Treatments and services
At Stephen Godfrey we use only the very latest well-researched techniques. All our treatments are carried out with great attention to detail, using the highest quality and most up-to-date materials and equipment.
As well as providing specialist treatment to patients referred by dentists across the region, we also offer general dentistry and a full range of treatments for patients who approach us directly.
New Patient Consultation
All new patients will have a full consultation, examination and x-rays taken to assess which treatments will be needed. We will discuss with you all the options available, the number of visits you will need and how much your treatment will cost. For more complex cases a written case report will be sent to you detailing your treatment plan and costs involved.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-term, safe and effective way to replace missing or failing teeth. The results look and feel completely natural, and can truly transform your smile and improve the structure of your face.
An implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root for a crown, bridge or denture. Titanium is exceptionally strong and well accepted by the body, and our techniques allow bone to naturally grow into the surface of the implant to create a strong, natural bond that can last a lifetime.
Because implants ‘stand alone’, adjacent teeth remain untouched and are not used for support as they are in traditional crown and bridge work. Implants can be used to replace either one or several teeth, and they are an ideal solution to speech or eating problems caused by tooth loss, and to the irritation associated with ill-fitting dentures.
Because every patient is different, implant treatment methods vary depending on the nature of the problem. Generally treatment is carried out in two stages over a three to six month period, and requires between five and seven visits. The first stage is to place the implant fixture into the jawbone. The second stage is to expose the implant through the gum. Impressions are then taken for the final implant crown, bridge or denture, with the final fitting usually taking place two to three weeks later.
Implant Consultation
This initial visit will involve a comprehensive assessment by our implant team so we can put together your personal treatment plan. The visit may involve taking x-rays and preliminary moulds of your teeth. A written estimate and detailed treatment plan will be sent to you so you may consider the options available before commencing treatment.
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)
Root canal treatment will save your natural tooth ensuring it remains healthy and strong for years to come. Perceptions about the process are often very outdated. Technology and techniques are now extremely sophisticated and, in the UK alone, over 14 million teeth are treated in this way each year.
Endodontic treatment is the best solution for teeth where the interior pulp is damaged. The only alternative is extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge, which is more complex and costly. Where possible, it is always preferable to save the natural tooth.
The treatment is carried out in four stages – preparation, cleansing, filling, and covering the tooth – and is normally completed in one or two visits.
Firstly an Endodontist examines the tooth, takes a digital x-ray and then applies anaesthetic to numb the area. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth and the root canals are cleansed and filled. The tooth is then sealed and, if necessary, a crown is fitted for protection.
Most patients find the procedure very comfortable, and root canal treatment is an extremely effective way to alleviate on going dental pain. Some patients may experience sensitivity in the days following treatment but this is easily soothed with standard painkillers.
All dentists receive training in Endodontic treatment, but many choose to refer patients to specialists like us for this type of work. At Stephen Godfrey we have the specialist knowledge, experience and technology to achieve the most outstanding results time after time.
Crowns
A crown – or ‘cap’ as it is commonly known – is an excellent solution for broken or weakened teeth, particularly those that have had root canal therapy. Each crown is custom-made to fit onto a damaged tooth and will normally be made from a precious metal core bonded with porcelain to match the shade of adjacent teeth. Crowns can also be made from gold or porcelain.
Treatment will normally require at least two appointments. The first will involve preparing and taking an impression of the tooth, and making and fitting a temporary crown. You may be asked to visit our dental technician at Pacor Dental Ceramics, www.andrewmtaylor-pacor.co.uk, to select a precise shade for your crown. The second appointment will involve removing the temporary crown and fitting the permanent crown.
Bridges
A bridge can be a good solution for missing teeth, and really improve your smile. A conventional bridge involves using crowns to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap, then bonding a false tooth or teeth to the crown in order to ‘bridge’ the space. Bridges can be used on either natural teeth or dental implants.
An adhesive bridge is a false tooth that is stuck to adjacent teeth using metal ‘wings’. This method retains the healthy tissue of supporting teeth, as it requires the removal of less of the tooth. The bridge is fitted using a very strong composite resin.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin porcelain facing which can dramatically improve the appearance of front teeth or an individual tooth. Veneers can be used to change the shape, contour and colour of teeth and to close gaps in your smile. Treatment will require two appointments and the procedure is similar to that of a crown.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic or ‘aesthetic’ dentistry is a popular way of improving how teeth look, and can give a real ‘lift’ to your overall appearance. We specialise in all kinds of treatments to straighten, lighten, reshape and repair teeth.
Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, implants and tooth-coloured fillings. We have a great deal of experience using modern techniques and materials to enhance your smile and achieve stunning results.
Tooth Whitening
This is a safe and well-accepted procedure to lighten and brighten teeth. Whitening can be carried out either in surgery or by using the home kit we provide.
Hygiene Therapy
Hygiene Therapy focuses primarily on the prevention of oral disease and maintaining the health of teeth and gums. We advise patients to make regular visits to the hygienist who will examine your gums and thoroughly scale and polish each tooth. The hygienist will work with you to help you maintain the health of your mouth.
