Seven Fields Dental Health Centre, and its reputation in Swindon for exceptional cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, root canal (endodontics), gum work (periodontics), implant dentistry, surgery and sedation did evolve from a General Dental Practice. Indeed the practice was established approaching fifty years ago.
We continue to offer General Dentistry at the practice in Groundwell Farm, Swindon.

Within General Dentistry we provide the routine check-ups, cleaning with the hygienist, preventive advice, fillings, extractions, dentures, and dentistry for children.

Check-ups
We still recommend the twice yearly check to most of our patients. We base the interval on the general condition of the teeth, the level of home care, and the condition of the gums. For those who look after their teeth superbly, and are blessed with few fillings and excellent gums, it is likely that once a year is suitable, and on a similar vein, for those how have had more complex dentistry, and perhaps more advanced gum problems, a visit every three months is more prudent.

At every check-up we start by screening the mouth for oral cancer, which, although still rare, is increasing. We will then check the gums, and finally the teeth themselves.

We tend to take routine x-rays every 2-3 years, again depending on the condition of the mouth. Our x-ray equipment is all computerized and digital, and so the dose is in the order of only 2.5 % or one fortieth of a normal dental x-ray unit.

Hygienist Visit.
We firmly believe that it is better to stay well, than to have to get well.
Teeth which need no dental treatment free stand a 99.5% chance of surviving any given 50 year period.
Whilst we take a pride in using our advanced dentistry to repair damage, and restore both teeth and confidence, we are even more pleased when we can prevent disease all together.

Home Care
The secret to providing long lasting prevention is in the home care. What we do 2, 3 or four times a year can pale compared to what you do twice every day. Debs, our hygienist will work with you to make sure that you understand which implements to use , and when. We don’t believe in picking faults with your home care. If you are unable to get on with, for example floss, , we will not critisise, in fact we are delighted that you have tried, and are keen to find the solution, and might, for example, recommend smaller brushes.

Scaling
Saliva contains many minerals, such as calcium, and they can act in a very similar manner to hard water. In the same way hard water can ‘fur’ up your kettle, so saliva can ‘fur’ up your teeth. Everyone has different levels of the salts in their saliva, and some people have awkward areas to clean. In addition, if you drink plenty of tea or coffee, or if you can still find somewhere that you are allowed to smoke, any of these can cause staining. Debs can clean this discolouration off your teeth.

Maintenance
If you have more advanced gum problems, once they have been addressed, we can help you with what is termed Supportive Periodontal Therapy, to help keep everything healthy.

White Fillings
We give our more common place treatments, such as fillings the same level of importance as our advanced dental care. By placing a filling with the same care as we place an implant or perform a crown, it will not only last longer, but it will also feel more natural and look more natural.

How we are different even for a typical filling
We start with a gel, which numbs the gum before the injection.
The injection itself is different, as Patrick uses a computer controlled system which reduces the pressure of the injection. It is this pressure which can cause pain.
For most of the fillings we do, we use a material called rubber dam. This is a small sheet of rubber, which the teeth poke through. This serves two main functions; it stops all the bits, and the water going down your throat, and by keeping the tooth bone dry, it allows the adhesives that stick the filling to the tooth to work better, giving a longer lasting result. Although it is strange the first time it is used, the vast majority of our patients prefer it.
All the drilling is performed under magnification, sometimes up to 20x magnification, a level used by surgeons reattaching limbs or fingers.
We use an approach which allows us to build colours into the teeth, and the same techniques also help decrease sensitivity.
The rubber dam is removed and we can then make certain that the bite is correct.

Dentures
Having uncomfortable or loose dentures can have a surprisingly large impact on the way you enjoy your life. Although implants are a great option in many situations, there are many cases where it can be sensible to try a well made denture first.
We are very fortunate to have the services of a highly skilled technician, Johan, within a mile of the practice. Johan is able to get very closely involved in helping us create a natural appearance by adding individual character to the teeth, their position, and even hand colouring the gum material, so that it does not look like a block of pink plastic.

Material Selection
The modern plastics used in dentures are very much stronger and more accurate than they used to be and for most complete dentures this is the material of choice. Where we have a history of dentures breaking, or we are making partial dentures, we will often look to metal based dentures for the extra strength and security that they provide. We take extra stages to make certain that we know where the teeth are going to be positioned before we make the metal. This helps us to make a stronger, neater framework.
We have the facility to use gold for the framework. This can make any clasps that we use look more aesthetic, and it is often used for those who are allergic to non-precious metal.