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.
The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.
Advantages of Dental Implants
– A look and feel that is much like natural teeth
– Self-confidence while speaking, eating and smiling
– Implants are not susceptible to sensitivity or decay as with natural teeth
– There’s no need to dust down adjacent teeth
– Implants are securely anchored – no slipping, clicking, movement, or surface adhesives
– A space between the teeth may be reproduced when necessary
– A complete set of teeth will not require plastic across the roof of your mouth
– Implants have an overall 10-year success rate of about 95 percent
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 implant or periodontal services, call (727) 586-2681 or visit https://www.brittenperio.com.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a dental procedure used to help rebuild bone in areas where it is lacking, often to support a dental implant. Here’s a simplified explanation:
1. Purpose: Sometimes, a person doesn’t have enough natural bone in their jaw to securely hold a dental implant. This can happen due to tooth loss, injury, or disease. GBR helps to create more bone in these areas.
2. Process: During the procedure, a special membrane is placed over the area where more bone is needed. This membrane acts like a barrier.
3. Function: The membrane keeps unwanted tissues (like gums) from growing into the space where the bone needs to grow. It allows only the bone cells to fill in the gap.
4. Bone Growth: Over time, new bone forms beneath the membrane. This new bone eventually becomes strong enough to support a dental implant.
5. Outcome: Once the bone has grown sufficiently, a dental implant can be securely placed into the jaw. This provides a stable foundation for a new artificial tooth.
Guided Bone Regeneration is a common and effective technique used by dentists to ensure implants have the necessary support to last long-term.
This video shows a surgical procedure to regenerate bone for increased support and stability.
Advanced Techniques in Periodontal Surgery: Innovations for Improved Oral Health
In the ever-evolving landscape of dental care, advancements in periodontal surgery have transformed the way we approach the treatment of gum disease and related issues. From innovative technologies to refined surgical techniques, these advancements offer new hope for patients seeking improved oral health and wellbeing.
Laser Therapy: Precision and Efficiency
One of the most significant advancements in periodontal surgery is the widespread adoption of laser therapy. Laser-assisted procedures offer several advantages:
Precision: Lasers target diseased tissue with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Minimal Discomfort: Laser therapy is generally associated with less pain and discomfort compared to osseous surgery, reducing the need for anesthesia and post-operative medication.
Faster healing: The precise nature of laser therapy promotes faster healing times, allowing patients to resume their normal activities sooner.
Guided Tissue Regeneration: Restoring Function and Aesthetics
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is another advanced technique revolutionizing periodontal surgery. This procedure involves the use of barrier membranes to promote the regeneration of lost gum and bone tissues, ultimately restoring both function and aesthetics. Key benefits of GTR include:
Tissue Regeneration: GTR encourages the growth of new bone and gum tissue, reversing the damage caused by periodontal disease.
Preservation of Tooth Structure: By promoting tissue regeneration, GTR helps preserve the natural structure of the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Long-Term Results: With proper post-operative care, the results of guided tissue regeneration can be long-lasting, providing lasting benefits for patients.
Advancements in Dental Implant Surgery: Innovations for a Brighter Smile
Dental implant surgery has undergone remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing the way we restore missing teeth and rejuvenate smiles. From improved materials to cutting-edge techniques, these innovations have advanced the safety, effectiveness, and aesthetics of dental implant procedures, offering new hope to patients seeking durable and natural-looking teeth replacements. Some of these advances include:
Enhanced Imaging: CBCT scans provide 3D images of the jawbone and surrounding structures, allowing for precise treatment planning and placement of dental implants.
Digital Impressions: Digital models allow for the creation of virtual models, helping for the design of custom-made implant restorations that blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Improved surgical techniques which provide reduced trauma, faster recovery, and preservation of bone structure.
Advanced Materials: Significant improvements have been made resulting in implants that are stronger, more biocompatible , and more aesthetically pleasing.
Advanced techniques in periodontal surgery have transformed periodontal treatment with highly predictable, minimally invasive, and aesthetic treatment options for patients. As technology continues to evolve, the future holds even greater promise for periodontal and implant dentistry, paving the way for continued improvements in patient care and satisfaction.
How 3-D Technology is Revolutionizing Implant Dentistry for Patients
Here at Britten Periodontics, as a periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Todd Britten wants to ensure his dental implant patients have the best care possible using the latest technology available. By using advanced 3-D technology, Dr. Britten explains that he is able to obtain and review high-quality images for dental implant planning and even create a 3-D printed surgical guide.
When a patient is ready for a dental implant, Dr. Britten explains the first step is often to take a 3-D CT scan. Dr. Britten said he invested in a scanner that is both comfortable for patients, but provides high quality images at the lowest radiation levels possible. “The PAX-i3D Green is a digital imaging system that provides multiple views of a patient’s jaw and mouth. A 3-D digital scan can now be taken at the same visit in place of a tradition dental impression.” We have a Medit i-700 scanner, making the scanning experience for our patients comfortable and easy. This digital impression can be done at the same visit as the CT scan.
Clearwater Periodontist and Dental implant specialist Dr. Todd Britten says he wants to ensure his dental implant patients have the best care possible using the latest technology available. By using advanced 3-D technology, Dr. Britten explains that he is able to obtain and review high-quality images for dental implant planning and even create a 3-D printed surgical guide.
When a patient is ready for a dental implant, Dr. Britten explains the first step is often to take a 3-D CT scan. Dr. Britten said he invested in a scanner that is both comfortable for patients, but provides high quality images at the lowest radiation levels possible. “The PAX-i3D Green is a digital imaging system that provides multiple views of a patient’s jaw and mouth. A 3-D digital scan can now be taken at the same visit in place of a tradition dental impression.” Dr. Britten explains he has a Medit i-700 scanner, making the scanning experience for our patients comfortable and easy. This digital impression can be done at the same visit as the CT scan.
He goes onto explain the patient’s CT scan and Digital Impression are then uploaded to the Dental Laboratory’s sophisticated software program. Dr. Britten plans the implant surgery (deciding on any need for bone grafting, sinus grafting and appropriate implant size and type) as well as a surgical guide to be fabricated by his experienced laboratory clinician.
The Dental Lab then can fabricate the surgical guide with their state-of-the-art 3-D printer. The process usually takes a few weeks, and then the patient is ready for dental implant surgery. Dr. Britten says with 3-D technology and imaging, he can perform dental implant surgeries with confidence, using a precision-crafted 3-D printed Implant Surgical Guide.
We want to ensure that our patients have the best care possible. By using the latest technology, we are able to review high-quality images for dental implant planning and create a 3-D printed surgical guide.
Step 1: CT Scan taken in our office
Our patients deserve the best service we can offer and that is why we invest only in the finest technology.
The PAX-i3D Green is a digital imaging system that provides multiple views of a patient’s jaw and mouth (called a Cone Beam CT Scan).
Step 2: Digital Scan
In place of a tradition dental impression, Dr. Britten uses a Medit i-700 scanner to take a digital 3-D impression for the surgical guide. This can be done at the same visit as the CT scan!
Step 3: Planning the Surgery
Your CT scan and Digital Impression are uploaded to the Dental Laboratory’s sophisticated software program. Dr. Britten plans your implant surgery and surgical guide along with an experienced laboratory clinician.
Step 4: 3-D Printed Surgical Guide
Our Dental Lab will fabricate the surgical guide with their state-of-the-art 3-D printer. We usually receive your surgical implant guide in four weeks from the time the digital impression and CT scan is completed in our office.
Step 5: Dental implant surgery
Dr. Britten can perform your dental implant surgery with confidence, using a precision-crafted Scan Implant Surgical Guide. This ensures the highest degree of safety and accuracy of the implant placement.
Dental implants are fantastic, but like anything biologic or placed in or on the human body can NOT always be completely predictable or guaranteed all the time. One of the long-term risks associated with dental implants is a condition called Peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the surrounding gum and bone of a dental implant, and can lead to the loss of supporting bone. This condition is very difficult to treat.
Fortunately, most patients receiving dental implants never develop this condition. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, bone can be lost around a dental implant. This will often occur without a patient ever being aware of it. Some dental implants will develop bone loss very early after having the implant crown is placed or it can happen many years down the road. Most patients are unaware that they have bone loss around the dental implant. Peri-implantitis generally begins painlessly and without symptoms. Once peri-implantitis becomes advanced, symptoms can develop and the patient will notice.
There are several risk factors for peri-implantitis, especially smoking. Smoking definitely causes constriction of blood vessels which leads to bone loss. Medical issues such as Diabetes, Osteoporosis and a weakened immune system are more at risk for developing bone loss around dental implants. Those with a history of gum disease are more at risk.
Good home care is critical. Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes or more with an electric toothbrush, flossing once a day and using adjuncts such as a rubber tip or implant floss every day! Grinding your teeth is another risk factor for dental implant bone loss. Factors related to the surgical procedure can also cause peri-implantitis to later occur: Soft bone, lack of tightness when the dental implant is placed, bone that was grafted in a vertical fashion, implant size too big, overheated bone, and many others.
Signs of Peri-implantitis
• Deep periodontal pockets around the implant
• Pus comes out from the implants and gums
• Bleeding at the gumline
• Appearance – Gum tissue may appear red, or slightly purplish bluish, and tartar/plaque build up is noted
• Progressive loss of supporting bone on x-rays
• Metal thread exposure
• Long tooth
Again, peri-implantitis is not always symptomatic and typically there is no pain. Some patients will complain of a dull ache or tenderness when they brush or touch the area. A bad taste can develop if infection or pus has developed around the implant. If this infection around the implant becomes very severe, the glands in your neck may become swollen and the dental implants may begin to be noticeably loose.
The first thing an implant specialist will usually check around the implant is to make sure the crown or bridge was made properly. An x-ray, or sometimes a 3-D Cone Beam CT scan is necessary to see the inside surface. Extra cement can often be the cause of peri-implantitis. The cement oozes beyond the abutment and gets down below the gum near the bone and becomes an irritant. There is often good reason to make crowns held in by screws rather than cement in some cases. The technique of cementation and choice of cement used is a big factor on implant success!
This is why it is important to work with an experience implant specialist and restorative dentist in implant placement.
Occasionally a loose abutment screw may be present which may not have been torqued properly or it has broken, sometimes due to a patient’s heavy bite. Patients with heavy bites need to have their crowns designed to protect the implants.
How an implant crown is made is critical for the longevity of the dental implant in the bone. Low-budget implants have poorly designed screws or may move (even microscopically) when you chew.
Sometimes gum disease on nearby teeth can stimulate peri-implantitis to start on the implant. Generally some type of exploratory surgery needs to be done to find out the cause of peri-implantitis along with a simultaneous bone graft to save the implant. Not all implants that have developed peri-implantitis can be saved.
Treatment
The long-term goals are to stop the progression of bone loss and maintain your dental implants! Generally speaking the area will need to be cleaned thoroughly using dental instruments. Sometimes antibiotics will be prescribed or special antibacterial agents will need to be applied to the implants itself such as iodine or tetracycline.
Sometimes a laser procedure can be performed around the implant, called LAPIP, to sterilize the implant. Most peri-implantitis dental implants require surgery and bone grafting. This means that the dental implant surgeon has to open the gum tissue in order to detoxify the implant. All of the bacteria will be killed in order to have bone re-grafted onto the implants. The physiology and the type of bone that is used is critical. Sometimes your implant surgeon will recommend using your body’s own helpful blood products such as PRF/ PRP. The best way to prevent peri-impantitis is to have the implant properly placed by a specialist and restored by a highly experienced restorative dentist. Oral surgeons and periodontists have extensive training and have also developed more predictable implant placement technique. When an implant has had too much bone loss, a success rate can be as low as 35 to 50%. Some severe cases of peri-implantitis are better off removing the implant and placing a new one if detoxifying and regrafting do not seem to have a good long-term prognosis. If one implant fails or develops bone loss, it doesn’t mean the second one will. Time will tell if the procedure works. There are no guarantees on grafting around implants that have pre-existing bone loss. It is far more successful if the bone missing is in the shape of a moat rather than an entire wall missing.
Correction of dental implants with problems should be performed by an implant specialist and highly trained restorative dentist who routinely performs this procedure. Dr. Todd Britten is a periodontist and implant specialist practicing in Clearwater, Florida. As periodontist, Dr. Britten specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, the placement of dental implants and bone grafts, and treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists also perform cosmetic periodontal surgery. Dr. Britten has received an additional three years of specialty education and surgical training beyond dental school and has experience in treating this very difficult condition. If you have any questions regarding implant placement, contact us at 727-586-2681 or email us at .
There are actually several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. First, missing teeth will affect the esthetics of your face. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from missing teeth, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making your appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly and may even affect the way you speak. Finally, missing even one tooth may have emotional consequences; many people feel less confident about their smile when they are missing teeth. If you are currently missing any of your teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants, which can look and feel just like natural teeth. For more information about implants, browse perio.org or talk to your periodontist.
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.
Britten Periodontics dontics & Implant Dentistry is looking forward to holding our 6th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans on Friday, November 13, 2020. Once again this year, with the help of our restorative specialists, we hope to be able to provide extractions, full dentures, fillings, dental implants, dental cleanings, x-rays and exams. We are at capacity for our screening in September for this year’s veterans.
In our past events, sedation dentistry in our office has been very helpful for those veterans needing advanced treatment, suffer from PTSD or have a fear of the dentist. This is something we look forward to every year! www.brittenperio.com
