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periodontist

Periodontal maintenance visit showing professional cleaning around teeth and gums to prevent gum disease and maintain long-term oral health, featuring the Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry logo.

Periodontal Maintenance Visits: Why They Matter After Treatment

Gum treatment is a big step, but it’s not the finish line. Periodontal maintenance visits help keep infection from creeping back in. Gum disease behaves like a chronic condition, so ongoing care protects the work you already invested in.

Why Maintenance Is Different From a Regular Cleaning

After periodontal therapy, you may have deeper areas that need extra attention. Therefore, maintenance appointments focus on disrupting bacteria in places a standard cleaning may not fully address. In addition, your hygienist tracks pocket depths and bleeding to spot changes early.

What Happens at These Appointments

You’ll get a thorough cleaning above and below the gums, plus a review of home-care technique. Meanwhile, your team may recommend specific tools like interdental brushes or water flossers for tricky areas. Also, if pockets increase, your provider can adjust the plan quickly instead of letting problems build for months.

How Often Should You Go

Many patients do best every 3 to 4 months, especially right after treatment. However, frequency depends on risk factors like smoking, diabetes, genetics, and past bone loss. So your schedule should fit your mouth, not your neighbor’s.

Consistency matters because bacteria repopulate fast. As a result, skipping visits can undo progress quietly. At Britten Perio, we treat maintenance as prevention with a purpose: protect bone, stabilize gums, and keep teeth longer. If you’ve completed therapy, keep your periodontal maintenance visits on the calendar and your future self will thank you.

Illustration showing peri-implantitis with inflammation and bone loss around a dental implant, featuring the Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry logo.

Peri-Implantitis Symptoms: Catch Implant Trouble Early

Peri-Implantitis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

A peri-implantitis symptom often appears quietly, which is why many patients don’t realize there’s a problem until damage has already begun. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the gum tissue and bone around a dental implant, and early detection makes a major difference.

Common Peri-Implantitis Symptoms

One of the earliest warning signs is bleeding when brushing or flossing around an implant. In addition, the gums may appear red, swollen, or tender. A persistent bad taste or drainage around the implant can also indicate infection. These changes should never be ignored, even if pain is mild or absent.

Bone Loss Around the Implant

As the condition progresses, inflammation can lead to bone loss around the implant. This weakens the implant’s support and may cause it to feel loose. At this stage, a peri-implantitis symptom may include discomfort while chewing or changes in how the implant feels when biting down.

Why Peri-Implantitis Develops

Plaque buildup around implants plays a major role. However, a history of gum disease, smoking, diabetes, and irregular maintenance visits can increase risk. Because implants lack the same attachment fibers as natural teeth, infection can spread faster once it starts.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without treatment, peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure and the need for removal. Early intervention may include deep cleaning, antimicrobial therapy, or laser treatment, depending on severity. Regular periodontal maintenance visits help reduce risk by catching changes early.

If you notice any bleeding, swelling, or changes around an implant, schedule an evaluation promptly. Addressing symptoms early helps protect your investment and your oral health long-term.

Dental laser used to treat infected gum tissue around teeth as part of laser gum disease treatment, featuring the Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry logo.

Laser Gum Disease Treatment: Pros, Cons, and Candidacy

If you’ve heard about laser gum disease treatment, you may wonder if it replaces traditional care. Lasers can help reduce bacteria and inflamed tissue in certain cases. However, the best approach depends on your pocket depth, bone levels, and overall gum health.

What Lasers Can Do

Lasers can target infected tissue and disrupt bacteria. In addition, they may help reduce bleeding during treatment for some patients. Meanwhile, your provider can combine laser therapy with deep cleaning to improve gum healing. So, it often works as part of a plan, not as a magic wand.

What Lasers Cannot Do

Lasers do not “melt away” tartar that has hardened on teeth roots. Therefore, thorough scaling remains essential when calculus sits below the gumline. Also, if gum disease has caused significant bone loss, you may need additional therapies beyond laser use.

Who Might Benefit Most

Patients with mild to moderate periodontal pockets may see improvements when laser therapy complements conventional treatment. Meanwhile, patients who feel anxious about bleeding or sensitivity sometimes prefer it, although comfort varies by person. Your periodontist will evaluate your case and recommend what actually fits your mouth, not what looks shiny on a brochure.

The takeaway is simple: laser tools can help, but diagnosis drives results. As a result, the best next step is a periodontal evaluation with measurements and imaging. At Britten Perio, we match technology to your needs so you get predictable outcomes. If you’re considering laser gum disease treatment, ask what role it would play in your specific plan.

Dental implant compared to a natural tooth, showing how implants replace missing teeth and restore chewing function, featuring the Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry logo.

Dental Implants 101: A Clear Guide for Patients

If you’re missing teeth, dental implants can restore function and confidence without relying on neighboring teeth for support. They feel secure because they replace the tooth root, not just the visible crown. So, you can chew, smile, and talk with more ease.

How Implants Work

An implant is a small post placed in the jawbone. After placement, the bone bonds with it during healing. Then a custom crown attaches on top. Unlike a bridge, an implant stands on its own. Therefore, you avoid shaving down healthy teeth to hold a replacement.

Who Makes a Good Candidate

Healthy gums and adequate bone support matter. However, many patients still qualify even if they have bone loss, because bone grafting can rebuild the area. In addition, medical conditions like diabetes do not automatically disqualify you, but they do require thoughtful planning. Meanwhile, smoking can slow healing, so your periodontist may recommend quitting or reducing use before treatment.

What to Expect During the Process

First, you’ll get imaging and a detailed exam. Next, your provider plans the placement for stability and aesthetics. After surgery, healing time varies, but most people manage well with simple aftercare and follow-ups. Finally, the crown is placed to match your smile.

With proper hygiene and routine maintenance, implants can last many years. As a result, they often become a “one-and-done” solution compared to options that need frequent replacement. If you want a long-term tooth replacement, ask Britten Perio about dental implants and a personalized plan.

Scaling and root planing procedure shown cleaning below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria, from Britten Periodontics

Scaling and Root Planing: What It Is and Why It Helps

If your dentist recommended scaling and root planing, you’re not alone. This treatment sounds intense, but it’s simply a thorough cleaning that targets bacteria and tartar below the gumline. Think of it as pressing “reset” on irritated gums so they can heal.

Why a Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough

A standard cleaning focuses on areas you can see and reach more easily. However, gum disease creates deeper pockets where bacteria hide. Over time, that buildup irritates the tissue and can damage the bone supporting your teeth. Therefore, a deeper approach helps stop the cycle before it gets worse.

What Happens During the Appointment

Your provider numbs the area so you stay comfortable. Then they remove tartar from above and below the gums and smooth the root surfaces. That smoothing matters because bacteria love rough surfaces. Meanwhile, you may get the treatment in sections, depending on how many areas need attention.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Afterward, you might notice mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days. So stick with gentle brushing and careful flossing. In addition, use any prescribed rinse or medication exactly as directed. Also, keep your follow-up visits, because healing gums need monitoring.

Most patients return to normal activities quickly. As a result, this treatment often reduces bleeding, swelling, and bad breath within weeks. If you want a clearer timeline and a plan that fits your mouth, a periodontal evaluation helps. At Britten Perio, we pair treatment with a maintenance schedule so you keep results long-term. Ultimately, scaling and root planing can be a turning point for healthier gums.

Britten Periodontics logo promoting implant-supported teeth

Complete Your Smile with Implant-Supported Teeth

Complete Your Smile with Implant-Supported Teeth

If you’re struggling with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, implant-supported teeth may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten offers a specialized approach to restoring smiles with comfort, function, and confidence.

What Makes This Treatment Different?

Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, this modern treatment uses small titanium posts placed in the jawbone. These posts support your replacement teeth, creating a rock-solid foundation—no slipping, no messy adhesives, and no compromise on what you can eat.

This secure fit helps patients feel like they’ve gotten their natural teeth back, both in look and in function.

The Long-Term Benefits

Aside from boosting your smile’s appearance, this solution helps preserve the jawbone, which prevents the facial sagging that often follows tooth loss. Patients also enjoy improved speech and chewing without the stress of shifting dentures.

And with proper care, the results can last for decades.

What to Expect with Dr. Britten

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Britten then designs a customized treatment plan based on your oral health and goals. After healing from the implant placement, your new teeth are attached with precision and care—bringing back not just your smile, but your confidence too.

If you’re ready to explore a secure, natural-looking solution that truly lasts, contact Britten Periodontics today to schedule your consultation.

Healthy smiles by Britten Periodontics with Dr. Todd Britten in Clearwater, FL

Understanding Periodontal Abscesses

🔍Understanding Periodontal Abscesses 🔍

 
Do you have persistent pain in your gums? It might be more than just a toothache! A periodontal abscess is a localized infection within the gums, often causing swelling, pain, and discomfort. 🤕
Signs to watch for:
– Swollen, red, or tender gums
– Pain when chewing
– Bad taste in your mouth
– Fever or fatigue
 
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe dental issues. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult your dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. 🦷
 
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent abscesses and keep your smile healthy! 😁✨
 
This video from Spear Education shows you the signs and symptoms of a periodontal abscess.
Soft tissue condition treatment by Clearwater, FL periodontist at Britten Periodontics

Laser Periodontal Surgery: Before and After

Laser Periodontal Surgery: Before and After

Dr. Todd Britten offers his patients at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida, the PerioLase and LANAP® protocol for treatment of periodontal disease. LANAP, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery for the treatment of gum disease. Dr. Britten also offers LAPIP®, the Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure, to treat infected and/or save failing dental implants.

Dr. Todd Britten cites that the benefits of laser periodontal dentistry include:

  • Precision

The precise dental laser used in our practice can accurately target and remove harmful bacteria without causing damage to healthy gum tissue.

  • Fast Recovery

Laser surgery involves no incisions and little to no post-operative inflammation. Therefore, patients experience a much faster healing period and often do not need pain medication.

  • Minimal Gum Recession

In traditional gum surgery, gum recession is commonly unavoidable. Laser gum surgery never harms healthy gum tissue, which means there is little to no gum recession.

  • Stronger Support

Laser gum surgery is scientifically proven to generate new bone growth in the jaw, leading to added support for existing teeth.

Using the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser in both the LANAP and LAPIP protocols, we can effectively target and kills harmful bacteria that causes inflammation around natural teeth or dental implants. Killing the bacteria helps to treat the cause of the disease, not just the symptoms.

Tori removal treatment at Britten Periodontics with Dr. Todd Britten in Clearwater, FL

Tori Removal or Reduction

What are Tori?

Tori are excess bone that develops either in the upper or lower jaw. When present in the roof of the mouth (palate), the condition is referred to as torus palatinus. When present in the lower jaw, it is called torus mandibularis. Tori may develop due to genetic or environmental influences such as local irritation, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or misaligned teeth causing an uneven bite (malocclusion).

In most cases tori are benign and do not require treatment. However, tori will need to be surgically removed to accommodate upper or lower dentures and upper or lower partial dentures (flippers). Tori may also be removed to aid in minimizing food impaction under the excess bone, which will promote improved home care. In certain cases tori may contribute to plaque accumulation and periodontal pockets, and therefore will require removal to improve oral hygiene by allowing better angulation of the toothbrush. Once tori are removed, recurrence is rare. In situations where tori do reappear, regrowth is typically very slow.

Tori Removal On One Side performed by Dr. Todd Britten
Oral hygiene instructions provided by Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Products We Love: Tepe Compact Tuft Brush

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.

Available on Amazon.com or TEPE.com

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