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Dental Anxiety: FAQ
Does fear of the dentist cause you to delay or avoid dental appointments at all costs?
If you are an anxious dental patient, there are many strategies that can help you to cope.
Here, Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, answers some frequently asked questions about managing dental anxiety, including how and why to seek your dentist’s help.
Q. What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist is a common complaint, which often results in patients delaying or avoiding dental treatment. It is a feeling of uneasiness at the thought of dental visits or procedures, and can affect people of any age.
Q. What causes dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety can sometimes stem from a traumatic past experience or a childhood fear passed on from other family members. It can also be triggered by a fear of pain, loss of control, or an invasion of personal space. In other cases, patients feel embarrassed to attend because of the condition of their teeth.
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety?
Each person experiences dental anxiety in different ways. Some common signs include:
- Feeling physically ill when thinking of visiting the dentist
- Having trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment
- Difficulty breathing, a racing heartbeat or palpitations while waiting to be examined
- Panic, distress or crying during a dental examination
- Using humour or aggression to mask the anxiety
Q. How can dental anxiety impact oral health?
If anxiety prevents you from visiting the dentist for regular check-ups, it can lead to more complex and costly dental issues down the line. Regular attendance allows your dentist to detect any problems at an early stage, so that simpler and less invasive treatments are needed.
Q. How can my dentist help?
The first step is to let your dentist know if you experience any level of dental anxiety. Open discussion around the individual triggers of anxiety will allow your dentist to tailor a treatment plan especially for you.
Advances in dentistry mean that the majority of modern treatments are pain free. Starting with simple procedures such as a scale and polish can help to build confidence and trust. Your dentist can also help to ease anxiety by establishing a signal or signals with you for when you need a break.
Q. What if I still feel anxious?
There are a number of coping strategies that both you and your dentist can use to help manage dental anxiety, including:
Sedation – for severe dental anxiety or phobia, your dentist may suggest use of relative analgesia, anxiety relieving medication, conscious sedation or general anaesthesia.
Mindfulness – mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises can help you to think in the present, and move away from fear of what might happen or may have happened in the past.
Hypnotherapy – hypnotherapy has been proven to successfully help patients manage and overcome their fear of visiting the dentist. Hypnosis allows you to relax, while also providing an opportunity to change any negative, subconscious anxieties that may exist towards dentistry.
Distraction – if it helps you to relax during a procedure, try wearing headphones to listen to your favourite music, occupy your hands by squeezing a stress ball, or use visualisation techniques to imagine yourself at a relaxing beach.
To find your local Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here
PRSI Dental Entitlements: Budget 2022
This week’s Budget announcement included some changes to dental benefits for PRSI workers under The Treatment Benefit Scheme.
From June 2022, the number of PRSI contributions required by people aged between 25 and 28 will be significantly reduced, allowing increased access to the Scheme for younger people.
Below we have outlined answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about PRSI dental entitlements.
Q. What are PRSI dental entitlements?
A. Dental Care Ireland is a registered provider of The Treatment Benefit Scheme, which entitles PRSI workers to claim a free oral examination once a calendar year, as well as a subsidised scale & polish (cleaning) for €15.
Q. Who can avail of PRSI dental entitlements?
A. The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions. To qualify, you must have paid class A, E, P, H or S contributions.
Q. How do I know if I qualify for PRSI dental benefits?
A. Contact our reception team with details of your PPSN and date of birth in order for them to check your eligibility on the Welfare Partners website.
Q. Will my PRSI dental benefits change as a result of Budget 2022?
A. From June 2022, the number of contributions required by people aged between 25 and 28 will be reduced from 260 to 39 weeks.
Q. Can I claim my entitlements twice this year if I did not avail last year?
A. No, it is not possible to claim twice in one year. These benefits are only available once per calendar year, from January to December.
Q. Who administers The Treatment Benefit Scheme?
A. The Treatment Benefit Scheme is run by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
To speak to our team about claiming your dental benefits for 2021, find your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
Porcelain or Composite Veneers?
Dental veneers can transform a smile by significantly enhancing the shape, size and colour of your teeth.
The process involves bonding a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin to the front surface of one or multiple teeth. There are a number of factors to consider when determining which type of veneer is best suited to your individual needs.
Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, outlines some of the key differences between porcelain and composite veneers.
#1 Treatment Time
Composite veneers can typically be fabricated while you wait, making it a same-day treatment. Your dentist matches a tooth-coloured resin material to the shade of your natural teeth. The resin is then added in layers to the tooth surface, sculpted and polished.
Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits to prepare and fit. Your dentist will remove a very thin layer of your teeth, take an impression, and send a mould to the lab. During your second visit, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth.
#2 Durability
Although both materials are durable, porcelain is a stronger material than composite resin. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years. Composite veneers will need to be refreshed or replaced more frequently, typically every 3-5 years.
While composite veneers are more prone to chipping than porcelain, they can usually be repaired by your dentist in one visit. If porcelain veneers break, however, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced instead.
#3 Appearance
Both composite and porcelain veneers are designed to individual specifications, ensuring that they match the patient’s existing teeth. Due to the translucent properties of porcelain, it provides the most natural, tooth-like appearance.
Not only can porcelain veneers improve the shade of your teeth, but they also provide enhanced resistance to further staining from habits such as drinking coffee or smoking. Like natural teeth, composite can stain and discolour over time.
#4 Cost
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. They are made in a dental laboratory, requiring more time, expertise and resources.
In order to fit a porcelain veneer, some of the natural tooth surface is removed, meaning the treatment is irreversible. Composite veneers require minimal prep work to the natural teeth, making it possible to remove or replace them as needed.
#5 Suitability
Although veneers will not address any underlying dental issues, they can be an aesthetic solution for a variety of concerns such as fractures, chips, discolouration or uneven spacing.
Your dentist will assess your suitability for veneers based on the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Some severe cases of discolouration or spacing issues may not be adequately treatable with composite veneers, making porcelain the only viable option.
To find out more about dental veneers at Dental Care Ireland, contact us here
Back-to-School Dental Care
Following months of disruption and altered schedules, the return to school this year is a timely reminder to re-establish your family’s dental health routine.
From tooth-friendly lunchboxes to mouthguard fitting, Dr Karen Grealis at our Ashbourne/Navan practices shares six top tips on back-to-school dental care.
#1 Schedule a check-up
Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups are the best way to avoid unnecessary pain and minimise impact on important study time during the school year. Routine attendance will also help to reduce unexpected dental costs in the longer-term.
#2 Replace toothbrushes
In the rush to update school shoes, uniforms and stationery for the new school year, be sure to consider replacing the family’s toothbrushes too. It is important to replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months, or after an illness. To keep their mouths healthy, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is key.
#3 Supervise brushing
For younger children, parents will still need to provide assistance with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging them to manage their own brushing routine. Experts recommend that brushing assistance is needed until such time as the child has demonstrated good manual dexterity for independent tasks such as tying shoelaces.
#4 Tooth-friendly lunch boxes
Most schools have a healthy lunch box policy, which goes hand-in-hand with maintaining good dental health, and should include a balance of grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yoghurt or fruit. Ideally, opt for a small child’s size bottle of water or a small carton of milk. Drinking water will help to dilute any acid attacks on the teeth.
#5 Restrict treats to mealtime
With the prospect of birthday party season and Halloween on the horizon, try to limit treats to mealtimes and avoid grazing on them throughout the day. Our saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities. Avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard or sticky sweets.
#6 Mouth guard fitting
A properly fitted mouthguard is an essential safety feature for children ahead of the winter sports season. A dentist can custom fit your child’s mouthguard to ensure that it is accurately adapted to the mouth and stays in place securely. As the child’s teeth develop and change, it is important to check each year that their mouthguard still fits.
Dental Care Ireland is offering half-price kids’ check-ups throughout the month of September. To book a back-to-school dental exam, contact your nearest practice here
Meet our Drogheda Dentist
Previously known as Wellington Quay Dental Centre, our Drogheda practice joined the Dental Care Ireland group in early 2021.
For over 25 years, the practice on Dyer Street has been led by prominent Drogheda dentist, Dr Cormac Reynolds. Throughout the years, it has expanded to incorporate specialist and cosmetic dentistry services.
The team working alongside Dr Reynolds includes oral surgeon, Dr Eimear McHugh and specialist orthodontist, Dr Pat McSherry, as well as dental hygienists Aisling Reynolds and Majella Sheridan. The clinical team is supported by new practice manager Lyndsey McGuinness, who manages the day-to-day running of the practice.
As Dr Reynolds explains: “Although our name is changing, the practice team and ethos remains the same. Our goal is always to provide the highest quality treatment for our patients in the most comfortable environment. We also place strong emphasis on keeping abreast of new developments within the sector. As part of Dental Care Ireland, our patients will benefit from the very latest equipment and technology.”
With state-of-the-art facilities, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Drogheda have access to a full range of treatments, from check-ups and cleaning to teeth whitening, orthodontics and dental implants.
Dental Care Ireland Drogheda is part of a growing network of 21 established, family dental practices nationwide.
To book an appointment with our Drogheda dentist or find your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice, please contact us here
Five Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in Ireland. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection and eventually loss of teeth.
The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Other symptoms include bad breath, gum recession and sensitive or loose teeth.
Practising good oral hygiene is the most important action that a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease. Here, Dr Oonagh O’Regan from our Ennis practice, shares five ways to help keep your gums healthy.
#1 Brush twice a day
A thorough brushing routine is key to maintaining a healthy mouth and gums. It is recommended to brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night.
#2 Floss daily
To help remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, floss daily or use an interdental brush. Ideally, floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
#3 Use a fluoride toothpaste
Using a fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay. Be sure to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing, so that fluoride remains on your teeth for as long as possible.
#4 Quit smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. As smoking weakens the immune system, it makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they have been damaged.
#5 Schedule a dental exam
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.
To book an appointment at your local Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here
Wedding Smile Q&A
With the summer wedding season underway, Dr Meabh Long from our Claregalway practice, answers some common questions on how to achieve a healthy, radiant smile ahead of your big day.
Q: How can I fix crooked or chipped teeth for my wedding?
A: Improved technologies mean that a range of comfortable, minimally invasive and even invisible solutions now exist to improve the appearance of teeth. From clear braces to porcelain veneers and dental implants, it has never been easier to achieve a picture-perfect wedding smile.
Q: How far in advance should I book a dental appointment?
A: If you are concerned about crooked, chipped or missing teeth, early preparation is key. The ideal time to book a dental consultation is at the start of your engagement, as some treatments will require at least a year to complete.
Q: Can I straighten my teeth in less than a year?
A: Some of the latest teeth straightening treatments, such as Invisalign Go, can correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues in as little as 3-6 months. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs.
Q: How can I remove staining on my teeth?
A: Superficial staining from food and drinks such as tea, coffee or red wine, can often be removed with a professional clean. During a scale and polish treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist can thoroughly clean all deposits and stains, scale away tartar build-up and polish the teeth.
Q: Will professional teeth whitening help?
A: Yes, teeth whitening brightens the shade of your teeth and helps to remove discolouration. Your dentist will first need to examine the teeth, mouth and gums, to assess your suitability. They can then develop a bespoke whitening kit which you can safely use yourself at home.
Q: How long will teeth whitening take?
A: Teeth whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for 2-4 hours per day for approximately 1-4 weeks, depending on the shade you aim to achieve. For best results, be sure to factor enough time into your wedding planner.
Q: Should I make changes to my usual dental routine?
A: In the run-up to the wedding, it is important to maintain your basic dental routine at home. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water. Try to avoid foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, balsamic vinegar and even berries.
For a sparkling wedding smile this summer, Dental Care Ireland is offering 20% off teeth whitening until 30th June. To find out more, contact your nearest practice.
Selling Your Dental Practice?
If you are a dentist thinking of selling your dental practice, whether to eliminate the administrative aspect of running a business, or to manage your retirement plan, Dental Care Ireland offers a unique, localised approach.
Set up in 2015, Dental Care Ireland is a growing network of established, family dental practices nationwide. To date, the group employs over 250 team members across 20 practice locations.
Dublin-based CEO, Colm Davitt, explains: “Essentially, we acquire long-established practices in local communities, with a view to helping them reach their full potential. We work with dentists at various life stages and with different career ambitions. By providing management and administrative support, we give them the clinical freedom to focus on their patients.”
In addition, Dental Care Ireland invests in upgrading practices with latest facilities and technology. A practice manager is assigned to each practice, while a central team provides support in operations, finance, quality and compliance, IT, HR and marketing.
“Each practice is upgraded, depending on individual practice requirements, to include new state-of-the-art facilities and latest technology. We also support the development of new services and treatments, education and training for staff, as well as more convenient opening hours for patients. We are very sensitive to clinical freedom and to the individuality of each practice and location,” says Davitt.
Dental Care Ireland currently operates practices in Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Galway, Kilkenny, Clare, Cavan and Louth.
According to Davitt: “Our aim is to have a national network right across the country so we are open to considering all locations if the opportunity is right. We are locally-based and solely focused on the Irish dental market.”
To find out more about selling your dental practice and joining the Dental Care Ireland group, you can contact us here.
Teeth Straightening for Adults
Since the start of the pandemic, dentists have reported a significant rise in demand for cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth straightening.
Although many people still associate orthodontics with traditional metal braces, there are now plenty of clear or invisible options available to patients.
Ahead of World Orthodontic Health Day, Dr Maghnus O’Donnell, a specialist orthodontist at our Navan practice in Meath, answers some common queries about teeth straightening for adults.
Q: Am I too old for braces?
A: As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no upper age limit to orthodontic treatment. More and more adults of all ages are choosing braces later in life, both for cosmetic reasons and to correct long-standing dental issues.
Q: Can I straighten my teeth discreetly?
A: Improved technologies mean that a range of comfortable, minimally invasive and even invisible solutions now exist to improve the appearance of teeth.
- Aligners, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth using a series of clear and removable plastic aligners.
- Ceramic braces are tooth coloured so that they blend in with the teeth.
Q: Which treatment option is best for me?
A: The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you depends on the type of orthodontic problem you need to have corrected. Your orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs. In some cases, a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may work best.
Q: Is Invisalign suitable for everybody?
A: Invisalign is an ideal treatment method for many patients but it is not suitable for all orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors including the shape and position of your teeth, and whether you have had previous dental treatments such as a dental bridge, veneer or crown.
Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?
A: The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible. Unlike fixed metal braces, you can also remove your aligners to eat or brush and floss your teeth as normal. As your aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum of every few months.
Q: When are braces a better choice than Invisalign?
A: With braces, you can treat all dental and facial issues. Even if you have multiple problems with your teeth, braces can treat each one individually. Braces also have more force than the Invisalign aligner to move crooked teeth into the desired position. Outside of the aesthetics of wearing braces, they are often the best solution for straightening your teeth.
Q: How long will orthodontic treatment take?
A: This will depend on the type of treatment and the extent or orthodontic correction required. Treatment typically lasts from six months to two years. An adult’s treatment may take slightly longer than a child’s, because the adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. Your orthodontist will discuss estimated treatment time during your assessment.
Q: Where do I start?
A: If you are an adult considering braces, you should first make an appointment to discuss it with your general dentist. They can determine if your teeth and gums are suitable for orthodontic treatment, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist.
To find out more about teeth straightening options at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.
Ballyowen Dentist Joins Group
Dental Care Ireland has expanded its presence in Dublin with the acquisition of two former Centric Health dental practices in Lucan and Citywest. The new partnership will see both practices merge to form Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, located at Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre in Lucan.
Previously known as Ballyowen Castle Dental, the practice continues to be led by well-known Ballyowen dentist, Dr Anna Andruchow, along with Dr Adeen Solaiman and all of the existing team.
With state-of-the-art facilities and technology, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Ballyowen have access to a full range of treatments, from check-ups and cleaning to teeth whitening and veneers.
Dental Care Ireland now operates 20 practices nationwide, including six Dublin practices in Ballyowen, Ballsbridge, Cabinteely, Kilbarrack, Knocklyon and Swords.
Colm Davitt, CEO, Dental Care Ireland, says: “We are delighted to broaden our offering to Dublin patients in the Lucan and Citywest areas. As we continue to expand the group, partnering with trusted and established dental practices is hugely important to us. We look forward to working closely with the team in Ballyowen to further develop the practice over the coming months and years.”
To book an appointment with a Ballyowen dentist, please contact us here
