dentalcare final pdfs

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A BeCreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ieEditor Nuala Ryan – [email protected]

Contributors Tara Leigh, Emma Hill, Ben MurnanePhotography Original photography by Nic Mac Innes – [email protected]

Advertising Keith Gildea – [email protected] (01) 7055469Design INM Design Studio – [email protected]

Repro Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

I R I S H I N D E P E N D E N TD E N T A L C A R E

03 Oral disease prevention04 Think before you travel05 Nine facts your dentist wants you to know06 Get the perfect smile – your guide to orthodontics07 Dental phobias08 Dentist profiles10 Healthy teeth, happy kids11 Understanding dental implants,

plus a guide to dentures12 Cosmetic dentistry explained14 In case of emergency15 The changing face of dentistry

– a look at emerging dental treatments and technologies

DID YOU KNOW?Eating and drinking

sugary foods and drinks regularly is the biggest cause

of tooth decay

I have long been a fan of Cheryl Cole’s pearly whites and, having been a survivorof teenage braces, understand the importance of dental care and the benefits ofhaving a beautiful set of teeth. There really is nothing quite like the ‘perfect’ smile.

Today, I’m happy to report, dental care has greatly evolved since the days of thedentist’s drills and awful extractions, when having a tooth pulled was the only solution todental pain. So, cast your preconceived notions aside, because it’s time to visit your dentist again.

There is no discounting the importance of oral hygiene and the benefits that it has on youroverall health. In fact, a recent study carried out by experts from University College London foundthat people who never or rarely brush their teeth are 70 per cent more likely to suffer from heartdisease than those who brush twice a day, establishing a clear link between poor dental hygiene andincreased risk of heart problems.

Good oral health is a combination of the teeth and mouth being healthy, feeling comfortable,functioning well, and having an acceptable appearance. Dentists recommend you brush twicedaily as, through regular brushing and good oral practices, you can combat plaque and tartarwhich, in turn, fights tooth decay and oral disease. Regularcheckups with your dentist – at least once every six months –are also recommended.

And now, because of the huge advancements anddevelopments in Irish dental care, the solution to atoothache is no longer just an extraction, and thegrowth of cosmetic dentistry means we can allachieve our perfect set of pearly whites. Better still,many clinics have based their design on boutiquehotels, so now you can enjoy TV in the waitingroom and music and massage in the dentist’s chair.We’ve certainly come a long way!

Healthy teeth are a sign of a healthy, happy andconfident you. So invest in your smile again and beproud to say ‘cheese’!

Nuala Ryan, Editor

DID YOU KNOW?Teeth are the hardest

substance in the human body

DID YOU KNOW?The use of toothpaste dates back to 500BC,

with records of it being used in both India and ChinaSay Cheese!

Contents

ccording to the experts,brushing teeth twicedaily is key to reducingthe levels of bacteria inthe mouth, which will,in turn, reduce yourrisk of developing oraldisease. If you do notbrush your teeth

regularly, you can end up withincreased levels of bacteria leadingto inflammation and the build-up of plaque.

To maintain good oral health thereare a number of important factors toconsider. Not only is eating healthilyvital – frequent consumption of sugaryfoods and drinks is the biggest cause oftooth decay – but smoking andexcessive alcohol consumption, whichare major risk factors for cardiovasculardisease, cancers and oral diseases,should be avoided.

Gum disease can be easily preventedand treated. However, to maintaingood oral health, you should visit yourdentist regularly and carry out theproper oral hygiene practices at home.This means eating healthily, cuttingback on alcohol, quitting smoking andbrushing the teeth at least twice a day.In doing so, your teeth should last you a lifetime.

Gum DiseasePeriodontal disease, or gum disease, is avery common condition that can occuras gingivitis, which is inflammation ofthe gum distinguished by redness,swelling and bleeding on brushing; oras periodontitis, which is inflammationof the bone and tissues of the teeth. Ifleft untreated, these conditions canresult in the loss of gum and bonetissue or loosening and loss of teeth.

As is the case with most oral diseases,prevention is key. To reduce your risk

of developing oral disease, practiseregular brushing and plaque control. Asbrushing is the best plaque controlmethod, ensure you brush your teethcorrectly (a gentle scrub technique ismost effective) and invest in a goodtoothbrush. Mouthwash, dental flossand plaque disclosing agents are alsouseful aids in the fight against plaque.

Sensitive TeethSensitive teeth, or cervical dentinesensitivity, is caused by exposure ofthe root surface at the gum margindue to gum disease or over-vigorousbrushing with a hard toothbrush. Toprevent tooth sensitivity, you shouldfollow the same oral hygiene practicesas set out to prevent gum disease. Ifyour sensitivity is severe, however,consult your dentist, who willdetermine the cause of the sensitivityand may recommend a protectivefilling be placed over the sensitivearea. Or why not try a ‘sensitive’toothpaste? Growing evidence showsthat these can help ease the pain ofsensitive teeth in certain cases.

HalitosisHalitosis or bad breath is anembarrassing condition caused byexcessive amounts of volatile sulphurcompounds being produced bybacteria in the mouth, and can beaffected by food, drink, oral hygienepractices and sleep. Many people findthat the plaque control and oralhygiene products aimed at fightinggum disease can also help combat badbreath. Some products, however, onlymask the problem and are not a long-term solution. In this instance,sufferers of halitosis should tryantimicrobial mouthwashes, whichhave proven effects, or tongue-cleaning devices.

03Maintaining good oral health and practisingproper oral hygiene can greatly reduce your riskof developing oral disease, says NUALA RYAN

I R I S H I N D E P E N D E N T

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Prevention is better than cure

recent survey carried outfor the Irish DentalAssociation found that anastonishing three out ofevery four Irish dentistsare treating patients forproblems with treatmentreceived abroad.

In recent times, thephenomenon of ‘dental tourism’ hasgrown, with many Irish people goingabroad to receive treatment. However,before you travel, there are someimportant things you should take into account.

Many patients opt to get a lot of work done while abroad in order to save time and money. However, such ‘overtreatment’ can createsignificant problems.

Complex dental treatment is not aquick fix. It’s a combination of advice,communication, prevention, care,

problem solving, health, function andmaintenance. One of the keys to dentalhealth is regular visits with your dentist;dental work often requires follow-upappointments or treatment to be carriedout over a number of visits.

With dental implants, insufficientstages of treatment (enoughappointments) may reduce success rates.Follow-up by the dentist who did therestoration work is recommended andthe continued aftercare is as critical asthe treatment. It’s also vital to rememberthat implants cannot be moved – thereis one chance to get it right.

Responsibility and accountability areso important in any aspect ofhealthcare. When you have treatmentdone, you want to know that you canreturn to the same dentist with anyproblems and if you have a complaintthat you can get redress.

Reduced costs can be achieved by

0504Think before you travel

Sometimes travelling abroad for dental treatmentcan seem like a good idea – but there are a numberof factors to consider before you go

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“ FOLLOW-UP BY THE DENTIST WHO PERFORMED THETREATMENT IS RECOMMENDED AND CONTINUEDAFTERCARE IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE TREATMENT ITSELF”


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using different materials, components andtechnical services, to give a different aestheticresult – but, at the end of the day, this is your mouth.

If a dentist needs to address emergencies, it’shelpful for him or her to know your treatmenthistory – what happened during previousprocedures and what materials and techniqueswere used. In Ireland you have a wealth ofspecialists from all disciplines, workingtogether, so you will be referred to thespecialist you need to see.

Of course, it is possible to receive goodtreatment outside of Ireland, but when itcomes to follow-up, regular dental care andpeace of mind, regular appointments withyour own dentist are the key.

With such an important, irreversible aspectof your health, long-term care is as importantas the treatment itself.

‘Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond’ – Miguel de Cervantes,

‘Don Quixote’, 1605

1Dental checkups areextremely important and

include oral cancer screeningsGoing to the dentist for regularcheckups and cleanings is one of themost important factors in maintaininggood oral health. Regular checkups canprevent cavities, root canals, gumdisease, oral cancer, and other dentalconditions.

2Gum (periodontal) diseaseinfluences your overall

health Gum disease is one of the main causesof tooth loss in adults. It is also linkedto heart disease, strokes and diabetes.In the early stages, the disease(gingivitis) can be easily treated and reversed.If treatment is not received, it becomes moreserious and advanced and is calledperiodontitis. Bone loss occurs at this stage.Brushing twice a day for two minutes, dailyflossing, and regular dental checkups andcleanings are the best prevention against gum disease.

3Help keep the cavities away bybrushing twice a day

Brushing your teeth properly, twice a day,removes the plaque that causes cavities.Plaque is the soft and sticky substance thataccumulates on the teeth from food debrisand bacteria. Flossing removes the plaquefrom between the teeth where the toothbrushcannot reach and should be done prior tobrushing. A mouthwash can help but is not asubstitute for brushing.

4Bad breath may be due to a dental problem

Roughly 85 per cent of people with badbreath have a dental condition that is toblame. If a dental condition is the cause ofbad breath, mouthwash will only mask theodour. A simple scale and polish with yourdentist or hygienist can help rectify theproblem along with daily flossing andbrushing. Remember to brush both yourteeth and tongue twice a day as this cangreatly reduce and possibly eliminate badbreath in between your dental visits.

5Proper diet is important for good dental health

Sugars in soft drinks and non-nutritionalfoods feed the bacteria in our mouth; theseproduce acids that attack tooth enamel whichcan lead to cavities and gum disease. As anation we are eating a lot more acidcontaining food than in decades gone by andthis is leading to the phenomenon of enamelerosion. The main sources of dietary acids arefruit derived foods or drinks, fizzy drinks andwine. One important tip is not to brushdirectly after an acidic food or drink, the

tooth surface is at its softest immediately afteranything acidic, the saliva hardens the surfacewithin 30 mins, so it is best to brush afterthis period. Limiting the amount of highsugar drinks and foods can greatly help tomaintain good dental health.

6Dental problems never get better or go away without treatment

If your dentist gives you a treatment plan fordental work, you should focus on gettingyour teeth fixed as soon as you can. Cavitieswill continue to get bigger and if they reachthe nerve in your tooth, your only optionwould be to have a root canal or have thetooth extracted. Also, the longer a problempersists, generally the more expensive itbecomes to fix. Prevention or earlyintervention is both better and moreeconomical than cure.

7Root canal treatments are usually painless

In the past, when a root canal treatment wassuggested, "Oh, just pull the tooth, I've heardroot canals are agony!" was generally theresponse. However, with today's technologyand anaesthetics a root canal should be aspainless as having a filling done.

8Change your toothbrush regularly

Manual toothbrushes become worn out afterabout three months and no longer work aswell as they once did. A soft toothbrush isalso recommended as this causes less wear onthe enamel of your teeth.

9Maintaining good dental health is not time consuming

Brushing for two minutes twice a day plusflossing totals about eight minutes per day!An easy way to brush for two minutes or getyour kids to brush for two minutes is to put asong on and brush for the duration. Seeingyour dentist for regular checkups andcleanings only lasts about 30 minutes twice yearly!

059 Facts Your DentistWants You to KnowDR ROBERT MOLLOY of Redmond Molloy Dental Clinics

dispels your dental myths

I R I S H I N D E P E N D E N T D E N T A L C A R E

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n this day and age, we allwant that attractiveHollywood smile andstraight teeth play a keyrole in this. For many ofus, however, braces maynot be a viable option.They can be costly,unsightly, and have to be

worn for approximately two years. Today,there is an alternative to traditional traintracks which is becoming increasinglypopular throughout Ireland.

Orthodontics is a particular area ofdentistry that deals with the correction ofteeth. Crooked teeth can result fromnumerous factors, such as the prematureloss of baby teeth, finger sucking and

genetics. Dentists have long used bracesin the treatment of crooked teeth andthere are a wide variety available, themost common being train tracks, abrace made of small brackets glued tothe teeth. Today, there are also invisiblebraces, clear, fixed six-month braces andmore recently the Inman Aligner.

The Inman Aligner is a removable,non-invasive, retainer-like piece thatrelies on ‘push’ and ‘pull’ motion tomove or straighten teeth. “Because thebrace is fitted with the full forceinitially, unlike other types of braces, itisn’t uncomfortable,” says Dr Molloy.Still, it shouldn’t be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution, warns Dr Molloy.

“The Inman Aligner is perfectfor people who want to straighten three or four teeth at the front but it isnot a complete replacement for traintracks, and there are people it will just not suit.”

For this reason, it is advisable to visityour dentist, who will assess the bestcourse of action for you. And if yourdentist does prescribe this treatment,there are some great advantages, themost obvious being the ability toremove the aligner. “If you have apresentation or a date you can take itout but,” Dr Molloy warns, “if youwant to see realistic results, you have towear it for 20 hours a day.”

Another great advantage of the InmanAligner is its relatively low cost incomparison to traditional braces. TheInman Aligner costs approximately!1,700 per arch, whereas conventionalbraces can range between !4,000 and!6,000. In real terms, this expense canactually be a lot less as all orthodontictreatments carry a tax relief of 20 percent, reducing the cost of the InmanAligner to !1,385.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTBraces should not impede your lifestyle; they are there to enhance your smile. However, thereare certain foods which should be avoided if you are wearing the traditional train track brace,sticky foods being the most obvious. Foods such as caramel and chewing gum can get stuck tothe braces, causing discomfort and making them difficult to keep clean, while hard foods likecandy, carrots and apples can cause the brace to break and should, therefore, be avoided. If youopt for a removable brace, this can be taken off during mealtimes, but you must be careful toput it back on once you have finished.

Does straight teeth in three months sound too good to be true? TARA LEIGH explores the areaof orthodontistry and talks to Dr Robert Molloy of Redmond Molloy Dental Clinics aboutalternative treatments available today

06An orthodontist may suggest braces if thepatient has the following:

• Crowding Crowding occurs when a person has too many teeth for their mouth space.

• Overbite An overbite is the term used to describe a situation where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth significantly.

• Underbite Conversely, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth.

• Crossbite A crossbite is the term used to describe a situation where the upper teeth don’t quite fit over the bottom teeth

I


Get the perfect smile in three months

Dr Robert Molloy

id you know that accordingto some studies, between 6and 14 per cent of peopleavoid attending the dentistbecause of dental phobia?Did you know that almosthalf of those that do attendare anxious in this dentalenvironment? Well, fear no

more because there are ways of fightingyour dental fears.

Whether you are afraid of the dentist,the pain associated with dental treatments,or the embarrassment of having missedappointments or not maintaining good oralhealth practices, there are copingmechanisms that can help you to conqueryour dental phobias. Remember, nothing is

ever as bad as you imagine!When you book your dental

appointment, tell the receptionist aboutyour anxieties. He or she may be able tooffer you advice, reassurance and make surethat, on the day of your appointment, youare as comfortable as possible.

If it is the sights, sounds and smells ofthe surgery that set you quaking, put yourpreconceived notions of dental surgeriesaside. Today, many clinics have invested inmaking the waiting rooms, and the surgeryitself, as comfortable as possible, with someeven modelling themselves on boutiquehotels. With televisions in the waitingroom, music in the dentist’s chair, and evenmassage chairs in some cases, there areplenty of distractions to help make your

dental experience more pleasant. If you are afraid of the dentist, tell him

or her! Voicing your anxiety will give youimmediate relief, and allow the dentist toaddress your concerns. Being open andhonest with your dentist will help create agood, professional relationship, making youfeel more comfortable and at your ease eachtime you visit.

Similarly, if you are nervous about dentalprocedures, whether it is a routine checkupor a specific treatment, ask your dentist togive you an overview of what to expect.Knowing what the dentist is doing andwhy he is doing it can provide reassurancefor patients.

Worried about the pain involved indental treatments? Why not ask the dentist

about pain relief? You may be able torequest an anaesthetic so that the procedurecan be carried out completely painlessly.And if you are finding it difficult to copewhile in the surgery, don’t be afraid to askthe dentist if you can take a break.

If your fear is particularly bad, someclinics offer dental sedation, leaving youdrowsy and unaware of any treatment,while still enabling you to co-operate withthe dentist.

And remember, attending the dentistregularly is not only good for your oralhealth, it also helps you overcome yourdental fears. Not only will you becomemore familiar with the process at each visit,you are also likely to need less serious work done.

D

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Fightingyour dentaldemonsDon’t let your dental fears affect your oral health


08Dr Annette O’Donovan BDS MFD RCSIEducation: University of ManchesterQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science 2001; Member of theRoyal College of Surgeons, 2004Special Interests: Cosmetic and sedation dentistryPractises at: Alexandra Dental Practice, 6 Alexandra Tce,O'Connell St, Limerick t: (061) 315228 e: [email protected] w: www.limerickdentist.com

Dr Miriam Quilty BDS NUIEducation: University College CorkQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science, 2003Special Interests: General and preventative dentistry, cosmeticdentistryPractises at: Alexandra Dental Practice, 6 Alexandra Tce,O'Connell St, Limerick t: (061) 315228 e: [email protected] w: www.limerickdentist.com

Dr David Casey Education: University of Birmingham Dental SchoolQualification: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Special Interests: General practice and aesthetic dentistry Practises at: Beechwood Dental, 9 Dunville Avenue, Ranelagh,Dublin (beside Beechwood Luas stop)t: (01) 496 7526 e: [email protected] w: www.beechwooddental.ie

Dr Peter CaseyEducation: University of Birmingham Dental SchoolQualification: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Special Interests: General practice and implant dentistryPractises at: Beechwood Dental, 9 Dunville Avenue, Ranelagh,Dublin (beside Beechwood Luas stop)t: (01) 496 7526 e: [email protected] w: www.beechwooddental.ie

Brian C MahonEducation: City & Guilds of London, George Brown College ofHealth Sciences Canada, Royal College of Surgeons (UK) and RoyalCollege of Surgeons Ireland Qualification: Clinical Denturist registered with the Irish Dental CouncilSpecial Interests: Custom-made denturesPractises at: Dentaltech ltd, Whitehall House, Whitehall Close,Terenure, Dublin 6 t: (01) 455 1866f: (01) 408 7935 e: [email protected] w: www.dentaltech.ie

Dr Jim GriffinEducation: Trinity College Dublin; The London Hospital,Whitechapel; Southampton University Hospital; Oregon HealthSciences University; Regional Orthodontic Unit, St James HospitalQualification: BDentSc, Cert Orth (US)Special Interests: OrthodonticsPractises at: East Coast Orthodontics, Wicklow, Gorey Town and Stillorgan, Co Dublint: (01) 283 2046 e: [email protected] w: www.eastcoastorthodontics.ie

Anna Zwolinska MDEducation: Medical University in Wroclaw, PolandQualification: Dentist (2007)Special Interests: General dentistryPractises at: KBM Medics, Unit 14, Belgard Square West,Tallaght, Dublin 24t: (01) 414 0616 e: [email protected]: www.kbmmedics.ie

Ewa Dudarewicz DMDEducation: Medical University in Gdansk, PolandQualification: Dentist (1980), Dentistry & Orthodontics(1997), Orthodontics (2000)Special Interests: Orthodontics Practises at: KBM Medics, Unit 14, Belgard Square West,Tallaght, Dublin 24t: (01) 414 0616 e: [email protected] w: www.kbmmedics.ie

Krzysztof Samborski DDS DMD OMSEducation: Medical University in Krakow and Warsaw, PolandQualification: Dentist (1981), Oral Surgery (1987),Maxillofacial Surgery (1991)Special Interests: Oral/dental surgery Practises at: KBM Medics, Unit 14, Belgard Square West,Tallaght, Dublin 24t: (01) 414 0616 e: [email protected] w: www.kbmmedics.ie

Dr Eamonn NoonanEducation: University of Birmingham Qualification: BDSSpecial Interests: Emergency dentistry, restorative dentistry,tooth whitening, minor oral surgeryPractises at: 17 Ellen Street, Limerickt: 1800 230 230, (061) 468 765, Emergency Mobile: 087 989 5381 w: www.toothache.ie

Dr Rona Leith BA BDentSc, MFD (RCSI), DChDent (UDubl)Education: Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of SurgeonsIrelandQualification: Dental Surgeon, Doc in Paediatric DentistrySpecial Interests: Paediatric dentistryPractises at: The Park Clinic, Cabinteely, Dublin 18t: (01) 285 1937 e: [email protected] w: www.parkclinicdental.com

Dr Ebrahim Al Awadhi BDentSc(TCD), MSc(ULond),MOrth(RCSI), MOrth(RCSEng), BAEducation: Trinity College Dublin, Eastman Dental Institute,Royal College of Surgeons EnglandQualification: Masters in Orthodontics, MOrthSpecial Interests: OrthodonticsPractises at: The Park Clinic, Cabinteely, Dublin 18t: (01) 285 1937 e: [email protected] w: www.parkclinicdental.com

Dr Altona Myers BDentSC (TCD)Education: Trinity College DublinQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science DegreeSpecial Interests: General dentistry and orthodonticsPractises at: The Seapoint Clinic, 23 Seapoint Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublint: (01) 284 2570 e: [email protected] w: www.seapointclinic.ie

Dentist Profiles


09Dr Aidan Redahan BA, BDentSc, MFD (RCSI), MChDent(UDubl) MOrth (RCSEdin)Education: Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in EdinburghQualification: Dental Surgeon, Member of the Faculty of Dentistry, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh(Orthodontics)Special Interests: OrthodonticsPractises at: The Park Clinic, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 and the Dublin Dental School and Hospitalt: (01) 285 1937 e: [email protected] w: www.parkclinicdental.com

Dr Edmond O’Flaherty BA BDentSc (Hons)Education: Trinity College Dublin, University of WarwickQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science Degree, Certificate in Implant DentistrySpecial Interests: Dental implants and cosmetic dentistryPractises at: The Seapoint Clinic, 23 Seapoint Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublint: (01) 284 2570 e: [email protected] w: www.seapointclinic.ie

Dr Huw Anthony BDS (Hons) (U Cardiff)Education: University of CardiffQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science DegreeSpecial Interests: OrthodonticsPractises at: The Seapoint Clinic, 23 Seapoint Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublint: (01) 284 2570 e: [email protected] w: www.seapointclinic.ie

Dr Kevin Murphy BDentSc (TCD) MFDS (RCSEd)Education: Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in EdinburghQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science Degree, Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (RDCEd)Special Interests: General dentistry, orthodontics and surgical extractionsPractises at: The Seapoint Clinic, 23 Seapoint Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublint: (01) 284 2570 e: [email protected] w: www.seapointclinic.ie

Dr Thomas Linehan BA BDentSc (Hons)Education: Trinity College Dublin, University of WarwickQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science Degree, Certificate inImplant DentistrySpecial Interests: Dental implants and cosmetic dentistryPractises at: The Seapoint Clinic, 23 Seapoint Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublint: (01) 284 2570 e: [email protected] w: www.seapointclinic.ie

Ali-Reza Afrasiabi BA BDentScEducation: Trinity College DublinQualification: Degree in Bachelor of Science and Degree in Bachelor of ArtsSpecial Interests: Restorative, endodontic and cosmetic dentistryPractises at: Smiles Dental: 4 South Anne Street, Dublin 2t: (01) 672 8939 e: [email protected] w: www.smiles.ie

Philip Christie MDent ScEducation: Trinity College DublinQualification: Masters Programme in Dental ScienceSpecial Interests: Periodontology, occlusion and TMJPractises at: Waterford Town Dental, 3 Neptune House, CanadaStreet, Waterfordt: (053) 912 2008 e: [email protected] w: www.smiles.ie

Dr Eavan Lawlor BA, BDentSc (Hons)Education: Trinity College DublinQualification: Degree in Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of ArtsSpecial Interests: Cosmetic dentistry Practises at: Bray Town Dental, Suite 1, Town Hall Court, Main Street, Bray, Co Wicklow t: (01) 274 5111 e: [email protected] w: www.smiles.ie

Dr Sean Murray BA BDentSc MSc Implant DentistryEducation: Trinity College DublinQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science, Masters in ImplantDentistry, Cert in Conscious SedationSpecial Interests: Cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistryPractises at: Smile Design Dental, 16 Mainstreet, Baldoyle,Dublin 13 and 63 Northstrand Road, Northstrand, Dublin 3t: (01) 839 6520 (Baldoyle) or (01) 834 9663 (Northstrand) e: [email protected] w: www.smiledesign-dental.com

Dr Tony Brady BDS MBBchEducation: University College CorkQualification: Bachelor of Dental Science, Bachelor ofMedicineSpecial Interests: All aspects of dentistry and sedationPractises at: Smile Design Dental, 16 Mainstreet, Baldoyle,Dublin 13 and 63 Northstrand Road, Northstrand, Dublin 3t: (01) 839 6520 (Baldoyle) or (01) 834 9663 (Northstrand) e: [email protected] w: www.smiledesign-dental.com

Dr Derek Lombard BDS (UGlasg) MFDS RCPS (Glasg)Education: University of GlasgowQualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery, BAHons appliedpsychology, membership of the Royal College of Physicians andSurgeons of GlasgowSpecial Interests: All aspects of dentistry, especially gentlecare dentistryPractises at: Smile Design Dental, 16 Mainstreet, Baldoyle,Dublin 13 and 63 Northstrand Road, Northstrand, Dublin 3t: (01) 839 6520 (Baldoyle) or (01) 834 9663 (Northstrand) e: [email protected] w: www.smiledesign-dental.com

Dr Jean Louis Salmon BDS UOF EPGETcertifEducation: FranceQualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Stomatology collegecertificate (Creteil), Skull Osteopath certificate (CDB,Paris),UNIODF member (France), ADDIBO PresidentSpecial Interests: Practice limited to orthodonticsPractises at: Smile Design Dental, 16 Mainstreet, Baldoyle,Dublin 13 and 63 Northstrand Road, Northstrand, Dublin 3t: (01) 839 6520 (Baldoyle) or (01) 834 9663 (Northstrand) e: [email protected] w: www.smiledesign-dental.com

Michael MaguireEducation: Trinity College DublinQualifications: BA BDentScSpecial Interests: Covers all aspects of dental treatmentPractises at: Perfect Smile, Mullingar Medical Park,Marketpoint, Co Westmeatht: (044) 934 7911 w: www.perfectsmile.ie


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ur front teeth – two on the top and two onthe bottom – are the very first to appear,when we are only about six months old. Bythe time we are two and a half, most of ourbaby teeth have usually erupted, and adultteeth begin appearing at the back of themouth when we are around six years of age.

As a child grows his or her dental needsare growing and developing too – and it’s

crucial that you and your child take good care of his or herteeth in these early stages.

A child’s baby teeth are not simply a precursor to adultteeth – they help a child develop speech, and are importantfor your child’s self-confidence and smile. Baby teeth also actas a guide for adult teeth, as some baby teeth are not lostuntil 11 or 12 years of age.

BrushingYou should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as the firsttooth appears, using a small soft toothbrush and tap water.Toothpaste isn’t recommended for children under two.Children over two should use a pea-sized amount of fluoridetoothpaste. Brushing should be done last thing at night and onone other occasion.

Always supervise children up to seven years of age when theyare brushing their teeth, and change your child’s toothbrushevery three months or as soon as the bristles become worn.

Tooth decayTooth decay is caused by bacteria in our mouths which act onthe sugars in food and attack the teeth. When fizzy drinks,juice, milk or even breast milk are in constant contact with ababy’s teeth, this can lead to tooth decay.

Any sign of tooth decay in a child under the age of three isdescribed as Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) andshould be brought to the attention of a dentist.

There are several simple steps you can follow to help avoidtooth decay: Don’t let your child sleep with a bottle or feeder inhis/her mouth; from your child’s first birthday, encouragehim/her to drink from a beaker or cup; never dip a soother insugar, honey or anything sweet before giving it to your child;always brush teeth after the last feed of the day.

DietOne of the most important aspects to consider when lookingafter your child’s teeth is diet.

Recent studies have shown that 40 per cent of children inthe 9-17-year age group are eating sugary and high-fat foodslike fizzy drinks, sweets and biscuits three or more times a day.

The best snacks to help keep your child’s teeth healthy arefruit, vegetables, yoghurts, cheese, plain popcorn and bread.For drinks stick to water, milk or sugar-free squashes. Milk is agreat source of calcium, needed for the development of teethand bones. Keep sugary foods and drinks to meal times only.

If you are giving your child a fizzy drink, using a straw helps

direct the drink to the back of the mouth, avoiding sugarycontact with the teeth.

Sugary foods that dissolve slowly in the mouth areparticularly bad – for example, hard-boiled sweets or lollipops.These bathe the teeth in sugar for longer and increase your riskof decay and erosion.

Remember that ‘low sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ labels do notmean the food or drink is sugar-free. Choose sugar-freemedicines where possible.

Each time we eat or drink, we increase the acid levels in ourmouth and thus increase our risk of damaging our teeth. TheIrish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute recommends that eatingbe limited to around six times a day.

Regular trips to the dentist are also important to ensure yourchild’s teeth are healthy and developing normally.

Sources: The HSE, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute(www.indi.ie), Oral Health Services Research Centre and theDental Health Foundation (www.dentalhealth.ie)

O10Healthy teeth, happy kids

Good and bad dental health habits can be formed at a young age. Here’s how to make sure your kids are picking up the good ones!

THUMB SUCKINGBabies and children often like to suck their thumbs or asoother for comfort; long-term thumb or soothersucking, however, can affect the position of the teeth, sokids should be encouraged to stop sucking their thumbsby school age.

re you missing teeth andwant a beautiful smileagain? Perhaps you havetrouble eating certainfoods? Maybe you wantto provide additionalsupport for a denture,making it more secureand comfortable? If so,

dental implants could be the solution. A dental implant is an artificial

tooth root that is placed into yourjawbone to accommodate areplacement tooth or bridge. One ofthe biggest advantages of implants isthat they do not rely on neighbouringteeth for support, which means youcan replace one or more teeth withouthaving to affect the adjacent teeth.

A dental implant will leave you witha tooth that looks and feels just likeyour own. In fact, they are so natural-looking and feeling, you may evenforget that you ever lost a tooth! But,like your own teeth, implants requirethe same level of care. Regularcheckups with your dentist will alsoensure that your teeth, and implant,remain healthy. If you maintain goodoral health, there is no reason whyyour implant(s) cannot last a lifetime.

Don’t believe me? Here is what the experts at Smile Design DentalClinic say!

Q. What are dental implants?A. Dental implants are used to replacethe root structure of a tooth. They aremade of titanium which the bodyeasily accepts and the boneconsequently grows around theimplant. Once the implant has beenaccepted, crowns are placed on thehead of the implant leaving you with anew tooth that looks, feels andfunctions like your own natural teeth.

Q. Are dental implants safe?A. Implants are a well-establishedtreatment option and have beenscientifically tested and documentedfor over 30 years. They have a long-term success rate of over 95 per cent asshown in clinical studies.

Not only are dental implants apermanent solution, they won’tcompromise any healthy adjacentteeth. They can also preserve thejawbone, which maintains the shape of the face.

Q. How do dental implants ratealongside other treatments invalue for money?A. Dental implants are extremely cost-effective as they have a 95 per centsuccess rate, which is far better thanother more traditional treatments.Most other treatments would need tobe redone every five to seven years. Soin the long run, dental implants workout much cheaper.


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entures help you keep yoursmile; they support yourface and help boost yourconfidence. If you’re missingall of your teeth(edentulous), you shouldhave well-fitting,comfortable dentures. If youare missing several teeth,

dentures may also be a good option foryou – especially if financial constraintsmean you cannot go down the route ofcrown/bridge or implant work.

According to Bevin Mahon, managerof Dentaltech in Terenure, Dublin, thereare some key things to consider if youare thinking about getting dentures:

Lifespan: Dentures do deteriorateover time, and your mouth changesshape as well. If your dentures are fiveyears old or more, you should considergetting new ones.

Retention: The design of the denturedepends on the requirements of the

patient (i.e. the number of teeth), andretention is a key focus. There are twomethods to retaining dentures: a fullpalate and suction, or clasps and restson natural teeth.

Aesthetics: You need something thatlooks good and is a natural-lookingreplacement for your own teeth;dentures aren’t one-size-fits-all but arematched in shape and colour to theappearance of the patient and his orher original smile.

Function: Dentures shouldn’t move orslip when you eat; they must be able tofunction well.

Comfort: You should be able to wearyour dentures with comfort. It takesabout six weeks for the muscles in themouth to adapt to new dentures. “It’slike getting used to a new pair ofshoes,” says Bevin. Helping patientsthrough this bedding-in period is vital,and aftercare is important too.

Keep smiling!

D

A

What you need to know when considering dentures

UnderstandingDentalImplants

NUALA RYAN consults the expertsat Smile Design Dental Clinic

Ask the Dentist sponsored by

t: (01) 839 6520 e: [email protected] w: www.askthedentist.ie

There is something powerfulabout a flash of perfect pearlywhites. From Julie Roberts’Hollywood smile to GeorgeClooney’s gleaming gnashers,more and more people arebecoming aware of theimportance of a winning smileand of how they can achieve it.

Today, thanks to the growth of cosmeticdentistry, beautiful teeth are no longerconfined to A-list celebrities.

Now we can all ‘Say Cheese’ with confidence. More and more people are visiting their

dentists for cosmetic dentistry treatments, notjust for pain relief. People are more aware oftheir teeth, they want to improve their smile,and they know that improvements can bemade very easily.

Cosmetic dentistry is focussed on keepingthings minimal – minimal pain, minimalinvasion – but with maximum results. And aslong as you are in good all-round oral andgeneral health, the perfect smile is possible.

“Some studies show that the first thing yousee in a person is their smile, then their eyes,”explains Dr Annette O’Donovan of AlexandraDental Practice, Limerick. “Being confidentin your smile can empower you; however,many people are afraid to smile and don’twant to show their teeth.

“Having a nice, healthy smile not onlygives you confidence, it gives the person youare talking to confidence – people trust inwhat you are saying.”

From a medical viewpoint, healthy oral

tissue is very important. “There have been a lot of studies in the last 10 years that show a huge correlation between poor oralhygiene and cardiac disease,” Dr O’Donovannotes. “Even if you do not need to havecosmetic treatment, it pays to maintain ahealthy mouth.”

With cosmetic dentistry, each case is takenindividually. Some people might just want tofreshen up their smile, in which case toothwhitening is the ideal option. Others may be looking for a complete revamp – this


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Smile like youmean itNUALA RYAN speaks withLimerick dentist Dr AnnetteO’Donovan about the growingpopularity of cosmetic dentistryand why so many Irish people arenow investing in their smiles

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13ADTeeth Whitening

Teeth whitening, whether using a take-home kit or power bleaching, is the mostpopular cosmetic dentistry procedure as itis an affordable, minimally invasivetreatment and both techniques canprovide excellent results for people wishingto brighten the colour of their smile. Thetake-home kit involves custom-made traysthat the patient wears at night over anumber of weeks to deliver bleach to theteeth, and is a very gentle way ofwhitening the teeth with good results.

Power bleaching is done in the surgeryover an hour and a half. It gives fastresults, but uses a more concentratedform of peroxide.

Bleaching your teeth can be mosteffective. It’s a great service whichimproves people’s smiles and, in turn, theirconfidence. However, it is important toremember that your teeth are precious.You can improve their colour withbleaching but it is vital that you do it withcare and with a reputable dentist.

Composite BondingComposite bonding is used to add on tothe teeth to give a nicer shape and fill ingaps. It is an inexpensive and minimallyinvasive treatment, as you don’t have tocut down the tooth. Although it is notsuitable for all patients, where it issuitable it is very effective.

‘No Prep’ Veneers‘No prep’ veneers are another minimallyinvasive treatment, whereby very thinveneers are used to change the shape andcolour of the teeth, with little or nopreparation of the teeth. A veneer isalmost like putting on a false fingernail –it is very thin, approximately 1mm, and is added to the front of the tooth.However, because they use laboratory

technology, no prep veneers are generallymore expensive and time-consuming than bonding.

However, although it is better to use noprep veneers due to their minimallyinvasive nature, it is not always possible.In this instance, dentists may suggestconventional or traditional veneers, whichinvolve cutting back the tooth to get the right effect.

CrownA crown wraps around the back of thetooth and is used when the tooth isalready quite broken down, chipped orvery badly discoloured.

BridgingBridging is used to replace missing teeth.Conventional bridging involves cuttingback the tooth structure; however,implants are now becoming a popularalternative to bridging as they cause littledisruption to adjacent teeth.

Implants An implant is used to replace missingteeth and involves a titanium screw beinginserted into the jawbone and eventuallyfusing with the surrounding bone tobecome one unit.

Other OptionsMany people are now opting for adultbraces, which take significantly less timeto straighten teeth than the ‘train tracks’of old – sometimes teeth can be straightened in just six months. This treatment often helps patients avoid extractions, and the wires arediscreet or invisible.

Similarly, more and more people arechoosing white fillings over the traditionalsilver, mercury variety, leaving patientswith natural-looking teeth.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY EXPLAINEDBEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR COSMETIC DENTISTRY TREATMENT, IT IS IMPORTANTTO KNOW WHAT IS INVOLVED

could involve veneers. Any treatment, Dr O’Donovan explains, is dependent on the patient.

Similarly, the length of time a proceduretakes is also dependent on the individual. As the tooth is a living tissue, treatment times can vary depending on the tooth and the patient’s wishes.

Dr O’Donovan advises you consult yourdentist before undertaking any cosmeticdentistry.

“Get to know your dentist first so you arehappy with the treatment they are carrying out.A good dentist should be able to give you anaccurate outline of the treatment so that you

know what to expect, exactly what ishappening, and what the finish line should be.”

And when it comes to specific dentaltreatments, most dentists would recommendyou visit them rather than a beauty clinic.

“A dentist knows what they are putting onyour teeth, and will be sure to avoid anytreatment that will damage the teeth.”

However, regardless of what treatment orprocedure you undertake, it is vital that you lookafter your teeth and follow up any treatmentswith regular checkups, ideally once every sixmonths. If you take good care of your teeth,there is no reason why your cosmetic dentistrytreatment will not last you a long, long time.

Implants are growing in popularity as they cause little damage to adjacent teeth

liché though it may sound,the best way to avoidneeding emergency dentaltreatment is to take greatcare of your oral health.Eating healthily, avoidingsugary drinks and snacks,brushing twice daily andflossing will all help keep

you in your dentist’s good books and helpyou avoid gum disease.

It is also important to get regularcheckups with your dentist so anypotential problem areas can be spotted.What’s more, if you know you needtreatment and are planning to go onholiday, make sure you get the treatmentbefore you head away.

That said, no matter how well youtreat your teeth, dental emergencies canstill occur. Accidents happen on thesports field, or while kids are at play –teeth can be damaged or knocked out;this is known as dental trauma.

Prevention and managementMost traumatic injuries to teeth arise fromaccidents during normal, everyday activities,and obviously prevention in these circumstancesis difficult. Such injuries can be complicated totreat and can have long-term financial, aestheticand functional problems for the patient.

According to the Dental HealthFoundation, the most common teeth to bedamaged during an accident are the uppercentral incisors – these are the sharp bitingteeth at the front of the mouth.

Primary (baby) incisors can be damaged

especially when infants are learning to walk.Approximately 1 in 11 children in Ireland willhave broken one or more of their permanentteeth before they reach the age of 15.

Wearing a mouth guard or a helmet withface shields during contact sports reduces thelikelihood of fracturing a tooth. Wearingsafety helmets when cycling, skate boarding,and so on – and always wearing your seatbelt– is also advised.

When a tooth is accidentally damaged, it isimportant that professional advice from adentist is sought immediately.


ADWHAT TO DO IF A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT

If a primary (baby) tooth is knocked out completely:• Parents/carers should make no attempt to reinsert a primary (baby) tooth that is

knocked out as they could damage the permanent (adult) tooth that is developing underthe gum – the child should be brought to a dentist to be checked.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely:• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.• If the tooth is dirty, wash it briefly (10 seconds) under cold running water and

reposition it. Try to encourage the patient to replant the tooth him/herself, using the shape of the teeth at either side of the gap as a guide to positioning.

• Bite on a handkerchief to hold the tooth in position for 15-20 minutes as you make yourway to a dentist.

• If this is not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or it can also be transported in the mouth, keeping it beside the back teeth and the inside of the cheek. Avoid storage in water.

• Seek emergency dental treatment immediately; phone ahead to tell your dentist you are on your way.

Source: Oral Health Services Research Centre and the Dental Health Foundation (www.dentalhealth.ie)

C14In case of

emergencySome tips for dealing with dental accidentsand emergencies

“APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 11 CHILDREN IN IRELAND WILLHAVE BROKEN ONE OR MORE OF THEIR PERMANENTTEETH BEFORE THEY REACH THE AGE OF 15”

Wearing a helmet while cycling helpsprotect your teeth as well as your head

nce upon a time,dentistry’s main functionwas to relieve pain. Youvisited your dentist whenthe pain becameunbearable and had teethextracted because that wasthe only treatmentavailable. Dentures were

the future and everyone was going toend up wearing them.

Now, according to Dr EdmondO'Flaherty of Seapoint Dental Clinic,Blackrock, Co Dublin, dentistry haschanged. Today, the focus is onrebuilding.

“We see patients who lost their teethwhen they were in their teens. Withtheir teeth missing, they consequentlylost a lot of jawbone and the supportthis offers, in a similar way to how youlose muscle in your leg if you have worna cast for a considerable length of time.Now, however, people are electing tohave implants carried out asreplacements for missing teeth – theyare the way forward.”

To carry out such procedures, the CATscanner is a vital piece of technology.

“We can place implants in areas wherethey would have once been impossiblebecause you did not know exactly where thenerve or bone was. The CAT scanner givesa three-dimensional view of the jaw and youcan place an implant into it right on thescreen. Using this technology, you canchoose exactly the right size and exactly the

right spacing. You can even get an identical3D model made of the jaw and do thesurgery on that first before you undertakethe real procedure. With CAT scans, thingsare a lot more predictable and reliable.”

Adult braces have also grown inpopularity. Instead of the two years oftreatment previously needed, whichinvolved extracting pre-molars, now itonly takes six months to straighten theteeth in many cases. Extractions can beavoided, which saves on the pain, andthe wires are discreet and sometimeseven invisible.

Fillings have also benefited fromadvancing technology. Instead of theunsightly mercury fillings of old, patientscan choose white fillings that give theteeth a natural-looking finish. This is thepositive move that dentistry is taking.

However, even though dentistry hascome a long way, there are still furtheradvancements and new treatments in thepipeline. Bone regeneration, for example,is a key area of potential advancement,which could make it easier and faster togrow teeth back. Tooth buds could be asimilarly exciting development.

“A lot of research is going intoplanting tooth buds,” explains DrO’Flaherty. “Instead of having animplant, which is a man-made root, youcould potentially re-grow a tooth. Thistreatment is still a few years away, but itis exciting to think that you could growyour own tooth back in exactly the rightshape and colour.”

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTSTHANKS TO TECHNOLOGY, DENTISTRY CAN NOW ACHIEVE RESULTS WITHINCREASED ACCURACY AND PREDICTABILITY

Cerec – A three-dimensional intraoral scanner allowing customised porcelainrestorations in one visit. Used for crowns, veneers and ‘inlays’ (porcelain fillings) to giveenamel-like fillings that blend into the natural tooth structure, providing a durable bondedfilling which holds the remaining tooth structure together. This can be accurate to within45 microns – less than the width of a human hair. CAT scan – This allows undistorted imagery of the jaw for precise virtual implantplanning that can be used as a template for predictable surgery to maximise thepredictability of the implants. It can also be used for assessment of wisdom teeth toensure safe removal without damage to nearby nerves and vital structures.Photospectrometers – These are used by the dentist to identify the correct colourbalance and transluscency so that your natural tooth colour can be documented and theinformation transfered to the technician for replication of the tooth colour.

For futher information on current and emerging technology, visit Ire-Scd(Irish Society for Computerised Dentistry) www.ire-scd.com


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NUALA RYAN speaks with Dr Edmond O’Flaherty ofSeapoint Dental Clinic about how dentistry, and itsassociated technology and treatments, has evolved

The changingface ofdentistry

OAdvanced technology and emerging treatments mean that the focus of dentistry is now onrebuilding, says Dr Edmond O'Flaherty


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