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dental implant

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.

Enhancing Dental Implant Success: The Role of Tissue Grafts in Dental Implants

Enhancing Dental Implant Success: The Role of Tissue Grafts in Dental Implants

A free gingival graft on a dental implant is aimed at improving the amount of attached gingiva (gum tissue) around a dental implant. This can be necessary for various reasons, such as enhancing esthetics, improving gum health, and ensuring the longevity of the implant.
 
What is a Free Gingival Graft?
 
A free gingival graft involves taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) and transplanting it to the area around the dental implant. This type of graft is specifically used to increase the width of keratinized tissue around the implant.
 
Why Consider a Free Gingival Graft on a dental implant.
 
– Enhance Esthetics: A healthy and adequate band of gum tissue around an implant can improve the overall appearance of the smile, especially in the front areas of the mouth.
– Improve Oral Hygiene: Adequate attached gingiva makes it easier to clean around the implant, reducing the risk of plaque accumulation and infection.
– *Increase Stability: A wider band of keratinized tissue around the implant provides better support and stability for the implant, reducing movement and the risk of peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
– Prevent Gum Recession: The graft can help prevent recession of the gums, which can expose the implant or its abutment, leading to sensitivity and aesthetic concerns.
– Enhance Comfort: With more keratinized tissue, there is less discomfort from brushing and daily activities, as this type of tissue is more resilient and less sensitive.
A free gingival graft on a dental implant is a valuable procedure for enhancing gum health and aesthetics around dental implants. If you have concerns about the gum tissue around your implant, consult with your dentist or periodontist to determine if this procedure is right for you.

What is a Dental Implant?

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.

What Does Implant Recovery Look Like?

After a dental implant surgery patients should stick to the following diet recommendations for a good recovery. It’s important to avoid any foods that may physically disrupt the implant or cause discomfort.

  1. The first thing to take under consideration is the importance of not skipping meals, getting the nutrition your body needs is key to gaining strength, feeling better and faster. If you have a special diet requirement related to a medical condition, like for example being a diabetic, you should keep those eating habits or follow instructions that your specialist prescribe.
  2. It is best to start from soft and liquid food to then progress into solids over a few days. Keeping hydrated is key. While some doctors advise to stick only with liquids or pureed foods like ice cream, soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, for the first few days, that it’s not a requirement.
  3. On the day of the surgery drinking plenty of fluids  (up to 2 quarts of liquid per day)  and avoiding hot liquids or hot food because they will promote bleeding and swelling.
  4. Extremely hot food is also something to stay away from and patients shouldn’t use a straw for the first few days after surgery.
  5. Avoiding drinking any alcoholic beverages
  6. Avoid smoking

Comfort is very important at this point, eating should not be a painful experience for the patient, so choosing the right food can vary from one person to the other but general rules still apply. Recovering patients should avoid chewing food until tongue sensation has returned and also stay away from food that may get lodged in the surgical areas like popcorn, rice, sunflower seeds, nuts etc.

Here is a list with a few examples that can help you

  • Softer fruits, such as bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, and all berries are usually good choices
  • Avoid hard food: Go for oatmeal and soft cereals, soft bread, rice, grits, or mashed potatoes.
  • More water: Staying hydrated is vital to your immune system and overall health, and nothing will keep you hydrated more efficiently than water.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Remember to cut them into small pieces first.
  • When it comes to vegetables, cooked or steamed vegetables are better like broccoli, carrots, and squash.
  • Sauces and soups are the best way to go. Softer fruits like bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, and all berries are good as well.
  • Protein: eggs, fish and seafood, and beans are safe, and also dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Other alternatives include couscous and quinoa, while being a wheat and grain.

More ideas for a speedy recovery:

  • Macaroni and cheese, soft bread, baked or mashed potatoes.
  • Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce.
  • Ground beef, baked or broiled fish, broiled or stewed chicken (finely chopped).
  • Cooked cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, yogurt.
  • Juice, water, milk, coffee, tea.
  • Puddings, pound cake, milkshakes, ice cream.
  • Home cooked broth, bouillon, soups.

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.

      

What are the consequences of missing teeth?

There are actually several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. First, missing teeth will affect the esthetics of your face. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from missing teeth, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making your appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly and may even affect the way you speak. Finally, missing even one tooth may have emotional consequences; many people feel less confident about their smile when they are missing teeth. If you are currently missing any of your teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants, which can look and feel just like natural teeth. For more information about implants, browse perio.org or talk to your periodontist.

–Perio.org

Why Choose a Dental Implant Specialist

Dental Implants, explained:
While regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees), a metal that is well suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

Implants often require planning through the use of CT scans performed in our office, or surgical implant guides, such as the one shown in this video.

When it comes to Dental Implants, Why Choose a Specialist?
We get this question a lot, especially since a lot of general dentists are starting to place more implants. Placing dental implants is often not part of the normal general dentist curriculum. Many general dentists received their training in implant dentistry after graduation where they attend weekend courses or classes and get to place around twenty implants before they begin to implement implant placement in their office.

A graduate periodontal program or residency includes three years of training beyond dental school. During that time periodontal residents are taught the history, science, healing, and proper placement and management of dental implants. An average periodontal resident will place upwards of 100 dental implants during their residency, and are trained to manage surgical complications, including, bleeding, infection, and bone grafting procedures to enhance the success of the procedure.  Because of their advanced training, periodontists are often more equipped to provide the success and deal with the complications that may arise when evaluating a patient for implant placement.

Dental implants may be the best choice for an individual whose gum disease has reached the point of infection that can not be treated, and periodontists are the most highly-trained specialist for treatment of gum disease.

Periodontists are also highly trained in the following procedures and skills:

  • Removing infection from the implant site – removing infection is one of the most important steps of a dental implant procedure. If an implant becomes infected, the patient may experience extreme levels of pain. Periodontists are able to adequately prepare and treat periodontal disease prior to the implant procedure.
  • Implant site monitoring – periodontists are also able to monitor the implant site following the procedure. They are able to recognize any signs of infection, if the implants are successful in integration, and any other issues that may arise with the implant itself.
  • As an implant specialist, Dr. Britten is highly trained and experienced in the most advanced and current technologies used for long-term implant health and success. He believes in using the best diagnostic tools as well as the highest quality implants in his practice. Dr. Britten works closely with the best restorative dentists in the Tampa Bay area to obtain the best possible outcome for his patients’ implants. For more information, contact us at 727-586-2681.

Let’s talk about permanent, non-removable teeth replacement options

Fixed bridge

Replacing a missing tooth with a fixed bridge requires preparation of at least one of the adjacent teeth on each side for a crown. It is important to still care for the teeth on each side of the bridge to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. This will require careful plaque control with brushing, using a floss threader under the bridge, and sometimes the addition of a rubbertip stimulator to clean under the margins of the abutment teeth (the teeth supporting the bridge which will now have full coverage restorations cemented on them).

Dental implant

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.

Implant Supported Dentures

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.

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 better candidate for a fixed bridge, dental implant or implant-supported dentures. Call us today 727-586-2681 or visit www.brittenperio.com

Maintain your natural smile for life with dental implants

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

Dental Implants are our Specialty!

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.
 
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 or visit www.brittenperio.com
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