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Cabinteely dentist puts patients first

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal community dental experience. Our Cabinteely dentist puts that plan into practice

In June 2015, Dental Care Ireland took over the running of Park Clinic Dental in Cabinteely, Co Dublin. The Cabinteely dentist was previously owned by Dr Vincent McDonagh, who stayed on after the purchase as principal dentist. We offer a range of dental treatments in Cabinteely, including paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and root canal procedures as well as standard general treatments.

Located in The Park Shopping Centre on Glen Drive, our Cabinteely dentist deals with a broad demographic – from toddlers to older patients – and the staff here are delighted to be such a pivotal part of the community.

There are eight dentists working in our Cabinteely practice. Orthodontists Dr Aidan Redahan and Dr Joe Hennessy operate from the practice, and can prescribe metal, ceramic and Invisalign braces to patients.

Furthermore, paediatric dentists Dr Aifric Ni Chaollai, Dr Elaine Shore and Dr Charlotte McCarra specialise in children’s oral health, and is available throughout the week to see patients and answer your questions. Our newly refurbished reception area also includes a new children’s play area!

Working as a dentist in Cabinteely is clearly very rewarding, according to dentist Dr Brendan O’Connor. “No two days are ever the same in Cabinteely,” he says. “I just love the variety of the work here,” he says.

“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve built up a great rapport with our clients. Part of that is also down to the fact that we have a personal, dedicated service and we’re in a strong community setting.”

Bear in mind that our Cabinteely dentist has ample free parking as well as disabled access.

If you want to book an appointment with our Cabinteely dentist, please call our practice on 01-2853666 or click this link to book an appointment online. Our dentist in Cabinteely is open on Mondays and Fridays from 9-6; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-7; on Thursdays from 9-7.30; on Saturdays from 9-1; and every lunchtime.

Dental implants an effective remedy for missing teeth

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. Dental implants are an effective remedy for missing teeth. If you’re thinking about dental implants, we’re here for you

Oral health requires long-term maintenance, and with our busy modern lifestyles, even good diet and brushing regularly – tooth loss can sometimes occur.

Missing teeth may seem like an insurmountable challenge – but with implants, a solution is readily at hand. Modern implants can offer a permanent alternative to traditional dentures.

So, what is a dental implant? Dental implants can be thought of as biocompatible titanium anchors which provide a suitable platform for permanent ceramic crowns. Once successfully placed, dental implants effectively become part of your jawbone. Titanium is both bio-compatible and non-allergenic leading to predictable and clinically proven long-term stability.

After implant placement, dental crowns can then be created leading to a terrific aesthetic result. The safe, predictable dental implant placement protocol can take time – from six weeks to six months, depending on the scale of the treatment required.

Following implant placement and a healing phase, you will then be recommended to place a crown, bridge or denture in the affected area (depending on your treatment needs). In some cases this will be undertaken by your general dentist or at our clinic by our specialist prosthodontist.

Our practices around the country have vast experience in dental implant placement and utilise the latest materials and training. Implants are a safe, reliable way to ensure that your smile stays as radiant as ever!

If you’re looking to book an appointment with the aim of fitting dental implants, Dental Care Ireland practices can offer you the help you need. Our practices open throughout the day and at weekends, so make sure you check our opening hours before booking an appointment

How to look after your teeth in middle age

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you have any queries about looking after your teeth in middle age, please get in touch with us

Just like we look after our overall health, looking after your dental and oral health is a lifelong task. If we neglect to look after our teeth, we will encounter decay, disease and, potentially, tooth loss. It is particularly important to look after your teeth in middle age, as this is the time when they can weaken if they are not cared for properly.

So, what can you do to ensure that you maintain strong and healthy teeth in middle age?

Of course, the most important thing you can do is to remember to keep visiting your dentist regularly. Regular review will help prevent any dental issues before they occur – giving you piece of mind and a healthy mouth.

It’s important to keep brushing your teeth twice a day. You should brush for at least two minutes in a circular motion – your dentist and hygienist can help demonstrate the best method. It’s also important to floss, as brushing your teeth only cleans roughly half of the area of your teeth.

Teeth in middle age can be sensitive, so an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes can help with these tasks. If you notice bleeding when you brush, you should see your dentist who can best advise on your oral health, brushing techniques and diet. They can also help with smoking cessation.

As we age, our teeth naturally tend to get slightly darker and a little more yellow. Whitening products can help – and your dentist is best placed to advise on these. Sugar-free chewing gum can help reduce acid levels in your mouth after meals, helping keep your tooth enamel strong.

If you have any questions about oral health care in middle age, don’t hesitate to contact your local dentist for a consultation.

If you’re looking to book an appointment to discuss the health of your teeth in middle age, Dental Care Ireland practices can offer you the help you need. Our practices open throughout the day and at weekends, so make sure you check our opening hours before booking an appointment

Claregalway dentist draws patients from far and wide

Our Claregalway dentist, just ten kilometres outside Galway city, is a fantastic addition to our nationwide dental network

As a busy town just ten kilometres from Galway city, Claregalway is no stranger to passing trade – something to which the newest addition to the Dental Care Ireland network of dental practices can attest.

“We are on the busy N17 and close to the N83, which means patients from many counties can get to us easily,” says Joan Quinn, practice manager at the Claregalway dentist. “We pride ourselves in taking care of patients from all parts of Galway, as well as from the rest of Connacht, Clare and Limerick.”

Modern and progressive

Established by Dr Martin McCarthy in October 2002, who still works as a general dentist in the practice, the practice formerly known as Claregalway Dental Surgery is a vital part of the community. “We’ve been open for 16 years, but we have stayed modern and progressive all that time,” says Joan.

“I’m from Tuam but I’ve been working in the dental practice as manager since it opened in 2002 – I initially trained as a dental nurse with Martin in Galway city; we’ve been working together for 23 years now!” she says.

The Claregalway dentist has expanded to cater for the demand in the local area, with six general dentists available to see. “We have a big practice here, with five surgeries,” says Joan. “Along with our dentists, we have six dental nurses which includes two trainees, a receptionist and myself here. We also take on a trainee dental nurse from Athlone Institute of Technology for work experience throughout the year.”

Treatments ‘taking off’

The Claregalway dentist offers the usual general treatments, along with specialised treatments such as root canal, surgical extraction, crown and bridge work, implant crowns and tooth whitening, which Joan says has “really taken off in the past year”.

The refurbishment has created a serious buzz among the locals and the staff alike. “The practice is so bright and fresh now that people have told us it reminds them more of a hotel spa than a dental practice, which can only be a good thing,” says Joan.

Calm, trusting environment

“It’s our job to create and maintain a calm, trusting environment, and I think we’ve got the balance right. Having Dental Care Ireland on board just adds to that,” she says. “Rebranding the surgery has been brilliant for us, as Dental Care Ireland take care of the day-to-day running of the practice while we focus on what we do best: taking care of patients.”

So, what do the team in Claregalway do to put patients’ minds at ease? “Our style is friendly and personal – we have built up trust among patients over the years, and the family-based element of the practice, as well as being involved in the community, is so important to us,” says Joan.

The friendly approach is also evident among the staff. “Our team is great – we socialise together, have lunch together and enjoy regular nights out,” says Joan. “We also regularly visit community-based day centres, mother and toddler groups and schools throughout the year – it’s great to give something back to the community.”

Bustling feel in Claregalway

All in all, the Claregalway dentist is an integral part of people’s lives in the area, and the team are looking forward to welcoming existing and new patients into the practice and continuing their great relationship with other local businesses.

“It’s great to get good support from local businesses – we’re close to SuperValu, Claregalway Pharmacy, Treat Café and The Fancy Nest and Beyond Beauty,” says Joan. “The people in Claregalway are so nice and friendly – it’s a growing town full of young families which adds to the bustling feel about the place. We’re delighted to be here!”

The Dental Care Ireland practice in Claregalway is located in the heart of the town, in Cahergowan. Our Claregalway dentist is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 091-798333 or click the link above to book online

What are wisdom teeth warning signs?

Wisdom teeth can cause pain and stress, so it’s important to know the warning signs that they are appearing, as well as ways in which to minimise discomfort

“For many of us, the arrival of wisdom teeth can be both disruptive and painful” says Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland.

“By knowing the warning signs of a problem wisdom tooth, however, it is possible to relieve discomfort and treat any issues early on. Thanks to modern medicine, the removal of these teeth is now a straight-forward and largely pain free procedure.”

What are wisdom teeth?
Often referred to as third molars, these are the last teeth to arrive in the mouth. Most adults have 32 teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. These typically erupt after the body has finished its development, between the ages of 18 and 24. The number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, and in some cases, they may not appear at all.

It is common for a wisdom tooth to cause some discomfort and pain, mainly due to a lack of space in the mouth. Where there is not sufficient room, the wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle or only partially push through the gum. This is what is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.

Wisdom tooth warning signs
Not all wisdom teeth will cause issues, even if they are impacted. Where pain arises, however, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Signs and symptoms of a problem wisdom tooth can include:

Swollen and tender gums
Pain when biting or chewing
Soreness at back of mouth
Difficulty opening mouth
Bad taste in mouth
Sleep disturbance

Wisdom teeth pain relief
When wisdom teeth become impacted, your dentist will usually advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief. As an initial response to wisdom tooth pain, however, there are some home remedies that can help.

Mouth rinse
Rinsing the mouth with salt water or a medicated rinse such as Corsodyl can help reduce bacteria in the gums and thus tackle the source of pain. Make sure to carefully follow directions for use.

Analgesics
Over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation of the gums and the throbbing pain that comes with it. Follow directions for recommended dose to help ease discomfort.

Numbing dental gel
A numbing dental gel that contains the active ingredient benzocaine can help reduce feelings in the gums, thus numbing the pain.

Wisdom teeth removal
If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort from your wisdom tooth, your dentist will assess whether or not it needs to be removed.

An X-ray of the mouth will give the dentist a clearer picture of the position of the teeth.
Before the procedure, the patient is usually given a local/ general anaesthetic or sedation to numb the area around the tooth.
The main aim is to safely remove the tooth, while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.
Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days after the tooth has been removed.

If left untreated, some problematic wisdom teeth can eventually lead to further issues, such as:

Damage to other teeth
Cysts
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Jaw problems

Preventing infection
Although it is impossible to stop wisdom teeth coming through, maintaining a good oral health routine will help to prevent infection. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and try to avoid sugary snacks.

Six steps to a healthy Christmas smile

It’s possible to enjoy the festivities without losing your Christmas smile. Check out our tips below

“From fizzy drinks and chocolates, to wine and even the fruit in our Christmas pudding, many of the food and drinks we indulge in over Christmas are particularly acidic, and can lead to erosion of teeth, according to Dr Paul O’Dwyer, Group Clinical Advisor at Dental Care Ireland.

“With a bit of thought and planning, however, it is possible to enjoy all your seasonal favourites, and still maintain a healthy mouth and smile too.”

Six simple steps to a healthy Christmas smile:

Restrict treats to mealtime
Instead of grazing on selection boxes, biscuits or sweets throughout the day, enjoy a few treats as dessert after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.

Beware of hidden sugars
As well as frequency of snacking, the length of time sugary food stays in your mouth can affect tooth decay. Avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard candy canes or sticky sweets, as they will do the most damage to teeth. The dried fruit in seasonal favourites such as Christmas puddings and mince pies is also high in sugar and likely to stick to teeth.

Cheese please
Cheese helps return the mouth to its natural acid balance and reduce the chances of developing tooth decay. Even a small piece of cheese can have a positive effect, so enjoy that cheeseboard after dinner!

Tooth-friendly turkey
Another tooth-friendly Christmas staple is turkey. Turkey is a great source of phosphorus and protein, both of which can help your body fight tooth decay and keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Drink water
Where possible, avoid fizzy drinks and even fruit drinks or smoothies that can often be viewed as healthy but tend sometimes to be high in sugar and bad for your teeth. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine, it is best consumed with food to alleviate potential damage to teeth. Both red and white wine can stain teeth so be sure to brush well afterwards.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the festivities will help to dilute any acid attacks caused by sugary snacks or drinks.

Remember your routine
As teeth may be exposed to more sugar and acid over the Christmas period, maintaining a basic dental care routine at home is key for all the family. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.

After eating sugary treats, a good tip is to wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods soften your enamel, so if you brush right after eating them, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive.

Emergency dentist opening hours this Christmas

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. Please see the emergency dentist opening hours for every practice at Christmas below

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but you still may need an emergency dentist over the festive season. Please see our Christmas opening hours below. From all of us here in Dental Care Ireland, have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. We look forward to seeing you in 2019!

Ashbourne, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hour
December 24th: 10am to 2pm
December 31st: 10am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Ballsbridge (NIDM), Dublin 4:
Open until Thursday, December 20^th. Then closed until Wednesday, January 2^nd.
Cabinteely, Co Dublin:
December 22nd: Normal Hour
December 24th: 9:30am to 1pm
December 28th: 9:30am to 1pm
December 31st: 9:30am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Callan, Co Kilkenny:
December 21st: Normal Hours
December 22nd: 9am to 5pm
Sit-and-Wait Emergency Dentist Clinic (8:30 – 11am):
– 24th December
– 27th December
– 28th December
– 31st December
– 2nd January
January 3rd: Normal Hours
Carlow:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 27th: 9am to 1pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Castlebar, Co Mayo:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 9am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 2pm
December 31st: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Claregalway, Co Galway:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 10am to 12pm
December 28th: 10am to 12pm
December 31st: 10am to 12pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Greystones, Co Wicklow:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 9am to 12pm
December 28th: 9am to 12pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Kells, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 2.30pm
December 27th: 10am to 4pm
December 28th: 10am to 4pm
December 31st: 9am to 4pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Knocklyon, Dublin 16:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 8am to 12pm
December 27th: 9am to 12pm
December 28th: 9am to 12pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Navan, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 27th: 9am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 2pm
December 29th: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Swords, Co Dublin:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 10am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
December 31st: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Tullamore, Co Offaly:
December 20th: Normal Hours
December 21st: 9am to 2.30pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours

If you want to book an emergency dentist appointment with any Dental Care Ireland practice or find out more information, please click this link.

Are you interested in teeth whitening for Christmas?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you’re looking to avail of teeth whitening for Christmas, we’re here for you.

We have seen a huge increase in people who are enquiring about teeth whitening for Christmas, and indeed all around the country. It is a very popular treatment, and for good reason. Teeth whitening helps give people a better smile for the festive season!

It can be tempting to make the decision to opt for teeth whitening on a whim. However, at Dental Care Ireland, we recommend that the first step in deciding whether or not to whiten your teeth should be taken in consultation with your dentist. Our dentists will be able to give you excellent advice on your options.

Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums to see if you have any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening.

If you decide to undergo teeth whitening for Christmas, the next step will be for your dentist to take impressions of your teeth. These will be used to make teeth whitening trays for use with a home whitening kit. You will then receive an appointment to try out the kit and get advice as to how best to use it.

Your dentist will also work closely with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. It’s important to remember that teeth whitening can take approximately ten days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen.

Whitening your teeth involves a bit of time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Remember that your teeth may be a little sensitive after the treatment, but this generally resolves itself shortly afterwards. Most important of all, remember to keep taking care of your teeth afterwards!

If you’re looking to book an appointment for teeth whitening for Christmas, the Dental Care Ireland practices around the country can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours

DCI well represented in dentist awards

Congratulations and good luck to all of our dentists and practices who have been nominated for the 2018 Colgate Caring Dentist Awards

Thanks to our loyal patients throughout the country, Dental Care Ireland has received an outstanding 16 nominations this year in total for the showpiece dentist awards ceremony.

Our practices in Callan, Kells, Greystones, Claregalway, Tullamore, Carlow and Castlebar are all in the running for ‘Dental Team of the Year’, while nine of our dentists have been shortlisted for ‘Caring Dentist of the Year’.

Commenting on the awards, Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt said: “We are so pleased to have received 16 nominations for this year’s Colgate Caring Dentist Awards. This is a fantastic reward for our hard-working, dedicated staff around the country, who always put our patients first in everything they do. These nominations represent the huge strides we have made in the last year, and gives us an outstanding platform on which to improve even further in 2019.”

The annual dentist awards, supported by Colgate and the Irish Dental Association, highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession, through the eyes of the patient. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists nationwide are nominated by their patients for going above and beyond normal patient care.

We are proud that so many of our dentists and teams across the country have been nominated in these dentist awards, and it is a testament to our mission of always putting the patient first.

The overall winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on Saturday, 1st December 2018.

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Dental Team of The Year’ Nominees 2018:

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Caring Dentist of The Year’ Nominees 2018:

Dr Maeibh McNamara, Dental Care Ireland Castlebar
Dr Eadin Lawless, Dental Care Ireland Tullamore
Dr Jenny Huston, Callan Dental
Dr Eimear Rowan, Callan Dental
Dr Martin McCarthy, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Laura Kennedy, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Sinead Cooney, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Darragh Byrne, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Niamh O’Mahony, Claregalway Dental Surgery

To find out more about Dental Care Ireland, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice.

PRSI dental scheme: how much will you save?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you want more information about the PRSI dental scheme, get in touch with us

We all know that it’s an expensive time of the year, with Christmas on the horizon and plenty of things planned that will put a strain on your wallet. But did you know that looking after your teeth may be one of the best-value investments you will make?

The restoration of the PRSI dental scheme by the government last year covers those eligible for an examination (check-up) and contributes towards the cost of a scale and polish once per calendar year (January to December). This means that if you haven’t yet used your entitlements for 2018, you can still ensure your pearly whites stay just as bright throughout the festive season and into the new year!

The Treatment Benefit Scheme can be claimed by all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This group includes freelancers, farmers, small business owners, tradespeople, contractors, and professionals. At Dental Care Ireland, we are delighted to be offering treatments under the PRSI dental scheme at all of our general practices.

If you qualify, you will be able to have an exam, scale and polish in any of our nationwide practices for just €15. This price applies no matter where you are in the country, and is a great way to make sure that your teeth are getting the care and attention that they need. This PRSI dental scheme is a brilliant incentive to see your dentist, especially if you have stayed away for a long time.

The PRSI dental scheme represents great value, and will give you peace of mind when it comes to your mouth, teeth and gums. Reliable, efficient dental care is available at an affordable cost, so make sure you avail of before the end of the year at one of our dental practices nationwide.

If you’re looking to book an appointment to claim PRSI dental cover, one of our practices around the country can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information