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Dentist Midtown Manhattan
LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a new dental procedure that is growing in popularity. It is used to treat gum disease with the use of targeted laser technology. In fact, LANAP is the first and only protocol that has received FDA clearance for the regeneration of new cementum, new periodontal ligament tissue, and new alveolar bone. LANAP is often chosen by patients who are fearful of traditional periodontal surgery. It is also popular because it offers a variety of benefits, including:
- less pain
- less bleeding
- less sensitivity
- less gum tissue loss
- less postoperative swelling
- very little downtime
- does not require the use of scalpels
- lower chances of post-op infections
- promotes the natural regeneration of periodontal tissues
Only LANAP-trained dentists can perform the LANAP protocol. This means that you can be sure your dentist has completed comprehensive, clinical, hands-on, dentist-to-dentist training over the course of a year at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Additionally, your LANAP dentist will have the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, which has been specifically designed for the LANAP protocol.
Did You Know?
Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated with non-invasive methods such as periodontal scaling and planing, tray delivered antibiotics, and good oral hygiene. However, more moderate to severe cases of gum disease generally require more invasive treatments to remove diseased tissue and encourage the growth of healthy tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LANAP?
Candidates for LANAP treatment are typically patients who have periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. The procedure is also sometimes used to treat gingivitis, or early stage gum disease. Patients who have had previous dental surgery may also be candidates for LANAP. In order to determine if you are a candidate for LANAP, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and gums. They will also take X-rays to get a better look at the condition of your teeth and gums. To determine if you are an ideal candidate, schedule a LANAP consultation with Dr. Alina Huang of Glow Dental in Midtown Manhattan today!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN HAVING LANAP TREATMENT?
When having LANAP treatment, you can expect the procedure to take about an hour, depending on the severity of your case. Your dentist will start by first applying a local anesthetic and then probing your gums to determine how much treatment is needed for each tooth. Then your dentist will place an ultra-thin laser fiber (about the width of a human hair) in between the tooth and gum to essentially vaporize bacteria from your gums without harming the surrounding tissue.
They will also clean the area around your teeth to remove any bacteria or tartar buildup. Finally, the laser will be used again with a different setting in order to form a fibrin blood clot that will seal the pocket and help connect the gum tissue back to your tooth roots. In some cases, the tooth roots may be partially ground down in order to prevent the future buildup of tartar.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER HAVING LANAP TREATMENT?
After having LANAP treatment, most patients are able to drive themselves to work or home, and they can continue their day with minimal pain. After the procedure, you can expect your gums to heal quickly since there are no sutures or open wounds.
Most patients see a significant improvement in their gum health within a few weeks. You will likely need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that your gums are healing properly. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing and flossing regularly, in order to prevent gum disease from returning.
To learn more about LANAP and to find out if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alina Huang of Glow Dental in Midtown Manhattan today!
Restorative dentistry treats oral and dental conditions head-on by addressing the structural problems presented in your mouth and restoring them back to health through the use of prosthetic teeth, extensive cleanings, cavity removals, and more. For those with damaged and missing teeth, restorative dentistry takes complicated cases and transforms them back into healthy smiles. At Glow Dental NYC, Dr. Huang and her team can provide the following services to restore your teeth back to health:
- LANAP Laser Gum treatment – Our office offers periodontal therapy using laser technology to remove the targeted areas of infected gum.
- Periodontal Scaling/Planing – For patients severely affected by periodontal disease, we provide periodontal scaling/planing to clean the gums of hardened plaque.
- Provisional restorations – For preparation for extensive treatment, we offer temporary restorations to allow patients to adjust to their restorations.
- Root Canals – At Glow Dental NYC, we can perform root canals to clean the root cavity of the infected tooth.
- Dentures, Crowns, Bridges, Implants – These restorative prosthetics provide both aesthetic and oral health restoration back to the mouth for a healthier smile.
For more information about Glow Dental NYC, contact our practice today to receive comfortable, quality dental care.
In general and family dentistry, the concern focuses on patients of all ages. At Glow Dental NYC, we address patients at every stage in life, and evaluate the state of your family’s teeth and gums and identify potential issues as a preventative measure to protect your family’s teeth from cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear. For your family, you can quickly arrive at our office traveling to and from your place of work, and gain valuable treatment through the following services:
- Dental Exams & Cleanings – Regular cleanings and examinations act as a preventive measure for oral diseases and infections.
- Emergency Treatment – For dislodged, broken teeth due to accidents, we provide emergency treatment for those within the Midtown area.
- Tooth Extractions – From wisdom teeth to unhealthy ones, we offer tooth extractions to family members.
- Dental Sealants – For children and adolescents, dental sealants offer excellent defense against cavity formation in the early years.
- Invisalign – At Glow Dental NYC, we offer our patients Invisalign options for those with mild to moderately misaligned teeth.
Root canals are restorative endodontic procedures used to restore severely damaged or decayed teeth. They become necessary when decay-causing bacteria reaches the dental pulp and causes inflammation inside the tooth. This is known as a pulpitis and it can only be treated using a root canal treatment. During a root canal, the decayed tissue is removed from the inside of the tooth in order to prevent the tooth from being lost.
Did You Know?
Although root canals are commonly associated with pain, they are actually responsible for alleviating the pain. The pain you feel leading up to and following a root canal is actually caused by the inflammation inside the tooth. Once the infection has been removed, the inflammation will resolve itself and the pain will fade.
Frequently Asked Questions:
DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
You may need a root canal if you are experiencing symptoms such as sudden or severe tooth pain, pain while chewing, progressive pain, a discolored tooth, tooth sensitivity, or problems with the gums such as redness, swelling, discharge, or pimples. However, not every pulp infection produces symptoms. Asymptomatic cases of pulpitis are generally diagnosed from looking at dental x-rays during a routine exam. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Alina Huang DDS at your Midtown Manhattan dental office today to determine if you have a pulp infection in need of root canal treatment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A ROOT CANAL?
During a root canal, you can expect to be anesthetized. Once you are relaxed and numb, your dentist will drill a tiny hole into your tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Then, they will use a variety of specialized root canal files to remove the decayed tissue from the entire pulp chamber and root canals. Once all the decayed tissue has been removed, the empty chamber and root canals will be flushed with an antimicrobial solution to minimize the chances of future infection.
After the infection has been removed, the next step is to restore the tooth. The first step to restoring the tooth is to fill the pulp chamber and root canals with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. In some cases, a small metal post may also be inserted into the tooth to provide additional stabilization. Then, composite resin is used to fill in the access hole. Finally, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown has been completed. In most cases, you will have to return once the tooth has healed to have your permanent crown placed.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A ROOT CANAL?
After a root canal, you may experience some residual soreness from the inflammation. This is especially the case if you were in pain prior to the procedure. Although the infection has been removed during the root canal, it usually takes a few days for the resulting inflammation to subside. During this time, your dentist may instruct you to use over the counter pain medications or other methods to manage any discomfort.
You will also be fit with a temporary dental crown to wear until your permanent crown can be placed. Since temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns, you will need to be careful not to damage or dislodge the crown. This means temporarily avoiding excessively hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth.
$149 EMERGENCY SPECIAL! CALL US AT (212) 697-8620.
When dental emergencies happen, waiting several days for an appointment is not an option. Glow Dental is committed to helping patients manage sudden injuries and complications that require immediate treatment. Some emergencies are extremely painful, and a visit to the dentist can provide palliative relief. On the other hand, some emergencies can threaten the health of the teeth, and receiving rapid dental treatment could mean the difference in saving a tooth or losing it.
Did you know…
that the steps you take after a dental emergency happens can greatly improve your outcome once you receive emergency care. Even though Dr. Huang will see you very quickly, there are some precautionary steps you can take in the time it takes to arrive at our office. The American Dental Association has a few recommendations:
- If you bite your lip/tongue – gently cleanse the area and apply a cold compress
- If you break your tooth – gently rinse the area and apply a cold compress
- If you lose your tooth –rinse tooth’s root with water if it’s dirty, being careful to hold it by the crown. Carefully place it back in its socket, or place it in milk. Bring it to the dentist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TO SEE A DENTIST?
If you are experiencing sudden and chronic tooth pain, or if you have sustained trauma to your teeth and surrounding tissues, you may need to see the dentist. Even if you do not currently have a dental emergency, it is important that your dentist is capable of treating you quickly in the event that an emergency does arise.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY EMERGENCY DENTAL APPOINTMENT?
Urgent problems that threaten the health of your teeth or leave you in pain should not be ignored. You can expect to be seen by Dr. Huang quickly and without an appointment though it is recommended that you call us at Glow Dental before you arrive.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER MY EMERGENCY DENTAL APPOINTMENT TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS?
Some of the most common dental emergencies can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Avoid chewing hard foods, such as candy and ice, as these can cause your tooth to crack or chip. Also, be sure to wear a properly fitted dental mouth guard during sports and other high impact activities. Protecting your mouth on a daily basis can significantly reduce your risk of injuring your teeth, as well as your tongue, lips, and the walls of your mouth.
Inlays and onlays are two types of indirect fillings. An inlay is used to restore decayed or damaged tissue in the center of the tooth, while an onlay is used to restore both the center of the tooth as well as one or more of the tooth’s cusps, or points. They are known as indirect fillings because they are fabricated outside of the mouth in a dental laboratory and then bonded in place. Inlays and onlays can be used in lieu of composite fillings or they can be used as a conservative alternative to a dental crown.
Did You Know?
By fabricating dental inlays and onlays in a dental lab, they are designed to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. This helps the tooth to be functional for longer and even strengthens the entire tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A DENTAL INLAY OR ONLAY?
You may be a candidate for an inlay if you have damage or decay that spans across the center of your tooth or in between two teeth. Candidates for onlays are individuals who have decay that spans across the center of the tooth and up into one or more of the tooth’s points. Onlays are also recommended for those with weak areas in their teeth. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for an inlay or onlay, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alina Huang DDS at your Midtown Manhattan dental office today.
HOW ARE DENTAL INLAYS AND ONLAYS PLACED?
Dental inlays and onlays are placed over the span of two dental appointments because they are fabricated by a dental lab. During the first appointment, your dentist will anesthetize your mouth and then remove any decayed or damaged tissue. They will then take a dental impression or oral scan of your mouth to obtain the information necessary to fabricate your custom restoration. While you wait for your permanent restoration, your dentist will place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth.
They will also discuss your options in terms of dental materials. Inlays and onlays can be fabricated from gold, porcelain, or resin. Gold is highly durable, porcelain is highly aesthetic, and resin tends to work well for people who grind their teeth or have misaligned bites.
In about 1-2 weeks, you will return to Glow Dental for your second appointment. Your dentist will first remove your temporary restoration. Then, they will check the fit of your new restoration, as well as your bite to ensure everything is correct. Finally, they will bond the restoration in place and polish the margins.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY INLAY OR ONLAY?
Until you have your permanent restoration placed, you will need to take special care not to break or dislodge your temporary restoration. During the time before your first and second appointments, it is recommended that you chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid foods that are excessively hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky. This is because temporary restorations lack the same strength as permanent restorations.
Once your permanent restoration has been placed, you can resume your normal diet and activities. To care for your inlay or onlay, you will simply need to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, and avoid habits that can damage your teeth.
Laser Gum Treatment is a form of periodontal therapy used to treat periodontitis. Unlike traditional surgeries, which involve the removal of both diseased and healthy gum tissues, the lasers specifically target infected areas of the gums – leaving healthy tissues behind. The treatment works using the Epic Biolase laser, which is FDA approved for periodontal treatment. This flexible laser emits energy at varying pulsating frequencies, effectively removing periodontal infections and facilitating the regeneration of the gums in areas where they have pulled away and recessed from the teeth.
Did you know…
that laser gum periodontal treatments have many advantages over traditional surgery? In addition to only targeting diseased tissues, laser gum treatment features:
- Rapid recovery
- Minimal discomfort
- Decreased bleeding
- Infection removal
- Reduced inflammation
Frequently Asked Questions
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER GUM TREATMENT?
Patients who benefit from laser gum treatment have been diagnosed with a periodontal disease with pocket depths between 5 and 6 millimeters. You may also benefit from laser gum treatment if you have advanced periodontal pockets that are inoperable or that have become infected against despite a previous periodontal treatment. For more information about laser gum treatment and whether it is right for you, schedule a periodontal consultation with Glow Dental today.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING LASER GUM TREATMENT?
Patients undergoing laser gum treatment are made comfortable using a local anesthetic. Dr. Huang will use a laser to gently removed diseased gum tissues from the pockets surrounding your teeth. After the infection is eliminated, your teeth will be cleaned, and the laser will be used once more to help your gums form clots in the pockets.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER UNDERGOING LASER GUM TREATMENT?
Following your treatment, you should be able to return to work immediately. If you are like most patients, you’ll experience much less swelling and discomfort than you would with traditional flap surgery, and your gums will bleed less following the procedure. You will be given special instructions for keeping the treatment site clean and free of debris, and you may need to follow a special diet in the days following your procedure. Because the clots are sensitive in the first week following laser gum treatment, you’ll also need to avoid brushing your gum line for the first several days after your procedure.
Periodontal scaling and root planing are procedures used to treat periodontal disease. Thought of by many as a ‘deep cleaning’, this in-office procedure involves the careful removal of hardened plaque near the gum line, where harmful bacteria can grow and cause damage to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. The treatment starts with scaling, during which special instruments are used to scrape tartar away from the teeth and gums. Root planing follows, which is a process of smoothing the surface of the tooth’s root in order to prevent bacteria from accumulating there in the future. Finally, an antibiotic is administered to ensure that no bacteria remain at the treatment site.
Did you know…
that you cannot brush or rinse away hardened plaque that causes periodontal disease? The only thing you can do is prevent is from accumulating by using good brushing and flossing habits. Once tartar has formed, the only way to remove it is via a professional dental or periodontal cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED A PERIODONTAL SCALING AND ROOT PLANING?
You may need scaling and root planing if you are suffering from mild to moderate periodontal disease. Visit Glow Dental for an exam if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal diseases, such as inflamed or receding gums, chronic halitosis, or loose teeth. If your periodontal disease is advanced, you may require grafting or flap surgery.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A SCALING AND ROOT PLANING?
If you require a scaling and root planing, you’ll first be made comfortable – perhaps using a local anesthetic. You should feel little or no discomfort other than the sensation of the cleaning tools scraping away hardened plaque. Procedure lengths vary according to the extent of the disease and the areas it is located within the mouth. If your periodontal disease is widespread, you may need to spread out your treatment into multiple visits.
WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL POST-TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS?
Yes. You’ll need to follow all instructions for antibiotic usage following your treatment. You’ll also be advised to avoid certain habits that can cause recurrences of periodontal disease in the future, such as smoking. Most patients experience little or no discomfort after scaling and root planing, although your mouth may continue to be numb for several hours following the procedure.
A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to your teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards are usually prepared in a dental lab using an oral impression taken in our office at Glow Dental. These guards are created uniquely for you to prevent discomfort, slippage or inadequate protection. There are many reasons why Dr. Huang would prescribe a mouth guard to a patient. They include:
- To protect the teeth, tongue and cheeks during sports and high-impact activities
- To protect the teeth from nighttime grinding or clenching
Did you know?
Caring for a dental bite guard is simple. You’ll need to rinse it before and after every usage using a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, and cold water. From time to time, cleanse it with cold water and a mild soap. When not in use, store your mouthguard in a hard, ventilated container and keep it away from hot temperatures that could cause your guard to warp.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED A BITE GUARD?
You absolutely need to be fit for a custom bite guard if you participate in sports or activities that put your oral health at risk. These guidelines also apply to children, who often play sports like football or participate in activities like martial arts, which can cause tooth-related injuries. You may also need a bite guard if your dentist diagnosis you with bruxism or tooth-grinding. Over time, grinding or clenching the teeth can lead to wear and irreversible damage. Sleeping with a bite guard can protect the teeth from these unwanted side effects.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN BEING FIT FOR A DENTAL BITE GUARD?
Being fit for a bite guard is simple. You’ll visit Dr. Huang, who will take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a dental laboratory. The lab will carefully construct a durable and comfortable new bite guard that you can pick up at Glow Dental in just days.
WILL I NEED TO RETURN TO DR. HUANG AFTER GETTING MY NEW BITE GUARD?
Yes. Although custom bite guards are made of durable materials and designed to last through many uses, they do need to be replaced from time to time. Keep an eye on your bite guard, checking it frequently for wear. Also, bring it with you to your normal dental cleanings and check-ups for a professional inspection. Be sure to tell Dr. Huang if your bite guard no longer offers an optimal fit or if it has become uncomfortable to wear.
TMJ disorders are complications associated with the temporomandibular joint where the jaw and skull come together. This joint, although small, can cause chronic pain and symptoms that make performing everyday tasks quite painful or difficult. The symptoms of TMJ disorders are different from patient to patient, with some reporting pain that comes and goes and others describing symptoms that persist chronically for many years.
Did you know…that TMJ disorders can occur at any point in life, but that they are most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old? The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also reports that TMJ disorders are far more common among women than men. Though there is no way of knowing exactly how many people suffer from TMJ disorders (many go undiagnosed), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that approximately 10 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from TMJ conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I COULD NEED TREATMENT FOR TMJ DISORDER?
Only dentists can diagnose a TMJ disorder, but there are some signs and symptoms that could indicate the need to visit Glow Dental:
- Your jaws ‘pop’ in and out of place
- Your jaws get stuck in certain positions
- You cannot open your mouth very wide
- You hear grating or popping sounds when chewing your food or speaking
- You have swelling on one or both sides of your face
- You have pain in your face, neck or shoulders when speaking, eating or opening your mouth
- You have chronic headaches or upper shoulder pain
- You frequently experience dizziness
- You have problems with your ears, such as earaches, ringing, or difficulty hearing
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING TMJ TREATMENT?
If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, your treatment experience will vary based on your diagnosis. Dr. Huang may attempt to treat your disorder first using conservative methods like pain relievers or muscle relaxants. If you require further treatment, bite guards are another option. Joint injections may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent pain. Few people will require surgery for TMJ.
WILL I NEED TO MAKE ANY LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO HELP PREVENT COMPLICATIONS OF TMJ?
Yes. TMJ disorders are often worsened by stress and the habits that form as a result of stress. For example, if you have a tendency to clench your jaw or grind your teeth when under stress, you may find that your TMJ symptoms worsen during those times. Dr. Huang may recommend taking steps to reduce your stress levels, perhaps using massage or physical exercises. You may also be advised to avoid gum and taking large bites of food during meals.
