Why should I choose a dentist that focuses heavily on Cosmetic Dentistry for my cosmetic work?

A dentist who spends a majority of their time on cosmetic treatments  is more focused on this area. They persue further training in the area and use the finest technology and laboratories to ensure your new smile will look fantastic. Just as important a good dentist will make sure your new teeth bite well so that they will last you as long as possible. We have performed thousands of crowns and veneers and have a tremendous amount of experience to offer.

What will happen at my first appointment?

Normally the first appointment is a getting to know you visit. You will meet your dentist and get a chance to see if you think you will get on! We then perform a dull examination of your teeth and gums and take appropriate X-rays. At this stage we discuss the issues that have come up during the examination and talk through the various treatment options. We will then present you with a treatment plan you can take with you. If you would like to have your teeth cleaned we can arrange this with the hygienist after you have seen the dentist.

If you have a specific issue you would like to have taken care of at the first appointment please let us know when you call up so we can make sure there is enough time set aside for it.

I heard from a friend you offer 6 month braces. How is this possible?

We have been offering this incredible option to patient for a number of years now with great success.  Dozens of patients have found out through word of mouth. With 6 month braces our goal is to give you a great smile. If you are chewing ok and only want a cosmetic improvement in your smile this works great. If you have big issues with how your back teeth  meet then you may still need standard braces. We can tell you after an examination if you are a good candidate. This treatment is primarily used instead of veneers and is much more conservative.

Do you accept PRSI towards dental treatments?

We do accept PRSI towards treatment for qualified people. If you wish to use your PRSI toward treatment we must be informed in advance so we can check your number with the department. Tel 284 2570/ 214 0566 for further information.

What does PRSI cover in dentistry?

PRSI entitles you to a discount off basic treatments with participating dentists. Not all dentists participate in the scheme so please ask for a dentist on the scheme if you want to use PRSI. PRSI contributes towards exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions and root canals. Other treatments may be covered by tax relief.

Is my dental treatment tax deductable?

Routine dental treatments are not tax deductable however the more complicated and expensive treatments generally are. For example root canal treatments, crowns, bridges, dental implants, gum treatments and  wisdom tooth extractions are covered. Please ask about your specific treatment.

Do you participate with VHI De Care Dental?

 We will provide a copy of your chart and X-rays if required for a claim, however if a letter is required for clarification for De Care there will be a charge of €100 per letter. We do not make our clinical records for the purpose of insurance providers, rather they are for treatment and diagnostic purposes.

Do you participate with VHI/Quinn health?

They offer a contribution towards certain treatments such as wisdom tooth removal. VHI also offers a contribution towards dental implants in certain circumstances. All treatments with these companies are subject to prior approval and they will generally pay a portion of the fee.

Who will I see as my dentist?

We have 8 dentists and a 2 hygienists at the Seapoint Clinic. If you request a specific dentist we will do our best to facilitate you. If there is a long waiting list for a dentist you may be offered another sooner. All our dentists are registered with the Dental council. Some of our dentists do not participate on certain schemes so please check when you are being booked in.

I have heard it is possible to get a tooth taken out and an implant inserted at the same time. Do you offer this?

We do provide immediate implants in certain circumstances. These implants have a higher failure rate than regular implants and so we only do them where the bone is particularly good and there are several implants together. There is a higher fee associated with these due to the higher risk. We recommend delaying placing the implant by about 6 weeks to reduce the risk to you.

What are your opening hours?

Please click here for opening hours http://www.seapointclinic.ie/opening_timesmap.php

Dental Implants:

How long will the procedure take?

There are several ways in which implants can be placed and the time taken varies depending on this. Generally we place an implant and leave it buried under the gum for approximately 4 months. We then expose it to the mouth and start the procedure of making the final crown. Often this can be completed in about 1 month. Sometimes where appearance is of utmost importance we may wait longer for the gum to heal before making the final crown.

Will I be left with no teeth for 4 months?

There are several different ways to get temporary teeth during the healing period. Most people just wear their existing denture during this time. Some people have been without teeth for a long time and so are happy to go without temporaries for a few months. For those who are not it is usually possible to get fixed or removable temporary teeth. Fixed temporaries are more expensive as they are dental bridges bonded to the adjacent teeth. Removable teeth such as dentures may be made by a laboratory or you may use your existing dentures during the healing phase.

How many visits will it take?

This depends on the number and type of implants you are getting. If you are getting mini implants this is usually completed in just 1 visit. If you are getting implants to replace teeth there are usually 3-4 visits. These are placing the implant, uncovering the implant and fitting the crown. Occasionally there will be more visits if other procedures are necessary such as grafting or tissue healing.

Do you complete the whole treatment, from Implant to crown fit?

We can carry out all aspects of treatment here. You will usually have the same dentist for all the treatment. For some advanced bone grafting cases we may refer to a hospital or a specilist in that area.

Can an Implant be placed the same day as an extraction?

Sometimes it can but only if all the conditions are right. This means there can be no infection present and the tooth being taken out must have bone all around it. It is not advisable if the tooth is a front tooth as the gum usually will not heal as well.

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What type of Implants do you use?

We use different implants depending on the clinical situation. We use implants from Nobel Biocare, Biohorizons, Bicon and Imtec. All implants are either Swedish or American manufacturers.

Why would I need a CT scan?

Conventional X-rays only show your bone in 2 dimensions. Before the use of Ct`s there were times where a patient had to have their gums opened before we could tell if there was enough bone present. A Ct prevents this problem. It also allows us to plan the implants more comprehensively in 3D and check for any nerves or sinuses in the way of the implants.

Why do I need an OPG & a CT scan?

An OPG is a simple X-ray that gives us an overview of the bone and teeth present in 2 dimensions. It is useful to get a basic treatment plan together. If you are happy you would like to proceed with implants we then recommend a CT is taken to plan more accurately.

What happens if the bone has not grown around the implant. Does this mean I get a refund?

Bone will grow around an implant approximately 98.5% of the time. If it does not we will repeat the procedure at no cost to you or deduct the cost off that of a bridge. You will not be refunded for this fee as it is based on the dentists time, cost of implants, materials, staff etc.

If I have a denture, can I wear it over the implants until the Crowns are fitted?

Yes, many of our patients use this as a temporary. If you have a precision metal partial denture it may be necessary to replace this with an acrylic denture as they are difficult to modify. Your dentist will advise you at consultation whether this will be necessary in your case.

I lost a front tooth and and need an implant, but I didn’t like the way my front tooth crossed over the other. Can I change the position so it looks better?

This is variable and depends on the position of the teeth and the location of the bone. Often we can improve the appearance but it is best to talk to the dentist about your specific case.

I don’t understand, with the mini implants, how do I not get food caught underneath the denture? How do I keep it clean?

Any denture will get food underneath it including dentures with mini implants. The denture is removable for cleaning so this is not as issue.

6 month braces

I’ve been told that I need to wear braces for two years. Do you think I would qualify for the 6 month braces?

There are many cases we have treated in 6 months where the patient has been told they need veneers or metal braces for 2 years. It is often worth your while having a consult with our dentists to check if they are an option for you. Essentially 6 month braces are designed for cosmetic problems. If you have major issues with your bite or jaw position you may still need regular braces. 6 month braces work best for people who have minor crowding/spacing athe front of their mouth.

Do I need to have a referral from my dentist to get a consultation??

We get many referrals from dentists who do not perform more complicated procedures such as dental implants. However you do not need a referral to see our dentists. If you are deemed unsuitable for 6 month braces you will need a referral, which we can provide, to see a specialist orthodontist.