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Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection.

Functions of teeth

Food needs to be broken down and chewed before entering the digestive system so that our body can easily absorb nutrients from them.

Teeth can help us pronounce accurately.

Teeth can help us look better by giving us a good profile.

Baby teeth can reserve spaces for permanent teeth. Once the permanent teeth start to erupt, the deciduous teeth will fall out and give room for permanent teeth.

Watch this video from Spear Education​:

https://spearedu.co/QjIFQls


“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”: Thich Nhat Hanh

What are teeth made of by Spear Education

As a periodontist, Dr. Todd Britten enjoys making a positive impact on his patient’s lives by improving their smiles as well as their comfort and health. He has patients that were once told they would lose all of their teeth, but through periodontal care, even after many years still have every one of them!

Sometimes, a basic understanding of what are teeth are made of, and how they are held in our mouths is the first step in understanding why they are so important, and how to properly care for them.

Please watch this great video about teeth from Spear Education

https://spearedu.co/QmKFtsg

Why Orthodontics is not just about a pretty smile

“Orthodontic treatment is used to correct a “bad bite,” a condition known as a malocclusion that involves teeth that are crowded or crooked. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and possibly tooth loss.”

-colgate.com

Here is a great video about Orthodontics! from Spear Education

Lack of Posterior (Back Teeth) and Splaying of the Front Teeth

When a patient has lost too many back teeth and not replaced them, excess pressure and trauma from increased forces of a person’s bite are placed on their front teeth. These forces are meant to be distributed on the stronger, wider and larger back teeth and can cause the forward shifting, or splaying of front teeth. This can cause periodontal, orthodontic and sometimes even restorative issues for these teeth.

For any questions about your periodontal issues or regarding replacing missing teeth, contact us:

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Watch this great video from Spear Education about comprehensive dental exam

At Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to creating an experience that puts patients at ease while providing the highest quality of periodontal and implant dentistry available. Dr. Todd Britten specializes in periodontics, and has the experience needed to create strong, healthy smiles that exceed expectations. Along with his friendly, professional staff, Dr. Britten is committed to ensuring complete satisfaction with your oral health.

We are focused on providing patient­ centered care, and we take the time to explain to our patients the benefits, risks, and alternative options they have with any dental treatment. Our practice is very warm and compassionate, and we are sensitive to the needs of each individual patient. Please feel free to contact our Clearwater periodontal office today to schedule an appointment.

Providing quality periodontics to Clearwater, St.Petersburg and all surrounding Florida areas.

Here is a great video from Spear Education about comprehensive dental exam 🙂

https://spearedu.co/Y8oUEKx

What you should know about dental implants

Who is a candidate?

Dental implants can be placed in most adults in good to moderate health. They are not typically placed in adolescents until they have reached full expected growth/maturity. Certain medical conditions that are not controlled well may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your medical history with your dentist before treatment.

A trained clinician can determine the best treatment plan for you. Ask your doctor to explain the benefits and risks to see if dental implants are a good option for you!

Frequently asked questions about dental implants

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Q: Is implant placement painful?

A: Normally done under local anesthesia, most procedures can be done in the dental office.

Q: How much pain will I feel after implant placement?

A: If there is discomfort with dental implant placement, it is usually minor. Your dentist may prescribe medication to alleviate any pain.

Q: How long does it take to place dental implants?

A: This depends on the location and number of implants being placed, many can be done in 60-90 minutes.

Q: What can I eat after dental implant placement?

A: Your dentist will outline a diet for the next few days including some soft foods.

Q: How long does placement, healing and construction of the replacement teeth take?

A: The entire process usually takes form 3 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan.

Q: How do I care for my implant?

A: Home care for implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long-term health and success.

Q: How long does an implant last?

A: If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

Q: If my body rejects an implant, what happens?

A: The implant is removed and the site is allowed to heal. Another implant can usually be placed after healing.

Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance?

A: Like most elective procedures, dental implants are not covered by most dental insurance plans.  However, your dentist may offer payment plan options.

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Dental Implants – The tooth replacement solution

Are missing teeth causing you to miss out on life?

Don’t miss out on life because of missing teeth or loose dentures. Modern dentistry can replace everything from a single missing tooth to missing teeth in an entire section of the mouth. If you have questions about different dental implant options available, feel free to ask your dentist or dental specialist. Restoring your smile can help restore your confidence!

Stop the bone loss that can lead to premature aging!

Stop the bone loss that can lead to premature aging.

Losing one or more teeth can start a change of events that can affect both your physical health as well as your appearance, such as:

  1. Gap in your smile
  2. Loss of chewing function
  3. Inability to eat a complete diet
  4. Bone loss
  5. Jaw bone atrophy
  6. Prematurely age your face

The good news is: Tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

Tooth replacement options:

Crown and bridge and full or partial dentures can address the cosmetic problem of missing teeth, but cannot stop bone loss. A fixed bridge requires that two or more healthy teeth be ground down to serve as posts for a bridge.  With implants, however, the other healthy teeth are left alone.

Dental implants transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, reducing bone loss.  That’s why dental implants are now considered the standard of care for tooth replacement.

Watch this video about Dental Implants from Spear Education

Great Video from Spear Education about 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.

Click link for video!

https://spearedu.co/P4NxgRX

What happens after my gum surgery has been completed

Evaluation of Result & First Periodontal Prophylaxis

This visit takes place in the first 2-3 months following surgery.  Dr. Britten will re-chart and examine the treated area, and confirm that you are stable.  Since personal oral hygiene is compromised while the sutures are in place, a professional cleaning will aid in the healing process by keeping bacteria from getting back under the gums.  This is usually a one-hour visit and may be in addition to your normal cleaning schedule.  Then it is up to you!

Periodontal Maintenance “Cleanings”

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition our goal is to control the disease; we can’t cure it.  Your body has demonstrated that it needs help in keeping destructive bacteria from getting back into your gums.  Once you are stable, professional dental cleaning and examination at regular intervals is critical.

Some patients have questioned why they need to return to our office.  Since we have extensive experience treating patients with severe forms of periodontal disease and in detecting early changes, you will have better long-term stability if you remain under our care for periodic professional cleanings.

Depending upon the severity of your case, Dr. Britten may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every 3 – 4 months.  These cleanings will alternate with Your Family Dentist. Together we can protect your gums and teeth. The following is an example of an alternating cleaning schedule:

  • January – Cleaning with Dentist
  • April – Cleaning with Periodontist
  • July – Cleaning with Dentist
  • October – Cleaning with Periodontist

Working Together with your Dentist

It is very important that your Family (restorative or general) dentist see you for cleaning visits on an alternating basis.  Both of our offices will provide a professional tooth cleaning at these visits, however, in our office the focus is definitely the gum tissues and health of the bone.  The focus of the cleaning and check-up at your general dentist will be to ensure that crowns, bridges, and fillings are healthy.

Home Care

Adequate home care after any periodontal treatment is crucial if you want the results to last!  Removing the plaque at home will help in preventing destructive bacteria and calculus (or tartar) from reforming between cleaning visits.   We will continue to help you with home care and provide tips and techniques for getting the best results; please ask for help if you need it!

Remember, your long-term periodontal health is directly dependent upon how well you care for your teeth at home and maintain your cleaning visits with Dr. Britten and your general dentist!

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