Callan

Fall in Love with Your Smile: Teeth Whitening

This Valentine’s Day, let’s not just celebrate romantic love, but also embrace the beauty of self-love. Join us as we explore how to unlock the radiance of your smile, not just for February 14th, but for every day that follows. Let us help you to radiate confidence and charm with a smile that captures hearts and leaves a lasting impression.

Am I a suitable for teeth whitening?

Finding out if teeth whitening is right for you starts with a thorough check-up with your dentist. Generally, professional teeth whitening is recommended for patients with healthy teeth and gums, free from issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or hypersensitivity.

What does the teeth whitening treatment involve?

Your dentist will work with you to establish your desired shade of white. Customised whitening trays will be created based on impressions of your teeth. These trays, along with a special whitening gel, will be provided for at-home use.

How long does the treatment take?

Teeth whitening typically involves using the trays and gel at home for approximately one hour per day over seven to 14 days, depending on your desired shade outcome.

How white will my teeth go?

The achievable shade of white varies based on your teeth’s initial color. Your dentist can provide insight into the likely outcome before beginning the treatment.

Will I feel pain or sensitivity?

It’s common to experience some sensitivity during the whitening process, but this usually subsides after treatment. Using a sensitive toothpaste before and during whitening may help alleviate discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Does the teeth whitening treatment whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No, teeth whitening only affects natural teeth. Restorations like crowns, veneers, or tooth-coloured fillings won’t whiten. If you have such restorations on your front teeth, you may consider replacing them after whitening to match your new tooth shade.

Are teeth whitening results permanent?

Results vary from person to person and may be influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking and consumption of staining foods and drinks. Annual touch-ups or as-needed applications of whitening gel can help maintain your brighter smile.

How can I maintain my brighter smile?

Consistent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is key to preserving your whitened teeth. Additionally, avoiding smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and scheduling regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups are essential for long-term oral health.

Book yourself in for a teeth whitening treatment at one of our many practices all over Ireland.

Christmas Opening Hours 2023

Our Christmas opening hours are listed below, along with details of emergency clinics during the holiday period. All practices will return to normal opening hours from Wednesday, 3rd of January 2024.

We’d like to wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne, see here.

Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 08.00-12.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballincollig, see here.

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (Northumberland Dental Care)

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 07.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 07.30-17.30

For contact details of Northumberland Dental Care, see here.

Ballyowen, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, see here.

Beechwood Dental, Ranelagh, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-20.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Beechwood Dental, see here.

Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, see here.

Callan Dental, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Thursday 28th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Friday 29th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Callan Dental, see here.

Carlow Town, Co. Carlow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-11.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-11.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.40

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Carlow, see here.

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar, see here.

Claregalway, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Claregalway, see here.

Cork City, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: 09.00-17.00
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: 09.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cork, see here.

Douglas, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.45
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.45

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Douglas, see here.

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 11.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Drogheda, see here.

Dundrum, Dublin 14

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-16.15
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, see here.

Ennis, Co. Clare

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ennis, see here.

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Greystones, see here.

Kells, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kells, see here.

Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-14.00
Saturday 30th December: 10.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilbarrack, see here.

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.30-15.30
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-15.30
Friday 29th December: 09.30-15.30
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, see here.

Killarney, Co. Kerry

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-17.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

Kimmage, Dublin 6W

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, see here.

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-19.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-16.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-19.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, see here.

Limerick, Co. Limerick

Thursday 21st December: 09.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.30-17.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-16.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Limerick, see here.

Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Molesworth, see here.

Navan, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Navan, see here.

Rathfarnham, Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo

Thursday 21st December: 08.15-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.15-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.15-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Sligo, see here.

Swords, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-16.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-14.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-16.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Swords, see here.

Tuam, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed
Wednesday 3rd January: 09.00-16.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Tuam, see here.

Virginia, Co. Cavan

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00 emergency only
Friday 29th December: 11.00-15.00 emergency only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Virginia, see here.

Waterford City, Co. Waterford

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Waterford, see here.

Westport, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Westport, see here.

Wexford Town, Co. Wexford

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 10.00-15.00
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-15.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Wexford, see here.

If you experience a dental emergency while your local Dental Care Ireland practice is closed during the Christmas period, you can contact an emergency service below:

Leinster:

Dublin Dental Hospital: (01) 6127391
VHI SwiftCare Dundrum: (01) 4482450
St James’s Hospital A&E: (01) 4103000
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 9078770
NEDOC, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 6850750
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore: (057) 932 1501
Wexford General Hospital: (053) 9153000
Caredoc (South East & South Wicklow): 0818 300 365 or (059) 913 8100
Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny: (056) 7785000
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Munster:

Cork University Dental School & Hospital: (021) 4901100
University Hospital Limerick: (061) 301 111
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Connacht:

University College Galway: (091) 524222
Sligo University Hospital: 071 9171111
Caredoc Sligo: 0818 365 399
Westdoc: 1850 365 000

Ulster:

Caredoc (West Cavan): 0818 365 399

Dental Sedation is Now Available at Callan Dental

Dental sedation is offered at Callan Dental for patients who suffer high amounts of fear, anxiousness or nervousness about dental treatment. Dr Jennifer Huston offers both IV and inhalation sedation at Callan Dental. Sedation is offered for all treatments apart from the initial examination.

Types of Sedation at Callan Dental

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Happy Air): Nitrous Oxide Sedation is a gas sedative that helps patients relax during their dental procedures. It is administered through a mask and wears off quickly after the procedure.

IV Sedation: Intravenous Sedation (IV Sedation) is an option for patients who need a higher level of sedation. It is administered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring a comfortable and anxiety-free experience.

Below, Dr Jennifer Huston has answered some of your frequently asked questions about sedation at Callan Dental.

Am I suitable for dental sedation?

Dental sedation is an option for those who suffer with high amounts of fear, nervousness or anxiety about dental treatments. This can be used for treatments such as simple extractions, surgical extractions, restorations and cleanings. While there is no specific treatment that requires dental sedation, you may want to avail of the option if you do experience anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. It all depends on your wants and needs as a patient. While there is no upper age limit for dental sedation, a patient must be at least 18 years of age for IV Sedation, and Nitrous Oxide Sedation is available from approximately the age of 6 years old, based on suitability assessment at the consultation. Each patients suitability will be carefully assessed, taking into consideration their medical history.

How safe is dental sedation?

Dental sedation is very safe. Before booking a treatment with sedation, patients must attend a consultation appointment. Your dentist will discuss your medical history with you before administering it to make sure that you do not have any conditions which could make it an issue.

What do I need to do before sedation?

Before your dental sedation, you should not:

● Consume alcohol 24 hours before the appointment

Before your dental sedation, you can:

● Take any prescription medicines as normal; the dentist will have already checked that these are compatible with the sedative used.

● Have a light, non fatty meal (for example, toast).

Is there anything I need to prepare coming into the appointment?

● You should wear flat heeled shoes coming to the appointment as you will be unsteady on your feet for a couple of hours following the sedation visit. You should also not wear any nail varnish or false nails as we need to place a pulse monitor on your finger that shines a light through your fingernail during the treatment.

Do I need to have somebody with me?

Yes. You must bring a responsible adult with you to the sedation visit. They must remain in the practice during your treatment and must escort you home. We will not be able to carry out the sedation treatment unless this person is present. This is a legal requirement of the laws governing Dental Treatment under IV Sedation.

What do I need to do after sedation?

After your treatment, it is important that you:

● Have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours

● Do not drive a vehicle for 24 hours.

● Do not operate machinery

● Do not look after small children

● Do not carry out any dangerous tasks requiring concentration for 24 hours

● Do not consume alcohol or sleeping tablets for 24 hours

● We will keep you in our waiting room or in the dental chair as the sedative starts to wear off. Generally this only takes between 15-30 minutes.

Will I feel sick afterwards?

No. Unlike a general anaesthetic, there is usually no feeling of nausea afterwards. This is due to the fact that very different drugs are used. However, you will have a very good night’s sleep following your sedation.

About Dr Jennifer Huston

Dental anxiety is a very real and debilitating condition that prevents many people from seeking the dental care they need. For over 10 years, Dr Jennifer Huston has been treating nervous dental patients under sedation. She has empowered countless individuals to receive the essential dental care they would otherwise have avoided.

Jennifer’s journey to becoming a dentist with a special interest in treating nervous patients began when she earned her honours dental degree from Trinity College Dublin. Soon afterwards she realised her passion and skill for helping those with dental anxiety. She decided to pursue additional training in sedation dentistry and pain management in the prestigious Eastman Dental Hospital in London.

With over 10 years of experience, Jennifer has honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of nervous patients. One of the hallmarks of Jennifer’s practice is her compassion and empathy. She takes the time to listen to her patients, understanding their fears and concerns. Her gentle demeanour and kind chairside manner put patients at ease from the moment they walk through the door. This personalised approach helps build trust, which is crucial when working with individuals who suffer from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo dental procedures in a relaxed and anxiety-free state. Jennifer carefully tailors the level of sedation to each patient’s needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe throughout their treatment.

Jennifer continues to update her knowledge and finetune her skills by regularly attending courses and seminars in dental sedation. She is a member of SAAD (Sedation, Analgesia and Anxiety Management for Dentistry), the International Society of Dental Anxiety Management and the Dental Sedation Teachers Group.

If you’ve been putting off essential dental treatment due to phobia, fear or anxiety please do not hesitate to contact Dr Jennifer Huston in Callan Dental. She will be delighted to look after you and help you achieve a healthier, happier smile.

If you have any other questions about dental sedation at Callan Dental or would like to book an appointment, please contact us on (056) 775 5577 or callan@dentalcareireland.ie.

Vaping and Oral Health: What Do I Need To Know?

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young adults and teenagers. The use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. While this may be the case, there is mounting evidence to suggest that vaping still poses significant risks to oral health. Below, Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of Dental Care Ireland, discusses the harmful effects vaping has on our oral health.

Nicotine harms your oral health

E-cigarettes contain a liquid mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into an aerosol, which is then inhaled. Nicotine is one of the most harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes. It can cause a range of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. Nicotine also reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal from infections, injuries or dental procedures. This is why we advise you to avoid vaping after a dental procedure.

Nicotine can also cause yellow staining on your teeth. While this type of staining is usually associated with tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes can also do this to your teeth. If you wish to keep your smile pearly white, it is best to avoid vaping.

The flavourings used in e-cigarettes also pose a risk to oral health. Many of these flavourings contain chemicals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Some flavourings can also damage the enamel on the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Vaping can lead to dry mouth

Another issue with vaping is that it dries out the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to a host of oral health problems, including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva to wash away harmful bacteria, food particles, and other debris. This can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

Vaping is not a healthy habit

While we are only beginning to learn about the adverse effects of vaping for your oral health, it is becoming evident that vaping is not as safe as we may have initially assumed. However, e-cigarettes are certainly better for your oral health than tobacco cigarettes. This makes vaping a good segway for those trying to quit smoking, but it’s certainly not a good decision to start vaping from scratch! Unfortunately, we are seeing young people and teenagers beginning to vape even if they have never smoked before, which is not a trend we want to see.

Finally, if you do vape, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, keep up a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and do consider cutting back or quitting; your mouth will thank you for it!

If you would like to book a check-up with your local Dental Care Ireland practice, you can find our contact details here.

Teeth Whitening FAQ’s

This June and July, Dental Care Ireland are offering 20% off teeth whitening across all practices so you can brighten up your summer smile!

Dr. Jennifer Collins is the Clinical Director of the Dental Care Ireland group. Below, she has answered your frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Dental Care Ireland.

Q: Am I a suitable candidate for teeth whitening?

A: A full check-up with your dentist is recommended prior to whitening treatment to determine your suitability. Professional teeth whitening is ideal for patients who have healthy teeth and gums with no anterior (front) tooth restorations such as fillings, crowns or veneers. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity.

Q: What does the treatment involve?

A: Once you are a suitable candidate, your dentist will work with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. Impressions will then be taken of your teeth to develop custom whitening trays which you can use yourself at home. Your bespoke whitening kit will include the trays and a special whitening gel.

Q: How long does the treatment take?

A: Teeth whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for either 1-2 hours an evening or overnight for approximately 7 to 14 days. This depends on the shade you wish to achieve and the strength of whitening gels used. Your dentist will discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable whitening treatment.

Q: How white will my teeth go?

A: The shade of white you are able to achieve with whitening depends on a few factors. This includes the shade of your teeth prior to treatment, your diet and whether or not you smoke. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely outcome before you begin your whitening treatment.

Q: Will I feel pain or sensitivity?

A: You may experience some sensitivity during the whitening process. This is completely normal and should disappear when you finish your whitening treatment. If you usually have sensitive teeth, it may be helpful to use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth before and during whitening.

Q: Is whitening harmful to my teeth and gums?

A: No, teeth whitening is not harmful to your teeth and gums. A common misconception is that whitening can weaken your teeth. This may be due to the sensitivity that some patients experience during treatment. However, this is completely normal and should disappear when you finish your whitening treatment.

Q: Does the treatment whiten crowns, veneers or fillings?

A: No. Whitening only works on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings will not whiten. If you have any crowns, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, you may need to have these replaced after your whitening treatment to match them to your new, whiter shade.

Q: Are the results permanent?

A: The effects of whitening will vary from person to person. Results may be impacted by smoking or consuming certain foods and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. As your whitening trays are reusable, you can top-up your treatment if the colour of your teeth darkens overtime.

Q: How can I maintain my brighter smile?

A: After the initial whitening process, you will have plenty of whitening gel remaining which you can use to top-up your tooth shade annually or as needed. Try to maintain a good oral health routine at home, avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

To avail of our 20% off teeth whitening offer, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice here.