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Tooth loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, including decay, gum disease and physical injury. Even with good oral hygiene, tooth loss can sometimes occur. Missing teeth can seem like a big problem, but with dental implants, a solution is readily available. Modern dental implants can offer an alternative to traditional dentures. Dr. Maher Kemmoona and Dr Breandán O’Niadh are two of our dental implant specialists at Northumberland Dental Care. Below, they have answered some of your frequently asked questions about dental implants.   Q: What are dental implants? A: Dental implants are artificial roots that can be used to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures, providing a solution to missing teeth. The implants are embedded in the jaw and fuse to the jawbone to imitate the root of the tooth. The implant provides a stable foundation onto which a crown, bridge or denture can be placed.   Q: Why are dental implants used? A: When natural teeth are lost, the bone supporting thes

Sleep apnoea is a condition where the walls of the throat collapse during sleep which affects your normal breathing pattern. As a result, your regular sleeping pattern can be affected. Dr Chris Ford at Northumberland Dental Care provides oral sleep apnoea appliances to patients who snore or have mild to moderate sleep apnoea. Dr Chris Ford is qualified both as a doctor and dentist and has been a member of the Irish Society of Dental Sleep Medicine for some years now. Below, Dr Chris Ford has answered some commonly asked sleep apnoea questions. Q. What are symptoms of sleep apnoea? A. Sleep apnoea is quite a common condition. However, you often won’t be the one to notice symptoms as they occur while you sleep. For this reason, it is usually a partner, friend or family member who spots the signs of sleep apnoea initially. These symptoms can include loud snoring, loud or struggling breathing, gasping or snorting. This may cause you to wake up frequently through the night. Even if yo

Dealing with nervousness and anxiety when facing a dental visit is very common. Each person experiences dental anxiety in different ways. If you are an anxious dental patient, however, there are many strategies that can help you to cope. Our new general dentist, Dr Chris Ford, has particular expertise in dental sedation and pain management. Here, he answers your most frequently asked questions about sedation for nervous patients.  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. Dr Chris Ford provides intravenous sedation for adults aged 15 – 65 who are fit and well. 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 an

Fillings are a common dental treatment used to repair small and developing cavities or chips. Thanks to modern dental techniques, the procedure is typically painless and takes about an hour or less to complete. The sooner a cavity is treated, the better the outcome for your tooth. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect any issues at an early stage, saving you both time and money. Dental decay may not always cause symptoms at first, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs. Dr Jennifer Collins, our lead general dentist, outlines six signals that you may need a filling. Six signs that you may need a filling #1 Tooth Sensitivity Although tooth sensitivity is a common condition, it can also be an early indicator of more serious dental problems. Does one of your teeth feel sensitive when exposed to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods? #2 Consistent toothache If you experience ongoing toothache, your dentist will need to assess the underlying cause. Toothache may not necessar

Our Christmas opening hours are listed below, along with details of emergency clinics at our sister practices in Knocklyon, Kimmage and Kilbarrack. Northumberland Dental Care will return to normal opening hours from Tuesday, 4th January 2022. Merry Christmas to all our patients and every good wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Northumberland Dental Care Christmas Opening Hours Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm (general dentistry only) Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 4pm (general dentistry only) Wednesday 22nd December: 9am- 1pm (general dentistry only) Thursday 23rd December: Closed Friday 24th December: Closed Saturday 25th December: Closed Sunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: Closed Thursday 30th December: Closed Friday 31st December: Closed Saturday 1st January: Closed Sunday 2nd January: Closed Monday 3rd January: Closed Emergency Dental Clinics Should you require a dentist during the holid

Did you know that women are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy? Hormonal changes in pregnancy increase blood flow to the gum tissue, which can cause gums to become more sensitive, leading to inflammation and bleeding. To prevent long-term damage, it is important to keep the mouth as clean and healthy as possible by maintaining a thorough oral health routine. Here are five tips on dental care in pregnancy from our dental hygienist, Monica Bulaclac. #1 Dental Hygiene Throughout pregnancy, try to ensure that you brush teeth twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. To help remove trapped food and plaque, floss daily or use an interdental brush. Remember to include your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria. #2 Dental Appointments It is safe and recommended to continue to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for a check-up and routine dental care in pregnancy. However, dental x-rays should be avoided while pregnant. Always make sure to tell your dentist that you

With the end of year in sight, now is an ideal time to avail of your dental entitlements for 2021. If you pay PRSI or dental insurance, you may be covered for some or all of the cost of certain dental treatments. Did you know that many specialist treatments also qualify for tax relief? Lesley Doyle, our practice manager, answers some common queries about how to maximise your dental benefits. Q. What are my PRSI dental entitlements? Northumberland Dental Care 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? 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. Q. How do I know if I qualify for PRSI benefits? Contact our reception team with details of your PPSN and date o

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the root beneath. Receding gums are a common condition, and can occur at any age. People are often unaware that their gums are receding as it is such a gradual process. Although gum tissue does not grow back, there are many treatment options that can help to stop or slow down the process. If left untreated, however, the tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, eventually leading to tooth loss. Here, Dr Maher Kemmoona, our gum specialist, outlines some common causes, symptoms and treatments for receding gums. Why do gums recede?  There are a number of factors that can cause gums to recede, including: Gum diseases: these are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and the supporting bone which holds the teeth in place. Genetics: some people are more predisposed to periodontal weaknesses and gum disease. Aggressive tooth brushing: brush

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition which affects the flow of saliva in the mouth, causing it to feel dry and uncomfortable. Saliva is essential to keep our mouths moist and cleansed. It prevents tooth decay, enhances our ability to taste, makes it easier to swallow, and aids in healthy digestion. Although treatment of dry mouth is often dependent on the underlying cause, Dr Colin Maher, our general dentist, shares some useful tips on how to relieve the symptoms. What causes dry mouth? Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems, including dehydration, anxiety or breathing through the mouth at night. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. In other cases, it can be caused by medical treatments such as radiotherapy, or surgery to the head or neck. A dry mouth that does not go away can be a direct result of a medical condition such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome. How can I treat dry mouth? To help relieve the symptoms: DO Sip water regula

Dental flossing is an important step to keeping teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that an incorrect flossing technique could cause your mouth more harm than good? As part of your oral hygiene routine, it is recommended to floss daily or use an interdental brush. It helps remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth, which can otherwise lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Monica Bulaclac, our dental hygienist, shares her top six tips for an effective dental flossing regime. Six Dental Flossing Tips: #1 Floss before brushing It is preferable to floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If the tooth surfaces have first been cleaned by floss, it also allows the fluoride in toothpaste to better coat and protect those surfaces. #2 Use enough floss Using an inadequate length of floss will make it difficult to reach all teeth. Ideally, break off about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. To hold the floss correctly, wind most of it around you