From ADA: “It’s not just soda that’s contributing to an increase in tooth decay. Nationwide, students are drinking more sports drinks and fruit juices, which also contain high concentrations of sugar. The problem is with the frequency that a child’s teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day. Nursing soft drinks significantly contributes to the development of tooth decay.
For example, if a student takes one small sip of soda, and then a minute later, takes another small sip, and then another sip—and this goes on during the course of one day—teeth are exposed over and over again to high concentrations of sugar and acid without any kind of break.
Even sugar-free soda is harmful to teeth because it contains high amounts of acid, leading to a breakdown in dental enamel. Because students typically do not brush their teeth during school hours, their risk of getting cavities increases dramatically.”
Benefits of Drinking Water:
“There are many benefits to drinking water:
Reduces muscle cramping and fatigue when consumed before, during, and after exercise.
Regulates body temperature. To sweat, you need plenty of water.
Helps you get well when you’re sick by controlling fever and replacing lost fluid.
Keeps you hydrated, alert, and energized. Even minor dehydration can cause a loss of concentration, fatigue, and irritability.
Prevents you from confusing hunger with thirst, which can help you control your weight.”
In the above picutre, we have both photos and x-ray images of a healthy mouth vs. a mouth that has had major decay caused by a soda drinking habit. Soda: It’s not hip to sip!
At Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we use 3D low radiation Cone Beam CT Scans for diagnosis and treatment planning. While it only take less than a minute, the scan supports a much higher level of patient care compare to conventional 2D X-ray films. 3D low radiation Cone Beam CT Scans allow a detailed look at existing teeth, bone, nerves, and tissue.
The 3D Cone Beam CT Scan provides three-dimensional and cross-sectional views that allow Dr. Britten to:
Examine the quality and density of the bone that will anchor the dental implant
Determine the proper treatment approach for each individual patient
Determine the precise placement of implants
Select the correct type and size of the implants
Avoid the nerves and sinuses.
Dr. Britten uses the best materials for implants, employing state-of-the art technology and procedures. His commitment to quality implant care has gained the confidence and earned the trust of many of patients just like you.
Peri-implantitis is an infection that hurts gums, bones and other tissues surrounding dental implants. It is very similar to gum disease. Severity can range from minor inflammation of the gums to severe degradation of the teeth and jaw. If left untreated, this often leads to patients losing their dental implants and developing other serious dental problems.
Peri-implantitis is caused by the bacteria and food particles that gradually accumulate around dental implants and gum lines. For this reason, peri-implantitis tends to grow unnoticed in its early stages. However, later symptoms can become severe. Ranging from minor to dangerous, symptoms include:
Redness and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.
Deepening of the gum pockets around the implant.
Exposure or visibility of the implant threads.
Loosening of the implant.
Pus discharging from the tissues around the implant.
Loss of supporting bone.
Bleeding upon being probed.
Swollen lymph nodes around the neck.
Peri-implantitis if left untreated can progress to severe stage and eventually lead to implant loss. If caught early, and with adequate supervision from a competent dentist, peri-implantitis can be treated before it ever causes undue discomfort or embarrassment.
What is the cause of peri-implantitis?
There are three primary factors that influence your susceptibility to peri-implantitis:
Prior disease: patients affected by a disease that affects the whole body (known as systemic disease) can be extra susceptible to peri-implantitis. If you have diabetes or another systemic disease, consult with your dentist about your dental implants. Patients with periodontal disease can be at a higher risk to developing another mouth infection, like peri-implantitis.
Oral hygiene: If not cared for, plaque and tartar that are full of harmful bacteria and pathogens can easily build up around teeth and gums. These degrade tissue and cause irritation and infection. Other social factors can cause peri-implantitis, like smoking and drug abuse. What you put in your mouth affects your mouth; we advise extreme caution regarding what you place in your body.
Parafunctional habits: an easier term for this is “involuntary habit.” In this case, peri-implantitis is isolated to habits like involuntarily grinding your teeth in your sleep (bruxism), poorly positioning your teeth – either due to misalignment or poor muscle control – when the jaw is fully closed (malocclusion), nail biting and thumb sucking.
How can I avoid peri-implantitis?
Ways to avoid peri-implantitis:
Good oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth frequently (at least 2 x a day for 2 minutes with a powerbrush – Sonicare is preferred)
Use dental floss or other aides recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist, such as Proxysoft Bridge and Implant Floss or TEPE compact tuft brush.
If you suffer from any oral parafunctional habits (unconscious or involuntary habits with your mouth), like teeth grinding, poor jaw alignment or nail biting, seek help. Your dentist can provide several suggestions or treatments for these habits before they adversely affect your health.
Make sure you have a dental specialist perform dental implant surgery or to treat your peri-implantitis. Periodontists are also implant specialists, with solid experience and advanced training in proper techniques. Poor dental work can make your personal oral hygiene difficult and painful, and can expose you to pathogens later.If you are considering dental implants or if you feel you may have peri-implantitis, give us a call! You will receive excellent care. We want you to have a healthy mouth, and we know how to help you get it!
How is peri-implantitis treated?
Sometimes, surgical therapy is necessary to repair the damage from peri-implantitis. Dr. Britten offers the latest technology in dental implant surgery, using both a “flap” type of procedure, or the use of Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol, or LAPIP. The LAPIP protocol uses a laser to target the bacteria that cause peri-implantitis without disrupting the stability of the implant itself. Using a laser, we can remove necrotic tissue, infection, anaerobes and other undesirables from the implant surface and surrounding periodontal structures.
“Tooth erosion is a common dental concern. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that more than one third of children and adults worldwide may exhibit dental erosion. Tooth wear can take a number of forms, all of which may cause sensitivity and discomfort. Knowing how to prevent tooth erosion can help your teeth stay strong and healthy!
Why Is Your Tooth Wearing Away?
Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids in the mouth. It occurs in populations across the globe and affects people of all ages. Dietary habits, conditions such as bulimia and poor oral care can all lead to tooth erosion.
Erosion caused by diet often appears as a hollowed-out area on the chewing surface of the tooth. Drinking sodas, alcohol or energy drinks increases the likelihood of eroding your teeth, especially if you swish the liquids prior to swallowing. This causes the acid to wash across the surface of the teeth and wear away the enamel. While consuming these drinks does not always lead to erosion, it affects the pH of the mouth and contributes to an acidic environment.
Having these drinks with a meal may help balance the amount of acid in the mouth. It is also possible to reduce the acidity level by consuming the drink in a short period of time, as opposed to sipping it. This allows the oral cavity to restore a normal pH balance.
Those who are regularly exposed to environments with higher levels of acid, such as factory workers or swimmers, may have increased dental erosion, reports the ADA. Patients who have bulimia, reflux or digestive disorders may notice erosion on the tongue and interior palate side of the tooth, as opposed to the side of the tooth that sits against the cheeks and lips.
3 Types of Tooth Wear
Dental erosion occurs when acid comes in contact with the teeth. Three other kinds of tooth wear include attrition, abfraction and abrasion.
Attrition involves tooth-to-tooth contact, most often teeth grinding or improper biting. This type of tooth wear breaks down and flattens the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Abfraction occurs when regular grinding or a misaligned bite create an abnormal load on the tooth. This results in a notch on the side of the tooth near the gumline. A dentist or dental hygienist will often recommend a night guard for patients exhibiting abfraction. Orthodontic treatment can help align the teeth to ensure they come together properly.
Abrasion can appear similar to abfraction, but it is caused by an external mechanical force, such as a toothbrush. If a patient is brushing too hard against the surface of the tooth or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, the constant wear can cause a notch-like surface at the gumline. Your dental hygienist can give you instructions on proper brushing techniques to avoid continued wear on the tooth surface.
Treatment for Tooth Wear
Those with abfraction or abrasion can have a filling placed on the side of the tooth over the damaged surface to help protect against continued wear, although it may not be medically necessary. Alternatively, a patient may choose to have fluoride applied at their six-month preventive care appointments or use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help with sensitivity. Your dentist or dental hygienist may also continue monitoring the site of the tooth wear to ensure it doesn’t worsen.
Your enamel won’t grow back, but not all is lost! You can take measures to prevent further erosion and preserve your smile. Knowing how to take care of your teeth and practicing good habits recommended by your dental professionals can help your smile last a lifetime!”
Normal Teeth vs Wear from grindingNormal teeth vs acid attackNormal teeth vs soda destruction
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.
We want to ensure that our patients have the best care possible. By using the latest technology, we are able to review high-quality images for dental implant planning and create a 3-D printed surgical guide.
Step 1: CT Scan taken in our office
Our patients deserve the best service we can offer and that is why we invest only in the finest technology.
The PAX-i3D Green is a digital imaging system that provides multiple views of a patient’s jaw and mouth (called a Cone Beam CT Scan).
Step 2: Digital Scan
In place of a tradition dental impression, Dr. Britten uses a Medit i-700 scanner to take a digital 3-D impression for the surgical guide. This can be done at the same visit as the CT scan!
Step 3: Planning the Surgery
Your CT scan and Digital Impression are uploaded to the Dental Laboratory’s sophisticated software program. Dr. Britten plans your implant surgery and surgical guide along with an experienced laboratory clinician.
Step 4: 3-D Printed Surgical Guide
Our Dental Lab will fabricate the surgical guide with their state-of-the-art 3-D printer. We usually receive your surgical implant guide in four weeks from the time the digital impression and CT scan is completed in our office.
Step 5: Dental implant surgery
Dr. Britten can perform your dental implant surgery with confidence, using a precision-crafted Scan Implant Surgical Guide. This ensures the highest degree of safety and accuracy of the implant placement.
Care for your dental implants just as well as you would care for your natural teeth. Thorough oral hygiene is necessary to prevent diseases to develop around the implants. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, you can make your new teeth last throughout life. There are various types of implants which may need different home care.
TePe offers a range of products to make cleaning easier. Your dental professional will help you choose the products to suit your particular needs and preferences.
Mucositis (gum inflammation around implants) and peri-implantitis (bone-loss around implants) is caused by dental plaque. Therefore, it is important to clean all implant surfaces, especially between implants and the adjacent tooth. Pay extra attention to the areas where gums and implant meet. Sometimes this can be hard to see where the implant is, so remember to ask your dental professional exactly where your implants are placed. In case of pain or suspected inflammation, a dental professional should be consulted as well.
The TePe Universal Care brush has a unique contra-angled handle to enable easy access for hard-to-reach areas and a slim brush head design to fit in narrow areas. It is optimal for implants, under bridges, retroclined teeth, lingual braces or retainer, tongue-side lower molars to prevent gag reflex.
An oral hygiene product we love is the Compact Tuft Brush from TEPE!
The brush is designed to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as implants, attachments for overdentures, fixed braces or along the gum line.
TePe Compact Tuft™ is an angled brush with a small, dome-shaped tuft with tightly packed short bristles that give a firm feel. The stable handle and dense, firm tuft make this brush ideal for precise cleaning of hard-to-reach areas. The brush is suitable for cleaning implants, attachments for overdentures, fixed braces or along the gum line. It is also ideal for brushing children’s erupting molars.
