clearwater dental implant specialist Archives - Page 2 of 2

How a Ridge Augmentation Procedure Helps Replacement of a Missing Tooth

October 5, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

Careful management of extraction sockets after a tooth is removed prevents unsightly bone loss and provides a better cosmetic outcome for tooth replacement. To increase the possibility of future implant placement, and to prevent more bone resorption, a ridge preservation procedure may be recommended. Without the use of a bone graft and collagen barrier at the time of extraction, studies show that 30-40% of the jaw bone is immediately lost. This is because your body perceives that once the root is removed, the bone is no longer needed and your body absorbs or removes it, creating a ridge deformity.

These ridge deformities leave you with inadequate bone and tissue thickness for either bridge or dental implant restoration. The defects may have been caused by trauma, developmental defects, periodontal disease, the wearing of dentures, or through previous tooth loss.

Ridge augmentation procedures have been shown to greatly enhance the cleansability and appearance of your restorations. They increase your chance for long term successful dental restoration, both esthetically and functionally. Ridge augmentation procedures may be performed with gum tissue and/or bone grafting materials.

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This is How to Prevent Infection of Your Gums Around Dental Implants

September 15, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

Just like natural teeth there is no guarantee a person’s dental implant(s) will last a lifetime. Although they may look bionic in pictures, a dental implant still needs careful monitoring and regular care. True, they cannot decay like natural teeth – but they are subject to the same complications of gum disease and bone loss. Once a dental implant is placed, treatment does not stop there. If it does, there’s a high chance of a infection of the gums, even around implants.

If you’ve undergone treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, you know how involved it can be. If you have lost teeth to periodontal disease and have had dental implants placed, you know the great investment in time and money it takes. Naturally, you would like to protect your investment and keep your dental implant(s) for many years, if not for life! Even if you have had an implant placed due to decay or a cracked root or badly broken tooth, you need to keep the gum support around the implant health, just as you do for natural teeth.

Periodontal maintenance (PM) is important for all patients after treatment, especially those with dental implants. Plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles responsible gum disease, continue to grow again on your tooth and/or implant surfaces as it did before. Diligent, daily brushing and flossing will help to curb that development.

It is also important to keep up regular dental visits for advanced cleaning to remove hard to reach plaque and calculus. Patients prone to gum disease are usually prescribed three or four but for some other gum disease patients, six times a year, especially just after treatment. Many patients alternate visits for periodontal maintenance between a periodontal or implant specialist and their general dentist so that their periodontal condition is closely monitored, as well as the health of their teeth.

Our goal is to reduce the chances of infection of the gums, especially around a dental implant. To do this, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and any implants for signs of disease (as well as an oral cancer screening). This includes an assessment the health of your teeth and gums and to see how well you’re doing with plaque control and review your recommended customized daily oral hygiene instructions.

Overall, we want to prevent the occurrence of any future disease and treat it as soon as possible if it relapses. Keeping up with homemade and a routine periodontal maintenance schedule will help ensure your gums, and your implants continue to stay healthy.

If you would like more information on periodontal disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation 727-586-2681.

Excellent tooth replacement option: Dental Implants

June 1, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

If you have a fracture in your tooth or in the root which extends below the gum line, your tooth is no longer treatable, and cannot be saved. The tooth will have to be extracted. A dental implant can be placed to replace your natural tooth. Dental implants take the place of your missing teeth. They act as your tooth’s new root and are placed securely in your jawbone for a lasting fit.

Here’s how a dental implant works: • Biocompatible titanium screws are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as the new root of your tooth.

• A healing period must pass so that the bone fuses with the titanium screws, allowing for a tight, lasting foundation.

• Following adequate healing, it will be time for the restorative abutment which includes customizing the abutment and placing a crown, which will be placed on top of the implant.

If you do not have enough bone to place dental implants, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary. For more information, contact us at 727-586-2681

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What You Need to Know About Immediate Dental Implant Placement

February 16, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

Immediate dental implants are often necessary due to a non-restorable fracture of a tooth. In some cases, there may be infection associated with the cracked or fractured tooth. The procedure begins with an exam, 2-D and 3-D x-rays. A diagnosis is made and treatment options are discussed. An immediate dental implant is the treatment of choice. Any pre-operative study models that are needed are taken.

Surgical Procedure: The patient is generally well sedated with either oral or IV sedation. Just like any other procedure, topical anesthetic is applied prior to local anesthesia administration. Impressions of the teeth are taken if necessary prior to the tooth extraction. The fractured tooth is removed very carefully to minimize any damage to any surrounding bone. At the time of surgery, Dr. Britten can determine if immediate implant placement is possible. This is the part you don’t always know until you get there. Additional bone grafting is often necessary to fill the voids between the dental implant and the remainder of the extraction socket. In addition, a membrane, soft-tissue graft or platelet graft (L-PRF) may be used to protect the bone graft.

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

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Thanks to sinus augmentation procedures, more patients can reclaim their smile and oral health with dental implants

January 26, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

A sinus augmentation graft procedure makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.

An indirect sinus lift is less invasive than a direct sinus augmentation lift and is performed by preparing the bone for the dental implant as normal. Once the floor of the sinus has been reached, bone is gently packed in the preparation and pressed upward. This motion will tent the membrane of the sinus upward and create additional room for the full length of the implant. Care will be taken not to damage the sinus and this procedure will have no effect on sinus pressure or affect people that suffer from seasonal allergies.

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified periodontists in Pinellas County. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida West Coast Dental Association.

To learn more about Dr. Britten and his dental services, call us (727) 586-2681. For more information about sinus augmentation from the American Academy of Periodontics visit https://www.perio.org/consumer/sinus-augmentation

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The 3 Parts of a Dental Implant

January 5, 2018
Britten
Dentistry

The 3 Main Parts of a Dental Implant

1. The Fixture

The fixture is the bottom of the implant and is the part that is embedded below the gum line, fusing with the jawbone. It is like the root of the tooth. The fixture is made of titanium and has a cylindrical, screw-shaped design. It is often coated with a material known as hydroxyapatite, which can assist with the process of fusing the implant to the jaw bone. This part is placed first and appropriate healing has to take place before the restorative phase, which includes placing the abutment and crown.

2. The Abutment

The abutment is screwed into the fixture and will eventually hold the actual tooth portion that you see in your mouth. It is a small piece that lies right around the gum line.

3. Implant crown

The crown is cemented or screwed into the abutment. If the prosthesis is a crown or bridge, or snapped onto the abutment if the prosthesis is a bridge or denture.

Dental implants are designed and constructed to be extremely strong and able to last decades, becoming a permanent solution to replace missing or chipped teeth.

If you have any questions about Dental Implants, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible. Contact us today:

727-586-2681.

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L-PRF Technology for Better Healing

October 20, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

Dr. Todd Britten is happy to announce that we are using Platelet Concentrates (L-PRF, or Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin) to promote healing in dental procedures.

L-PRF treatments are often used for greater success for necessary procedures for dental implant placement, including socket bone grafts, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, correcting peri-implantitis, block bone grafts and extraction sites prior to implant placement.L-PRF technology is used to quicken the healing process and is completely safe. Disease transmission is not a factor since blood is drawn from a patient’s own body. Most patients report a greater degree of comfort during healing even immediately after their procedure. The amount of blood needed is minimal and can be collected easily.

Healing From Within With L-PRF

Only requires a small blood sample – Virtually painless!
100% natural, 100% you –
No additives, chemicals, or foreign substances – Lowered risk for complications
Contains your unique healing properties – Promotes Recovery!
Simple procedure – FDA Cleared

Tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone and tissues are often challenging for your dentist during oral surgery or implant placement. Without enough support in the jawbone, dental implants cannot be immediately stabilized and tissue healing can be a long process. The solution to these and other difficult situations is a new Platelet Therapy created from your own blood. Leukocyte –Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) changes all the rules as it promotes healing and bone growth from within your own body. Unlike other treatments that use artificial components, Platelet Therapy with L-PRF uses only your own blood. With a simple blood draw and an advanced technology protocol, L-PRF is individually made for you – from you. The end results are improved healing response and significantly less recovery time.

L-PRF™ is basically a bioactive “band-aid” that is created from your own blood and then placed in your surgery sites to promote healing. A sample of your blood is collected in a tube, just as it would be for a blood test. The dentist then uses the unique IntraSpin™ System to separate and concentrate certain important cells and active proteins by spinning your own blood in a dedicated centrifuge. After a fast preparation the bioactive clot, created just from your own blood, is now ideal for your procedure. After your L-PRF is created, it can be placed directly in/on surgical sites to immediately promote healing. When placed in surgery sites, L-PRF releases your body’s own natural healing proteins, creating a more efficient network for cells to enhance the healing process. Depending on your situation, the doctor may supplement your L-PRF clot with different biomaterials customized for your needs. For patients with significant bone loss, a combination of L-PRF and bone growth material may also be used to promote natural bone regeneration.

The therapy is 100% natural and additive-free. Natural growth factors present in your body are concentrated using L-PRF. Your own concentrated platelets and other key blood cells and their unique healing abilities are simply re-introduced at the site of your surgical procedure. As a result, your own body releases powerful healing proteins, and creates a scaffold for healing.

If you have any questions about treatment with platelet rich fibrin/plasma or would like to find out if you can benefit from this treatment, please contact us at 727-586-2681.

The Dangers of Smoking and Periodontal Health

September 8, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

Advanced Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss in Smokers

Quitting smoking can be very difficult to committing to, even if you know the health risks and potential benefits of giving up. Most people are all too well aware of the links of smoking to lung cancer and advanced periodontal disease, but one of the major problems with smoking is that it tends to mask the damage being caused to teeth and gums. Reduced blood flow in the inflammatory lesions of smokers makes it harder for the body to fight infection by reducing the flow of essential nutrients to damaged tissues. At the same time the body is also less able to transport toxins away from the infection site. Smoking makes it harder to see the damage being caused to gums, so if you have any signs of active gum disease, then these will be far less visible.

Other chemicals contained within the smoke will combine with plaque bacteria and this is dangerous because x-rays taken of smoker’s teeth often shows that the jawbone has begun to shrink away from their teeth. This damage can be difficult to detect, producing very few early warning signs of advanced periodontal disease.

Additionally, nicotine affects saliva, causing it to become thicker so it is less able to wash away acid created after eating. As a result heavy smokers can be more likely to suffer from tooth decay than non-smokers, even though they may practice good oral hygiene.

Developing Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is a major problem and as a top periodontist in Clearwater, Florida, Dr. Todd Britten is highly concerned when seeing patients who smoke. The likelihood of developing advanced periodontal disease or gum disease is six times higher in smokers. Periodontal disease is an extremely serious condition affecting not only the gums, but also the membranes and ligaments and bone supporting the teeth.

Will You Lose Your Teeth If You Have Periodontal Disease?

In advanced cases, Britten may have little choice but to extract teeth that have already become loose. Smoking masks one of the major signs of gum disease which is bleeding gums and as a result periodontal disease can be very advanced before a smoker notices there is something wrong with their dental health. Although diligent brushing and flossing may slow down deteriorating gums, it’s often difficult for smokers to thoroughly remove all the plaque from the teeth due to smoking decreasing sensations in the mouth, making it difficult for them to detect areas that may not have been properly brushed.

As a periodontist, Dr. Britten is a specialist in treating advanced periodontal disease and is able to provide patients with the very latest techniques and treatments to help slow down this condition. Where teeth are lost then one option is to replace them with dental implants, but smoking is not advisable during this treatment because it does slow down healing.

If you do currently smoke and value your smile, it’s worth thinking about quitting.

Smoking: What Happens to Oral Health

July 14, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

Smoking is notoriously dangerous to your health. While the health risks of smoking are well known, you may be surprised to learn that smoking can dramatically impact the health and condition of your teeth and gums. Smoking can aggravate some of the most common oral health problems such as bad breath or gum disease and is a risk factor for oral cancer.

Periodontal Disease

While gum disease can be present for a variety of reasons, smoking can dramatically worsen its symptoms. If a person smokes, he or she may be much more likely to develop tartar buildup, bleeding gums, and other symptoms associated with periodontal disease. When your dentist spots the early signs of gum disease in your smile, quitting smoking can help to slow down the progression of your symptoms.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is another serious health concern that is associated with tobacco use. A person who uses tobacco will be at much greater risk of developing oral cancer in his or her lifetime. Smoking during cancer treatment can also lead to the spread of cancer cells to the throat, larynx, or other areas of the mouth. Even smokeless tobacco products have been determined to contribute to the growth of cancer cells in certain patients.

Implant Issues

A person who smokes is also at risk of experiencing issues with his or her dental implants. Dental implants are used to replace broken or missing teeth. Since smoking can contribute to bone loss and other oral health problems, a dental implant may fail when it is placed in the mouth of a person who smokes.

Dr. Todd Britten can address any concerns that you may have about smoking and your oral health. Call us today 727-586-2681.
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What we’ve been up to: Britten Perio Seminar: Periodontal Maintenance of Dental Implants

February 22, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

On February 16th, we had the pleasure of hosting a seminar “Periodontal Maintenance of Dental Implants” with many local dental professionals. Dental implants have become the standard of excellence in tooth replacement. As is the case with natural teeth, patients and their dental professionals must work as a team to ensure the longevity of their dental implant.

Our educational seminar discussed the latest techniques and technologies available to help dental professionals monitor maintain the health of their patients’ dental implants. The seminar reviewed how dental professionals can help their patients achieve long-term implant health through state of the art monitoring techniques, regular professional dental hygiene care and patient oral hygiene education. It also reviewed fixtures of the many different implant systems (old and new) that exist as well as the most accepted and current methods of patient and professional maintenance.

Dental professionals realize that there are many variations of dental implant designs available, and an ever-increasing population of patients living with dental implants. As an expert in dental implant placement and dental implant health, Dr. Britten felt was important to share with his colleagues and their teams a continuing education course specific to dental implant care. “Dental implants are complex, sophisticated dental devices, and it is important that we as implant experts continuously stay educated on modern monitoring methods.” – Dr. Todd Britten

Dr. Gregory Oxford, a periodontist of 34 years and one of Dr. Britten’s professors at University of Florida and Dentsply-Sirona, a leader in dental products and the dental implant system Ankylos, partnered with Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to provide a great continuing education course. The event was catered by Stephanie and Allie with Empamamas Food Truck. The food and service were spectacular! The Sweet Life Bakery even provided dental themed cookies for the event. So as always, we partnered learning with some food and some good food!