Proxabrushes are ideal for periodontal disease care because they effectively clean larger spaces between teeth and around gum pockets where traditional floss may struggle to reach. Their bristles also gently stimulate gums, promoting healing and reducing plaque buildup.
The Importance of Gum Health: Understanding Periodontal Disease
Gum health is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It typically begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the gums and bone supporting the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Some Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and Tobacco Use
- Genetic factors
- Certain medications
- Underlying health conditions such as diabetes
Signs and Symptoms
- Red and swollen gums
- Persisten bad breath
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
Complications of Untreated Periodontal Disease
- Increased risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Toothloss
- Jawbone deterioration
- Significant impact on quality of life
Prevention and Treatment:
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing and interproximal care between the teeth with floss, proxabrushes or softpicks
- Regular dental checkups and hygiene maintenance
- Balanced Diet
- Avoiding tobacco
- Managing underlying health conditions
If diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may recommend professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or surgical interventions to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Gum health is a cornerstone of overall wellness, and understanding periodontal disease is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and body. By prioritizing oral hygiene, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking timely dental care, you can safeguard your gums and reduce your risk of gum disease and its associated complications. Remember, your smile is worth protecting, so invest in your gum health today for a brighter tomorrow!
Dr. Britten, an implant specialist and periodontist in Clearwater, Florida, says that sinus augmentation procedures are making it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.
“The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth,”Says Dr. Todd Britten. He explained that dental implants need bone to hold them in place. “When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.” For this situation, Dr. Britten says he would recommend a sinus augmentation graft to create a stable bone environment for implants to be placed.
A second procedure, known as an indirect sinus lift, is a less invasive than a direct or lateral sinus augmentation 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,” says Dr. Britten.
The sinus augmentation procedure must be allowed to heal completely prior to other procedures, such as the placement of dental implants. This will generally take about four to six months. Once the area has completely healed, the patient can be reevaluated for the placement of dental implants.
Dr. Todd Britten provides the latest technology and techniques in ridge augmentation, ridge preservation, sinus lift or sinus augmentation procedures in his Clearwater, Florida, periodontal practice. He says these advancements mean this an exciting time for patients missing teeth to be able to have dental implants that may have been excluded before.
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.
[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]
Dr. Todd M. Britten and the team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry held their 4th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans on November 9, 2018. The team at Britten Periodontics had overwhelming offers to help from many dental professionals in the community willing to donate their time and resources to provide free dental care. This year’s event was assisted by local family dentists and restorative specialists Dr. Jeffrey Ellenberg and Dr. Michael Podlusky. “Having local dentists involved enables us to provide more comprehensive care to our veterans,” Dr. Todd Britten said.
“The Community Dental Clinic in Clearwater helped us to coordinate this year’s event. We are so happy to help provide care for their patients who need to see a periodontist,” said one of Dr. Britten’s team members. “Once again this year, with the help of our restorative dentists, we were able to provide extractions, full dentures, fillings, dental implants, dental cleanings, x-rays and exams,” said another team member.
Air Force Veteran John Fallon was looking forward to his new smile, provided by Dr. Michael Podlusky who practices in Largo, Florida. When asked what the dental care provided by this event means to him, Fallon said, “Going out more, being able to talk to people and not running away because I get self-conscious with no teeth.”
Dr. Jeffrey Ellenberg of Clearwater, Florida, was helping in the care of Navy Veteran Ernest Bach. Bach said, “This Veteran’s Day is very special to me specifically because of the generosity of the dentists who are donating their time and talents to give this veteran a new perspective and the ability to socialize and participate as I once used to!”
Check out the Video here:
Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten offers sedation dentistry, which can be very helpful for those needing advanced treatment, suffer from PTSD or have a fear of the dentist. For more information, contact us today:
[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]
Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy also known as scaling and root planing or “a deep cleaning” is often recommended as the first step in periodontal therapy. Treatment is done by one of our hygienists using local anesthesia to provide comfort for the patient as the root surfaces in deep periodontal pockets are debrided to remove calculus or “tartar” and to smooth the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins. This may take more than one visit with the hygienist and is followed up with a visit with Dr. Britten in four to six weeks to reevaluate the periodontal tissues.
For more information about options for periodontal treatment, contact us today at 727-586-2681 or visit www.brittenperio.com
Want to be able to eat ice cream again?
Tooth pain that you experience because of sensitivity to hot, cold, or acidic food or drink can be caused by decay, fractured teeth or worn fillings. But gum disease, causing exposed roots due to a receding gum line, along with with worn teeth or roots can also be the source of the problem.
Healthy teeth have a layer of enamel that protects the crowns of your teeth—the part you can see above the gum line. Below the gum line a layer called cementum protects the roots, and below the enamel and the cementum is dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules (small canals). If dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum –or sometimes when gums recede — these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. The result can be hypersensitivity.
Sensitive teeth can be treated in a variety of ways. Dr. Britten will recommend the appropriate treatment based on the cause of your sensitivity. Those might include:
– A de-sensitizing or prescription toothpaste containing minerals or compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Repeated applications (4 to 6 weeks) are usually necessary before the sensitivity is reduced.
– Application of a fluoride varnish or Kuraray desensitizing mineral powder, an in-office treatment which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
– Sometimes gum grafting is needed. This is a surgical procedure to protect the root and reduce sensitivity by replacing gum tissue that has been lost from the root.
Proper oral hygiene can often prevent tooth pain not caused by trauma. Contact us today if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.
[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]
Did you know?
Your dentist or dental hygienist may be able to tell if you have diabetes before you even know you do? Clues in the mouth, medical symptoms you are experiencing and reporting to them, and even a chairside test done right in the dental office can help your dentist determine that further testing for diabetes is necessary
A dentist can examine your mouth for clues of diabetes. There are signs in the mouth associated with diabetes:
-Periodontal disease
-Dental caries
-Burning mouth syndrome
– Oral candidiasis (common in those with poor glycemic control)
-Salivary dysfunction
-Neurosensory disorders
-Soft tissue abnormalities such as stomatitis or lichen planus
-Xerostomia
(Source: http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/4/188.full)
Also, a patient that has 26% of periodontal pockets measuring 5 mm’s or greater or 4 or more missing teeth (not including the third molars), has a 72% chance of having a metabolic challenge. Diabetes is considered a metabolic disease.
Patients often see their dentist or dental hygienist more often than any other healthcare professional. Make sure to answer their questions thoroughly and accurately about your health.
Health risk factors for diabetes:
– Overweight or obese – BMI greater than 25
– High blood pressure
– Familial history of diabetes
– High cholesterol
– History of heart disease
– Other symptoms or complaints may include thirst, urinating frequently, constant fatigue, weight loss (Type 1), blurred vision, and uncontrolled infections even within the mouth (poorly controlled Type 2 diabetics).
Effective January 1, 2018, a chairside diabetes HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test may be able to be performed by your dentist right in their office if they suspect diabetes or prediabetes. A patient with a test result of 5.7 or greater indicates a 92% chance the patient is metabolically challenged. At this point, your dentist can refer you to a physician for further testing.
Periodontal disease and diabetes have a direct effect upon one another. It is important to Dr. Britten to improve not only the oral health, but the overall health of each and every one of his patients. For more information on oral health and diabetes contact us at 727-586-2681.
[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]
Dr. Todd M. Britten and the team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry had an early start on Veteran’s Day which is Friday, November 11th. They held their 3rd annual Free Dental Day for Veterans on Friday, November 3rd, 2017. Britten Periodontics once again had overwhelming offers to help from many dental professionals in the community willing to donate their time and resources to provide free dental care. Patients were directed to the event this year from The Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater, as well as local V.A. Branches from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
“Once again, we have had an incredible response from the community and were able to get skilled and compassionate local restorative dentists involved.” For the third year in a row, Clearwater Dental Associates, Dr. Jim Hayslett and Dr. Keith Kiskadden and their staff are on board to help out with our event, seeing patients for fillings, crowns and even dentures. New to this year’s event, Dr. Michael Podlusky in Seminole, Florida, also reached out to Dr. Britten to also help, making upper and lower dentures at no-cost for one of the patients. “Many thanks to Dr. Britten for organizing the Veteran’s Day Event and graciously offering me the opportunity to help treat a patient. So glad to help at least one of our honored Vets. One person can’t do everything, but all of us working together surely can!” Said Dr. Mike Podlusky.
Dr. Britten’s dental specialty, periodontics, often involves managing and treating advanced gum disease. A periodontist is often able to help a patient in danger of losing teeth or with active oral infection to turn their health around. “Having Clearwater Dental Associates involved again this year, and the gracious help of Dr. Mike Podlusky and his team enables us to provide more comprehensive care to our veterans. Being a periodontist, my specialty is really the surrounding structures of the teeth; roots, gum and bone. My job is to help with the foundation. Having the restorative specialists involved helps us to treat the whole mouth and really deliver comprehensive care to these veterans.” Dr. Britten sees most patients for a comprehensive evaluation, radiographs and treatment consult prior to the event in order to determine what services he as the gum specialist can provide in his office, and make appropriate referral for restorative care from local dentists who have volunteered to help with the event.
Britten says being able to offer two different forms of sedation to Veterans for this event in his Clearwater, FL practice has helped for patients who have PTSD, dental anxiety, or may require extensive surgical treatment. Dr. Britten expressed his concern. “Most of the time, periodontal disease is not painful until it gets to be very advanced. Some of the veterans had been dealing with painful teeth for a long time.”
For Britten and his team this event is something they look forward to all year long. They keep in touch with veterans from previous events and this year they were able to provide follow up exams, x-rays and periodontal maintenance procedures, which help prevent reinfection of the gums following treatment. “This year we were able to invite Veterans from previous events to receive follow up maintenance care at this year’s event,” said one dental hygienist at Britten Periodontics who helped organize this year’s event. “It was great to see them again and the progress they have made in their oral health. It is touching to be a part of something that has changed someone’s life in such a positive way.”
One patient returning this year received treatment at the inaugural event was John Smith, who served in the US Navy in Vietnam from 1965-1969. Dr. Britten explained that he was honored to be able to help Mr. Smith and to continue in his care since the 2014 event. The VFW Post 2473 in Clearwater where Mr. Smith serves as canteen manager does much to help local veterans.
When asked what this event meant to him in 2014, Smith had stated, “I get to keep my teeth and I can’t believe it’s free.” A patient new to this year’s event, Yvette said, “This was the most amazing dental cleaning I have had in my whole life!”
Dr. Todd Britten explained how glad he is to be doing this the third year in a row and would like to do it annually for the entirety of his career. When asked why this is a cause so near and dear to his heart he stated that his grandfathers and uncles served in the military and giving back to veterans in need is a top priority for him. Dr. Britten said, “The entire staff at Britten Periodontics is so grateful to the men and women in the military that make so many sacrifices for our freedom.”
[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]
Our Website: www.brittenperio.com
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterPeriodontist?ref=hl
