• (727) 586-2681
  • 1472 Jordan Hills Court, Clearwater, FL 33756

Instructions for Patients following Periodontal Surgery: 

DISCOMFORT: Following periodontal surgery, the discomfort level often varies from patient to patient and even from one area to another in the same mouth. You may have been given a long lasting local anesthetic and it is not uncommon for you to remain “numb” for several hours after surgery. In order to minimize the discomfort, it is best to start taking your prescription medication prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. Continue to take your medication according to the instructions placed on the label for as long as necessary. Sometimes, you may supplement your prescription medication, if necessary, by taking two non-prescription analgesic tablets, such as Tylenol or Advil, in between doses of the prescription medication. Please check with Dr. Britten for specific instructions regarding which type of analgesic you may use as a supplement.

BLEEDING: Blood stained saliva is not at all unusual during the first few hours after surgery and it does not take very much blood to cause the saliva to be “pink” in appearance. In order to prevent potential bleeding problems, it is advisable to avoid rinsing, vigorous swishing, or the use of a straw for the first 24 hours. Should significant bleeding occur, rinse your mouth with strong, cold tea or water to determine the exact location. If bleeding persists in one area, dip a regular tea bag in cold
water, squeeze out the excess water, place the tea bag in the area of the bleeding and apply gentle pressure for ten minutes. Repeat this if the bleeding has not stopped completely. When bleeding occurs, it is always best to keep the head elevated. If it continues, contact the office.

NAUSEA: Should nausea occur, it is most likely the result of swallowing small amounts of blood or as a side effect from your medication. To minimize this possibility, avoid taking medications on an empty stomach. Take all medications, if possible, with a small amount of food. If it persists and
results in vomiting, stop taking all medications and contact the office.

SWELLING: This is a normal sign of healing, unless it exists in the presence of temperature and pain. If severe swelling is present, or you have a temperature of 101 or greater, please contact our office. To minimize swelling, place an ice pack on your face over the area as soon as possible after the surgery. Hold this in place for 20 minutes and then remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. Repeat this as often as possible, for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If swelling persists after the first
48 hours, utilize moist heat packs 20 minutes on and off as above. Place gel pack in microwave for 10-15 seconds.

BRUISING: Bruising is not unusual and can occur in varying degrees. To minimize bruising utilize ice packs as described above. A homeopathic medication called ARNICA can be purchased at health food stores. This topical gel and/or tablets that dissolve beneath the tongue can minimize or shorten the extent and duration of any bruising.

TO AID HEALING: If you were given a prescription for an antibiotic, be sure to take all of it as directed. Ladies, please be aware that antibiotic medications can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Routine oral hygiene should continue, but avoid the area of surgery until otherwise directed. If you were given a prescription for Peridex rinse or instructed to use Listerine, rinse gently twice a day after cleansing the rest of your mouth. DO NOT begin rinsing with the Peridex until the day after your surgery.

SURGICAL DRESSING: A “bandage” or dressing material may have been placed in order to protect the surgical area. This is a pink, putty-like material that is placed around the teeth in the area of the surgery. It should be in place until your first post-operative visit. However at times, small pieces of it
may break off, but this is of no concern unless the area becomes uncomfortable. If a portion of the dressing or the entire dressing comes off, please contact the office.

TISSUE GRAFT (gum graft): If you have had a tissue graft, try to keep the area as immobile as possible for the first 72 hours. To help keep the dressing in place, DO NOT pull on your lip. When needing to cough, yawn or sneeze, cup your hand over the area of surgery to help prevent the dressing from becoming loosened. Should the dressing come loose or come off
in the area that the tissue was placed, please call the office for direction. If the tissue graft was “borrowed” from the roof of the mouth and there is significant bleeding coming from that area, refer to the “BLEEDING” section on this instruction sheet for directions in use of a tea bag. If the dressing should come off of the roof of the mouth, and it is not uncomfortable to you, it is OK to leave it off.

BONE GRAFT: If a bone graft was done, you will likely have additional prescriptions to aid in the healing and there may not be any dressing (bandage material) placed in the area where the bone graft was placed. You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic and for a special mouthwash to help cleanse the area for a number of weeks. The antibiotic will give the bone graft the best possible chance of success. Please be sure to take ALL of the medication as directed.

AVOID SMOKING: As long as you can refrain from smoking and as much as you can reduce the frequency, the more quickly you will heal. Smoking greatly impairs the healing process and can compromise the final results of your procedure and may cause additional discomfort.

DIET: Eat and drink as much as you can! If possible, do not chew in the area(s) where surgery was performed for a period of 2 hours or longer. Avoid hot foods and liquids for 2 hours. Adequate nutrition is essential for healing. Diets rich in quality protein, Vitamin C and Vitamin B Complex are especially desirable. Eat softer foods such as eggs, potatoes, ground chicken, fish, soups, pastas and cooked vegetables. Avoid foods with small seeds such as tomatoes, strawberries and seeded breads for at least the first week following surgery. Return to your regular diet as soon as you feel
comfortable. Avoid alcoholic beverages for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery and possibly longer depending on the type of medication you are taking. Should you have questions regarding this, please call the office. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids.

If you received conscious IV sedation: Do not operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment for 24 hours. Please take care when walking, you might be drowsy from your procedure.
If you were advised to stop taking aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix or other type of blood thinners, resume taking your medication the day following your surgery unless instructed otherwise.
If you should have ANY questions or problems, please feel free to call the office at 727-586-2681.

After hours, Dr. Britten can be reached at his emergency number provided on our office voicemail.

Who should treat my periodontal disease: my general dentist or a periodontist?

Instead of leaving your treatment to one dental professional, you should consider having both your general dentist and a periodontist be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your periodontal disease. This team approach will help your general dentist (who is familiar with your dental and medical history) and your periodontist (who has extensive experience treating periodontal disease) collaborate to tailor a treatment plan that works best for your individual case.

–Perio.org

My periodontist says that he is “board certified.” What does that mean?

All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following dental school. However, some periodontists opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year. Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants. Recertification is required every six years.

– Perio.org

Why Choose a Dental Implant Specialist

Dental Implants, explained:
While regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees), a metal that is well suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

Implants often require planning through the use of CT scans performed in our office, or surgical implant guides, such as the one shown in this video.

When it comes to Dental Implants, Why Choose a Specialist?
We get this question a lot, especially since a lot of general dentists are starting to place more implants. Placing dental implants is often not part of the normal general dentist curriculum. Many general dentists received their training in implant dentistry after graduation where they attend weekend courses or classes and get to place around twenty implants before they begin to implement implant placement in their office.

A graduate periodontal program or residency includes three years of training beyond dental school. During that time periodontal residents are taught the history, science, healing, and proper placement and management of dental implants. An average periodontal resident will place upwards of 100 dental implants during their residency, and are trained to manage surgical complications, including, bleeding, infection, and bone grafting procedures to enhance the success of the procedure.  Because of their advanced training, periodontists are often more equipped to provide the success and deal with the complications that may arise when evaluating a patient for implant placement.

Dental implants may be the best choice for an individual whose gum disease has reached the point of infection that can not be treated, and periodontists are the most highly-trained specialist for treatment of gum disease.

Periodontists are also highly trained in the following procedures and skills:

  • Removing infection from the implant site – removing infection is one of the most important steps of a dental implant procedure. If an implant becomes infected, the patient may experience extreme levels of pain. Periodontists are able to adequately prepare and treat periodontal disease prior to the implant procedure.
  • Implant site monitoring – periodontists are also able to monitor the implant site following the procedure. They are able to recognize any signs of infection, if the implants are successful in integration, and any other issues that may arise with the implant itself.
  • As an implant specialist, Dr. Britten is highly trained and experienced in the most advanced and current technologies used for long-term implant health and success. He believes in using the best diagnostic tools as well as the highest quality implants in his practice. Dr. Britten works closely with the best restorative dentists in the Tampa Bay area to obtain the best possible outcome for his patients’ implants. For more information, contact us at 727-586-2681.

I have heard there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Is this true? Where can I find more information?

The connection between gum disease and heart disease is a very hot topic in the field of periodontics right now! Several research studies have indicated that heart disease and gum disease may be linked, and researchers suspect that inflammation may be the basis behind this relationship. If you are at risk for heart disease, it is a good idea to mention this to your periodontist, since gum disease may increase this risk. Get additional information on the connection between heart disease and gum disease (https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-heart-disease), as well as the connection between gum disease and other systemic conditions. https://www.perio.org/consum…/gum-disease-and-other-diseases

– Perio.org

Is there a link between periodontal disease and diabetes?

Research has suggested that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal problems, possibly because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered one of the major complications of diabetes. Interestingly, the relationship between the two conditions goes both ways; just as diabetes can increase a person’s chance of developing periodontal disease, research suggests that efficient and effective periodontal hygiene may positively affect blood sugar levels.

–Perio.org

What can I do at home to prevent periodontal disease?

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to take good care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime, flossing at least once each day, and seeing your dentist or periodontist for regular exams twice a year. Spending a few minutes a day on preventative measures may save you the time and money of treating periodontal disease!

-Perio.org

NEW STUDY LINKS GUM DISEASE AND COVID‐19 COMPLICATIONS

A team of international researchers published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology this month stating that patients with Gum Disease are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19. 568 patients were studied and those with periodontitis – the most severe form of gum disease – were more likely to experience COVID‐19 complications. These complications included including death, ICU admission, and the need for assisted ventilation.

Dr. Todd Britten, a periodontist in Clearwater, Florida says that this study reinforces what he tells his patients every day – Oral health is extremely important for overall health. “This study, showing that patients with gum disease are at least three times more likely to have severe complications from the COVID-19 virus, shows us that treating and controlling periodontal disease remains extremely important, even in a pandemic.”

Dr. Britten stressed this study shows patients should still continue to see their periodontist or dentist. “Depending on your needs, your dentist or periodontist can treat gum disease infection through surgical or non-surgical therapy.” Dr. Todd Britten also said it is crucial that patients also keep dental hygiene cleaning visits to prevent gum disease and for those who have been treated for gum disease in the past stay on a 3 or 4 month schedule with their dental hygienist to avoid periodontal reinfection.

The findings also show the importance of good oral hygiene care at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Dr. Britten. According to the Academy of Periodontics, the nation’s leading organization of periodontists, “systemic inflammation is not only linked with periodontal disease, but to several other respiratory diseases as well.” Dr. James G. Wilson, President of the AAP states that this study linking periodontitis and COVID-19 complications, “Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and gums in an effort to avoid developing or worsening periodontal disease is absolutely crucial in the midst of a global pandemic like COVID-19, which is also known to trigger an inflammatory response.” Dr. Britten states he emphatically agrees with the AAP.

Q: My periodontist informed me that I need implants, but I can’t afford them at this time. Is there any financial assistance for periodontal treatments?

There are a few resources you can research for financial assistance. The first is your periodontist. Many periodontists are willing to set up financing options, such as a payment plan. They also may know of insurance plans that can help cover the cost of your implants.

Another resource is your state dental society. They may be able to give a listing of organizations or individuals that may help subsidize the cost of your implants. Find the contact information for your state society.

Finally, contact a local college or university. Many universities have dental schools that offer clinics that provide care at a reduced cost. Select from a list of schools that have periodontal programs.

–Perio.org

What are common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms – particularly pain – may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, you should still be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms, which include:

Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods
Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between your gums and teeth
Sores in your mouth
Persistent bad breath
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
A change in the fit of partial dentures
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist or periodontist right away!

-Perio.org

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