Our hygienist can completely remove superficial stains (etc.) using a modern “power jet” to leave your teeth perfectly clean. She is also specially trained to treat gum disease and to educate our patients on oral hygiene techniques – individually tailored to specific needs.

Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective, tooth coloured, plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Mouthguards or mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a professionally made mouth protector. This includes a wide range of sports like football, gaelic, rugby, hockey and marshall arts.

Mouth or ‘oral’ cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good. Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late. Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Mouth cancers are more common in people over 40, particularly men. However, research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women.

Fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about the way they look. White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings. But there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Because many white fillings are classed as a cosmetic treatment, you can only have them done privately. Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used and the time it takes to complete the treatment. Ask your dentist for more information.

Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change; but it will lighten the existing shade. Professional bleaching is the most common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. The whitening product will be applied to your teeth using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter

Veneers: A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain. Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

Crowns: A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance: - you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth - you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth. - it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

Bridges: A bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of a space, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge cannot be removed. Another option is an adhesive bridge. This has wings that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth with very little drilling involved. Bridges are only possible if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Bridges usually made of porcelain bonded to precious metal. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base for strength. There are also new bridges made entirely of a special type of strong porcelain.

A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth. In practice, both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known as ‘implants.’ Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Over 95 per cent of modern implants should last for many years with the right care. Implants cannot always be used to replace missing teeth. It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first. After care is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful implant. Your dentist will give you detailed advice on how to look after your implants. Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that are difficult to reach and you'll be shown methods to help you. You may need to visit your hygienist more often but your dentist will be able to talk to you about this. All implants in the practice are provided by Conor Maguire.

We offer the personal service of Dr John Diamond, an Associate member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. Treatments offered include dermal fillers, botox and chemical peels. diamond skin clinic. In office hours skin treatments are provided by Oonagh Mc Closkey.