OC Dental specialise in easing the fears of nervous patients
THERE are some who dread the thought of visiting the dentist, and as a result, possibly don’t give their teeth as much attention as they deserve.
At OC Dental, a new practice which has just opened at 1B, The Avenue, Gorey, just next to the roundabout, across from Gorey Shopping Centre, they specialise in easing the fears of nervous patients.
Dentist Mairéad O’Connor has several ways of helping patients relax. ‘For nervous patients, we offer relaxation gas (nitrous oxide) sedation, or intravenous sedation,’ she said. ‘We are very much geared towards catering for people with dental anxiety and dental phobia.’
Kilmuckridge native Mairéad moved back home several months ago from Kilkenny where she was working in private practice. She qualified as a dentist in Trinity in 2000, and after completing a Vocational training scheme, went on to work in Carlow and Callan, Co Kilkenny, before deciding to return to her home county to set up her own private practice.
She took over the former Harrington Bookmakers premises and renovated it to her specific requirements. It’s conveniently located just on the edge of town, and there are three car parks a short distance away.
OC Dental is fully wheelchair accessible, and offers a bright and airy atmosphere for its patients. Since opening her doors in May, Mairéad has been steadily building up her patient list, and her premises has room for expansion as she gets busier. In time, she hopes to add a dental hygienist to the team, and then a second dentist.
‘Our emphasis is on making people as welcome and as comfortable as possible,’ she said. ‘It’s important to maintain and keep your teeth for a lifetime. It’s important to visit the dentist regularly, so we can do a full assessment, which involves assessing the teeth, gums, completing a cancer screen, and checking all tissues of the mouth for health. We also will take x-rays and photos to help us advise the patient on the best plan to keep their mouth and themselves healthy.’
She said that it is especially important to tackle any underlying gum disease that may be there. ‘ There are links between gum disease and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke,’ she said, ‘so a visit to the dentist can contribute to maintaining your health.’
‘ The theory is, the more often you visit your dentist, the less you should see them in the long term, and the longer that you will maintain your teeth. Our aim is for you at have as many teeth as possible at 90; able to eat whatever you want’ and seeing us as little as possible,’ she concluded.