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Dental implant technology

Innovations in Dental Implants: What Patients Need to Know

Innovations in Dental Implants: What Patients Need to Know

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss.

Recent Advancements in Dental Implant Technology  

1. 3D Imaging and Digital Planning

Advanced imaging technology allows for precise mapping of your oral anatomy. Digital planning software ensures optimal implant placement, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of complications.

2. Guided Implant Surgery

Using computer-guided techniques, your dentist can perform implant surgery with unparalleled precision. This approach minimizes invasive procedures, leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.

3. Immediate Load Implants

New technology enables some implants to support a temporary crown immediately after placement, eliminating the wait for healing before restoring your smile.

4. Enhanced Surface Technology

Modern implants feature surfaces designed to promote faster integration with the bone. This accelerates healing and improves the stability of the implant over time.

5.  All-on-4® and Similar Systems

These systems allow for the placement of a full arch of teeth using just four implants. They are ideal for patients with significant tooth loss and offer a quicker, cost-effective alternative to traditional implant procedures.

6. Advantages of Modern Dental Implants

–     Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, restoring your confidence.

–     Improved Comfort: Enhanced techniques make the procedure less invasive, with shorter recovery times.

–     Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

–     Preservation of Jawbone: Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss.

–     Better Functionality: Enjoy the freedom to eat, speak, and smile without discomfort or worry.

Is Dental Implant Treatment Right for You?  

Innovations in dental implant technology have made tooth replacement more effective, comfortable, and accessible than ever. If you’re considering dental implants, now is the perfect time to explore your options.

Dental implants are suitable for most patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone to support them. During your consultation at Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Contact Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Exploring Advanced Techniques in Periodontal Surgery

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

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.

      

Technology: Our State of The Art CT scanner

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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Cone Beam Imaging Improves the Dental Implant Process in Clearwater, FL

Successful placement of dental implants depends on precise placement of the implants in the jaw bone. Cone Beam imaging to assist in the replacement of missing teeth with implants.

Dr. Todd Britten has been using Cone Beam technology in his Clearwater, Florida Dental Implant Specialty Practice since 2014 for a better understanding of his patients’ anatomy. He states that this technology has allowed him to place dental implants in exactly the right place and more effectively replace missing teeth. “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.” Britten says he looked long and hard for the right machine for his specialty dental implant practice. That is why he chose The Green CBCT scanner by VA Tech America. This unit, he says, provides innovative technology for ultra-low-dose x-rays in 5.9 seconds and minimizes radiation to both patient and operator. Dr. Britten says the Green CBCT scanner protects both his patient and the x-ray technician while delivering a high quality 3-D imaging. “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.”

Traditionally, dental professionals used dental x-rays to determine what a patient’s dental structure was like. These x-rays only 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. Dr. Britten is highly experienced at reading and interpreting these generated images.
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 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. If 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.

Cone beam imaging can make for easier and more effective implant placement. Dr. Britten, also a board certified periodontist, can also use the same CT scan technology to see fine detailed tooth and jaw anatomy to diagnose conditions that may have been previously hard to detect. To learn more about cone beam technology and tooth replacement, interested parties can visit www.brittenperio.com

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

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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www.brittenperio.com

Signs You Should See a Periodontist Immediately About Your Dental Implants

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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Dr. Todd Britten Uses the Latest Technology for Bone Grafting to Prepare for Dental Implants

Dental implants are often used to replace teeth, but when there is not enough jaw bone to hold the implants, a dental bone grafting procedure may have to be done first.

“After the loss of a tooth, the jawbone recedes, or becomes indented. Bone grafting allows us to fill in this space to have enough bone to place a dental implant.”

For patients with missing teeth who need additional jaw bone support for the placement of dental implants, a periodontal regenerative procedure, or bone grafting must first be performed. Dr. Britten, an implant specialist and periodontist in Clearwater, Florida, also provides the latest technology and techniques in ridge augmentation, ridge preservation, sinus lift or sinus augmentation procedures for patients missing teeth to be able to have dental implants.

Dental bone grafts can come from multiple sources. Autogenous grafts come from the patient, allografts are taken from a bone bank where human bone from cadavers has been donated, and xenografts are taken from animal bone. Local anesthesia is all that is needed in most cases. The new bone is surgically placed in the jaw area where it is deficient in bone and transplanted where the dental implants will be located.

Sometimes Leukocyte Rich Platelet Rich Fibrin is used in addition to bone grafting. (L- PRF) is a by-product of a patient’s own blood that can help healing after dental procedures such as a tooth extraction, as well as promote healing around bone or tissue grafts and dental implants. 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. Dr. Britten provides both of these technologies in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice.

The dental bone graft, or periodontal regeneration 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.

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.

Patients interested in these procedures can get additional information by calling 727-586-2681.

A Patient’s Guide to Implant Health and Periodontal Maintenance

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

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”]

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