Category: oral health

Why The Hygienist Is Important For Patients Near Foxrock

Aside from visiting your dentist the most important person you can visit to prevent any damage or decay to your teeth and maintain your general oral hygiene is a hygienist, as visiting a hygienist can prevent 90% of a dentists work.

Preventative dentistry

At Dublin18 Dental Care near to Foxrock the hygienists play a key role within the practice as they are trained to help patients prevent gum disease and can also educate you with ways to help keep everything in your mouth healthy, which will help prevent treatment risks in the future.

What is the job of a hygienist?

Many will be wondering what it is a hygienist does, and this is a simple and straight forward set of procedures. Firstly, they will remove any hard deposits of calculus, otherwise know as tartar, which has built up on your teeth and instruct you on ways in which you can prevent this from reforming within your mouth. The hygienist will also carry out a number of teeth cleaning procedures that may be required by the patient, such as deep root planning and a scale and polish. They can also help by looking at your diet and any other potential dental risks within your day-to-day life to help keep your teeth clean, and can provide tailor made programmes to help prevent any serious dental conditions in the future.

Oral health

It is recommend that patients visit their hygienist at least twice a year, however this can change from patient to patient depending on an individual’s oral health, and regular check ups can help determine how many yearly check ups each person will need.

By attending these visits your oral hygiene can be kept in check and in the long run help prevent problems such as gum disease and will help improve your overall health situation, as studies have suggested that issues such as gum disease are related to other more serious conditions such as heart disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patients in Dublin Have A Free Cancer Screening For Mouth Cancer Screenings For Mouth Cancer Awareness Day 2012

On September 10th it is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day where both Dublin18 Dental Care in Dublin and many other dentists will be offering free mouth cancer screenings on this day. Mouth cancer is something that effects people all over the world, but is more common in men than in women at the moment but this is slowly changing. Unfortunately in the UK this kind of cancer has grown quicker than any other cancer in the past twenty-five years.

Detecting oral cancer

It is very important that mouth cancer is caught at an early stage because at the moment around half of the diagnosed mouth cancers were detected at later stages. If this happens them more complex treatments may be needed and the chances of beating the cancer are slimmer the later the cancer is diagnosed. Dentists are able to spot signs of oral cancer and play a very important part in oral cancer detection.

Ways of lowering risks of oral cancer

Make sure that you regularly see your dentist for check-ups and maintain a regular oral health regime. Look out for any changes in your mouth such as ulcers that are still there a few weeks late or any white marks visible. You should also use sun protection on your lips as you would to protect your skin.

Free mouth cancer screening

During Wednesday 19th September dentists up and down the country will be highlighting the importance of mouth cancer screening by offering free screenings to patients on this day. The screening itself only takes about ten minutes and these ten minutes could save your life so please do take advantage of the free screening this September. For a FREE oral health screening please contact the team at Dublin18 Dental Care in Dublin or go to your nearest dental provider.

 

 

 

The Oral B Triumph 5000 Electric Toothbrush For Patients Near Monkstown

As we venture further onwards into the technological era, talking phones and computers competing on quiz shows are beginning to seem that little bit less strange than they were a few years ago. The Oral B Triumph 5000 electric toothbrush is essentially proof that home dental care is just as abreast of technology as phones, televisions and computers. In fact, the Triumph 5000 is perhaps the best example, the peak even, of what an electric toothbrush is currently capable of; On the 11th of August 2011, the Gadget Show ran a feature on the ‘Top 5 Electric Toothbrushes’. After testing twenty different toothbrushes, it was the Oral B 5000 smart guide electric toothbrush that came out on the top spot.

Instant feedback

Were not quite nearing the terrifying sentience of HAL or GLaDOS (for you sci-fi geeks out there), but the Oral B Triumph 5000 will comment on your brushing technique.  It is in fact the only toothbrush with a separate wireless smart guide to aid brushing performance. The Smart Guide responds and comments on the time taken for you to brush and the pressure you apply when brushing your teeth. For instance, if you apply too much pressure when brushing – a red light will appear to indicate so. Audio cues are also provided to indicate how long you have been brushing for. A handy wall mount is also provided, so the smart guide can be positioned in a convenient place in your bathroom. The toothbrush also brushes in three different modes: deep clean, whitening and massage

Plaque attack

Aside from the brush’s ability as a critic, it also offers some impressive technical ability: It purports to pulsate 40,000 times a minute and rotate 8,800 times a minute as well. This helps to effectively break up and brush away plaque. The 3D technology the brush utilises has also been clinically proven to remove twice as much plaque as a standard toothbrush.

Dublin18 Dental Care seal of approval

The Triumph 5000 received a platinum endorsement from the British Dental Health Foundation and we at Dublin18 Dental Care near to Monkstown echo this sentiment.

 

 

Back to School Sports Guards for Patients Near Dundrum

The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) congress recently passed a motion making it mandatory for juvenile players to wear mouth guards from the start of 2013. This rule will come into effect for senior player from the start of the following year. According to the IDA (Irish Dental Association), Ireland has one of the highest rates of sports related dental injuries in all of Europe. Unsurprisingly, they have shown great support for the ruling. Of course, this is only the tip of the issue; Mouth guards may now be obligatory, but the one size fits all mouth guard sold in most sports shops are the least effective of the guards available and ‘boil and bite’ guards aren’t a huge improvement. Sadly, it is these store-bought guards that make up 90% of the mouth guards used.

Custom fitted guards

The summer may be upon us, but it won’t be long till until the ‘back to school’ signs are up in the shops. If you your child will be playing contact sport and you really want to protect their pearly whites, then you might want to investigate in custom fitted mouth guards. One common complaint about stock guards is their impact on speech; as these guards lack retention, they must constantly be bitten down on so that they are held in place. This can lead to kids and adults alike altering the guards so that they are better held in place. Often these alterations completely negate what little protection the guards offered in the first place. Custom guards, in contrast, are custom fitted to the wearer’s teeth and will provide the highest degree of both comfort and protection that a mouth guard is currently capable of.

The process

Having a mouth guard fitted is a simple process which we at Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum are happy to provide. We will simply take an impression of your teeth and send it on to a dental lab. It really is as easy as that!

Emergency Dentistry Even on a Saturday for Patients Near Stillorgan

It goes without saying that looking after ones teeth is vitally importance. If we don’t have healthy, sturdy teeth, we are not able eat or speak normally, and that’s let alone any problems that damaged or unhealthy teeth might cause to our appearance. But, no matter how much trouble we take of our teeth, accidents may still occur. Some of the worst problems that affect our teeth can happen quickly, when we least expect it, rather than a gradual process. These sorts of ‘immediate’ problems can range from trauma to teeth – such as having a tooth knocked out or chipped in an accident – to an abscess suddenly making itself known by causing extreme pain that simply cannot (and should not) just be covered up with painkillers. When problems like this strike, it’s important that you go for emergency dental care.

Emergency dentistry at Dublin18 Dental Care

When problems such as chipped teeth, abscesses, loosened teeth or any unexplained severe pain in your mouth make themselves known, the first thing you should do is call the dentist. It’s not worth thinking that you should put it off, or just try to ‘grin and bear it’, as this will not only cause you to suffer, but could lead to further problems if the problem is not treated right away. Try to call Dublin18 Dental Care straight away, and we will try to see you as soon as possible, on the same day, to ensure that the problem can be solved as quickly as possible. This includes on Saturdays, when emergency dentistry is also available.  We can help with many problems, from emergency root canal surgery to helping with tissue damage or teeth which have fallen out. Call Dublin18 Dental Care for help with your emergency dentistry needs on 01 235 4631.

 

Patients Near To Leopardstown Learn More about Tooth Extraction

Unfortunately, teeth do not always stay in perfect shape, and sometimes, in spite of all the treatments available, extracting a tooth is necessary. Tooth extraction might seem like an extreme procedure, but in some cases it is the only option – and of course, it is better than letting the tooth decay, or fall out on its own, both of which would be incredibly painful, whereas tooth extraction with Dublin18 Dental Care can be a relatively easy procedure. There are several reasons why extraction might be necessary. These can include damage being done to the teeth, for example via sports injuries or falls. If teeth cannot be repaired, extraction may be the safest option. Extraction might also be necessary if you suffer from periodontal disease (gum disease), as the tooth may become loose of its own accord. Sometimes extraction is not as a result of injury or disease: for example, removing a tooth may be a way to alleviate tooth overcrowding. This can happen with children whose adult teeth come through a little earlier. Similarly, extraction may be necessary for some people as their wisdom teeth grow through.

 

What is the procedure like?

Although extraction sounds scary, every step is taken to make it as easy and pain-free as possible. After discussing the procedure with you, the dentist will give you a local anaesthetic. This will take effect almost instantly, and so means that you should not feel any pain. A tool called an elevator is used to gently increase the size of the socket around the tooth, and then the tooth will be extracted using a special kind of forceps. You may feel the pressure of this while the procedure is taking place, but it will not be painful so much as a sensation of mild discomfort.

Patients Near Dublin18 Area Find Out the Different Filling Options that are Available to Them

We all know the importance of good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and use of mouthwash are essential to maintain good teeth and prevent the build-up of bacteria. However, occasionally even the most careful of us can still experience problems with our teeth. This is where fillings can prove useful. Fillings can be used for two predominant reasons: to provide protection against further bacterial build-up in the tooth, or to strengthen and protect a tooth which may have been slightly decayed. Fillings may occasionally be recommended to help with other issues too, including malocclusion (having an incorrect bite) and helping a patient to chew correctly. Fillings are usually only used to help teeth with less serious types of damage. While these functions are shared by all types of filling, the different types of dental filling are suited to different needs for different patients.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from metal, usually a mix of metals including sliver, copper, mercury and tin. This means they can be noticeable as they do not match up with the natural colour of teeth. However, this type of filling is incredibly strong and can withstand great pressure asserted by bites. This also ensures longevity; with correct care, amalgam fillings can last up to twelve years.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings meanwhile are made of a soft material which can be moulded to the exact shape of the tooth. While they are not as long-lasting as amalgam fillings, usually lasting around five years, they provide a much better look cosmetically, as composite fillings can easily be made to match the colour of the surrounding teeth. This procedure is best suited to smaller fillings that do not need to withstand great pressure. The CEREC procedure, using new technology, similarly allows for ‘invisible’ fillings, and can be completed in one appointment.

Contact Dublin18 Dental Care for further information on your suitability for this procedure.

 

 

 

 

Patients from Dublin Learn All About Root Canal Surgery and What The Treatment is For

There is more to a tooth than what is visible to the naked eye. In fact, the majority of a tooth is the root, which is below the gum. The function of the root is to hold the tooth in place. In the middle of the tooth is dental pulp, which is made up of nerve cells and the blood vessels which provide the tooth’s blood supply. These are connected to the rest of the body by going through the tooth’s root, into the area known as the root canal. Occasionally, due to decay or silver fillings leaking, the tooth pulp can become infected. If this is left entirely untreated, the pulp can eventually die, and bacteria can then travel into the root canal, further infecting the rest of the mouth. This can lead to bad breath (due to all the bacteria in the mouth), abscesses, intense pain and even eventual tooth loss. To prevent all this, root canal surgery may be necessary when the pulp becomes infected.

What does root canal surgery involve?

After taking an x-ray and placing a thin sheet of rubber called a ‘dental dam’ over the tooth to prevent infection during the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to ensure that the treatment is pain-free. The next step is to make a small opening at the top of the tooth, to make the pulp accessible. Special narrow dental files are then used to remove the infected pulp, and then a special cleaning fluid may be used to clean around the new space and the root canal, to make sure that the source of the problem – the bacteria – is totally removed. The space is then filled with a permanent filling, and occasionally a crown may be used to provide extra support. This can usually be done in one visit.

 

When do Patients near Monkstown Need a Tooth Extraction?

It isn’t pleasant, but sometimes you need to have a tooth removed. There are numerous scenarios in which extraction will be necessary. Here are the most common offenders.

Repair is not practical

A tooth may have such extensive decay, or have been fractured in such an extreme manner, that extraction may be deemed more appropriate than any other form of procedure for patients near Monkstown. In these cases, it may be that an obstacle has presented itself, which prevents other forms of surgery. These obstacles do not necessarily have to be physical and it may just be that the cost of treatment is too much. If you suffer from gum disease, this can also lead to extraction. As gum disease advances, your tooth may be supported less and less by the surrounding bone and could come loose. Here, extraction may be the only viable option. 

To prepare for braces

Orthodontic treatment is used to perfect the alignment of a patient’s teeth. In some scenarios there may be a discrepancy between the size of a patient’s jaw and the space required to improve the alignment of the teeth. In such a situation, some teeth may require extraction. 

Poorly positioned and non-functioning teeth

Wisdom teeth have a habit of coming through at an awkward angle, often provided endless irritation to a person’s cheek. These serve as a prime example of teeth that may need to be removed due to their positioning. Some teeth can also serve little functional process but carry with them the potential for future complications. Wisdom teeth, due to their position in the mouth, can, for example, create oral hygiene problems, as they are hard to clean. This can lead to problems for the surrounding teeth and thus wisdom teeth may be viable for extraction.

Talk to us

Regardless of how you get there, Dublin18 Dental Care will be able help you along every step of the procedure. If you have any worries or queries, please do contact the practice!

What Should Patients near Carrickmines do if They have an Accident and Knock Out, Chip or Fracture a Tooth

Any kind of damage to your teeth can feel like a nightmare scenario if you don’t know what treatments are available to you. Several varieties of procedure are available, each one being better suited to treating certain types of damage.

Treating a chipped tooth

We’ll start with the least severe of the three. In minor cases, where the damage is purely cosmetic, you will most likely be recommended dental veneers. Veneers are wafer thin shells of material that are bonded to the teeth and help conceal aesthetic blemishes. If the chip is more extreme, or if you are experiencing difficulty eating or drinking with that tooth, a crown may be more appropriate. A crown is like a cap, which sits upon the damaged tooth, both protecting it and improving its appearance.  Cosmetic bonding may also be deemed appropriate. This is a process where a dental composite material is applied to the teeth, which can be used to fill in and conceal a chip.

A tooth is knocked out 

It is possible to re-insert a knocked out tooth, provided you haven’t lost it! In such a situation you should contact your dentist immediately. If you’ve lost it, or the tooth itself cannot be salvaged, there are plenty of options available outside of an unsightly gap, the most common being dentures, bridges and implants. Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth and can look incredibly convincing and feel extremely comfortable for patients near Carrickmine with missing teeth. Dental bridges are a little more permanent than dentures. A bridge is essentially a false tooth that is anchored to the surrounding teeth. Dental implants are the most effective in the replacement of teeth and shouldn’t affect the surrounding teeth during the replacement surgery, something that can occur with bridges. 

Fractured Teeth

Fractured teeth are handled in a similar way to chipped teeth and use the same procedures. Which treatment is the most appropriate is determined by the extent of the damage.