Category: dental treatments

Oral Hygiene and Check-ups to Keep Patients from Deansgrange Smiling Happily for Years

To ensure that your teeth and mouth remain healthy, patients from Deansgrange should visit the dentist twice a year for a check-up and mouth maintenance service. A dentist can look at your teeth in greater detail and with state of the art technological advancements will be able to spot the first signs of any issues or problems with your teeth, so that you will always have healthy teeth and gums.

Here at Dublin18 Dental Care we look after our patients and make sure that they visit us every six months so we can maintain and look after our patients’ teeth. With specialised cleaning, scaling and polishing methods we can make your teeth gleaming and bright,.

Oral hygiene is key to healthy teeth

Looking after your teeth should mean a lifetime of permanent natural teeth, but you must follow a regular dental hygiene routine for this to happen. When you wake up in the morning give your teeth a good brush. You should also brush your teeth more thoroughly before you head for bed at night, as food debris will have built up throughout the day. Flossing is a great way of removing any debris stuck between the teeth, which may turn into plaque if left over time. There are different kinds of floss and once you start using it you will see a big difference in the cleanliness of your teeth.

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended to keep your teeth as healthy as possible and mouthwash is an added welcome to your oral hygiene routine, removing any last bits of plaque and debris that the flossing and brushing did not remove.

Try to keep sugary treats to the minimum and eat a healthy diet and you will be well on the way to smile perfection!

 

Pain-Free Dentistry in Dublin is a Must for Dublin18 Dental Care Patients

Going to the dentist for regular check-ups is an important part of keeping in good health. It can help maintain your teeth and nip developing problems in the bud. Many people, however, are scared to visit the dentist because they associate the dentist with pain. There are now many new methods available from Dublin18 Dental Care, Dublin to help ease dental anxiety, all of which can be discussed with your dentist on the day of your visit or on the phone prior to your appointment.

Local anaesthetic

Pain free dentistry is no longer an optional “extra.” If your dentist feels that you may experience pain during any procedure, your mouth will be numbed first. Your dentist will use the precise amount of anaesthetic required and check that everything is okay periodically throughout the procedure. If you experience any discomfort the amount of anaesthetic can be adjusted. Communication is essential to a happy visit to the dentist.  At Dublin18 Dental Care we strive to ensure our patients are in control at all times and we endeavour to make it a pleasant experience.

It may sound a little extreme but some people find it impossible to sit through any kind of dental procedure. This means that it is necessary to sedate them so that they don’t experience it at all. Some people only require sedation during certain procedures or simply to ease their phobia. Sedation can be administered orally and helps our patients relax which eases their fear of dental treatment.

Dublin18 Dental Care is Happy to Help Patients from Foxrock Fight Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental complaints and many adults will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. Gum disease will not cause any serious long-term oral health problems if it is treated quickly; however, if gum disease is left untreated it can develop into more serious conditions. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to ensure patients from Foxrock and surrounding areas do not have to put up with this problem.

There are two main types of gum disease:

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque (bacteria that builds up on teeth and around the gums). Gingivitis can develop if this plaque build-up is not removed.

Periodontitis 

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated.  An excessive build-up of plaque will cause the gums to separate from the teeth, forming ‘pockets’ of space between the gum tissue and the tooth.  Plaque and tartar (a hardened build up of plaque) can build-up in these pockets and prolonged inflammation can destroy the bone tissue that fixes the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and even fall out.

The symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Red, swollen gums.
  • Bleeding gums (noticeable when brushing and/or flossing).

The more serious symptoms associated with periodontitis include:

  • Dark red/purple swollen gums.
  • Bleeding gums.
  • Bad breath.
  • Receding gums.
  • Sensitive teeth.
  • Loose teeth and tooth loss.

How is gum disease treated?

Prevention is, of course, the best way to avoid gum disease and you can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. It is also important to make regular visits to your dentist. Smoking is also one of the biggest causes of plaque build-up, so it is highly recommended that you quit.

If you are diagnosed with gingivitis then your dentist may recommend that you see a dental hygienist. Hygienists assist in the treatment and prevention of oral health problems such as gum disease, and your hygienist will remove the plaque build-up from your teeth through a procedure called ‘scaling’. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash.  If you have developed periodontitis then more complicated procedures are required to remove the plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. In some cases surgery is required to either remove or strengthen teeth in cases of extensive bone loss.

If you are worried about gum disease make an appointment with Dublin18 Dental Care today.

Dublin18 Dental Care Helps Patients from Carrickmines Combat a Fear of the Dentist

Many people are afraid of the dentist, or to be more accurate, they are afraid of what they think the dentist is going to do to them. In some cases the fear or phobia is so strong that it stops the sufferer from going to the dentist for many years, meaning that their teeth are in desperate need of attention by the time they summon up the courage to make an appointment.

There are lots of things that you and Dublin18 Dental Care can do to try and alleviate such fears, whether you are coming from Carrickmines or adjoining areas. Ask to take a tour of the clinic ahead of your appointment. Dentists themselves can do a lot to help people get over their fear by having a good “bedside manner” and remaining calm and gentle at all times. Not only does this make the patient feel calm, but the dentist will instantly seem more approachable and the patient more comfortable asking questions that may have bothered them for years. Good communication between patient and dentist is essential at all times.

Simply by calmly talking through everything involved in an appointment, dentists can help to relieve a lot of the fear; for many, dental phobia is a fear of the unknown. People who have not been to the dentist often, or who had a bad experience as a child, will always imagine the worst, but by explaining what is happening dentists can remove the mysterious and scary image and make treatment less frightening.

If you have a fear of the dentist that has stopped you from making an appointment, the staff at Dublin18 Dental Care are happy to help. All our dentists and dental nurses have dealt with nervous patients many times in the past, changing smiles and perceptions of the dentist for the better. The sooner you make an appointment and have your oral health checked, the less likely it is that serious problems will develop with your teeth.

General Dentistry Available from Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum

Dublin18 Dental Care has a vast array of cosmetic dental treatments available, but our primary concern has always been the health of your teeth. It is impossible to achieve a healthy smile if your teeth aren’t at their natural best.

Dental health checks

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly helps maintain the health of your teeth, but it is also important to get checked out by Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum every so often (approximately every six months). This means your dentist can check that there are no problems developing and you can discuss any worries you have. Your dentist can also offer advice about how you can improve your oral hygiene routine.

Fillings

Fillings are designed to provide protection against bacteria by forming a seal over a damaged tooth. Composite fillings are white in colour and therefore far more popular than traditional amalgam metal fillings. They often cost more but are worth it for a completely natural looking smile. Cerec onlays combine the sturdiness of amalgam fillings with the discreet nature of composite fillings and able to treat larger cavities.

Root canal treatment

This is a slightly unpleasant but completely necessary treatment that involves drilling into the tooth cavity and removing diseased pulp. The tooth is then refilled with dental putty and sealed. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so it is completely painless and can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Extractions

Unfortunately, leaving an infected tooth inside the mouth can endanger your health, and that tooth will need to be removed. Usually teeth can be removed under local anaesthetic by your dentist, but sometimes more invasive surgery may be required. No matter what happens, you will always be in the hands of an experienced dental professional who is acting in your best interests. There are many options available for replacing lost teeth, which can be found in other areas of the website.

No matter how large or small, Dublin18 Dental Care is here to deal with all your dental needs.

Dentures from Dublin18 Dental Care are a Welcome Delight to Patients from Dun Laoghaire

When you think of dentures certain images may come to mind, such as toothless old folks with their teeth in water and comedy moments with teeth flying across the dining table. However, modern dentures are actually far removed from this stereotype and there are now many different kinds of dentures to fit your individual needs, provided at Dublin18 Dental Care near Dun Laoghaire. These include:

Partial acrylic dentures, which are dentures designed to replace a few missing teeth. They are made out of pink acrylic resin and are usually cheaper than shelling out on dental implants or bridges. It also prevents your other teeth from drifting into the empty spaces left by your missing teeth and eating is made much more comfortable. They can be made far more quickly than the traditional metal framed dentures, but it must be noted that they are less durable.

Full acrylic dentures follow the same basic principle of partial acrylic dentures, but are designed to replace all of your teeth.

Chrome cobalt dentures are more durable than their acrylic counterparts. They are often held in place by clasps attached to your natural teeth, so products like poligrip are not necessary. They are generally thinner and some have an open palate at the top of the mouth to allow more sensation whilst eating. This form of denture takes longer to craft and will cost more than acrylic dentures.

Implant retained dentures are dentures that are assisted by dental implants. If the bone in your mouth is not strong enough to support dentures, implants are placed and the dentures are attached to them. They do not occupy the entire palate, which is better for eating as well as helping patients with a sensitive gag reflex. They are more secure than other kinds of dentures and after a while it won’t feel like you’re wearing any false teeth at all. Missing teeth can cause bone loss, as the teeth reposition themselves, but implant retained dentures prevent this and maintain your natural facial structure.

It is advisable to talk to the Dublin18 Dental Care team to find out what type of denture is right for you.

The Importance of a Visit to Dublin18 Dental Care’s Dental Hygienist Serving Carrickmines

Dental hygienists don’t just clean your teeth – they are there to check that your teeth and mouth are in good health and offer advice on the best products and techniques required to maintain good oral hygiene. Sometimes a hygienist may even offer you dietary advice if they believe that it will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Neglecting your oral hygiene can cause discolouration or staining of the teeth, gum disease (swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums) and even tooth loss.

Here are some of the things a dental hygienist can do for you.

Scaling and Polishing

By scaling and polishing your teeth, the hygienist at Dublin18 Dental Care serving Carrickmines removes plaque (a yellowish coloured substance that clings to your teeth caused by a build up of bacteria) and tartar (also known as calculus, plaque that has become hard and scaly over time). A dental cleaning helps makes your teeth both look and feel cleaner and will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. It is applied to the surface of the teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish, to help prevent plaque from forming.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants work in a similar way to fluoride application. A clear or tooth-coloured substance is applied to the teeth (mainly those at the back of the mouth) to form a protective layer that will ‘seal’ the surface of the tooth and make it smoother. This treatment helps prevent plaque build-up both on and around the teeth and protects them from decay.

Hygienists are there to give patients advice and guidance about the best ways that they can look after their teeth. First and foremost, a visit to the hygienist should be seen as a preventative step –  hygienists have been specially trained to notice problems with your teeth and gums at an early stage in order to prevent them developing into more serious conditions.

Can Root Canal Treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care Near Leopardstown Save Your Smile?

A root canal is a channel of soft dental pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, which goes from the root of the tooth right down to the bottom of the crown (the parts of the tooth you can see in your mouth). There can be additional root canal in each tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

If your root canal becomes infected, most commonly due to tooth decay, you are left with two options. The first is to extract the tooth, which, as you can imagine, could completely ruin your smile. The second is root canal treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care near Leopardstown.

Root canal treatment involves the dentist drilling into your tooth and removing any dead or diseased pulp from within. Although that may sound intimidating, local anaesthetic is used, so you won’t feel a thing and your dentist will make sure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. If necessary, your dentist may put some medicine inside the cavity to ensure that all the bacteria is gone. The now empty cavity is then filled up, most commonly with a rubber like substance called gutta percha and the tooth is sealed with a crown or a filling to stop bacteria entering the tooth again.

As the anaesthetic wears off you may experience pain or discomfort in the affected tooth. This is normal and can be remedied with painkillers. You will then have to go for checkups annually, so your dentist can check that everything is going smoothly.

It is well worth getting root canal treatment if you are a suitable candidate, as it is always better to save a tooth than deal with losing one.

Dental Veneers from South Dublin Dentists to Seal Over Cracks

Dental veneers from can instantly improve your appearance and give you the confidence you never thought you would have. Having dental veneers fitted at Dublin18 Dental Care is a quick and painless process, which can transform your smile in as little as two visits.

Dental veneers can conceal the flaws in your mouth, such a damaged or chipped teeth, crooked teeth, stained teeth, and can even fill in gaps between your teeth. Those problems that you thought could never be resolved can now be fixed, with dental veneers custom-made to suit your face and smile.

Are dental veneers for me?

You can choose from a range of cosmetic dental veneers in South Dublin, but the most commonly used material for veneers is porcelain. Porcelain veneers are strong and long-lasting and are the most natural looking of all the veneers.

Any other options?

The alternative to porcelain veneers are composite veneers, which are cheaper, but do no last as long. They also stain more easily than porcelain veneers, so although porcelain veneers are usually more expensive, you may save money is the long-run.

How are veneers fitted?

The veneers are fixed onto the surface of the teeth, like a false nail over a real nail, eliminating any flaws that may have previously existed. Having dental veneers is nothing to worry about and If you can have artificial eyelashes, a fake tan, fingernails and hair, then why not improve the one thing that will make you feel most confident – your smile.

Patients near Rathmichael Want to Learn about Dental Implant Treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care

A dental implant, to put it simply, is a device made of titanium that is implanted into the bone of the jaw. It acts as an anchor for new teeth and is an alternative to bridges or dentures.

How do I get one?

The procedure is a fairly lengthy one. First off your teeth and gums need to be clean and healthy and Dublin18 Dental Care, serving patients from Rathmichael, will need to check that the bones in your jaw are dense enough to accommodate the implant. A small hole is then drilled in the precise place where the implant will be (don’t worry, you will be under local anaesthetic at this point). The implant is fitted into the hole and the gum is stitched back over the area. The implant is then left to fuse with your jawbone, which can take anything from six weeks to six months. Dentures and bridges can be worn during this time, but care should be taken not to put too much pressure on the implant.

When enough time has passed, a temporary crown can be fitted to the implant for around four to six weeks. After this permanent tooth restorations can be attached.

What are the advantages?

The procedure may seem long and complicated, but there are many advantages.

The biggest benefit for most people is that these implants look and function like your natural teeth. Dentures can be painful and can sometimes come loose and often need to be refitted as the shape of your mouth changes. Implants can be treated like your ordinary teeth and require no extra care and after a while, people often forget that they are there as they feel so natural. Implants usually last up to thirty years and can even last a lifetime if treated properly.

The risk factors of this procedure are low, but as always you should consult your dentist before making any decisions.