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Do you need root canal treatment in Dublin?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need to get root canal treatment in Dublin, please get in touch with us

Root canal treatment is a specialised treatment that helps to save or repair a tooth that has been significantly damaged or infected. This treatment involves opening up the tooth at the crown, removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals and filling the canal system.

The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked or broken tooth, a deep cavity which regularly has food stuck in it, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma that has been sustained by the patient. The term “root canal” itself comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root.

During the treatment itself, the canal system is filled with a substance known as gutta percha which has a rubber-like consistency and prevents another infection in the canal. The crown of the tooth is then filled with tooth-coloured filling material.

It’s important to remember that you won’t feel any pain during a root canal treatment because your dentist will numb the area with anaesthetic. Depending on the severity of the treatment needed, root canal treatment can be done over one or more visits.

This treatment is usually very successful, and generally causes no issues afterwards for patients. We offer root canal treatment in Dublin at each of our four practices in the capital: in Cabinteely, Knocklyon, Swords and the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

It is important that if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any of your teeth, that you see your dentist straight away for a consultation. Don’t worry, not every toothache means you’ll need to get root canal treatment, but it’s important to be vigilant to avoid serious issues in the future.

At Dental Care Ireland, our reliable, friendly and professional team will be able to advise you on your options.

If you’re looking to book an appointment to get root canal treatment in Dublin, our practices around the city 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

Make a success of your child’s first dental visit

Your child’s first dental visit is a hugely important step towards making them feel comfortable and secure in what is a new environment

The old notion of the dentist as someone to be feared is thankfully long gone, but that doesn’t mean that everyone goes to their local practice completely free of nerves. These nerves generally derive from difficult trips to the dentist in childhood, or from exaggerated scare stories heard through the grapevine.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child’s first dental visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so they can be properly introduced to an environment that is both safe and friendly.

How do children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth?

Children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth in size, colour and consistency. Generally, children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and whiter than adult teeth, which are bigger, darker, more dense and a little more yellow. Given the size and state of children’s teeth, it is important they get the care they need as early as possible to ensure their oral and dental health are as good as can be.

When should your child see the dentist for the first time?

Your child’s first dental visit should happen when the first tooth appears. This generally occurs when they are six months old.

What can you do to make the first visit as easy as possible?

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.

First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child, to make sure it’s a stress-free visit. Make sure they have had a sleep so they’re well rested, and also that they’re not hungry or cranky in any way, such as first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re rushed or stressed, your child will pick up on that and probably won’t be happy as a result.

You’ll want to give your child a decent bit of time to acclimatise to what is a new and strange environment for them! Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly.

Parents are present at all times during the child’s first dental visit to put them at ease, and to hear about what the examination will entail, as well as take-home tips. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared.

Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern, to establish a baseline for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues down the line that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.

Overall, the visit should be fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t scared or apprehensive.

What take-home messages do you need?

After your child’s first dental visit, you will gain some valuable insights into brushing techniques, some oral and dental health advice in general and dietary advice so your child isn’t eating or drinking too many sugary foods and drinks. This is particularly important as it will hopefully establish good dental habits for life.

Your dentist will want to closely monitor your child’s dental health, progression and growth in the months and years to come. If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come.

If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we 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

Do you need soft food ideas for braces?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need soft food ideas for braces, or information on any other dental matter, please get in touch with us

As we’ve seen in previous blogs, orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular with both adults and children, as technology improves to make braces less noticeable, more effective and more comfortable for people. But there are also practical, day-to-day realities when it comes to orthodontics, particularly when you get them fitted and are getting used to them. One thing you need to have are soft food ideas for braces.

Of course, it is important that you steer clear of hard foods like nuts and hard sweets which may damage braces when you’ve just had them fitted, regardless of whether they are made from ceramic, steel or Invisalign. But the reality is that many foods could be classified as “hard” so what are the best soft food ideas for braces?

Dairy products such as yoghurts and cheeses are great for braces, as well as soups, mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s important to be creative – just because meats tend to be hard on your teeth doesn’t mean you can’t have, say, tender shavings of meat or meals like lasagne or quiche.

You may have to forgo rashers on weekend mornings, but smoked salmon and scrambled eggs are both healthy and will be very soft on your new braces.

If you need any more information about your new braces, we are pleased to let you know that all our Dublin practices – in Knocklyon, Swords, Ballsbridge and Cabinteely – have an orthodontist on hand to help if you are looking for specialised treatment.

Braces are safe, reliable and very effective. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our friendly team who can talk you through your options and what will work best for you after an initial consultation.

If you’re looking to book an appointment to get braces in Dublin, our practices around the city 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

PRSI dental cover: make sure you claim

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you want to check whether you are due PRSI dental cover, get in touch with us

Last year, the government introduced the Treatment Benefit Scheme which could be claimed by all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals. It is said that this treatment benefit extends to 450,000 self-employed workers around the country, and we are delighted that PRSI dental cover is part of that rollout.

Now, everyone who qualifies will be able to have an exam, scale and polish in any of our nationwide practices for just €15. This is a fantastic development, but what exactly does PRSI dental cover encompass when we talk about an exam, scale and polish?

Simply put, a scale and polish is another way to describe a dental cleaning, whereby your dentist will remove plaque (a thin, soft layer of saliva, food and bacteria) as well as tartar from your teeth, leaving them clean and smooth so plaque is unable to stick to them and giving you a better chance of keeping them clean.

The plaque and tartar are cleaned gently without causing any damage to your teeth or gums, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during these treatments.

Your examination will cover the general health of your teeth, gums and mouth, whereby your dentist will be able to advise you on what you need to do (or need to keep doing) in order to make sure your oral and dental health is strong. This PRSI dental cover is great value, and will give you peace of mind when it comes to your mouth, teeth and gums.

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

If you’re looking for braces in Dublin, we can help

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need to get braces in Dublin, get in touch with us

Orthodontics (or braces) has become extremely popular all over Ireland. Up until recently, people assumed that braces could only really be worn by children, as their jaws and teeth were generally softer than those of adults, and therefore would be able to be “corrected” effectively. But now we have seen a huge upturn in the popularity of braces among older people as technology improves.

With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that all our Dublin practices – in Knocklyon, Swords, Ballsbridge and Cabinteely – have an orthodontist on hand to help if you are looking for specialised treatment.

There are different types of braces that you can get. These include Invisalign braces, which work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth; and ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth to make them almost unnoticeable.

Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents. However, from an aesthetic point of view, these would not be as effective as Invisalign or ceramic braces.

Dr Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “There are plenty of options if you’re looking to get braces in Dublin. The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment. However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment.”

It is important to remember that there is also a functional reason to get braces – it’s not just because they look good! For example, many patients may find that food is constantly getting stuck in between teeth that are damaged or mis-shapen. This tricky situation can itself lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of braces in Dublin and around the country.

Are you looking for a dental hygienist in Dublin?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you are interested in seeing a dental hygienist in Dublin, get in touch with us

We all know that prevention is better than cure, and never has that adage been more true than in the dentist’s surgery. Regular visits to your dentist are essential in order to identify potential problems before they start to cause you pain or discomfort, and your dental hygienist plays a key role in preventing these nasty issues arising.

A dental hygienist’s role is to prevent all types of dental diseases progressing. There are a number of ways in which this can be done, including scaling and polishing to stop swollen gums (gingivitis) from appearing or to treat the first sign of them, deep cleaning to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease, and tooth stain removal.

Your dental hygienist in Dublin or elsewhere around the country can also give you excellent dietary and dental hygiene advice so you can help prevent the issues yourself, through the right type of brushing and flossing.

If you’re looking for a dental hygienist in Dublin or indeed around the country, we have plenty of options from which to choose. Lyndsey Neill operates out of our practice in Swords in north Dublin, while Sharon McGovern is our dental hygienist in Cabinteely, south Dublin.

Meanwhile, the President of the Irish Dental Hygienists’ Association, Donna Paton, operates in our Tullamore, Co Offaly practice.

Dental hygiene is a key part of your overall dental health – to ensure that you are getting the care that you need, seeing a dental hygienist regularly and following their advice on diet, brushing and flossing are essential.

Also, bear in mind that due to recent PRSI changes, PRSI payors are now entitled to an annual check up, scale and polish for only €15 – please contact your local DCI practice to check eligibility.

If you’re looking to book an appointment with a dental hygienist in Dublin, one of our practices 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

Dentist in Greystones is the newest DCI practice

Dental Care Ireland Greystones practice manager Rachel Coughlan is delighted that the dentist in Greystones has undergone such a successful renovation

The brand-new Dental Care Ireland practice in Greystones is located right in the heart of the bustling main street on Church Road, and even still it’s a dental practice that has been a part of the community for decades.

Father and daughter team

“The dental practice was opened in 1980 by Gerry Kilfeather, who still works here alongside his daughter Gina,” says Rachel Coughlan, practice manager of the Greystones dental practice. “We’ve been an integral part of the town for nearly four decades now, so it’s great to be able to rebrand while retaining staff who the community know and trust.”

This new arrival to the Dental Care Ireland network of nationwide practices is our first dental practice in Wicklow, and it’s a welcome addition. “Our practice is located in a fine building in the centre of the town and the refurbishment has been a great boost, even though it’s not quite finished yet,” says Rachel.

Bigger dental practice

“We added an additional surgery which means we now have three in total. This also means that we have the capacity to expand even further.”

This is fantastic news for a practice that already boasts an extensive team. “We have two dentists, Gerry and Gina, as well as three nurses, a dental hygienist and myself.

“There’s a real family-run element to this dental practice,” says Rachel. “Along with Gina and Gerry, Gina’s husband Ed is also undergoing specialist training, and is offering dental implants and periodontics at the practice.”

Great reaction

As the newest member of the Dental Care Ireland network, what are the team in Greystones looking forward to most from the new way of doing business? “It’s great for us because it really takes away some of the hassles associated with the day-to-day running of the practice so we have more time for our patients,” says Rachel.

“Now, our dentists and staff can focus on what they do best, that is taking care of our patients, instead of being busy with paperwork all the time!”

Even though the refurbishment is still in the final stages, patients in Greystones have noticed the changes that have been made. “We’ve had a great reaction from the public,” she says. “Our patients have been really positive, and the practice itself is now so bright and fresh-looking. We have a lovely kids’ corner with iPads, and the atmosphere is really brilliant.”

Excellent patient care

Even though change is afoot for this dentist in Greystones, some things stay the same. “Gerry, Gina and the team have always been so good with our patients – our primary focus has always been on maintaining excellent patient care, and making sure we can help prevent any dental problems from occurring,” says Rachel.

“It’s really about making people feel happy and comfortable, because we know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to go to the dentist. For particularly nervous patients, we also offer sedation should they need it. We also have candles lit to lend a lovely atmosphere – we want people to be as relaxed as possible and now with our new facilities we can provide an even more comfortable experience for them,” she says.

“The patient experience starts from the moment they call to book an appointment or when they walk into the dental practice for the first time. We are friendly and welcoming, and often offer nervous patients a cup of tea when they’re waiting to see a dentist,” says Rachel.

The future is bright

The dentist in Greystones is seeing huge interest in procedures such as whitening and dental hygiene treatments, and it’s clear that the future is bright. “We are finding that more and more people are calling in to the practice to chat to us, along with our regular patients,” she says.

“After the official launch of the practice, we are expecting an ever bigger impact in the community, as are looking forward to adding more specialised treatments depending on demand. It’s an exciting time!”

The DCI dentist in Greystones is located in Bow Lane off Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow. The practice is open on Mondays from 9am to 6pm, on Tuesdays from 9am to 7.30pm, on Wednesdays from 8am to 7.30pm, on Thursdays from 9am to 5.30pm, on Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 01-2875133 or click the link above to book online

Are you looking for dental implants in Dublin?

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

Missing teeth are a nuisance: you can feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about what is, essentially, a very easily-solved problem. Dental implants are a great way to deal with the issue of missing teeth, and are a good, permanent alternative to dentures.

But what is a dental implant? Basically, an implant is an artificial titanium root used to anchor a permanent ceramic crown or removable denture. Implants become part of your jawbone, so the highest-quality material needs to be used. Titanium will not result in an allergic reaction so is a fantastic option.

Once fitted, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. The dental implants will not look out of place in your mouth and the treatment can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the specific treatment that needs to be completed.

If you’re looking for dental implants in Dublin, then get in contact with our dental practice in the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. This practice has been offering high-quality, effective dental care, as well as specialised dental treatments, to patients for well over 25 years.

Our friendly and reliable staff are on hand in a state-of-the-art environment to answer any questions you have about dental implants in general, the treatment and the aftermath, so your mind is at ease when you decide to go ahead with the treatment.

If you are considering dental implants, we encourage you to come in for a consultation with our dental implant specialists Dr Maher Kemmoona, Dr Breandan O’Niadh or Dr Anne O’Donoghue to discuss treatment options.

There’s no need to suffer the pain of missing teeth. Dental implants are a safe, reliable way to ensure that your smile stays as radiant as ever!

If you’re looking to book an appointment for dental implants in Dublin, the Dental Care Ireland practices in the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 can offer you the help you need. Our practice in Ballsbridge opens on Mondays to Fridays from 7.30am to 6pm; you can call the practice on 01-6688441

Dealing with bad breath for Valentine’s Day

It’s something that nobody wants to consider, but bad breath affects one in four of us. Make sure your dental health is in good shape by following these tips

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, and is treasured by couples everywhere. A kiss on Valentine’s Day is something many people will be hoping for, but for one in four people, bad breath may hamper their chances.

According to the Irish Dental Association, 25% of Irish people are dealing with chronic bad breath (or halitosis) at any given time, but even so, it’s a reality that many people can avoid by following just a few quick steps.

A common cause of chronic bad breath is bacteria in the mouth working to naturally break down food, leading to some plaque lingering on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, this plaque can produce an unpleasant smell.

It’s important to remember that brushing only deals with about 60% of this plaque build-up, so make sure that you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach, and limit the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth.

It’s also important to brush your teeth effectively when dealing with bad breath – generally speaking, you need to brush for a at least two minutes and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too.

Of course strong-smelling foods such as onions and garlic can affect your breath, but this is often only temporary and will go once you brush and floss.

Predictably, smoking is also a likely cause of your bad breath. As well as the lingering smell of stale smoke, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.

If you follow the steps above and your bad breath persists, it could be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure you see your dentist regularly so that you can avoid dealing with bad breath in the first place.

Dental Care Ireland has practices around the country. Get in touch with your local practice for an appointment, and remember you can also book an appointment online

Preparing Your Teeth for Pregnancy

“Women are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy, explains Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland.

“Gums can often become swollen or tender, and may bleed during brushing. The good news is that they usually return to normal after delivery, and any sensitivity should also diminish. In the meantime, keeping up a thorough oral health routine will help your teeth in pregnancy, as well as ensuring plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.”

Gum Disease

Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gum tissue, which can cause gums to become more sensitive, leading to inflammation and bleeding. This condition is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. It affects between 50% and 70% of women at some time during their pregnancy.

If left untreated, it can develop into full periodontal disease, which infects the bone and other tissue supporting the teeth. It is important therefore, to keep the teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible during pregnancy, by maintaining a good oral health routine.

Morning Sickness

If you experience morning sickness during pregnancy, think twice before reaching for your toothbrush!

When you are sick, you expose your teeth to acid, which can soften your enamel. If you brush straight away, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash, and wait 30 minutes before brushing.

Dental Treatments

Ideally, schedule a dental check-up before you are pregnant, to ensure that any outstanding or urgent treatment can be completed.

It is safe and recommended to continue to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for a check-up and routine dental work during pregnancy. However, dental x-rays should be avoided while pregnant. Always make sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant.

8 Pregnancy Dental Health Tips:

Brush teeth thoroughly at least twice daily, using a fluoride toothpaste
Floss teeth every day
Rinse with water or alcohol-free mouthwash after morning sickness
Introduce a soft-bristled brush for sensitive teeth
Schedule a dental check-up and professional clean
Maintain a balanced and varied diet
Avoid snacking on food or drinks with a high sugar content
Take note of food or drinks that trigger sensitivity

If you’re looking to book an appointment for you or your child, Dental Care Ireland has 13 practices nationwide, that can offer all forms of dental treatments 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 of your local practice.