Dental implant specialist Archives - Page 2 of 3

Maintain your natural smile for life with dental implants

May 15, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

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.

X-RAY TAKEN BEFORE IMPLANTS, HOPELESS TEETH

X-RAY TAKEN OF SUCCESSFUL DENTAL IMPLANTS

Technology: Our State of The Art CT scanner

August 23, 2019
Britten
Dentistry

In the past, traditional dental x-rays were only able to provide limited information about the condition of a patient’s teeth and jaw bone. Advances in technology now allow us to see fine detailed tooth and jaw anatomy to diagnose conditions that may have been previously hard to detect. Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is now offering the only dental 3D CT Scan that is FDA approved for use on pediatric patients as it delivers the lowest dose of radiation possible on both children and adults.

The VATECH PAX-i3D GREEN cone beam CT Scanner offers fantastic imaging detail and is the only cone beam system considered a “Green CT” due to its extremely low dose, equivalent to only a short time out in the sun. This technology also assists in the digital planning of dental implants for precise accuracy, safety and optimal results. It can also assist in planning for bone grafting, tooth extractions, particularly third molars (wisdom teeth) and suspected pathology such as infected cracked teeth or impacted teeth.

The Green CBCT scanner by VA Tech America provides innovative technology for ultra-low-dose x-rays in 5.9 seconds and minimizes radiation to both patient and operator.

“I am excited about not only the excellent image quality for diagnostic purposes, but also the increased protection for the health and safety of our patients. The VA Tech Cone Beam CT scanner is perfect for claustrophobic patients.” – Dr. Todd Britten. “I am excited about not only the excellent image quality for diagnostic purposes, but also the increased protection for the health and safety of our patients. The VA Tech Cone Beam CT scanner is perfect for claustrophobic patients, as it is an ‘open air’ scanner. Patients are positioned and stand very still, and in less than six seconds, the scan is done.”

Dentists and dental specialists are using ConeBeam 3-D CT scans more and more frequently as a diagnostic tool for ultimate treatment efficiency and precision, particularly for dental implants, however, they can provide information for full mouth treatment when needed or localized to third molars or even the Temporomandibular Joint. New Green CBCT technology allows your dentist or x-ray technician to select specifically the desired scan while managing radiation dosage to their patients.

“This is a very powerful treatment tool in our practice,” says Dr. Britten. “With it, we can work together with our referring dentists to more confidently map our surgical and restorative treatment plans and place and restore implants with accuracy, while protecting our patients and our staff with lower radiation. I have read thousands of CT scans of the jaws but am still amazed at the fine details that I am now able to see in our VA Tech scans. We often see hairline cracks in people’s teeth that were previously unclear on traditional x-rays, yet causing them discomfort.”

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Breakthrough laser procedure to save dental implants

April 5, 2019
Britten
Dentistry

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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www.brittenperio.com

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.

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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Breakthroughs in Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement

December 29, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

Dental implants have become a vital and mandatory option for tooth replacement in recent years. Modern implant dentistry has seen major advancements in popularity and success, including better diagnostic tools for implant planning, periodontal regenerative procedures for better jaw bone support, and high-quality dental implant systems. Dr. Todd Britten is utilizing advancements in dental implant technology in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice.

I am excited about the many advancements in implant planning, placement and technology.

Advances in implant dentistry allow periodontal and dental implant specialist Dr.Todd Britten better tools for diagnosis and implant planning, regenerate lost bone more predictably, and place implants with more accuracy and into more sites than ever before.

Cone Beam Technology

Dr. Todd Britten now uses Cone Beam technology in his Clearwater, FL periodontal office for a better understanding of his patients’ anatomy, allowing him to place dental implants in exactly the right place and more effectively replace missing teeth. Traditional dental x-rays provide a limited picture of the patient’s mouth and jaw. Recent developments in technology have led to Cone Beam imaging, which produces 3D, high-resolution images of the mouth.

Cone beam imaging is different than a traditional dental x-ray because it uses an x-ray beam that is shaped like a cone rather than using a fan shape. After the beam passes through the patient, the remnants are collected on a silicon panel or charge-coupled device (CCD) detector. Hundreds of images are taken and are used together to form a comprehensive image of the patient, including soft tissue.

“This is a very powerful treatment tool in our practice,” says Dr. Britten. “With it, we can work together with our referring dentists to more confidently map our surgical and restorative treatment plans and place and restore implants with accuracy, while protecting our patients and our staff with lower radiation. I have read thousands of CT scans of the jaws but am still amazed at the fine details that I am now able to see in our Cone Beam CT scans.”

Dental professionals often use this type of imaging to determine the precise placement of dental implants. Dr. Britten recommends implants as the leading permanent tooth replacement solution for patients with missing teeth. After evaluating images generated by Cone Beam CT scan imaging, Dr. Britten determines whether or not implants are a good option for each patient, based on factors like jaw bone density. The images will reveal if the patients’ jaw bone is at a healthy enough degree of density to support implants.

Periodontal Regenerative Procedures

If the jaw bone does not have enough support for an implant, other periodontal regeneration procedures can be performed to support an implant. Ridge augmentation uses bone and tissue-grafting procedures to fill in the area where jaw bone has been lost, leaving more bone and better support for dental implant placement. Guided bone regeneration for ridge augmentation has been found to be very predictable. Synthetic growth factors have used for this procedure have improved and we can also use our patient’s own blood to produce materials rich in growth factors, such as L-PRF.

Improved Dental Implant Systems

Once the bone looks healthy enough, Dr. Britten will place the implants by first placing a titanium base in the bone of the jaw. An abutment piece and natural-looking crown will then be attached to the base. Patients will then care for the implants as they would their 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.

Implant sizes, materials and systems continue to improve. The titanium alloy used in dental implants now allows for more compact and biocompatible implants while still providing the needed strength to resist the strong bite forces of the mouth. Implant-supported dentures have also come a long way, and many times four implants can be used to retain a complete upper or lower denture.
Dental implants today are not only considered the gold standard of care for tooth replacement, but are usually now considered to be the superior or ideal treatment option for damaged or lost teeth. Dr. Britten said, “We are excited about the many advancements in implant planning, placement and technology. ”

About The Doctor

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 (727) 586-2681.

Signs You Should See a Periodontist Immediately About Your Dental Implants

July 28, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

Dental implants can dramatically improve the appearance and health of your smile. If you have one or more dental implants in your mouth, it is important to be on the lookout for the signs of peri-implant disease. Bleeding gums, gingivitis, and other issues can be even more severe in dental implant patients. Read more for the signs that you should see a periodontist about your dental implants.

Swollen or Red Gums

Pay careful attention to the health and condition of the gums that surround the implant site. Swollen or red gums are among the first signs that you are developing peri-implant disease. If you notice bleeding when touching, flossing or brushing your implant, that is something to get checked. A periodontist will be able to help you care for your gums and make sure that your dental implant is in good condition.

Pain When Eating or Chewing

A healthy implant will not cause pain or discomfort when you are chewing, eating, or swallowing. You should see a periodontist if you start to experience any of these symptoms around your dental implant. Swollen and inflamed gums can cause pain and discomfort around the implant area. Treating your gums will help you restore comfort to your entire mouth.

Shifting or Crooked Teeth

Periodontal disease can cause your teeth around the implant to shift out of place over time. If you have started to notice that your implant has moved from its original position, it may be time to make a trip to the periodontist. Your periodontist can treat your gums and ensure that your implant has a healthy and properly placed position in your smile.

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A Patient’s Guide to Implant Health and Periodontal Maintenance

June 16, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

When teeth need to be replaced, dental implants are a wonderful option for many people. Just like natural teeth, however, 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.

There are two categories of peri-implant complications: Peri-Implant Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis.

Peri-Implant Mucositis: This condition is similar to gingivitis around a natural tooth and does not include loss of attachment (bone or gum tissue) and is hopefully reversible at this stage. Peri-Implant Mucositis is a reversible inflammatory reaction in the soft tissues surrounding a functioning implant. Treating this condition as soon as possible will prevent peri-implantitis!

Peri-Implantitis: This is a condition similar to periodontitis with loss of supporting structures (gum and/or bone) around a natural tooth. Peri-Implantitis is a destructive inflammatory reaction affecting the soft (gingiva) and hard (bone).

Checking for implant health

Upon routine examination, Dr. Britten, your general dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate your implant for plaque or tartar build up around the implant, as well as gum tissue color, texture and type of gum tissue supporting the implant (attached to bone or unattached).

Next, probing measurements will be taken around the implant. Dr. Britten, the dentist or hygienist will use light pressure and a plastic probe. The tissues surrounding dental implants have a weaker attachment, bleed easier, and may be a bit more sensitive to probing. Heavy bleeding, pus, and increased probing measurements will require attention.
We will check both the implant body and its restorative parts, such as the implant abutment or crown for any loose parts. If the restorative parts are loose they can likely be repaired by your restorative dentist or implant specialist, Dr. Todd Britten. If the implant body itself is mobile, it’s an immediate failure and will require removal. Dr. Britten, or your dentist will also check your bite to make sure that the implant is not being hit with excessive pressure, as this could cause the bone surrounding the implant to weaken and the implant body to become loose.

Radiographs, or x-rays, should be taken at different times during the surgical and restorative phase of implant placement. Routine, annual “checkup” x-rays should be taken of the implant to compare to the original ones taken to carefully evaluate bone levels.

The dental hygiene visit includes removal of all soft and hard deposits on the implants, just as on the teeth themselves. Our hygienists often use instruments designed exclusively for implant care. We will then discuss the best daily oral hygiene care plan for your mouth and your dental implant(s). Listen closely to these oral hygiene instructions and customized daily oral hygiene strategies. Just like with natural teeth, biofilm or plaque must be removed skillfully every day because it can cause both infection and inflammation around a dental implant.

Studies show rinsing with Listerine (diluted with water if strong alcohol content is an issue) has its benefits because of its great antibacterial properties. Other great oral hygiene aids for implant care include a power toothbrush (love Sonicare by Phillips), Proxysoft Bridge and Implant Floss (www.proxysoft.com), double-bend end tufted brush for lingual of lower hybrids (Tepe brand). A Waterpik may also be used, but with careful instruction from your dental professional.

Our periodontist, Dr. Todd Britten, will determine a maintenance schedule that is appropriate for you. It is very common for patients with implants to be seen every 3 to 4 months for those with less-than-ideal oral health, advancing age, or systemic conditions.

When complications arise

Peri-Implant mucositis can be treated with non-surgical therapy and daily disease control (effective oral hygiene). This condition should be carefully reevaluated and reassessed. If the issue cannot be resolved in six months, it is advisable to see an implant specialist.

If Peri-Implantitis is diagnosed, non-surgical therapy is typically ineffective. At this stage, it is adviseable to see an implant specialist to see if there is a restorative issue that can be addressed, or if surgical (traditional or laser LAPIP therapy) or implant removal is needed.

Regular dental hygiene care and examination is just as important to dental implant health as it is to natural teeth. If you have any questions regarding the health of your dental implant, contact us today at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.

Dental Implants 101

March 10, 2017
Britten
Dentistry

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.

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 (727) 586-2681.[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]

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!