The Team

"And the DHC's have scored again.Who would have believed it. I've never seen play like this since Pelé and the Beautiful Team of the 70's.

You'd better believe it. We are the Dream team at Greenfields House, carefully selected to form the Best Dental Team ever. From the receptionists as forwards, the nurses on the wing, the dentists in defence, the hygienist in goal to the practice director on the side line, "We are top of the league."..... "Beautiful Team" - a matter of opinion. "Best Dental Team?" - no competition! "We're the finest team in Dentistry the world has ever seen!" Excerpt from our entry to the Dentistry Awards 2008 - Best Dental Team.

Whilst reading the profiles of all members of our team (all written individually by team members), you will notice there is quite a repetitive element in all of them - we all feel it is an honour and a joy to work with each other. It is this special element in the team that makes the team so special.

Dentists

Mike Heads

Having gained a Honours degree in Applied Zoology from Leeds University in June 1977 and working for a year in industry, I then enrolled at Leeds Dental School to study dentistry and qualified in Christmas 1982. After qualification I worked as an associate for just over a year before opening my own practice followed by two more practices in the next two years. In 1992 I oversaw the design and building of Greenfields House (which houses The Dental Healthcare Centre and Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic) and today this is my only practice.

Having gained an interest in cosmetic work and dental implants in the 1980's, I continued with cosmetic work and started to carry out implant treatment in 1992. I now place approximately 400 implants a year and have over 150 dentists throughout the North East who have referred patients for treatment. I have always had close ties with the USA and, as a former President of the International Association of Student Clinicians of the American Dental Association (the first non-North American to hold this position) I was introduced to the annual convention of the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1981. I continue to attend the ADA meetings whenever possible, I have also attended the annual convention of the American Academy of Osseointegration and I regularly attend the annual and local meetings of the Association of Dental Implantology (UK). I am a member of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists, European Association of Osseointegration and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, taking an active part in their educational programmes. I am also part of the mentoring programme for Nobel Biocare providing help, advice and training for dentists expressing an interest in implants. I have recently been asked to sit on the Nobel Biocare Corporate Advisory Board which discusses all aspects of Nobel Biocare's implant products with a view to continually improving their products and services.

I lecture on Dental Implantology and, previously as an NHS general dental practitioner, was a trainer on the Northern Region Vocational Training Scheme for newly qualified dentists for 13 years. Whilst a trainer I was awarded one of only four of the three year term contracts that the training scheme, at the time, had ever issued. I have always taken a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and implantology. My passion for post-graduate education and hence my hungry desire to keep up with recent cosmetic and implant techniques is shown by the number of courses I attend, whether they be lectures or hands on courses ranging from a Master class at Dewsbury Hospital, to a French implantologist running a course in Dublin, or twice to Los Angeles to hear and work with two of the best implantologists in the world as well as courses and meetings in Europe. This continuing passion to learn about new and better methods of treatment, equips myself and Cleveland CDIC with the knowledge to provide the way forward for Implantology and Cosmetic Dentistry in the North East.

Being a work-a-holic I do not have much time to do anything else, though I do manage to find time to enjoy meals out with my wife and friends and I am trying to find time to learn how to play golf (again).

Gill Douglas

I finally arrived in dentistry after a long and tortuous route that took me through degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology; a Masters degree in Oral pathology and stints working for the Forensic Science Service and at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London. Thus a childhood ambition to be a dentist took over 10 years of study and wild (?) student nights of partying to achieve. But the BDS was worth it.

Apart from the few odd moments, (NHS Saturday mornings mostly! ) I've loved every minute of my chosen career. Like any vocation or job, lots of dentistry can be routine but I still feel extremely privileged to be able to help my patients, whether it is to relieve pain they are experiencing, to improve their appearance or just to give them confidence to attend if they are nervous. Working in a fabulous practice with a great team also makes it so much nicer too.

Outside of dentistry, a major hip operation in 2005 curtailed my outdoor pursuits somewhat for hill climbing, fell walking and all that Morris dancing that probably helped damage my hip in the first place! So now I am more of a couch potato and intend to spend more of my time afloat - cruising- preferably being pampered in a spa.

Worst fears - computers.
Greatest achievement - my second parachute jump at Sunderland airport - would you do it twice ??
Happiest day of my life - probably steering the large RNLI Trent lifeboat all the way across the Bristol Channel from Minehead to Barry - after a wonderful sunny day spent with the RNLI volunteers from Barry.
Next ambitions - conquer my fear of computers and learn to ballroom dance.

Charlotte Constantine

After an exciting childhood in the Middle East, going to school on the beach, I was eventually sent back to the UK to finish my education, in a boarding school in Surrey. It was here that I developed my love for sport and generally getting involved in everything. (I couldn't really sing, but it didn't stop me joining the choir!)

After realising that I am actually quite good at making things, in addition to loving my holiday job in a nursing home, I had an epiphany that a practical career like dentistry was for me. So there it is! The road to dental school was calling.

I studied at the University of Newcastle dental School and graduated in 2000 with merit in restorative dentistry and child dental health. As well as loving my academic time at dental school, I played volleyball and cricket for the university, netball for the dental school and I was also Vice-President of the dental student's society. On leaving University, my need to keep busy, led me to join the Royal Naval Reserve. These were a great 5 years and full of opportunities.

Since finishing my training, I have been working in a family village dental practice in Corbridge, Northumberland. It was here that I realised how much I loved working in general practice. It's a great feeling when you get to know your patients and treat all the different generations in the same family. I am a real believer in encouraging good habits from the earliest of ages- after all, prevention is the best approach! I have a particular interest in restorative dentistry which, essentially means I love to fix things, if at all possible. There are , however, occasions when things can't be fixed, which has led me to become more involved with dental implants, in recent years.

Since joining the practice, in October 2008, I have found it a delightful place to work, having the best of facilities and a great team spirit. I look forward to getting to know you all soon.

Kevin Caruana

I qualified with a B.Ch.D. in Malta in 2003. I worked in the Maltese version of the NHS system and privately for a year and a half, where I worked on a large number of British tourists who used to go to Malta for their Dental treatment, or were unlucky enough to have a dental problem while on holiday. These same patients encouraged me to come over to England and I eventually decided to come over in January 2005 where I worked under a pilot scheme for the new NHS, which sadly was not adopted by the government so I left the NHS and came to work at Greenfields House. I have been working with the practice from August 2006 and have been providing high quality dental care ever since. With a caring friendly attitude, conscientious professionalism and a great team to help me, I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated; a recipe which often results in patients saying "you are the best dentist I ever had!"

I attend a vast number of courses to keep abreast with the latest developments and I am currently working towards obtaining a Master's degree in Restorative Dentistry organised by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. I have experience in a variety of Bleaching procedures which can be tailored to patients' individual needs.

I am a member of the following organisations:

British Society of Periodontology (treatment of gum disease)
British Endodontic Society (Root canal treatments)
British Society of Restorative Dentistry (Restoring the failing dentition)
Associate member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where I am working towards achieving full membership very soon.
Assoc +3 member of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)
British Dental Association

In my personal life I spend as much time as I can with my lovely girlfriend Theresa, while also trying to go to the Gym on a regular basis. I love my football 5-a side games with the local guys, and enjoy walking in the North Yorkshire Moors. I also enjoy visiting my family back in Malta around twice a year, taking the opportunity to top up on the tan.

For those of you who are foreign, apart from English and Maltese I also speak very fluent Italian and some rusty French.

Practice Director - Linda Heads

Born in Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, I moved to Stockton-on-Tees when I was about 10 years old. Educated at Grangefield Grammar School and Stockton Sixth Form College (where I met Mike), I then studied History at Lancaster University and obtained a B.A. Honours degree.

Whilst Mike returned to Leeds University to do his second degree in Dentistry, I had various jobs to support us both - he was "a kept man." Mike says he has been paying me back ever since. Our two children, Charlotte and Laurence, are both at University now and, interestingly, Charlotte has gone down the science route, like Mike, and is studying Biochemistry at Oxford, whilst Laurence is more arts based and is currently studying Economics at Monmouth University in the USA. Both kids are sporty and cheeky, the latter attribute coming from their Mum.

Leaving my job in the Education Dept. At Middlesbrough, I was determined to help Mike set up his first practice - in those days (1984), I used to nurse for him and work on the reception desk. Now, I have my own office, upstairs at Greenfields House - patients rarely see me and I'm sure those patients who go back to 1984 and beyond think that I am now a lady of leisure. All I can say is that a chance would be a fine thing!

I am still working as hard as ever behind the scenes - accounts, marketing, personnel, interior design and, most recently, practice photographer. My work is varied, very rewarding and made enjoyable by the people I work with.

My role normally involves me making a nuisance of myself - distributing work and ensuring its completed by the required deadline. The rest of the team think I am good at doing this - making a nuisance of myself, that is, and I know they say, "it's her again" when my line lights up. The most important thing about my job is to have a sense of humour and ensure that the whole team are happy in their work - after all, "a smile a day keeps the Director away!"

Hygienist - Karen Hails

I qualified as a Dental Hygienist in 1994 whilst serving in The Royal Air Force. I left the RAF when I started my family and moved back home to Middlesbrough. I joined the practice in 1999 and thoroughly enjoy being part of such a fantastic team.

I am a member of The British society of Dental Hygienist and Therapists and regularly attend meetings to expand my knowledge and further my education. In my spare time I am a part time taxi driver for my 2 lovely children, I try to get to the gym as much as I can and for my sins have a season ticket at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Nursing Team

Kerry Markham

Throughout my working life I have gained a wide experience in many aspects of dentistry, from NHS, Private and more recently Cosmetic.

Gaining my National Qualification at Newcastle Dental Hospital in 2000 I have since worked in private cosmetic practices nursing for Implantologists and Endodontists, also assisting in facial aesthetics procedures.

I have been nursing for over 14 years now and still love my job, the interaction between myself and my patients, and working with a great practice team makes my day worthwhile.

When I'm not working, I enjoy the outdoors, walking over the moors, off road mountain biking and motor biking too. I love a good autobiography because I am a nosey neb!

Linzi Featherstone

Hi, I am a qualified dental nurse who has worked at the practice since October 2007.

I have almost four years experience including areas such as sedation, anxiety management and cosmetic treatment. As I have previous experience within the reception field I have a broad perception of the running of the practice and I, therefore, feel comfortable within my position as a full time dental nurse.

I enjoy working at the practice even more since we have now had a complete practice makeover. I get on well with the whole team and put 100% into my work. I like to learn new skills and maybe one day further my career in dentistry.

About me:
Star sign- Taurus.
Favourite Food - Burger King.
General Interests - Spending time with friends, watching films and shopping.
Favourite music - R&B.
Favourite Programme - Simpsons or Family Guy... I can't decide!

Sarah Straughair

My name is Sarah Straughair, I live in Thornaby with my husband Danny and my son Jack.

I joined the practice team in April 2007 as a trainee Dental Nurse, after working in care for almost eight years, and in retail prior to that! I am currently at college studying to gain my qualification in an NVQ Advanced level 3 in Dental Nursing, and hope to achieve this first time! I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Dental Nurse and can honestly say it's the first job I've had which I don't mind going to! It's a really nice, friendly place to work.

Most of my spare time is taken up with my son, and doing day to day activities such as paying bills! I enjoy a night at home with my husband watching a movie or playing board games, and the odd night out with friends and my colleagues (my grandma has more of a social life than me!) - I do, however, condone spending my hard earned money on going on lots of exotic holidays!!!

Janie Nelson

I have happily been part of the team here since December 2003 and I am a qualified dental nurse who, foolishly, took on the responsibility for the ordering of all stock and making sure that all of the Clinical areas are spic and span. I love my work and my work friends, so I consider myself to be lucky. We love to have nights out together now and again and have been known to share the odd bottle of falling down water, dance the night away and compare bruises the next day.

I am a mother of two grown up children and have been happily married for a very long time. My daughter and her husband have blessed me with a granddaughter and my son and his wife are expecting a child soon, which I am very excited about.

When I am released into the community from my ball and chain at work (ha ha) I like nothing better than to go away in my caravan. Come rain snow or shine there we are in our sardine tin. So watch out, we could be coming to a site near you!!!


Administrative Team

Tracey Peters

I started working full time here in July 2008 and what a mad, friendly, bunch of girls and boys they are! They've made me feel so welcome, I feel as if I've worked here all my life!!!

Over the years I have gained qualifications such as RSA I, II & III, CLAIT, IBT and most recently ECDL. I am able to utilise my computer skills and enjoy the challenge of working in a totally different environment to what I am used to. It's not just about booking patients in and out of appointments, there's a lot to do behind the scenes as well!!

Prior to working here I worked for the MOD for 8 years both in Cyprus and Germany holding a variety of administration posts. Whilst in Cyprus I took full advantage of courses available to me, such as Reflexology, Diet and Nutrition and Sailing.

When I'm not working, I love travelling with my husband and two daughters, eating out, reading autobiographies and going to the gym - time and energy permitting!!

I feel privileged to work and socialise with such a great team of people, not many people can say that!!

Margaret Birch

I joined the practice four years ago as a part time receptionist after working in retail for twenty years. It was a refreshing change to be able to sit down at work instead of being on my feet for eight hours or more a day.

It's a pleasure working at the practice which provides a unique environment. I have learnt a great deal while I have been here and in return I give 100%, being hard working, loyal and flexible.

Working part time allows me time to look after my Grandson and enjoy long weekends away. My partner and I love walking and we regularly go to the Lake District hoping eventually to own a second home in Ambleside.

I love socialising with the girls from work, past work colleagues, friends, and relations. My partner often has a look in too, we enjoy an Indian and listening to the band in our local on a Saturday night.

Lynne Brown

I have worked at the practice part - time, since 1994. During my time here I have seen countless changes including the transition from NHS to private. I am proud to be a team member of a modern practice and feel lucky to be working with a great bunch of people.

I have been married for 27 years and have two grown up sons who both left home last year. My greatest ambition was fulfilled in 1998 when my husband surprised me with a trip to Gracelands for my birthday; I am a huge Elvis fan.

In terms of achievement I am especially proud of myself as I have a great fear of heights, and managed to overcome this when I went to the top of the Empire State building.

My hobbies include reading, walking especially in the Lake District, dining out and socialising with my work colleagues.

Dawn Cooper

I joined the Practice Team four years ago - and on the second attempt I might add - but as the saying goes -" if at first you don't succeed try try again"

I work the 'graveyard shift' mainly because it fits in with caring for my housebound mother, my two daughters, oh and not forgetting my wonderful husband.

I am a bubbly person who always has a smile for everyone, maybe because I am small!! Do I feel another saying coming on - "great things come in small parcels."

Joking apart, the people I work with are very considerate regarding my small stature even to the point of lowering shelves and notice boards just so I don't have to climb!

We are a fantastic team and all love working together so much so that we spend time together socially and not many people can say that!

Long may we remain doing the job we love !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alison Murgatroyd (not for much longer!!)

Hi, I have worked at the practice since July 2000 when I started as a part time receptionist and also as an assistant nursing for Karen our Hygienist. I now work full time on reception - oh my God, I must be MAD!!!. Reception duties apart, I am also responsible for Clinical Governance at the practice and have a reputation as a bit of a computer whiz; they call me "Mrs. Clicky" as I press the buttons so quick no-one can keep up with me. I'm also known as "Handy Ali" If you can't find me on the reception desk then I'll be locked away somewhere with either a paint brush or a screw driver!!.

We are a crazy bunch who enjoy working and socializing together, and I can honestly say I feel privileged to work alongside such a great bunch of people. I have seen a lot of faces come and go over the years and have to say this lot has definitely got to be the ugliest!

Outside work I love nothing better than going camping with my partner, we are away most weekends in the good weather. Between us we have 6 children and 2 grandchildren the Walton's have got nothing on us!!.

Specialist Services

Dr. Raj Patel
BDS, LDSRCS, MSc, FDS RCPS
Lecturer in Dental Implantology,
University of Sheffield

Dr. Keith Jones
BDS, FDS RCS, MB BCh, FRCS
Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon,
Derby

David Bird
Dental Laboratory

John Foster
Dental Laboratory

About Our Practice

At Greenfields House, we hope you will feel completely at home. If we neglect to offer you a tea or coffee, please feel free to ask for one or help yourself to a bottle of water. Select the channel you want on the TV or switch it off if you would prefer some peace and quiet. Current magazines and patient information are there for your perusal, whilst a PS2 and toys will, hopefully, occupy our younger patients. Even Goldilocks would find the perfect chair, down to a very laid back, slight rocking chair - don't fall asleep! Ask a member of staff should you like to see a patient education video which will explain, in animated form, various dental procedures.

Our surgeries are air conditioned - should you feel too hot or too cold just let us know and we can achieve the perfect temperature for you. If you are less able and can't manage the stairs, we have 3 ground floor surgeries for your benefit.

Need cheering up - visit our Hall of Smiles and take in a joke or two or have a friendly chat with our staff. Should you need to discuss something in private , away from the reception desk, please ask to use our seminar room - we respect your right to privacy.

At home, away from home, we are sure we can make you comfortable.

Quality Assurance

All dentists are committed to continually improving their knowledge and undertake a set number of hours of continual professional development each year (CPD). We also perform regular clinical audits and take part in a thorough quality assurance programme organised by Denplan. All staff regularly participate in staff training and attend relevant courses. The appropriate bodies routinely check all equipment and we adhere strictly to the necessary guidelines.

Appointments

Please respect our appointment system and give us at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend - failure to do so may result in a charge. Surgery time is valuable to enable us to keep waiting time for appointments to a minimum and to allow us to see patients in times of emergency.

Opening Hours:
Monday: 8.30 a.m - 4.30 p.m
Tuesday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
(closed eve. 1 Tuesday in 4)
Wednesday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Thursday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Friday: 8.30 a.m - 4.30 p.m
Saturday: 9.00 a.m - 12.00 p.m
(open 1 Saturday in 4)

For out of hours dental emergency arrangements for registered patients, please call the practice number.

Dental Emergencies

Our team have regular training sessions to enable them to cope in emergency situations, but, thankfully, such extreme situations do not normally arise. There may be times, however, when you require out of hours emergency dental treatment and this will be carried out at the practice by one of our dentists.

For patients registered at our practice, we guarantee to see all dental emergencies within 24 hours and to offer same day emergency appointments whenever possible. If you have a dental emergency outside of practice hours, please telephone the practice and an answer phone will give you instructions.

For the less Able

We have fully ramped disabled access to our practice, widened doors and three ground floor surgeries. We also have disabled toilet facilities and in our waiting rooms , we provide seating at different heights. If you have any special requirements or are unable to use the stairs please let us know before your first appointment. Once you are ready to leave the practice, and should you require a taxi, please just ask a member of staff and they will be happy to call one for you.

Payment Options

We accept:
Cash
Cheque
Debit card
We do not accept credit cards.

For larger amounts we offer:
Interest free credit over 12 months (details on application and subject to status)
Low interest loans (details on application and subject to status)

Your Routine Dental Care

We offer our practice Denplan scheme where, in return for a monthly fee, your routine dental care is catered for - e.g. Tooth coloured fillings, x-rays, examinations, scale and polishes, root treatments, extractions, crowns, bridges, and dentures - only laboratory costs and root canal therapy instruments will incur an extra charge. Unlike some practices, we include Velscope oral cancer screening within this monthly fee.

Hygienist Services

Good oral hygiene techniques are important to prevent the formation of tartar - a build up of this will cause plaque and, eventually, may cause gum disease. We will carry out a scale and polish if this is the case, but we will also provide oral hygiene instruction to prevent this re-occurring in the future.

For your convenience, we sell a variety of products to aid your oral hygiene which are often cheaper than high street prices.

Preventative Treatment

No one likes having dental treatment so the more we can prevent problems occurring the happier our patients will be. At the Dental Healthcare Centre we try to reduce the amount of dental treatment needed by spending more time on preventing further problems occurring.

Taking time to talk to patients
Arranging regular and detailed oral checkups
Ensuring regular and thorough cleaning of teeth to reduce tooth decay and gum disease
Dentists taking their time ensuring the highest quality of treatment is provided
Using only top quality materials so that once placed the restorations last a long time
Fissure sealants for childrens' adult teeth to help prevent decay before it starts
Healazone treatment to kill bacteria in teeth to stop decay spreading
Velscope system to rountinely screen patients for oral cancer
Oral cancer awareness with smoking cessation advice
Discussions with parents / patients re-dietary advice for children
Taking time to explain why prevention of gum problems are so important and why oral hygiene instruction is needed for both children and adults

Oral Cancer Screening

"Every five hours someone dies from mouth cancer in the UK."

The number of mouth cancer cases has increased by 30% in the last 10 years and carries a mortality rate of 50%, yet despite these alarming statistics, only 1 in 4 people have ever heard of the disease.

"People need to be more aware of mouth cancer and the associated symptoms, such as ulcers that don't heal and red or white patches in the mouth. Sounds simple, but this information could save a person's life."

Here at the Dental Healthcare Centre all of our patients receive routine Velscope oral cancer screening. The Dental Healthcare Centre were one of the first practices in the area to start using this exciting, state of the art piece of equipment.

Treatments

Here at the Dental Healthcare Centre, we pride ourselves in taking as much time as necessary to carry out your treatment to the highest standards. Good quality materials, laboratories producing work of the highest standards and our commitment to stringent guidelines on cross infection control all contribute to assuring our patients of the very best treatment.

Tooth Coloured Fillings

Advances in white filling materials means more varied applications are available, including repairing chipped or broken front teeth, covering unsightly marks on teeth, enhancing the shape of front teeth or simply used as a filling material on back teeth. Amalgam free fillings (containing no mercury) are becoming more popular for health as well as cosmetic reasons. The colour range of the material has greatly improved, enabling us to obtain a good colour match to your existing teeth.

We automatically replace failed silver (amalgam) fillings or do new fillings with tooth coloured material as part of your Denplan care scheme.

Crowns

Used where teeth are heavily filled or badly broken down - unlike veneers, crowns cover all surfaces of the tooth. This treatment involves shaping of the original tooth so that a crown will fit over it, the taking of impressions and making the crown at the laboratory. Crowns can be made from porcelain bonded to white gold, totally out of porcelain or the newer zirconium based crowns. These new all ceramic crowns are equally as strong as the metal based crowns and having no metal in them they are much more natural looking and do not leave a black line at the gum margin as seen in so many conventional metal based crowns.

Our time to make a crown for you is included in your Denplan care scheme leaving you to pay the laboratory bill only.

Bridges

Bridges are used where teeth are missing and the option of dental implants has been discounted. The teeth, either side of the gap, are prepared in the same way as a crown, impressions taken and the bridge made at the laboratory. As the name suggests, the gap is bridged with an additional tooth or teeth attached to the crowns fitting either side of the gap. Like crowns, bridges were conventionally made from porcelain bonded to metal, but now more modern and aesthetically pleasing all ceramic zirconium based bridges are available.

Our time to make a bridge for you is included in your Denplan Care Scheme leaving you to pay the laboratory bill only.

Porcelain Veneers

Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers cover only the front part of the tooth, after having only minimal work done on the tooth itself. Wafer thin porcelain, crafted by very experienced technicians, is used to rectify many defects, including the masking of discoloured teeth, realigning crowded and protruding teeth and closing gaps.

Porcelain veneers are very strong, lasting up to 15 years, are natural in looks and are easy to look after with no special care required. No one else will realise you have veneers, unless you tell them.

Our time to make a veneer for you is included in Your Denplan care scheme leaving you to pay the laboratory fee only.

Tooth Whitening

This is a procedure to lighten the colour of natural teeth. The colour of teeth varies among individuals and in different age groups - teeth can naturally darken over time. Tooth colour is influenced by a person's genetic make up and by any surface stains or deposits in or on the teeth. We use four different procedures dependent on your individual requirements and your dentist is very happy to discuss this with you.

This procedure, however, is not included in your Denplan Care Scheme.

Root Canal Therapy

Another term for this is root filling - a way of saving a tooth, which would otherwise, have been extracted. Reasons for this treatment include decay, fracture, and leakage allowing bacteria to cause infection and trauma. This treatment can return the tooth to full function.

Our time to carry out this treatment for you is included in your Denplan care scheme leaving you to pay for the root canal instruments only.

Dentures

Various types of denture are available and the cost is dependent on the quality of the teeth and other materials used. As you can see in the case study, by adding character to the teeth and the pink gum, a much more aesthetic result can be achieved.

Our time to make a denture for you is included in your Denplan Care Scheme leaving you to pay for the laboratory bill only.

Healozone

Teeth, in certain circumstances, may be treated with ozone and this turns dental decay back into solid tooth. No injections, drilling or filling is required for those teeth where it is possible to use the Healozone system.

This service is included in your Denplan care Scheme.

Air Polishing

This treatment is quick and easy and more relaxing than with traditional applications - we can recommend it as a way of cleaning your teeth thoroughly. A high-pressure jet with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and lemon is used to remove stains and your mouth will feel cleaner and totally refreshed.

This service is included in your Denplan care Scheme.

Sports Mouth Guard

A must for our sporting enthusiasts. Tailored to the individual in a whole host of colours - it's better to be safe than sorry.

Anyone playing a sport which involves physical contact or moving objects e.g. rugby, hockey, football, should wear a professionally made mouth guard. Specially made, it is a rubber-like cover which fits over teeth and gums, cushioning and protecting them from damage. Custom made mouth guards can prevent damage to the jaw, neck and even the brain and also help to prevent concussion and damage caused by a heavy blow.

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and register the way your jaws bite together - the mouth guard will fit over your own teeth perfectly. Cheaper kit varieties can fit badly and be uncomfortable to wear, they can fall out and even cause choking.

Your custom- made mouth guard may need replacing fairly regularly, depending on your age - if you are still growing, new teeth will come through and move into position so the mouth guard may become too tight or too loose. Your mouth guard will need to be re-made to fit the new shape of your mouth.

What to do if you do knock a tooth out.

Firstly, if you can find the tooth and it is clean - put it back into the socket yourself.
Do put it straight into a cup of milk or keep it in your mouth
Do go to a dentist or hospital as soon as possible
Do take painkillers if necessary
Don't hold the tooth by the root, as teeth are surrounded by fragile ligaments which need to be kept intact if the tooth is to be replaced
Don't clean the tooth with disinfectant or water or let it dry out
Don't put aspirin or clove oil on the wound
Don't panic.

The sooner the tooth is replaced, the better the chance of success. If you have not managed to do it yourself, your dentist will put the tooth back. Your dentist may use a dental splint to fasten the tooth against the teeth on either side. In most cases this is successful, and once the splint is removed the tooth is stable. However, you will almost certainly need more treatment in the future.

Laser Treatment for Gums

Used to adjust soft tissues where necessary and to carry out cosmetic gum lifts in smile makeovers.

This service is included in your Denplan care Scheme.

Smile Makeovers - including cosmetic and implant treatments

We are fortunate to work together with our dedicated team at Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic who carefully listen to your concerns about your existing smile and discuss with you how it is possible to achieve the smile you always wanted. They will always take careful consideration in their treatment planning and clinical constraints will never be compromised to give you the perfect smile.

The Team

"And the DHC's have scored again.Who would have believed it. I've never seen play like this since Pelé and the Beautiful Team of the 70's.

You'd better believe it. We are the Dream team at Greenfields House, carefully selected to form the Best Dental Team ever. From the receptionists as forwards, the nurses on the wing, the dentists in defence, the hygienist in goal to the practice director on the side line, "We are top of the league."..... "Beautiful Team" - a matter of opinion. "Best Dental Team?" - no competition! "We're the finest team in Dentistry the world has ever seen!" Excerpt from our entry to the Dentistry Awards 2008 - Best Dental Team.

Whilst reading the profiles of all members of our team (all written individually by team members), you will notice there is quite a repetitive element in all of them - we all feel it is an honour and a joy to work with each other. It is this special element in the team that makes the team so special.

Dentists

Mike Heads

Having gained a Honours degree in Applied Zoology from Leeds University in June 1977 and working for a year in industry, I then enrolled at Leeds Dental School to study dentistry and qualified in Christmas 1982. After qualification I worked as an associate for just over a year before opening my own practice followed by two more practices in the next two years. In 1992 I oversaw the design and building of Greenfields House (which houses The Dental Healthcare Centre and Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic) and today this is my only practice.

Having gained an interest in cosmetic work and dental implants in the 1980's, I continued with cosmetic work and started to carry out implant treatment in 1992. I now place approximately 400 implants a year and have over 150 dentists throughout the North East who have referred patients for treatment. I have always had close ties with the USA and, as a former President of the International Association of Student Clinicians of the American Dental Association (the first non-North American to hold this position) I was introduced to the annual convention of the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1981. I continue to attend the ADA meetings whenever possible, I have also attended the annual convention of the American Academy of Osseointegration and I regularly attend the annual and local meetings of the Association of Dental Implantology (UK). I am a member of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists, European Association of Osseointegration and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, taking an active part in their educational programmes. I am also part of the mentoring programme for Nobel Biocare providing help, advice and training for dentists expressing an interest in implants. I have recently been asked to sit on the Nobel Biocare Corporate Advisory Board which discusses all aspects of Nobel Biocare's implant products with a view to continually improving their products and services.

I lecture on Dental Implantology and, previously as an NHS general dental practitioner, was a trainer on the Northern Region Vocational Training Scheme for newly qualified dentists for 13 years. Whilst a trainer I was awarded one of only four of the three year term contracts that the training scheme, at the time, had ever issued. I have always taken a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and implantology. My passion for post-graduate education and hence my hungry desire to keep up with recent cosmetic and implant techniques is shown by the number of courses I attend, whether they be lectures or hands on courses ranging from a Master class at Dewsbury Hospital, to a French implantologist running a course in Dublin, or twice to Los Angeles to hear and work with two of the best implantologists in the world as well as courses and meetings in Europe. This continuing passion to learn about new and better methods of treatment, equips myself and Cleveland CDIC with the knowledge to provide the way forward for Implantology and Cosmetic Dentistry in the North East.

Being a work-a-holic I do not have much time to do anything else, though I do manage to find time to enjoy meals out with my wife and friends and I am trying to find time to learn how to play golf (again).

Gill Douglas

I finally arrived in dentistry after a long and tortuous route that took me through degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology; a Masters degree in Oral pathology and stints working for the Forensic Science Service and at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London. Thus a childhood ambition to be a dentist took over 10 years of study and wild (?) student nights of partying to achieve. But the BDS was worth it.

Apart from the few odd moments, (NHS Saturday mornings mostly! ) I've loved every minute of my chosen career. Like any vocation or job, lots of dentistry can be routine but I still feel extremely privileged to be able to help my patients, whether it is to relieve pain they are experiencing, to improve their appearance or just to give them confidence to attend if they are nervous. Working in a fabulous practice with a great team also makes it so much nicer too.

Outside of dentistry, a major hip operation in 2005 curtailed my outdoor pursuits somewhat for hill climbing, fell walking and all that Morris dancing that probably helped damage my hip in the first place! So now I am more of a couch potato and intend to spend more of my time afloat - cruising- preferably being pampered in a spa.

Worst fears - computers.
Greatest achievement - my second parachute jump at Sunderland airport - would you do it twice ??
Happiest day of my life - probably steering the large RNLI Trent lifeboat all the way across the Bristol Channel from Minehead to Barry - after a wonderful sunny day spent with the RNLI volunteers from Barry.
Next ambitions - conquer my fear of computers and learn to ballroom dance.

Charlotte Constantine

After an exciting childhood in the Middle East, going to school on the beach, I was eventually sent back to the UK to finish my education, in a boarding school in Surrey. It was here that I developed my love for sport and generally getting involved in everything. (I couldn't really sing, but it didn't stop me joining the choir!)

After realising that I am actually quite good at making things, in addition to loving my holiday job in a nursing home, I had an epiphany that a practical career like dentistry was for me. So there it is! The road to dental school was calling.

I studied at the University of Newcastle dental School and graduated in 2000 with merit in restorative dentistry and child dental health. As well as loving my academic time at dental school, I played volleyball and cricket for the university, netball for the dental school and I was also Vice-President of the dental student's society. On leaving University, my need to keep busy, led me to join the Royal Naval Reserve. These were a great 5 years and full of opportunities.

Since finishing my training, I have been working in a family village dental practice in Corbridge, Northumberland. It was here that I realised how much I loved working in general practice. It's a great feeling when you get to know your patients and treat all the different generations in the same family. I am a real believer in encouraging good habits from the earliest of ages- after all, prevention is the best approach! I have a particular interest in restorative dentistry which, essentially means I love to fix things, if at all possible. There are , however, occasions when things can't be fixed, which has led me to become more involved with dental implants, in recent years.

Since joining the practice, in October 2008, I have found it a delightful place to work, having the best of facilities and a great team spirit. I look forward to getting to know you all soon.

Kevin Caruana

I qualified with a B.Ch.D. in Malta in 2003. I worked in the Maltese version of the NHS system and privately for a year and a half, where I worked on a large number of British tourists who used to go to Malta for their Dental treatment, or were unlucky enough to have a dental problem while on holiday. These same patients encouraged me to come over to England and I eventually decided to come over in January 2005 where I worked under a pilot scheme for the new NHS, which sadly was not adopted by the government so I left the NHS and came to work at Greenfields House. I have been working with the practice from August 2006 and have been providing high quality dental care ever since. With a caring friendly attitude, conscientious professionalism and a great team to help me, I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated; a recipe which often results in patients saying "you are the best dentist I ever had!"

I attend a vast number of courses to keep abreast with the latest developments and I am currently working towards obtaining a Master's degree in Restorative Dentistry organised by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. I have experience in a variety of Bleaching procedures which can be tailored to patients' individual needs.

I am a member of the following organisations:

British Society of Periodontology (treatment of gum disease)
British Endodontic Society (Root canal treatments)
British Society of Restorative Dentistry (Restoring the failing dentition)
Associate member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where I am working towards achieving full membership very soon.
Assoc +3 member of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)
British Dental Association

In my personal life I spend as much time as I can with my lovely girlfriend Theresa, while also trying to go to the Gym on a regular basis. I love my football 5-a side games with the local guys, and enjoy walking in the North Yorkshire Moors. I also enjoy visiting my family back in Malta around twice a year, taking the opportunity to top up on the tan.

For those of you who are foreign, apart from English and Maltese I also speak very fluent Italian and some rusty French.

Practice Director - Linda Heads

Born in Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, I moved to Stockton-on-Tees when I was about 10 years old. Educated at Grangefield Grammar School and Stockton Sixth Form College (where I met Mike), I then studied History at Lancaster University and obtained a B.A. honours degree.

Whilst Mike returned to Leeds University to do his second degree in Dentistry, I had various jobs to support us both - he was "a kept man." Mike says he has been paying me back ever since. Our two children, Charlotte and Laurence, are both at University now and, interestingly, Charlotte has gone down the science route, like Mike, and is studying Biochemistry at Oxford, whilst Laurence is more arts based and is currently studying Economics at Monmouth University in the USA. Both kids are sporty and cheeky, the latter attribute coming from their Mum.

Leaving my job in the Education Dept. At Middlesbrough, I was determined to help Mike set up his first practice - in those days (1984), I used to nurse for him and work on the reception desk. Now, I have my own office, upstairs at Greenfields House - patients rarely see me and I'm sure those patients who go back to 1984 and beyond think that I am now a lady of leisure. All I can say is that a chance would be a fine thing!

I am still working as hard as ever behind the scenes - accounts, marketing, personnel, interior design and, most recently, practice photographer. My work is varied, very rewarding and made enjoyable by the people I work with.

My role normally involves me making a nuisance of myself - distributing work and ensuring its completed by the required deadline. The rest of the team think I am good at doing this - making a nuisance of myself, that is, and I know they say, "it's her again" when my line lights up. The most important thing about my job is to have a sense of humour and ensure that the whole team are happy in their work - after all, "a smile a day keeps the Director away!"

Hygienist - Karen Hails

I qualified as a Dental Hygienist in 1994 whilst serving in The Royal Air Force. I left the RAF when I started my family and moved back home to Middlesbrough. I joined the practice in 1999 and thoroughly enjoy being part of such a fantastic team.

I am a member of The British society of Dental Hygienist and Therapists and regularly attend meetings to expand my knowledge and further my education. In my spare time I am a part time taxi driver for my 2 lovely children, I try to get to the gym as much as I can and for my sins have a season ticket at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Nursing Team

Kerry Markham

Throughout my working life I have gained a wide experience in many aspects of dentistry, from NHS, Private and more recently Cosmetic.

Gaining my National Qualification at Newcastle Dental Hospital in 2000 I have since worked in private cosmetic practices nursing for Implantologists and Endodontists, also assisting in facial aesthetics procedures.

I have been nursing for over 14 years now and still love my job, the interaction between myself and my patients, and working with a great practice team makes my day worthwhile.

When I'm not working, I enjoy the outdoors, walking over the moors, off road mountain biking and motor biking too. I love a good autobiography because I am a nosey neb!

Linzi Featherstone

Hi, I am a qualified dental nurse who has worked at the practice since October 2007.

I have almost four years experience including areas such as sedation, anxiety management and cosmetic treatment. As I have previous experience within the reception field I have a broad perception of the running of the practice and I, therefore, feel comfortable within my position as a full time dental nurse.

I enjoy working at the practice even more since we have now had a complete practice makeover. I get on well with the whole team and put 100% into my work. I like to learn new skills and maybe one day further my career in dentistry.

About me:
Star sign- Taurus.
Favourite Food - Burger King.
General Interests - Spending time with friends, watching films and shopping.
Favourite music - R&B.
Favourite Programme - Simpsons or Family Guy... I can't decide!

Sarah Straughair

My name is Sarah Straughair, I live in Thornaby with my husband Danny and my son Jack.

I joined the practice team in April 2007 as a trainee Dental Nurse, after working in care for almost eight years, and in retail prior to that!

I am currently at college studying to gain my qualification in an NVQ Advanced level 3 in Dental Nursing, and hope to achieve this first time! I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Dental Nurse and can honestly say it's the first job I've had which I don't mind going to! It's a really nice, friendly place to work.

Most of my spare time is taken up with my son, and doing day to day activities such as paying bills! I enjoy a night at home with my husband watching a movie or playing board games, and the odd night out with friends and my colleagues (my grandma has more of a social life than me!) - I do, however, condone spending my hard earned money on going on lots of exotic holidays!!!

Janie Nelson

I have happily been part of the team here since December 2003 and I am a qualified dental nurse who, foolishly, took on the responsibility for the ordering of all stock and making sure that all of the Clinical areas are spic and span. I love my work and my work friends, so I consider myself to be lucky. We love to have nights out together now and again and have been known to share the odd bottle of falling down water, dance the night away and compare bruises the next day.

I am a mother of two grown up children and have been happily married for a very long time. My daughter and her husband have blessed me with a granddaughter and my son and his wife are expecting a child soon, which I am very excited about.

When I am released into the community from my ball and chain at work (ha ha) I like nothing better than to go away in my caravan. Come rain snow or shine there we are in our sardine tin. So watch out, we could be coming to a site near you!!!

Administrative Team

Tracey Peters

I started working full time here in July 2008 and what a mad, friendly, bunch of girls and boys they are! They've made me feel so welcome, I feel as if I've worked here all my life!!!

Over the years I have gained qualifications such as RSA I, II & III, CLAIT, IBT and most recently ECDL. I am able to utilise my computer skills and enjoy the challenge of working in a totally different environment to what I am used to. It's not just about booking patients in and out of appointments, there's a lot to do behind the scenes as well!!

Prior to working here I worked for the MOD for 8 years both in Cyprus and Germany holding a variety of administration posts. Whilst in Cyprus I took full advantage of courses available to me, such as Reflexology, Diet and Nutrition and Sailing.

When I'm not working, I love travelling with my husband and two daughters, eating out, reading autobiographies and going to the gym - time and energy permitting!!

I feel privileged to work and socialise with such a great team of people, not many people can say that!!

Margaret Birch

I joined the practice four years ago as a part time receptionist after working in retail for twenty years. It was a refreshing change to be able to sit down at work instead of being on my feet for eight hours or more a day.

It's a pleasure working at the practice which provides a unique environment. I have learnt a great deal while I have been here and in return I give 100%, being hard working, loyal and flexible.

Working part time allows me time to look after my Grandson and enjoy long weekends away. My partner and I love walking and we regularly go to the Lake District hoping eventually to own a second home in Ambleside.

I love socialising with the girls from work, past work colleagues, friends, and relations. My partner often has a look in too, we enjoy an Indian and listening to the band in our local on a Saturday night.

Lynne Brown

I have worked at the practice part - time, since 1994. During my time here I have seen countless changes including the transition from NHS to private. I am proud to be a team member of a modern practice and feel lucky to be working with a great bunch of people.

I have been married for 27 years and have two grown up sons who both left home last year. My greatest ambition was fulfilled in 1998 when my husband surprised me with a trip to Gracelands for my birthday; I am a huge Elvis fan.

In terms of achievement I am especially proud of myself as I have a great fear of heights, and managed to overcome this when I went to the top of the Empire State building.

My hobbies include reading, walking especially in the Lake District, dining out and socialising with my work colleagues.

Dawn Cooper

I joined the Practice Team four years ago - and on the second attempt I might add - but as the saying goes -" if at first you don't succeed try try again". I work the 'graveyard shift' mainly because it fits in with caring for my housebound mother, my two daughters, oh and not forgetting my wonderful husband.

I am a bubbly person who always has a smile for everyone, maybe because I am small!! Do I feel another saying coming on - "great things come in small parcels." Joking apart, the people I work with are very considerate regarding my small stature even to the point of lowering shelves and notice boards just so I don't have to climb!

We are a fantastic team and all love working together so much so that we spend time together socially and not many people can say that! Long may we remain doing the job we love !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alison Murgatroyd (not for much longer!!)

Hi, I have worked at the practice since July 2000 when I started as a part time receptionist and also as an assistant nursing for Karen our Hygienist. I now work full time on reception - oh my God, I must be MAD!!!. Reception duties apart, I am also responsible for Clinical Governance at the practice and have a reputation as a bit of a computer whiz; they call me "Mrs. Clicky" as I press the buttons so quick no-one can keep up with me. I'm also known as "Handy Ali" If you can't find me on the reception desk then I'll be locked away somewhere with either a paint brush or a screw driver!!.

We are a crazy bunch who enjoy working and socializing together, and I can honestly say I feel privileged to work alongside such a great bunch of people. I have seen a lot of faces come and go over the years and have to say this lot has definitely got to be the ugliest!

Outside work I love nothing better than going camping with my partner, we are away most weekends in the good weather. Between us we have 6 children and 2 grandchildren the Walton's have got nothing on us!!.

Specialist Services

Dr. Raj Patel
BDS, LDSRCS, MSc, FDS RCPS
Lecturer in Dental Implantology,
University of Sheffield

Dr. Keith Jones
BDS, FDS RCS, MB BCh, FRCS
Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon,
Derby

David Bird
Dental Laboratory

John Foster
Dental Laboratory

About Our Practice

At Greenfields House, we hope you will feel completely at home. If we neglect to offer you a tea or coffee, please feel free to ask for one or help yourself to a bottle of water. Select the channel you want on the TV or switch it off if you would prefer some peace and quiet. Current magazines and patient information are there for your perusal, whilst a PS2 and toys will, hopefully, occupy our younger patients. Even Goldilocks would find the perfect chair, down to a very laid back, slight rocking chair - don't fall asleep! Ask a member of staff should you like to see a patient education video which will explain, in animated form, various dental procedures.

Our surgeries are air conditioned - should you feel too hot or too cold just let us know and we can achieve the perfect temperature for you. If you are less able and can't manage the stairs, we have 3 ground floor surgeries for your benefit.

Need cheering up - visit our Hall of Smiles and take in a joke or two or have a friendly chat with our staff. Should you need to discuss something in private , away from the reception desk, please ask to use our seminar room - we respect your right to privacy.

At home, away from home, we are sure we can make you comfortable.

Quality Assurance

All dentists are committed to continually improving their knowledge and undertake a set number of hours of continual professional development each year (CPD). We also perform regular clinical audits and take part in a thorough quality assurance programme organised by Denplan. All staff regularly participate in staff training and attend relevant courses. The appropriate bodies routinely check all equipment and we adhere strictly to the necessary guidelines.

Appointments

Please respect our appointment system and give us at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend - failure to do so may result in a charge. Surgery time is valuable to enable us to keep waiting time for appointments to a minimum and to allow us to see patients in times of emergency.

Opening Hours
Monday: 8.30 a.m - 4.30 p.m
Tuesday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
(closed eve. 1 Tuesday in 4)
Wednesday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Thursday: 8.30 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Friday: 8.30 a.m - 4.30 p.m
Saturday: 9.00 a.m - 12.00 p.m
(open 1 Saturday in 4)

For out of hours dental emergency arrangements for registered patients, please call the practice number.

Dental Emergencies

Our team have regular training sessions to enable them to cope in emergency situations, but, thankfully, such extreme situations do not normally arise. There may be times, however, when you require out of hours emergency dental treatment and this will be carried out at the practice by one of our dentists.

For patients registered at our practice, we guarantee to see all dental emergencies within 24 hours and to offer same day emergency appointments whenever possible. If you have a dental emergency outside of practice hours, please telephone the practice and an answer phone will give you instructions.

For the less Able

We have fully ramped disabled access to our practice, widened doors and three ground floor surgeries. We also have disabled toilet facilities and in our waiting rooms , we provide seating at different heights. If you have any special requirements or are unable to use the stairs please let us know before your first appointment. Once you are ready to leave the practice, and should you require a taxi, please just ask a member of staff and they will be happy to call one for you.

Payment Options

We accept:
Cash
Cheque
Debit card
We do not accept credit cards.

For larger amounts we offer:
Interest free credit over 12 months (details on application and subject to status)
Low interest loans (details on application and subject to status)

Cosmetic Treatments

You don't have to be a celebrity to want to have a beautiful smile - the way we look is important to all of us. Smiling is good for your health and if we can give you a beautiful smile which you enjoy showing off, we will have succeeded by not only improving your looks, but improving your health as well.

Working together, the aim is to find out what your idea of your perfect smile is and to achieve it using the best techniques and materials available to us. Colour and shape together with size and occlusion need to be assessed at the outset to ensure the resultant smile is the perfect smile for you. There are, of course, clinical restraints affecting the final outcome, but, in general, there are so many techniques and materials available, you should be able to achieve fantastic results.

Tooth Whitening

This procedure is used to lighten the colour of natural teeth. The colour of teeth varies among individuals and in different age groups - teeth can naturally darken over time. Tooth colour is influenced by a person's genetic make up and by any surface stains or deposits in or on the teeth. If teeth are dark due to external stains or deposits, they will need to be cleaned prior to tooth whitening. All of our whitening treatments are clinically approved and range from our easy to use home bleaching kits to our state of the art in house tooth whitening treatment which takes about an hour to complete. We offer 4 different procedures, dependent on your individual requirements, and we will be more than happy to discuss these treatments at your consultation appointment.

Tooth Coloured Fillings

Advances in white filling materials means more varied applications are available, including repairing chipped or broken front teeth, covering unsightly marks on teeth, enhancing the shape of front teeth or simply used as a filling material on back teeth. Amalgam free fillings (containing no mercury) are becoming more popular for health as well as cosmetic reasons. The colour range of the material has greatly improved, enabling us to obtain a good colour match to your existing teeth.

Cosmetic Tooth Contouring

Many aesthetic problems are caused by teeth being the wrong size or shape. In some instances teeth can simply be reshaped, polished and sealed against decay to dramatically change a patients smile.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding uses white filling materials to change the shape of teeth or to cover discoloured parts of them. In most instances, unlike veneers, no drilling of the tooth is necessary and so this procedure is very safe and even reversible. It is very widely used in younger patients where drilling their teeth to place porcelain veneers would be deemed inappropriate as the procedure may kill the nerve in the tooth. It is often used in younger patients as a temporary measure until the patient is old enough to have porcelain veneers. Composite bonding is more likely to be used on smaller numbers of teeth rather than a full arch.

Porcelain Veneers

Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers cover only the front part of the tooth, after having only minimal work done on the tooth itself. Wafer thin porcelain, crafted by very experienced technicians, is used to rectify many defects, including the masking of discoloured teeth, realigning crowded and protruding teeth and closing gaps.

Porcelain veneers are very strong, lasting up to 15 years, are natural in looks and are easy to look after with no special care required. No one else will realise you have veneers, unless you tell them.

Crowns

Used where teeth are heavily filled or badly broken down - unlike veneers, crowns cover all surfaces of the tooth. This treatment involves shaping of the original tooth so that a crown will fit over it, the taking of impressions and making the crown at the laboratory. Crowns can be made from porcelain bonded to white gold, totally out of porcelain or the newer zirconium based crowns. These new all ceramic crowns are equally as strong as the metal based crowns and having no metal in them they are much more natural looking and do not leave a black line at the gum margin as seen in so many conventional metal based crowns.

Bridges

Bridges are used where teeth are missing and the option of dental implants has been discounted. The teeth, either side of the gap, are prepared in the same way as a crown, impressions taken and the bridge made at the laboratory. As the name suggests, the gap is bridged with an additional tooth or teeth attached to the crowns fitting either side of the gap. Like crowns, bridges were conventionally made from porcelain bonded to metal, but now more modern and aesthetically pleasing all ceramic zirconium based bridges are available.

Gum Sculpting

Great looking smiles may be spoilt by the appearance of too much gum or uneven gum levels. The so-called gummy smile can be simply corrected by painlessly reshaping the gum using a laser.

Cosmetic Dentures

Various types of denture are available and the cost is dependent on the quality of the teeth and other materials used. As you can see in the case study, by adding character to the teeth and the pink gum, a much more aesthetic result can be achieved.

Dental Implant Treatment

The first practice in the area to carry out this treatment, we have had 150 dentists in the North East of England who have referred patients to us and we continue to be a thriving referral practice for this procedure. Mike Heads now places over 400 implants per year and continues to follow modern advances in implantology and, indeed, helps in the thought processes behind this technology as he sits on the Nobel Biocare Corporate Advisory Board.

At Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic, we use Nobel Biocare, Osteocare, Ankylos and Endopore dental implant systems which are all leaders in their field, complementing each other and enabling us to tailor dental implant treatment to the needs of each individual patient. Most patients who are treated with any of these systems should expect life long replacements for their missing teeth.

Are Dental Implants the solution for you

Many people wonder if dental implants can solve their dental problem - if any of the following statements apply to you, dental implants may be a solution.

I am missing at least 1 tooth
I do not like the spaces left by my missing teeth
I do not smile fully because of the spaces left by my missing teeth
Psychologically, I dislike wearing dentures
The dentures I wear move and cause me ulcers and pain
I cannot taste my food properly due to my dentures
I only wear my dentures when I really have to for appearance sake
I cannot speak properly due to my dentures or missing teeth
I lack confidence due to the appearance or poor fit of my false teeth
My teeth are becoming loose
Crowns are repeatedly falling off
The teeth holding my bridges in are becoming loose

What are Dental Implants

Dental implants are metallic cylinders, made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jaw bone where original teeth once existed. This root like cylinder, the dental implant, acts as a false root allowing a crown or bridge to be placed on top of it just as if it were a natural remaining root and tooth.

The use of dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, unlike conventional crown and bridge work, does not involve the weakening of adjacent teeth by the removal of large amounts of tooth tissue. As adjacent teeth are not involved in the provision of dental implants, additional stresses, which otherwise would have been placed on these adjoining teeth, are avoided and their long- term prognosis, therefore, is much improved.

Dental implant systems
At Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic, we use Nobel Biocare, Osteocare, Ankylos and Endopore dental implant systems which are all leaders in their field, complementing each other and enabling us to tailor dental implant treatment to the needs of each individual patient. Most patients who are treated with any of these systems should expect life long replacements for their missing teeth.

Conventional Implants

Conventional dental implants can be placed into healed extraction sites or, in many cases, into an extraction socket immediately the tooth is removed. In some cases a temporary tooth can also be fitted at the same time as the implant is placed.

Due to their versatility and strength these are the most commonly used type of dental implants.

Mini and Midi Implants

On average these implants cost just over half the price of conventional implants and they may, therefore, be an option for those patients who have previously discounted the idea of implants due to cost. These implants may only be used in certain circumstances and when a tooth or teeth requiring replacement have been missing for at least 6 months and the site is fully healed.

There are 2 main advantages to this design:

1.No surgery is required to place these implants. Once the area is anaesthetised (numb), a small pilot hole is drilled straight through the soft tissue and into the bone - no cutting of the tissue is required and, therefore, no sutures are required either. The implant is then screwed into place making the procedure very quick and almost painless. 50% of our patients who are treat in this way do not need to take any painkillers after the implant is placed.

2.The type of thread on the implant allows for a very tight union between the implant and the bone thus allowing teeth to be fitted immediately. Also, because of its taper, the implant expands the available bone and, in many cases, allows implants to be placed in a reduced volume of bone without having to go through separate bone augmentation procedures.

Mini and midi implants can be used to support both teeth and dentures.

Dental Implant Procedure

At your initial consultation with CDIC, x-rays will be taken, your dental health and oral hygiene assessed and your problem evaluated. Should dental implants be considered suitable for you, the implant procedure is as follows:

Stage1
The surgeon places a metal (titanium) root in your jaw. While the root bonds to your bone, you are able to wear either temporary dentures or bridges. Should a tooth require extraction prior to implant treatment, it is often possible to extract the tooth and place the implant directly into the extraction socket at the same appointment. The healing process normally takes 3-6 months, but in some instance, a temporary prosthesis may be placed immediately onto the implant.

Stage2
The surgeon attaches an extension on the metal root to bring it through the gum. In a large proportion of cases, it is now possible to combine stages 1 and 2 in the same appointment, thus reducing the healing time, in certain cases to as little as 1 month.

Stage3
The surgeon or your dentist, together with a dental technician, then creates a final tooth, bridge or denture. The artificial crown or bridge is attached with either cement or a screw.

Stage4
Proper brushing, flossing and regular check-ups will help you maintain your dental implants in perfect condition. Following dental implant treatment It will be necessary for you to return to us on a yearly or 2 yearly basis for long term evaluation of implant stability, routine radiographic checks and professional cleaning of the implant prosthesis.

Same Day Teeth

When dental implants were first used and for many years after, it was normal to place dental implants and leave them to integrate with the bone for up to 6 months before teeth could be fitted on to them. Now, in about 50% of cases treated at our clinic, we provide teeth the same day as the original teeth are extracted or, when there are no teeth present, the same day as the implants are placed.

Same day teeth can be provided using conventional dental implants or the new mini and midi implants. Conventional implants must be used when a tooth is extracted and a dental implant placed immediately into the socket and they may also be used when there are no teeth present. Mini and midi implants can only be used where a tooth or teeth requiring replacement have been missing for at least 6 months.

Bone Augmentation

When teeth are lost, the bone surrounding the teeth is removed naturally by the body in a process called resorption - this is a natural process as the bone is only required when there are teeth to support. Resorption takes place very quickly in the first 6 months and then slows, but never stops. The jaws, over time, appear to shrink and, if left untreated, the loss of bone from the jaw can progress so far that a denture will not stay in place, no matter how much denture fixative is used. Bone augmentation may be required during or prior to dental implant treatment and there are 4 different types of materials used for this:

Autografts
Is where bone is taken from the donor site in your own body and placed in the recipient site. The donor site is normally the hip or the mouth. This is your own bone and is very compatible with your body. Autografts are a good graft technique and usually result in the greatest regeneration of missing jaw bone, but they do require a second surgical procedure to harvest the bone and the body resorbes this bone this quickest.

Allografts
Is where bone is taken from human donors. Many countries have programmes where you can donate this bone and when it is obtained in this manner, it undergoes rigorous tests and sterilisation. Your body converts this bone into your natural bone thus rebuilding the defect.

Xenografts
Are harvested from animals. The animal bone, most commonly bovine (cow), is specially processed to make it biocompatible and sterile. It acts like a filler which your body initially uses like a scaffold to build new bone on and then, in time converts the xenograft material to your own bone. This is a very easy system to use as the "replacement bone" comes out of a bottle.

Alloplastic
These grafts are inert, man made synthetic materials that mimic natural bone: they are usually a form of tricalcium calcium phosphate. They are again very easy to use as they come out of a bottle, and work in very much the same way as Xenografts.

Case Studies

To view our online case studies please select a category below:

Conventional Implants

Same Day Teeth

Mini/Midi Implants

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Cleveland CDIC being doing dental implants?
Cleveland CDIC started carrying out dental implant treatment in 1992. It was the first clinic in the area to provide dental implant treatment and is the largest provider in the area.

How long will they last?
There is no definitive answer to this question. We would hope that the actual dental implants would last a life time with only the superstructures requiring replacing as they wear out - we are working with the human body, however, and failures can occur over time. The normal accepted success rate is 97%.

How long will it take?
Depending on the complexity of the treatment sometimes teeth can be fitted the same day and sometimes treatment can take over a year to complete.

Can I bring a companion to my consultation?
We advise prospective patients to bring a companion as there is a lot of information to take in and two people are more likely to remember more information.

Can my dentist be present?
Your dentist is always invited to be present at any stage throughout the treatment process.

How many appointments are needed?
A minimum of five appointments are required but normally it is in the region of eight to twelve.

Does it hurt?
Surprisingly no. Once the injections have been placed for the surgical procedure there is no pain and following surgery most patients say it is about the same discomfort as having a tooth removed. In many simple cases, patients report that they did not take any post operative pain killers.

Should I stop smoking?
We do not force patients to stop smoking but we highly recommend they do. Patients who continue to smoke are two and a half times more likely to have an implant fail. We do not prohibit smokers from having dental implant treatment but implants that fail in smokers are not replaced free of charge.

Will I need to return to the Cleveland CDIC for checkups?
Once treatment is complete patients should continue to see their own dentist on a six monthly basis and will be asked to return to Cleveland CDIC after one year when the implant will be checked and x-rayed. If all is perfect they will then be seen every two years by ourselves, a shorter time interval will be advised if any problems are found.

Can I replace my denture with implants?
In the vast majority of cases yes.

Can implants make my denture tighter?
Dentures can be clipped onto dental implants thus making the dentures very stable in the mouth.

Can I still have implants if I have lost my teeth due to gum disease.
Dental implants are an excellent treatment option providing patients are prepared to work hard at cleaning their dental implants and there is no other gum disease left in the mouth.

Will anyone know I have implants?
Not unless you tell them.

Will I be left without teeth?
You will always be offered temporary alternative solutions whilst dental implant treatment is progressing.

Do I have to be referred by my own dentist?
No, patients can refer themselves

Can I talk to someone who has had treatment?
We have many patients who are so pleased with the work we have carried out that they are more than willing to speak to prospective patients.

Am I too old or too young?
You can never be too old but you can be too young. Generally we try not to place dental implants in females under 18 and males under 20

Do I have to stay in hospital?
All work is carried out within the practice, unless you need very major bone grafting requiring the services of our consultant oral surgeon.

Can I be put to sleep?
We do not put patients to sleep but we do use different forms of sedation for nervous patients

Can implants fail?
The normal accepted success rate is 97%. For non-smokers who look after their implants, in the first five years after placement a failed implant would normally be replaced free of charge.

Are implant supported teeth as strong as natural teeth?
In all cases they are as strong and in many cases they are stronger.

Do I have to register with Cleveland CDIC for my routine care?
If you are referred to us by your own dentist you will be returned to the care of your own dentist at the end of treatment

Routine Dental Care

All of the above treatments, of course, still require the routine care and maintenance, provided by your own dentist. If you do not have a regular dentist, please consider our Denplan Care scheme at the Dental Healthcare Centre - we will be happy to furnish you with further information.