Implants
There are times when, despite all the modern dental techniques available, the removal of teeth is unavoidable. Many people find it very embarrassing to have visible gaps, or dentures which move about. We can now usually replace missing teeth without having to cut teeth down for bridges.

Dental implants are very versatile, ranging from being used to replace a single tooth, to restoring an entire jaw of teeth.
The can be used even if your teeth have been removed many years ago, so you do not need to tolerate a loose denture or unsightly gaps.

History of Dental Implants
For thousands of years the replacement of natural teeth has been a goal. In the 17th century, French aristocrats would line up their servants, and remove teeth from them to replace teeth lost in accidents or through decay. Only the servant who’s tooth fitted got paid! Even before this, the Egyptians used carefully shaped sea-shells placed into sockets. Whilst most failed, several examples did succeed.
Modern implantology really took off in the 1950’s when Per-Ingvar Branemark noticed bone adhering to titanium observation chambers he was using to investigate bone repair.
Nowadays we consider dental implants to be a routine part of modern dentistry.

Implant Team
We are fortunate to have a skilled team of dental implant practitioners available. Our implant dentists have dealt with close to 5000 implants between them, giving them an enviable wealth of experience in dental implants not just among dentists in Swindon, but even the whole UK.
In the pioneering days of implants, they were placed by the oral surgeons into areas that the surgeons thought we the best. Unfortunately no consideration was made for the final restoration, and often the implants could not be used. Because of this we consider it essential that all the members of the team are experienced in both the placement and the restoration of implants.

Patrick Holmes - Clinical Director
The dental implant team is headed by Patrick Holmes, the Clinical Director of Seven Fields, and the lead restorative dentist. Patrick has been involved with the restoration of dental implants since 1989, when, as a student he undertook a study program in collating information about the restoration of dental implants. He has worked with a variety of dental implant practices, and has undertaken numerous courses. Although trained in both the placement and restoration of dental implants, Patrick decided to concentrate his studies and skills on providing cosmetic dentistry in Swindon.

He has undertaken literally hundreds of hours of in-depth postgraduate study in dental implants, with many of the world’s leading experts such as Dr.Ashok Sethi, Dr. Mike Wise, Dr Eddie Sheer and others. In 2006 his skills as a cosmetic dentist and an implant dentist were recognised when Astra Tech, one of the world’s top three dental implant companies, appointed him as a Clinical Coach, to help educate dentists who are learning about implants. He is the only implant dentist in Wiltshire appointed by Astra, and one of only 68 implant dentists in the entire UK to be chosen.

His experience in providing the most exciting aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry has been further recognised, as he has been engaged by Astra to lecture internationally on the restorative aspect of dental implants.
Dr. Holmes is also an ‘Opinion Leader’ for Dentsply, the world’s leading dental materials company, and is a Full Member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, the only implant dentist in Swindon to have achieved this. The British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry provides cosmetic and aesthetic dentists with an international level of education, which Patrick has found essential in his aims of being the leading Swindon cosmetic dentist. He is also a member of the Association of Dental Implantologists.

Dr Ian Seddon
Our implant team in Swindon is led by Dr. Ian Seddon. He began his dental career in Swindon in 1989 before leaving to work in Cheltenham, London and Cardiff.

Ian has limited his practice to implant dentistry since 2003. This allows him to focus his knowledge and apply his skills continually in the implant arena. It also allows him to keep up to date in this fast moving area dentistry. Ian has been placing implants since the early 1990's. He also has experience of restoring implants, which helps him place implants where they can be used successfully, and where they will look like natural replacement teeth.

Ian deals with our cases which involve multiple implant placements, or implants in areas where there is insufficient bone to provide a good result by conventional means. He developed his skills with many of the world's leading implantologists, learning from surgeons in the UK, US and Sweden. Ian is a Clinical Coach for AstraTech, helping less experienced dentists learn how to safely place and restore dental implants, is a mentor to dentists across the southern part of the UK and has lectured both in the UK and Europe.

Dr. Seddon is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the UK based Association of Dental Implantology.
He was until recently was responsible for the Gloucestershire Regional Study Group.

Dr. Alberto Turri
We are delighted to have the only periodontist, or gum specialist dentist in Swindon. Alberto provides a referral services for dentists in Swindon, and also is an integral part of our dental implant team.
Alberto is also a Senior Consultant in the University of Gothenburg. He has been deeply involved in research about inflammation around implants, peri-implantitis. Alberto, as a Specialist Periodontist deals with implant cases where either the aesthetics of the gums, or periodontal issues are assessed to be critical. He also provides a service to Swindon dentists both with implants and gum disease.

Dr. Ross Wilson
Ross, is a former oral surgeon, who holds the prestigious MFDS qualification, awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Although this is a very good indicator of his superb surgical skills, Ross, like the rest of the team recognised that a surgical background alone does not make a good implant dentist, and so two years ago he embarked on the Certificate in Implant Dentistry, at the highly respected Eastman Institue. This is one of the more extensive implant courses in the UK, and has given Ross the important skills needed to predictably place implants in the correct position for a reliable, aesthetic outcome.
Ross handles our routine placements, and can offer great flexibility to patients, as he is in the practice two days each week.

Single Tooth Dental Implants at Seven Fields, Swindon

A missing tooth can cause you embarrassment and discomfort. An effective way for you to fill that gap is with a single dental implant. Dental studies suggest a single implant is one of the most permanent solutions and importantly it does not damage the surrounding teeth.

The single tooth dental implant is perhaps the toughest challenge to the cosmetic dentist. Even the slightest imperfection will be highlighted by the neighbouring natural teeth.


An example of our dental implant and dental cosmetic work

Why should you have your dental implants placed at Seven Fields, Swindon?

Successful dental implant treatment requires detailed understanding of the placement of the implant, its restoration, and the surrounding gums. It is also vital that follow up care is in place for you.
All our staff involved in the placement and care of your implants have this knowledge.

Our Team
The Implant Placement
Implant Surgeon Dr. Ian Seddon has concentrated solely on dental implants for over 5 years. He has trained with the world’s leading implant experts, has lectured extensively, and his work has been widely published. He has placed over four thousand dental implants. Dr Seddon’s success rate is testament to his knowledge, and the level of care which he delivers to you.

The Restoration
Clinical Director Dr. Patrick Holmes has approaching 20 years experience in restoring implants. He has extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic dentistry and dental implants.
Dr Holmes decided to concentrate on the restorative aspect of implant dentistry and has undertaken an exacting year long program on all aspects of implants. This, combined with his day to day experience has provided him with the critical understanding of the surgical work.

The Gums
Dr. Alberto Turri is our Periodontal (gum treatment) specialist. In Gothenburg, Sweden, where Dr. Turri is a Senior Consultant, he works with some of the world’s experts in the management of the gums around implants. This allows us to provide follow up care based on the latest techniques and understanding. We also provide a service to help deal with gum problems around implants provided by other dentists.

What is involved in a single dental implant

This case of dental implants and dental cosmetics was performed by Dr. Patrick Holmes, Clinical Director, Seven Fields Dental Health Centre, Swindon
The dental implant was placed in Swindon by Dr Ian Seddon, our lead implant surgeon.
The technical work (the fabrication of the dental crown and the dental implant post) was performed by Johan Bernard of Rock Dental Studios

These two photographs show the area where a tooth has broken because of decay.

Before we removed the tooth root, we took some impressions, and made a temporary bridge which was stuck to the teeth either side of the gap. The healthy teeth on either side are untouched. This is very similar to the adhesive bridge shown in the treatment options below. The grey metal portion of the bridge is hidden behind the natural teeth, as can be seen in the picture following the fitting of the bridge.

Temporary Bridge Before Fitting		Temporary Bridge After Fitting

The tooth root is removed, and we place the temporary bridge. Even at this stage, you can see that we have restored the dental aesthetics with the adhesive bridge. We typically leave the bone to heal for 6 weeks before we place the implant, although this can differ from case to case.

We allow the bone to mature around the implant, and then take more impressions. There are typically three components with the implant crown; the screw, the post and the crown itself. The screw holds the post in place, and the crown is then cemented on top.

Dental Implant Crown Before fitting		Dental Implant Crown fitted

Your fitted crown should look exactly like a natural tooth. It is also very important that the gums look healthy and well contoured around your crown. Your implant isn’t just about replacing your tooth, it is also about restoring your confidence and your dental aesthetics.

Fed up with, or not ready for dentures?
If you’re tired of your current dentures moving around in your mouth, and think denture adhesive is bothersome, our denture replacement solution may be right for you.
It may be that your denture moves when you are eating or talking. It could be that you find the denture uncomfortable with it rubbing the gum, or catching the back of your throat. It may even be an embarrassment when you get passionate.
You may still have a few teeth, but they cannot be saved, and you do not want to have to compromise with your teeth.
In most situations we are able to provide a fixed denture solution by using dental implants. This replaces your missing teeth in a way as close to nature as possible, giving you the confidence and comfort to eat, socialise, and , well what ever you can think of!

Teeth in a day
We have worked for five years in developing a predictable protocol which can offer the teeth fixed 24 hours after the implants are placed, but where we finalise the appearance, aesthetics and comfort once the healing is complete. During this time you continue to enjoy the benefits of the fixed teeth.

Before

Our first step is to create a conventional denture with the teeth in the positions which we feel will offer the most natural , and comfortable position.

The implants are then placed, records taken and the laboratory performs all the necessary customisation. Next day we secure the fixed teeth.

Although these teeth are satisfactory, over the next three months the gum and the bone mature, and subtle changes in shape occur. The jaw joints may also adapt to the new teeth.

Once everything has matured, we remove the temporary fixed denture and take impressions. We also take records to help establish the most comfortable and efficient bite.
Before you leave the surgery, we refix your teeth, and so, other than when you are in the chair, you are not without your teeth.

The real fun then follows when we try in the template for the final teeth.

Once we are happy with the appearance we can progress to the finish. For this we use the same materials as we would for regular crown and bridge work, i.e., metal and porcelain. This means that the exact shape and colouring of every tooth is individualised allowing for the most natural aesthetics.

This next picture shows close up detail of a full upper arch of implant teeth, showing that you cannot tell them apart from natural, healthy teeth.

Examples of Full Arch Implant Work

Before		After

After		After

After

The work shown was undertaken at Seven Fields Dental Health Centre, Swindon. Implant Placements by Dr. Ian Seddon Restorative Work Dr. Patrick Holmes Laboratory Work Johan Bernard

We have been involved with evolution of this treatment concept for over five years, and we are familiar with many of the questions related to the treatment, which we hope that we have dealt with them below.
Should there be an aspect which we have not addressed please use the ‘Contact Us’ button, and we would be delighted to help you, or you can take the first step to getting solid fixed teeth, and arrange an initial discussion appointment.

Why choose Seven Fields Dental Health Centre for Dental Implants?
With a combined experience of over 50 years, two recognised Clinical Coaches, an implant surgeon who concentrates solely on this field, and a leading Cosmetic Dentist as Clinical Director, a Gum Specialist, (periodontist) and an oral surgeon, we offer a breadth of experience which is difficult to match in Wiltshire, let alone Swindon.
We have experience of over 4000 implant placements, and currently for full arch replacement we have a 100% success rate both in implant survival, and restoration survival.

Does it hurt?
For full arch work we recommend intra-venous sedation, in addition to local anaesthetic, and with the combination of these two, there should be no discomfort at all.
Afterwards, you may need to take a couple of normal painkillers, such as ibuprofen, or paracetamol that evening, and perhaps the next day.

Does it always work?
Like anything biological there can always be aspects of treatment which do not go exactly as planned. This is where the experience comes to play. For full arch treatment, we have a 100% success rate. (For our single tooth cases, we did lose a single implant, but we were able to replace it with another and restore it)
As part of the package we provide insurance for the first year to cover any problems. Should you wish this can be extended)

How many implants do I need?
By following a very strict protocol, we can restore your mouth with as few as four implants, although sometimes we will place five or six per jaw. Using fewer implants has been shown to have the key advantages of the same success rate, fewer side effects, and an increased number of suitable cases.

How much does it cost?
Although every case may be fractionally different, the prices are in the region of £15,000-17,000. The difference depends on if we are able to place the immediate teeth.

Can you always place immediate teeth?
In order to place immediate teeth, we need the implants to have a certain stability as they are placed. If we do not get this, then we do not take the risk of placing immediate fixed teeth, but instead fit the previously prepared denture. We would still be able to proceed to the final teeth in three months. In over 80% of cases we are able to use the fixed teeth.

When are the immediate teeth placed?
Rather than having finished teeth which are made to fit the implants, we take records on the day of the surgery, and the next day, the laboratory have done the final customisation, and the teeth can be fitted. This does mean a single 24 hour period when you are without teeth.

Is everybody suitable?
The techniques which we use do allow us to treat the vast majority of people. There are times when we are not able to, due to very little bone, or some medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes. We can discuss alternative treatments in these circumstances.