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dental implants clearwater

Advantages of Dental Implants: What Patients Need to Know

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.
 
Advantages of Dental Implants
– A look and feel that is much like natural teeth
– Self-confidence while speaking, eating and smiling
– Implants are not susceptible to sensitivity or decay as with natural teeth
– There’s no need to dust down adjacent teeth
– Implants are securely anchored – no slipping, clicking, movement, or surface adhesives
– A space between the teeth may be reproduced when necessary
– A complete set of teeth will not require plastic across the roof of your mouth
– Implants have an overall 10-year success rate of about 95 percent
 
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 implant or periodontal services, call (727) 586-2681 or visit https://www.brittenperio.com.

Broken Crown: Before and After

Broken Crown – Before and After

Your dentist can either repair or replace a broken crown

For a broken crown, your dentist will assess the issue and correct it right away. If the crown is still repairable, the dentist will use techniques like dental bonding to revitalize it. Yet, if the broken crown is beyond repair, replacing it will be the only option. Seeing your dentist for an evaluation will help determine which suits your case.

You can see in this picture the tooth in the middle was repaired with a beautiful new crown by one of our talented referring dentists! Materials in dentistry continue to improve function, esthetics and strength of crowns!

Normal Teeth Vs. Acid Attack

Normal Teeth Vs. Acid Attack

Not only is enamel the most highly mineralized substance in the body, but it also acts as defensive “shell” that protects your teeth from the damaging effects of acid and plaque. However, unlike your immune system that can bounce back after a crippling blow, enamel doesn’t regenerate. Once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.
 
Typically, a healthy mouth is sitting somewhere between 6 and 8 on the pH scale, with 7 being considered neutral. As you start to move lower on the scale and things become more acidic, you’re at a higher risk of causing damage to your teeth. To put things into perspective, enamel erosion begins at a pH level of 4. Common household items such as orange juice and soda come in around 3, while some “sour” candy can get as low as 2 – almost the equivalent of battery acid!
 
Whenever you consume something acidic, you expose your teeth to what’s commonly known as an “acid attack”. Lasting about 20
minutes with each exposure, acid attacks work to slowly demineralize your enamel. What ends up happening is the bacteria in your mouth
reacts with food to produce lactic acid and other harmful byproducts begin to eat away at your teeth.
 
Over time, if you don’t take proper care of your dental health, enamel will completely erode and leave your teeth exposed. 

Reflecting on 2020: A Letter From Dr. Britten

Dear Patients,

The holiday season is once again upon us.  As we reflect upon this year, I’d like to acknowledge how grateful I am for all our patients, my team, our extraordinary colleagues and our community.

We hope you know how much we cherish the opportunity to treat you, our patients.  2020 has been a time like no other in our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to produce uncertainty and stress. By now, we have all been impacted by this virus, which has been devastating for many. Despite the challenges we are all facing every day, this is also a time that is bringing out the best in many people—from healthcare staff and first responders fighting on the front-lines, to the essential workers providing food, products and services.

Our number one priority has always been to keep our patients & team safe and protected. We have implemented additional rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols throughout our facilities and are practicing other safety precautions including social distancing, daily screening, increased personal protective equipment (PPE) for all clinical and non-clinical staff and temperature checks daily.

The strength, restless sacrifice, compassion around us, and the level to which our team, colleagues, patients and community have come together through this pandemic has been extraordinary and inspiring. Because of this, we will emerge from this much stronger and more resilient in the future.

Thank you for continuing to help us with our community outreach again this year with our Metropolitan Ministries food drives, our annual Free Dental Day for Veterans, breast cancer awareness month, and building with Habitat for Humanity.

Most importantly, I want to take this opportunity to let you know how grateful I am for the support and confidence you have shown in allowing us to provide your periodontal care.  Many of you have also referred your family, friends and colleagues.  I want to express my deep gratitude to you, as I consider your referrals to be the greatest acknowledgment of our team’s vision and values!

We are all in this together. We are always here to assist you, and we encourage you to reach out at any time. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy, and thank you again for all you are doing in the fight to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you, your staff and family for a joyous holiday season.  I wish you a healthy, prosperous and safe New Year.

With warmest regards,

Mountain Dew Mouth?

The beverages Americans are consuming daily are a MAJOR contributor of tooth erosion and decay. SOFT DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS have an extremely high amount of processed sugar. Both the sugar levels in these drinks and acid levels are a cause for alarm for dentists.

Clearwater, Florida Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten warns that soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks are causing tooth erosion and tooth decay, particularly in younger patients.

“While diabetes is now a well-publicized national epidemic that is gathering more and more attention, most media coverage ignores the root cause of this epidemic – dietary SUGAR.” And Dr. Britten says the increase of sugars is not only found in foods, but he has noticed the beverages that Americans are consuming daily to be a MAJOR contributor of tooth erosion and decay. He goes onto explain that “SOFT DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS have an extremely high amount of processed sugar!” While Dr. Britten recognizes that sugar is causing a major increase in Diabetes in both the older and younger population, he says it is also a cause for alarm for dentists with its’ negative affect on patients’ dental health.

Dr. Britten says, “Most sodas have 30 grams, or approximately 8 teaspoons, of pure sugar per 12 ounce serving. It is common to get a “super-sized” soft drink at a convenience store or fast food restaurant that provides even more. Additionally, these drinks have a pH of 3.0, which is very acidic!” He explains that the combination acid and sugar attack can cause rampant tooth decay that sneaks up on the drinker before they recognize it. “Most dentists would even agree that Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper are two of the most potent decay-causing sodas on the market.” So much so that there is a term for it… “Mountain Dew Mouth.'”

Dr. Britten cautions, “It is important for parents, teenagers and young adults to limit their soda and energy drink intake, brush and floss carefully, use fluoride toothpaste, and have regular dental checkup visits.” And, he says, if your drink has more than 6 grams of sugar on the label, consider something else. “Diet soda is not a recommended alternative as the pH is still very acidic and some evidence suggests certain ingredients to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) over time. “As you could probably guess,” he says, “the most healthy drink available for your teeth is natural spring water! (pH = 7.0, perfectly neutral).”

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 implant or periodontal services, call (727) 586-2681 or visit https://brittenperio.com.

Pictured is an x-ray of a 35 year old with healthy teeth, and a 29 year old after a Mountain Dew addiction.

Your Safety is Our # 1 Priority!

We appreciate the cooperation of all our patients, team members and colleagues since we returned in May of this year after the temporary shut-down of non-emergency dental services back in March because of COVID-19! We have to say, thanks to everyone’s diligence and cooperation, our dental office is truly a safe place to be!

We continue to the guidance of the American Dental Association and also the American Academy of Periodontology (APA). The APA has been diligently monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dental Association (ADA), and state and local agencies.

The AAP recommended that periodontists refer to all appropriate state and federal recommendations and mandates and regularly consult state dental boards or other regulating agencies for information and rules specific to their jurisdictions. The CDC has provided guidance specifically for dental professionals, interim infection prevention and control guidance for dental settings, and a framework for healthcare systems to be followed. We are diligently following this advice here at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida.

At Britten Periodontics, we continue to use evidence-based decision making in our practice to ensure our team and our patients remain healthy. We are keeping with the most up-to-date global and national information regarding the virus.

We know that it hasn’t been easy for everyone, but the outstanding cooperation and kindness of our extraordinary patients and team has made it so easy to continue doing what we love – which is to deliver comfortable care and ethical treatment in a welcoming and SAFE environment.

How Cleaning Between Your Teeth Can Change Your Life & Other Dental Hygiene Tips :)

Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.

Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!

Our last Blog Article Covered the Importance of Proper Toothbrushing.  Now, let’s talk about how and why to clean well between your teeth – daily!

The areas in between the teeth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. This is the primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay!!  This is why it is so important to clean between your teeth every day.  Traditionally, floss has been used to remove this disease producing bacteria, but softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in sizes and gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients, even more effective than flossing alone!

Softpicks are also a great tool for daily use between the teeth, for tighter spaces. They come in Original, Advanced (With a curved, longer handle) and a bigger size for Wider Spaces


LINK FOR PRODUCTS WE LOVE:  https://mailchi.mp/85b2a6a889d6/britten-perio-homecare-products-we-love

Softpicks and Gators???

Traditionally, floss has been used to help remove the disease-producing bacteria in between the teeth. This bacteria cannot be reached with a toothbrush alone. Bacteria between the teeth is a primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay. It is so important to clean between your teeth every day!

Softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in many sizes and are gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients – more effective than flossing alone!

And Dr. Britten (pictured above with his TEPE softpicks) is hoping for football season, and says “Go Gators”!

#brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist

Fifth Annual Veteran’s Day of Care at Britten Perio

On November 1st, Dr. Todd M. Britten and the team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry held their 5th annual Day of Care for Veterans. Dr. Britten and his team are aware that dental coverage for veterans for major dental surgery can be very hard to attain, so they “hit the ground running” in 2015 trying to deliver periodontal care to as many veterans as they could. Dr. Britten says he owes the success of the event for the last 5 years to the help of local dentists, Clearwater Dental Associates (Dr. Nolan Allen, Dr. Matt Burton, Dr. Jim Hayslett and Dr. Keith Kiskaddon), Dr. Jeffrey Ellenberg, Dr. Ira Berger, Dr. Michael Podlusky and the local Community Dental Clinic.

Dr. Britten provides advanced periodontal surgical treatment and dental implant care for veterans in his Clearwater, Florida based periodontal practice. He offers sedation options and high-tech treatment, which can be very helpful to veterans that suffer from PTSD.

For Britten and his team this event is something they look forward to all year long. They keep in touch with veterans from previous events and this year they were able to provide follow up exams, x-rays and periodontal maintenance procedures, which help prevent reinfection of the gums following treatment. “It is always great to see them again and the progress they have made in their oral health. It is touching to be a part of something that has changed someone’s life in such a positive way,” said one of Dr. Britten’s volunteers.

Dr. Britten explained that local restorative dentists and their teams have volunteered each year to help provide comprehensive dental care to our veterans. As a periodontist, Dr. Britten’s specialty is the surrounding structures of the teeth; roots, gum and bone; i.e., the foundation. The restorative specialists have done fillings, crowns, and even full sets of dentures for veterans at no cost each year. “Our practice alone has provided over $50,000 in periodontal procedures for patient,” said a dental hygienist at Britten Periodontics who has helped to coordinate the event each year.

Dr. Britten says he would like to continue this event for the entirety of his career. “I have always respected the sacrifices that our veterans and their whole families had to make to ensure our safety and freedom. The sacrifices are really innumerable.”

A video of last year’s event:

Treatment for Cracked Teeth

What treatment is best for a cracked tooth depends on the extent and the severity of the damage. If a small crack is detected early enough, it’s often possible to seal the fissure with restorative materials. For larger cracks that involve the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment is generally required. Afterward, the visible structure of the tooth may be restored with a crown or “cap.” Sometimes, additional procedures may be recommended to try and save the tooth. In the most severe cases, however, the tooth will need to be extracted.

The preferred treatment for cracked teeth is — you guessed it — prevention! Wearing proper protective equipment (including a custom-fitted mouthguard) when playing sports, and staying alert to dangerous situations (like distracted or impaired driving) can help keep you safe. So can regular dental checkups, where your teeth are examined carefully for early signs of a problem. However, if you experience any symptoms that could indicate a cracked tooth, don’t wait: The sooner it’s treated, the better the chance that we can save it.

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