Frequently Asked Questions

I recommend visiting me every 6 months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. Regular visits allow me to detect problems early — such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer — before they become more serious and costly to treat. Some patients with higher risk factors may need more frequent visits, which I will advise.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive oral examination, digital X-rays to assess your teeth and bone structure, and a professional cleaning. I will discuss your dental and medical history, identify any immediate concerns, and put together a personalised treatment plan. It is a relaxed, no-pressure appointment — I am here to understand your needs.

Yes, I accept most major dental insurance plans, including PRSI dental benefit and many private health insurers. I recommend contacting your insurer in advance to confirm your coverage. I am happy to help you understand what treatments are covered and assist with any claims paperwork.

Appointments are booked through the clinic directly. If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to send me a message via the contact page.

Professional teeth whitening, when carried out by a qualified dentist, is safe and does not damage tooth enamel. I use clinically proven, regulated whitening agents at appropriate concentrations. Over-the-counter products can vary in safety, so I always recommend professional whitening for the best and safest results. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, which usually resolves within a day or two.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last 25 years or more — and many patients enjoy them for a lifetime. The titanium implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, making it extremely stable and durable. The crown (visible tooth) typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear.

A root canal is a treatment to save an infected or severely decayed tooth by removing the damaged pulp inside the tooth, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them. Thanks to modern anaesthesia and techniques, root canal treatment today is virtually painless — most patients say it feels no different from having a filling. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Dental emergencies include: severe or persistent toothache, a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, dental abscess or facial swelling, lost filling or crown causing pain, and bleeding that will not stop. If you are unsure, call me and I will advise you. For facial trauma, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency department or call 999.

Act quickly — time is critical. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with milk or saline (not tap water), and try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If you cannot, place it in a cup of cold milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. See a dentist immediately — ideally within 30 minutes. The faster you act, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.

Yes, I accept patients under the PRSI Treatment Benefit Scheme. If you have the required PRSI contributions, you may be entitled to a free dental examination and a contribution towards a scale and polish each calendar year. You can check your entitlements on welfare.ie or by contacting your local Social Welfare office.

Yes, I provide dental treatment under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) for medical card holders. This covers a dental examination, two fillings per year, extractions, and emergency treatment. Additional treatments may require prior approval from the HSE.

I accept most major dental insurance plans in Ireland, including VHI, DeCare Dental, Irish Life, Laya Healthcare, and others. I recommend checking with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm what treatments are covered under your specific plan.

Yes, you can claim tax relief on certain non-routine dental treatments in Ireland using the Med 2 form. This includes treatments like crowns, veneers, root canals, and dental implants. I can provide the necessary receipts and documentation for your claim to Revenue.

I recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits help your child become comfortable with the dental environment, allow me to spot any early issues, and give parents guidance on brushing, diet, and fluoride use.

Yes, I understand that dental anxiety is very common and I take it seriously. I offer several options to help nervous patients feel at ease, including oral sedation, inhalation sedation (happy gas / nitrous oxide), and IV sedation for more complex cases. I also use a gentle, explain-as-I-go approach so you always know what to expect. Please let me know about your anxiety when booking — I am here to help.

My practice is centrally located on Dublin Street in Carlow town, easily accessible from all parts of the town and surrounding areas. There is convenient on-street and nearby car parking available.

I welcome patients from Carlow town and across County Carlow, including Tullow, Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag), Borris, Leighlinbridge, and Graiguecullen. I also see patients from neighbouring counties including Laois and Kilkenny.