Dr. Shannon Godfrey – Dentist | Orillia, ON

Dr. Shannon Godfrey is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Orillia Smile Centre in Orillia, ON, Dr. Godfrey is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Godfrey is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Godfrey provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Godfrey also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Godfrey serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Orillia Smile Centre.

Dr. Shannon Godfrey earned a Dental Degree from National University Of Ireland, graduating in 2018. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Godfrey offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Godfrey is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Godfrey's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; Dr. Godfrey believes in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Godfrey provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shannon Godfrey provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Godfrey. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): A conservative and versatile cosmetic procedure to quickly and effectively enhance your smile's appearance using direct composite bonding techniques.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Godfrey. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Shannon Godfrey adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Orillia Smile Centre, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Godfrey frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected is a primary concern, Dr. Godfrey focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• Dr. Godfrey's comprehensive care for concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly is meticulously designed to result in feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without dental worries.
• When patients discuss an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, Dr. Godfrey outlines a path to their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer, Dr. Godfrey offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Godfrey, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Godfrey is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Orillia Smile Centre, where Dr. Godfrey practices, is situated in a central location within the Orillia neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Examples of such programs include Healthy Smiles Ontario. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Orillia Smile Centre.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Godfrey?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Godfrey for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Orillia Smile Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Godfrey at Orillia Smile Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Godfrey and the team at Orillia Smile Centre will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Godfrey will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Godfrey will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Godfrey for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Godfrey will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It's important to follow Dr. Godfrey's specific recommendation.

Orillia Smile Centre
119 Memorial Ave #106
Orillia, ON, L3V 5X1

Phone: (705) 242-1111

Dr. Shannon Godfrey is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 118205

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=118205

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Godfrey and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.