dental implants near me Archives - Page 4 of 5

Q: My periodontist informed me that I need implants, but I can’t afford them at this time. Is there any financial assistance for periodontal treatments?

February 5, 2021
Britten
Dentistry

There are a few resources you can research for financial assistance. The first is your periodontist. Many periodontists are willing to set up financing options, such as a payment plan. They also may know of insurance plans that can help cover the cost of your implants.

Another resource is your state dental society. They may be able to give a listing of organizations or individuals that may help subsidize the cost of your implants. Find the contact information for your state society.

Finally, contact a local college or university. Many universities have dental schools that offer clinics that provide care at a reduced cost. Select from a list of schools that have periodontal programs.

–Perio.org

Netflix and… Floss?

January 14, 2021
Britten
Dentistry

We encourage our patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! Even while watching Netflix, if that is what works for you!

“Interdental cleansing (cleaning between the teeth) is necessary for … optimal oral health. Since most toothbrushes have limited access to proximal (in between) surfaces of teeth… interdental cleansing must be included in dental hygiene care plans. Interdental spaces are areas where bacteria can accumulate, multiply and remain undisturbed.

Undisturbed plaque biofilm can cause gingival inflammation and bleeding and increase the risk for and progression of periodontal disease.” Source: “Interdental Cleansing” by Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS

Actually, cleaning between your teeth with floss, proxabrushes, softpicks, rubber tip stimulators and watching Netflix at the same time is just fine with us. Dr. Britten and his hygiene team encourage patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can!

Other than diagnose and treat gum disease, what else have periodontists been trained to do?

January 8, 2021
Britten
Dentistry

Most periodontists spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating gum disease, but there are a variety other procedures that they are able to perform. Periodontists place dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved. They also monitor the implants to make sure that they’re properly doing their job. Periodontists may also correct gum recession and cover up exposed root surfaces which can be unsightly as well as sensitive to hot and cold. These procedures are often used to lay the foundation for additional cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile. Finally, periodontists can be integral in the comprehensive planning of your oral care, along with your general dentist or other dental professional.

-Perio.org

Reflecting on 2020: A Letter From Dr. Britten

December 23, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

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?

October 26, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

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.

2020 Metropolitan Ministries Food Drive at Britten Perio

October 21, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

Softpicks and Gators???

July 15, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

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

Who should see a periodontist?

July 10, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist. A referral directly from a general dentist is not necessary to visit a periodontist.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with moderate to severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.

If you have questions about your gum health, contact us today!

Britten Perio COVID-19 Safety Information

May 20, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

As we continue to face uncertainty as a community due to COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines passed down from the federal, state and local leadership, our team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has realized the continued importance of strong and ongoing relationships.

We want you to know that we are here for you!

Where We’ve Been

When we think about the individuals that bring us joy in fulfilling our vision for health and well-being, we immediately think of you, our patients and friends. We miss you greatly and are continuing to find ways of connecting with you regularly and being available for you in any way possible as we get ready for opening the practice beyond emergency appointments.

The original goal of the reduction to Emergency Care only was to suppress the spread of the virus and reduce the use of protective masks, surgical gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that hospitals and clinics found in short supply. This also gave us an opportunity to reinforce what we have always done when it comes to sterilization and infection controls, as well as implement additional steps to make sure that every patient can be assured a safe dental experience.

Where We’re Going

We are very excited to announce that our practice reopened on May 18, 2020, for a wider spectrum of dental care. We have been working diligently to replenish our supplies, so that we are ready with a new schedule in place that ensures the safety and comfort for both team and patients, as we return to full care and service.

Our team has worked hard to reach out to patients who have had to cancel their appointments due to the shut down as well as patients who are currently scheduled in the up-coming months to confirm new appointments that promote social distancing mandates and protect our most vulnerable. Our new scheduling options are designed to address individual oral healthcare needs and maintain a safe and sterile environment.

If you have NOT gotten a text or email from us to reschedule, or are confused about your appointment status, please call (727-586-2681) or email us at

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff that we wanted to share.

We know things will be different, but one thing that will never change is our commitment to your safety, comfort and dental health! We’ve missed you and are excited to see your smiling faces again! Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

We have made the following changes to help protect our patients and staff that we wanted to share.

We have developed a system in the office to maintain the highest level of sterility and disinfection. This includes treatment areas as always, but we have elevated our infection protocols to also include increased and frequent cleaning of all common areas in the building of all surfaces, including door handles, faucets and countertops.
Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
We are screening all patients for recent travel, fever or signs of respiratory illness. If travel has occurred or symptoms are present, please do not schedule a visit in our office until 2 weeks has passed.
Our reception area (waiting room) will be temporarily CLOSED; please honor our NO VISITOR POLICY. Visitors will be permitted for extreme exceptions only, which must be pre-approved before arriving.
We have a touchless hand sanitizer at the front desk that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
Please bring a MASK of face covering with you to wear in all common areas of the building. If you do not have one, we will provide one prior to your entry into the building. Please let us know if you need one.
When you arrive to the office PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR and CALL 727-586-2681 to “Check in”.
We will be taking all patient TEMPERATURES.
A pre-rinse of hydrogen peroxide will be performed with your care provider at your appointment to reduce microbial numbers, as recommended by the ADA.
All staff members will be wearing CDC and OSHA recommended personal protective equipment, even our administrative staff to some degree. Don’t worry; your favorite faces are still here behind those masks! This measure is to protect you as much as possible while in our care. Please know that our administrative staff is as friendly and eager to talk to you as always and ALWAYS available for longer discussions or question & answer sessions over the phone or by email.
If possible, please pay for your visit over the phone prior to your appointment. Otherwise, we are able to accept payment in a contact-less manner.

If you have any questions about any of the above changes or guidelines, we will be happy to discuss them further and answer any questions

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