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clearwater periodontist

Watch this video about Dental Implants from Spear Education

Great Video from Spear Education about Dental Implants!

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.

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Breakthrough laser procedure to save dental implants

Dental implants are a great way to give you a beautiful and functional smile, they are not without limitations. Some patients could experience swelling or infection around their implants, which is known as peri-implantitis.

If you noticed a change in your implants, Dr. Todd Britten can provide a breakthrough procedure following the LAPIP® protocol.

How the Procedure Works

This procedure is minimally invasive, due to the use of cutting-edge, gentle laser technology. This allows Dr. Britten to treat peri-implantitis without the need for incisions. During the procedure, our state-of-the-art PerioLase laser targets the inflamed area of the gum tissue and eliminates harmful bacteria and infection that has developed. There is no need to worry about an extensive recovery period, sutures or any incisions.

The importance of eliminating unhealthy tissue

Even though dental implants are a great option for patients who have lost their teeth due to periodontal disease, the disease can still continue even around dental implants.

It is essential that diseased implants receive proper treatment as soon as possible to protect these implants, other teeth, bone structure and oral health.

If you think your gums might be inflamed around your dental implants, schedule an appointment with us today. Contact us today to learn more about the LAPIP® protocol and its many benefits to you and your oral health.

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Are you a candidate for implant-supported dentures?

If you’re tired of high maintenance and uncomfortable dentures, you might be able to have implants placed to support your denture. An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn’t have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone to support implants. An implant supported denture snaps into place on dental implants. This prevents the denture from slipping or coming loose in the mouth. It also removes the need for denture paste or adhesives. The implant supported denture can be removed at night for cleaning or, if you have a fixed implant supported denture placed, your dentures will act as permanent teeth.

There are two types of implant supported dentures, bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures. Both types of dentures require two or more dental implants to be placed and both will provide you with a beautiful, natural smile.

Bar-Retained Dentures

In the bar-retained type of denture, three or more implants are surgically placed in the gums. Attached to these implants is a metal bar that runs along the gum line. The denture then rests on the metal bar and is attached using clips or other types of attachments. This type of implant-supported denture holds the denture in place without the steel studs used in ball-retained dentures.

Ball-Retained Dentures

Ball-retained dentures, also called stud-attachment dentures, use a ball-and-socket design to attach the dentures to the implants surgically placed in the gums. Traditionally, the denture is fitted with sockets and the implants have a ball on top of them. The denture and implants snap together where the ball and sockets meet.

Many patients prefer implant-supported dentures to traditional dentures because they alleviates much of the discomfort and rubbing of traditional dentures. The denture is held in place far more securely and is less likely to come loose. Dr. Britten is a dental implant specialist who can evaluate to see if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures. Call us today 727-586-2681 or visit www.brittenperio.com

The latest techniques in tissue grafting

Dr. Todd Britten performs the latest techniques in gingival grafting, or gum grafting, and other gum recession procedures to treat patients suffering from loose, sensitive teeth and receding gums in Clearwater, Florida. “Recent surgical innovations have made this procedure safer and more effective than ever before,” says Dr. Todd Britten.

Gum grafting involves carefully placing a small amount of new gum tissue in an area where little or no gum tissue currently exists to prevent further gum recession or to cover root surfaces of the teeth that have become exposed. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The tissue used in this procedure may be obtained from a variety of sources: an area of tissue nearby, the hard palate (roof of mouth), or donated tissue from another person, which has been medically processed. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re¬establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, a patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage. The tissue is then delicately sutured (stitched) in place where it’s needed, using very fine suturing material.

Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics or age, oral trauma, and periodontal disease. Patients experiencing signs of gum recession are encouraged to seek treatment right away. Gum recession is not only a cosmetic problem – but it can also affect oral and periodontal health. A successful graft can reduce or eliminate problems like tooth sensitivity and further gum recession, as well as improve the aesthetics of a person’s smile. When a tooth loses the natural protection of healthy gum tissue, they become extremely sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, causing pain when drinking or eating, or even to cold air. Missing gum tissue also makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the roots and cause decay — or for minor trauma to result in rapid gum recession. The eventual result is often tooth loss.

Dr. Britten offers a variety of modern and effective treatment options for receding gums in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice, including gum grafting procedures and the minimally invasive Pinhole® Surgical Technique. For more information on the progression of gum disease, scaling and root planing procedures, or periodontal surgical treatment options, contact us today at 727-586-2681. 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.

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

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.

What you need to know about chronic dry mouth

Have you ever noticed bad breath due to dry mouth?

Do you experience pain or discomfort from dry mouth?

Have you had changes in your oral health – like sudden decay or worsened gum disease?

Do you get sores in your mouth or on your tongue frequently?

Does your dry mouth interfere with your sleep?

Do you avoid certain foods because they are too difficult to eat with dry mouth?

Do you have trouble swallowing due to thick mucus?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, be sure to ask your dentist about dry mouth.  Chronic dry mouth is a condition that can be painful, or even unnoticed by a patient sometimes because they have gotten used to living with the discomfort or incovenience of choronic dry mouth.  It can occur due to medicine, medical conditions, or even lifestyle choices.  It can lead to significant oral health issues like cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, or problems eating or wearing dentures.

 We have also found in our practice that different remedies help different patients combat chronic dry mouth. Here are some possible suggestions and options for patients with dry mouth:
1. Some patients find comfort from carrying water with them throughout the day and taking small sips.  Cold water may help soothe and calm fiery red tissues. For those without high blood pressure or an adversion to sodium, you can mix a pinch of baking soda in their water and swish and spit this mixture out throughout the day. Baking soda is alkalizing and can protect from decay.
2. A combination of over the counter Biotene products (gels, rinses, sprays, lozenges) used 5 times a day (A combination and routine of these products can usually be recommended by your dental health professional).  Many patients find Biotene Gel to be extremely comforting to their dry oral tissues, especially before bed time.  Patients using C-Pap appliances should use an oral gel as these devices often blow air which aggravates this condition greatly.
3. There is a product available via prescription called Neutrasal. Neutrasal works like saliva to help restore a healthy mouth. A powder pack is mixed and dissolved in one ounce of water, and swished for 1 minute before spitting.  It can be used 2 to 10 times a day, depending on what your dental health care provider recommends, and you should avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes after use.
4. PerioSciences’ Anti-Oxidant Gel can also be helpful for our patients suffering from dry mouth.
5. Many patients with dry mouth should be on a strict caries prevention program, which can include prescription toothpaste, rinse, gel, trays, or in-office treatments.  Calcium and phosphate are often included in some of these products, which are minerals that help rebuild weakened enamel.
For more information, call us today at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com
Dr. Britten, your dentist, or dental hygienist will review the cause of dry mouth, as well as your risks for periodontal disease or tooth decay.
Talk to your dentist about your dry mouth symptoms to see which dry mouth treatment is best for you!

Clearwater Periodontist to Hold 4th Annual Veteran’s Day Event

In his Clearwater periodontal practice, Dr. Todd Britten sees veterans for periodontal screenings followed by a free day of surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. He works with local restorative dentists who help provide fillings, crowns and sometimes dentures.

Dr. Todd M. Britten and the team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is gearing up for their 4th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans. The event is scheduled for November 9, 2018.

“Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Dr. Todd Britten. “Many of us ask ourselves, ‘What can we do?’, ‘How can we make a difference?’” Dr. Britten said that is exactly what he asked himself in 2015. “I am aware that dental coverage for veterans was very hard to attain, so we hit the ground running trying to deliver periodontal care to as many veterans as we could.”

The inaugural year the Clearwater, FL based periodontal practice provided over $35,000 in treatment over the last 3 years’ events. Stated Britten, “Having local dentists involved 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 restorative specialists involved helps us to treat the whole mouth and really deliver comprehensive care to these veterans.”

Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is currently doing initial exams on veterans to get them scheduled for treatment. “If you know of any veteran in serious need of dental care, please get in touch with their office right away, as these spaces are filling up quickly,” says Ellen Byrd, a dental hygienist in the practice who helps plan the event each year.

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. For more information, visit https://brittenperio.com

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. We are happy to host this annual event, and hope to do it for many years to come.

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Seeking Treatment for Gum Disease is an Important Step for Good Overall Health

Dr. Todd Britten cites recent scientific studies when urging patients to seek gum disease treatment before periodontal disease begins affecting overall health.

Dr. Todd Britten, a periodontist in Clearwater, Florida, cites recent scientific studies to help educate people about the connection between unhealthy gums and different systemic health conditions. Citing the ever-increasing studies linking periodontal (gum) health to overall systemic health, Dr. Britten continues to educate his patients about the benefits of seeking gum disease treatment before it begins affecting overall health.

Dr. Britten states that recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association between periodontal disease and other diseases. Dr. Britten states, “There is strong evidence linking periodontal disease to several systemic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well increasing the risk factors and complications of other diseases such as osteoporosis, respiratory disease, stroke and even cancer.”

A recent study in an October 2016 report in the Journal of Periodontology titled “Periodontal Disease and Incident Lung Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies,” (attached) found that individuals with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Study participants with other risk factors such as frequent alcohol use, smoking, and diabetics demonstrated even a slightly increase in lung cancer risk and that women with periodontal disease are more likely than men to develop lung cancer. A related cohort study stated that oral bacteria may be involved in the development of cancer cells in the lungs, while another study indicates successful treatment of periodontal disease may lead to a substantially reduced lung cancer risk. “This report can be added to the body of literature that associates periodontal disease with other conditions in the body, including diabetes and heart disease,” says president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Wayne A. Aldredge, DMD. “While additional research is needed on the possible links between lung cancer and periodontal disease, we know for sure that taking care of your teeth and gums can reduce periodontal disease risk and possibly the risk of other systemic conditions.”

A 2013 consensus report from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) finds that periodontal health may play an important role in the management of diabetes. The report outlines clinical recommendations for dental professionals to use when treating people with diabetes and emphasizes the importance of annual comprehensive periodontal evaluations (CPE) as part of an effective diabetes management program. The consensus report is based on a large body of scientific evidence that suggests periodontal health may be helpful in controlling diabetes.

“There are many studies which provide evidence indicating a relationship between periodontal disease and several other systemic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, cognitive impairment, obesity, chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome. A new study has even revealed a relationship between chronic periodontitis and lacunar infarct, a type of cerebral small vessel disease that can lead to a stroke.” Dr. Britten wants patients to know that while additional research is required to gain a more thorough understanding of many of these relationships between systemic disease and periodontal health, patients should be aware that the associations do exist.

Periodontal disease affects one of every two Americans age 30 and older and is 2.5 times more prevalent than diabetes. Caused by an inflammatory reaction to a bacterial infection below the gum line, periodontal disease can lead to swelling, irritation, receding gums, and tooth loss if left untreated. Dr.Britten’s Clearwater, Florida practice offers many disease treatment options, including traditional or laser gum surgery, replacing missing or diseased teeth with implants, scaling and root planning, and periodontal regenerative procedures such as bone grafting and tissue grafting.

To read more about the findings in recent American Academy of Periodontology reports, visit http://www.perio.org/perio.org/consumer/EFP_AAP_Workshop_Proceedings and to learn more about effects of periodontal disease and treatment options, please visit Dr. Todd Britten’s website at http://www.clearwater-periodontist.com.

Britten Periodontics is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in periodontics, laser therapy and implant dentistry for Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Dental Medicine and Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at the University of Florida. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He has completed extensive continuing education coursework, including training at the Pankey Institute, Pikos Institute for Advanced Bone Grafting, Misch International Implant Institute and LANAP Institute for advanced Laser Dentistry. His Professional Associations and Memberships include American Board of Periodontology, American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Academy of Osseointegration, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Pinellas County Dental Association, Top Dentist 2015, Florida West Coast Dental Association and he completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. Dr. Britten is part of the one percent of dental professionals offering the FDA cleared laser procedure for gum disease treatment.

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How to do an Oral Cancer Screening at Home

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

While smoking and smokeless tobacco use is certainly a major risk factor for Oral Cancer, there are other lifestyle, genetic and even viral causes that contribute this often disfiguring and sometimes deadly disease.

Your dentist, dental specialist and dental hygienist are your first line of defense for early detection of Oral Cancer. Dr. Britten routinely performs systematic examination of all the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, as well thorough examination of the borders of the tongue, and the lymph nodes surrounding the oral cavity and in the neck.

If you have any questions about Oral Cancer, please feel free to contact us via email at or call at 727-586-2681.

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