings can repair damaged teeth, but the most effective form of treatment is prevention. Parents can help their children prevent cavities by limiting exposure to sugary foods and beverages.
Your child’s teeth and gums will be numbed using a local anesthetic. The dentist will then remove decay from the teeth and clean the treatment site. A composite material will be bonded to the tooth surface and cured. Finally, the filling will be adjusted for comfort. Though most children experience little or no discomfort during this process, it is normal to feel some pressure. If your child has dental anxiety or concerns about the treatment process, speak with your child’s dentist about sedation options.
Your child may need a dental filling if he or she has cavities. Though some cavities are obvious and cause pain, many are less easily seen and asymptomatic. That is why all children should visit a pediatric dentist twice yearly for a professional dental exam. Regular exams can identify tooth decay in earliest phases, when it is most easily treated.
Composite fillings are very strong and capable of withstanding normal wear and tear in children. Most tooth-colored fillings will last many years so long as children brush twice daily, floss once per day, adopt healthy dietary habits and visit a pediatric dentist regularly for exams.
Pulpal therapy is a pediatric dental treatment used to treat and preserve a child’s natural tooth that has been affected by an injury or tooth decay. The pulp is soft tissue located inside the teeth. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, the pulp may be exposed to bacteria, causing infection and pain. Rather than extract the tooth entirely, the infected pulp may be removed and replaced with a filler that prevents bacteria from further damaging the tooth.
Did you know…
that pediatric dentists use pulp therapy to treat both primary and permanent teeth? Saving the ‘baby teeth’ is important for the long-term oral health of a child. When a primary tooth is extracted prematurely, the neighboring teeth may become crowded and future permanent teeth may emerge with poor alignment. Pulp therapy helps ensure an infected primary tooth remains intact until it naturally falls out.
Only your child’s pediatric dentist can diagnose a diseased tooth. However, an infected pulp may cause certain symptoms in a child, such as a chronic or a frequent toothache, swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Pulpal therapy requires removal of disease pulp within the tooth. Though pulpal therapy does affect the appearance of the natural teeth, it is not noticeable when capped with a dental crown. Pediatric dentists use dental crowns to cap treated teeth not only for cosmetic purposes but also to help prevent future tooth damage or fracture.
A child may be sedated for a pulp therapy procedure. Initially, the treatment site will be numbed to prevent patient discomfort. The diseased pulp is carefully removed, whether in part or in whole. The canals inside the tooth are cleaned and filled with a therapeutic material. Finally, the tooth is capped with a dental crown to protect it and provide a discreet appearance.
The primary teeth are the teeth that babies are born with and continue to develop in the first few years of life. Though these teeth eventually fall out to make room for permanent teeth, primary teeth serve many important purposes. Not only are they essential to a child’s physical development, but they also contribute to a child’s social and emotional development. Pediatric dentists recommend caring for primary teeth with the same efficiency as permanent teeth.
Did you know…
that a child’s primary teeth begin to form in the first few weeks of gestation? The first primary teeth – the central incisors – are fully calcified and ready to emerge just a few short months after birth. Additional primary teeth will continue to cut through the gums until the average child has 20 teeth by age 3. These primary teeth remain in place until they are gradually lost, usually between ages 6 and 12.
‘Baby’ teeth allow a child to:
Possibly. The primary teeth serve another purpose: they are space-savers. As the jaw grows, permanent teeth develop beneath the surface of the gums. Primary teeth are space holders for these adult teeth, remaining in place until the permanent teeth are ready to emerge. Primary teeth that fall out too soon can cause crowding and alignment issues in the future. If your child’s teeth need to be pulled early – perhaps due to decay or injury – speak with a pediatric dentist about a dental spacer and whether it’s right for your child.
A lifetime of good oral care begins during the earliest years. While your child is an infant, clean the gums gently each day with a clean, damp cloth. Begin brushing the teeth as they emerge, and schedule the first appointment with a pediatric dentist before your child’s first birthday.
Children are born with a set of primary teeth that last throughout early childhood. These primary teeth typically begin to emerge during the first year of life between the ages of 4 and 12 months. This begins a process that usually ends with a complete set of primary teeth by age 3. Though it is impossible to know exactly when your baby will get his or her first tooth, there are some signs that the tooth could be preparing to make an appearance. Be on the look-out for a swollen gum, redness and irritability associated with teething pain. Some babies may also drool or chew on their hands or other objects. If your child does not have any teeth by age 1, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.
Did you know…
Did you know a baby’s teeth are present long before they break through the gums? In fact, the hard tissues of the primary teeth begin forming in the womb at approximately 18 weeks gestation. From that point forward, it takes about 10 months for complete calcification, at which time the first teeth may begin to emerge.
The first tooth is usually – not always – one of the two front teeth on the lower jaw. These two teeth are often the first to appear, as well as the first to be lost when the permanent teeth later emerge. In most cases, teeth will erupt in pairs and fall out in pairs.
It is normal for a baby to be irritable when teething. Counter-pressure often soothes the gums, so try giving your child a hard teething toy – specifically one that has been frozen. The coldness will help numb the gums, and the pressure will alleviate discomfort.
Yes. Children should see a dentist for the first time no later than six months after the first tooth has erupted or age one – whichever occurs first. Though most children do not require dental treatment during the infant and toddler years, early dental appointments are essential for reducing a child’s risk of tooth decay.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who work to bring the teeth and jaws into their ideal position for optimal oral health. It is very common for children and young teens to visit orthodontists to monitor or correct complications with emerging permanent teeth. Though a child may visit the orthodontist at any time, the elementary years serve as a prime opportunity for early orthodontic intervention.
Did you know…
the ideal age for a child to visit an orthodontist for the first time is age 7? Though not all orthodontic issues can be addressed at this age, many of them can at least be identified. An orthodontist may be able to pinpoint potential issues with crowding, alignment, protruding teeth, under-bites and more.
What are some signs that my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Only your child’s pediatric dentist can determine whether he or she should consult with an orthodontist about possible treatment. However, there are some signs that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment:
Orthodontists often use special appliances, such as braces, to bring a child’s teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Mouth appliances are custom-fitted and may be fixed or removable. In some cases, an orthodontist may recommend that certain teeth be removed to facilitate treatment.
Orthodontic treatment requires a long-term commitment. Expect to bring your child for return visits on a regular basis for several years. The exact duration of treatment depends on the child, the type of treatment and the severity of the condition being treated. For example, a child with braces may undergo treatment for two or three years, but wear a retainer to maintain treatment results for a lifetime.
Sedation helps ensure that pediatric dental visits provide young patients with a comfortable experience and effective results. Often, children are intimidated by dental visits or otherwise unable to sit still during exams and treatments for extended periods of time. Sedation helps minimize anxiety and relax children during dental visits – all under the safe supervision of a pediatric dentist.
Did you know…
that children of nearly any age can be sedated? Even infants and toddlers can be sedated for dental treatment. There are many ways of administering sedation to pediatric patients, some of which include inhalation, swallowing medicine or even receiving sedation medication intravenously or via injection.
There several different types of pediatric sedation available to patients, ranging from mild to strong. Children are most often given nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This gas is inhaled through a mask during the dental visit, providing an instant calming effect. Laughing gas is safe, and its effects wear off nearly immediately after treatment. Other types of sedation may be necessary for children with greater anxiety levels or special needs. Examples include oral sedation given prior to the dental visit, as well as IV sedation, which usually leaves children with little or no memory of their dental treatment.
Your child may be a candidate for pediatric sedation dentistry if he or she has special needs, is very young, has difficulty sitting still, or has anxiety about visiting the dentist. Your child’s dentist may also recommend sedation if your child will be undergoing a lengthy or extensive dental treatment. For more information about pediatric sedation and whether it is right for your child, contact our office.
You will be given instructions for preparation prior to your appointment. Your child may not be allowed to eat or drink in the hours leading up to the procedure. If your child experiences anxiety prior to the visit, consider letting him or her bring a ‘comfort’ item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal.
Children are born with a natural sucking reflex. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers while still in the womb. Sucking a thumb or pacifier is relatively harmless during the first few months of life and may actually be emotionally comforting to an infant. However, prolonged sucking that lasts into the preschool years may cause long-term oral complications.
Did you know…
Did you know that children who simply ‘rest’ their thumbs in their mouths rather than vigorously sucking on them are less likely to develop complications? It is the aggressive sucking that can cause such harmful damage to the primary teeth. Fortunately, most children stop sucking their thumbs on their own – often due to peer pressure from other kids.
Thumb-sucking that persists past the preschool years may damage your child’s palate or affect the alignment of his or her teeth. Alignment issues affecting the primary teeth often correct themselves. Once the permanent teeth emerge, however, thumb-sucking may cause them to protrude forward, requiring major orthodontic intervention.
Positive reinforcement is the most effect means of encouraging a child to stop taking a pacifier or sucking his or her thumb. Praise your child for successes, and keep your child distracted when he or she would otherwise naturally reach for a thumb or pacifier. Never use pressure or punishment to stop your child from sucking a thumb or pacifier.
Your child should already be seeing a dentist by age one. Keep the dentist aware of any changes in your child’s sucking habits over time. Notify your child’s dentist immediately if you notice any changes to your child’s teeth or the roof of his or her mouth. Older children who do not stop sucking their thumbs naturally by age four may need to be fitted for an oral appliance that prevents thumb-sucking.
A child’s oral health must be protected from birth through adolescence and into adulthood. Unfortunately, many children develop tooth decay early in life – a condition that can progress into serious oral health problems. Keeping a child’s teeth strong and healthy requires preventative measures. At our pediatric dental practice, prevention is the foundation of all we do. After all, it is far easier and more affordable to avoid oral disease than it is to treat it.
Did you know…
that most children do not get the preventive dental care that is recommended for them? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only half of U.S. children visit a dentist for preventive purposes each year. Of those who do, children under age 5 are least likely to see a dentist compared to older children over age 6. But early childhood prevention is important for establishing a healthy mouth that lasts a lifetime.
Prevention begins early. A mother’s diet while pregnant will contribute to a child’s developing primary teeth in the womb. After birth, parents should cleanse a baby’s gums and begin brushing the teeth gently as they emerge. Infants should visit a pediatric dentist for a preventive care exam no later than age one.
Diet plays an important role in a child’s dental health. Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Limiting foods and beverages containing sugar deters cavities and helps protect the enamel. Avoid giving your child sugary juices, candies and sodas, and never let your child go to bed with a bottle.
Depending on your child’s age, oral health and risk factors, a pediatric dentist may recommend in-office preventive treatments to help stave off tooth decay. For example, fluoride treatments may help strengthen the teeth – especially in children with low exposure to fluoride in local water sources. Another option is dental sealants, which are placed on newly erupted permanent molars to fill in pits and crevices that are susceptible to decay. As your child grows and becomes more active, his or her dentist may recommend the use of a sports mouth guard when participating in contact sports like soccer or gymnastics.
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