Crowns
Thanks to modern technology, porcelain crowns and bridges are now stronger and
more natural looking than ever. The porcelain material used is strong, durable and
closely matches the colour of your natural teeth - simultaneously restoring the function
and aesthetics of your smile.
There can be many benefits of implement porcelain crowns to restore teeth. They do
not only restore structure and integrity to a damaged tooth , but they can also be
beneficial for a number of other dental concerns. Porcelain crowns can be used for the
following:
1. Tooth damage and decay.
2. Protection of eroded teeth.
3. Support for a chipped, broken or cracked tooth.
4. Restore a tooth after root canal treatment.
5. Anchor a dental bridge.
A porcelain bridge is an effective option for treating missing teeth. They can be utilised
to simultaneously treat a number of concerns- including more than one missing tooth
and teeth that may be damaged or require support. They can also help maintain the
shape of the face, make speaking easier and prevent teeth shifting where a gap may
be present. A bridge can be a great option for restoring missing teeth without the need
for surgery and other invasive techniques.
Sometimes , posts (fiberglass or metal) are used to support a crown or bridge. If a post is needed, the longevity of the crown is drastically reduced. Decementation of the post, post fracture or root fracture are risks of post placement.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the science of straightening crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
Modern orthodontic treatments allows our dentists to provide adults with discreet orthodontic treatments to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
We currently provide clear aligners and inman aligners for adult patients only. More complicated cases are referred to an orthodontist for evaluation and treatment.
If you think you would like to enhance your smile by straightening your anterior teeth, please arrange a consultation with one of our dentists trained in orthodontics.
Fillings
Fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma and to
prevent further decay. Until recent years, patients could only choose from gold or silver (amalgam) fillings, both of which were aesthetically displeasing.
Today, patients can choose tooth coloured fillings that are durable and virtually undetectable. Composite resin is an excellent, tooth coloured, restorative material that can be colour matched to your tooth colour. It is less durable however than amalgam or porcelain and can stain.
Porcelain fillings, also called inlays or onlays, also can be matched to the colour of your teeth and are strong, durable and stain resistant. Porcelain fillings take 2 appointments as they are individually made in our dental laboratory.
Dental amalgam still has a small but important role in dentistry and is sometimes used in a high caries mouth, as a core for a dental crown or where moisture control is difficult.
According to new regulations in the Official Journal of the European Union,
published May 17th 2017, dental amalgam is to be phased out in the EU.
Facial Aesthetics
Anti-wrinkle injections (also known as Botox) have become an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment used to smooth out wrinkle lines. It is most commonly used for frown lines in between the eyebrows, the forehead and for crow’s feet around the eyes.
Botox is short for botulinum toxin which, when injected, blocks communication between the nerves and muscles allowing for its ability to smooth facial wrinkles. It is a relatively painless and quick procedure with result lasting approx. 3- 4 months. Dr Collins uses the highest quality of Botox from Allergan. Risks of treatment include bruising, soreness and migration of Botox away from injection site..
Dermafillers can be a great option for patients who wish to enhance the appearance of their face. It is used to increase volume in the cheeks and lips most commonly.
Results last approx. 9-12 months depending on the amount of filler used and the place on the face it has been injected into.
Tooth Whitening
Our teeth naturally darken with age due to increased dentine and certain foods, drinks and smoking. Whitening is a popular, safe and cost-effective cosmetic treatment which works by applying a chemical close to the teeth which lightens the colour pigments with the tooth structure. Dr Collins would favour at home whitening kits and have custom made, bespoke whitening trays made for our patients. The patient then wear the trays nightly in order to achieve a natural brightening of the teeth over the course of a few weeks.
Not all patients are suited for whitening, but Dr Collins will help decide if this is a good treatment option for you.
For more information please refer to the Tooth Whitening Patient Advice Sheet from the Irish Dental Association.
Patients who have tetracycline staining of their teeth face further problems with achieving a lighter effect on their teeth. These patients may benefit from a different whitening treatment , which is used over a longer length of time, called Enlighten. This costs more than the traditional , overnight whitening system.
Dr Collins does not carry out laser whitening treatment as it is not recommended by the Dental Council of Ireland.
Dental Hygiene
Dr Collins can preform the following services to help establish a healthy and beautiful smile for you:
1. Scale and Polish
2. Deep gingival cleaning
3. Brushing and flossing technique instruction
4. Individualised at home oral hygiene programmes
5. Whitening
During a scale and polish, the teeth are cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner, which works gently to remove the hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth. It vibrates ultrasonically to remove plaque in a safe and comfortable manner. It has different settings which are set accordingly for the patient. Topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic can be used for very sensitive teeth.
Hand instruments may also be used to remove calculus from the roots of teeth
. The polishing of the teeth is the last stage in the process and this removes external and surface stains caused by different foods and drinks by using a polishing brush and a mildly abrasive paste.
In certain cases, a deep gingival cleaning may need to be carried out . This requires a longer appointment and local anaesthetic.
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics) is a term used to describe the cleaning out of infected or inflamed nerves along the roots of a tooth and filling it with a material called gutta percha.
If a tooth becomes infected due to decay, trauma, teeth grinding or gum disease, the tooth’s pulp may become infected or damaged. If left untreated, the infection could spread causing pain and resulting in abscess in the jaw bone or loss of bone in the jaw or loss of the tooth.
Although many patients are concerned at the idea of having a RCT, it allows patients to retain a functioning tooth instead of removing the damaged tooth. This means there is no need for a dental implant or bridge or an unsightly gap.
Dr Collins preforms RCT (root canal treatment) using modern rotary endodontic equipment. She removes the decayed part of the tooth and the pulp under local anaesthetic. If the tooth is severely infected, treatment may take more than one appointment to ensure the tooth is completely free from infection. The root canal is filled and sealed with a long lasting barrier material.
Occasionally, in some situations, a patient may need to be referred to a specialist (endodontist) locally in order to complete the RCT successfully. Usually, her patients are referred to local specialists for the completion of the root canal treatment and then return to Dr Collins for the provision of an onlay or crown. Most patients require an onlay or crown after a root canal treatment. Although RCT'd teeth have an 80% chance of success long term. Sometimes, a fracture on the tooth may be discovered during RCT and the tooth may need extracting.
Dental Exam
During an examination appointment, your dentist will go through an up-to-date medical history form. This allows us to identity any health issues you may have that may affect the type of dentistry or advice you may receive. We will also ask about your past dental history and will discuss any concerns or queries you may have whether they be dental or cosmetic.
Your dentist will then examine the mouth, oral cavity, the TMJ (the temporomandibular joint), the condition of the teeth and gums and the occlusion. Examining around the mouth, oral cavity and TMJ allows us to screen for oral cancer, TMJ dysfunction and other oral diseases.
Examining teeth is carried out first visually and then usually with the aid of digital radiographs. The teeth are charted in the patient's records. Existing restorations are assessed and cavities noted. The gums are assessed and any gingival inflammation or gum bleeding is noted along with mobility of teeth and the presence of tartar (calculus). The occlusion (bite) is investigated in order to see if there are any sign of grinding/clenching or chronic injury to the joint in the jaw. Often, if time permits, a scale and polish is carried out at this appointment. A treatment plan is created for the patient with an outline of costs when requested. This appointment usually takes about 30 minutes.
Implants
An implant is an excellent way to restore a space in the mouth They can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth or to secure a denture. They are an aesthetically pleasing, secure way to replace a missing tooth to help restore functionality. First coming on the dental scene about 40 years ago, means that we as a profession have been able to refine our technique of placing and restoring implants to ensure a predictable outcome.
Placing an implant first involves a consultation with Dr Collins. If you are a suitable candidate for an implant (unsuitable candidates include patients with uncontrolled diabetes, been taking bisphosphonate medication for osteoporosis for a prolonged length of time, or someone with terminal cancer,) patients who smoke), Dr Collins will refer you to an oral surgeon or periodontist for an evaluation.
The specialist will then proceed with the placement of the implant in the suitable candidate. This involves placement of a man made root into the bone of the mouth where a tooth would have been previously. There may be a need for a bone graft before the implant placement. The implant will osseointegrate or set in the bone over a period of 3-6 months. The specialist to refer the patient back to Dr Collins who will then take the impressions for the implant crown/bridge or denture.