Clearwater, FL Periodontist Dr. Todd M. Britten is hosting 2nd annual Free Dental Day for Veterans

Clearwater, FL Periodontist Dr. Todd M. Britten is hosting 2^nd annual Free Dental Day for Veterans

"Veterans and their families make so many sacrifices for us all and I am so honored we were able to give something back to them.” - Dr. Todd Britten

Dr. Todd M. Britten and his staff at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry are gearing up for their 2nd annual Free Dental Day for Veterans.  The event will be held in Dr. Britten’s Clearwater office on Friday November 11, 2016.

Last year was the inaugural event and it was a great success.  Dr. Britten, his staff, as well as volunteers from Clearwater Dental Associates and Britten Dental Associates worked together to provide four very deserving veterans with periodontal and general dental care.  When asked about the previous event Dr. Britten said, “It was such a great feeling to help these patients’ oral health improve and help them keep teeth that they were in danger of losing.  Veterans and their families make so many sacrifices for us all and I am so honored we were able to give something back to them.”

For one veteran in particular, treatment included IV sedation (due to the need for extensive treatment and intense dental phobia), extraction of all of this patient’s remaining teeth which were badly broken and excessive bone growth throughout his mouth.  Dr. Jim Hayslett of Clearwater Dental helped Dr. Britten restore this patient’s smile with complete upper and lower dentures.   Dr. Britten stated “All he wanted to do again was eat a steak dinner.  We were able to get a patient out of pain and help him to be able to chew again and smile with confidence.”

Dr. Britten and his staff have been working with The Community Dental Clinic to match patients with periodontal needs with the Clearwater Periodontist’s office.  Allison Sapiega, the exectuve director at the clinic stated, "The Community Dental Clinic has enjoyed the privilege of working with Britten Periodontics for the last few years on their Free Dental Event for Veterans. We are so proud to call them a community partner as we strive together to serve those that fall into the dental services gap. Nearly 95% of veterans are without dental coverage, so events like Britten Periodontics' Free Dental Day for Veterans are imperative in serving those that have served us.”

Dr. Todd Britten explained how glad he is to be doing this the second year in a row and would like to do it annually for the entirety of his career.  When asked why this is a cause so near and dear to his heart he stated that his grandfathers and uncles served in the military and giving back to veterans in need is a top priority for him.  Dr. Britten said, “The entire staff at Britten Periodontics is so grateful to the men and women in the military that make so many sacrifices for our freedom. We are happy to host this annual event, and hope to do it for many years to come.”

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.

Dr. Todd Britten is now offering this FDA-cleared laser procedure for gum disease and periodontal treatment. To learn more about Dr. Britten and his dental services visit his website at http://www.brittenperio.com or call (727) 586-2681.

Clearwater FL Periodontist Todd Britten Shares: What is Periodontal Disease?

What is periodontal disease?

Q: What is periodontal disease?

A: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, often begins as a buildup of plaque on the tooth's surface near the gum line. If this plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing regularly, it can harden into what your dentist calls tartar. Plaque will continue to build up over the tartar, eventually causing the gums to become red, swollen, and irritated. This is known as gingivitis and is the first stage of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
-Red, swollen, sore gums
-Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
-Teeth that appear longer or become loose
-Large spaces that form between the teeth
-Gums that begin to pull away from the teeth
-Chronic bad breath

Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can contribute to other health problems including heart disease and diabetes. If you're pregnant, having periodontal disease is also linked to premature birth or low birth weight. Your smile's health affects the overall health of your body.

As a periodontist, Dr Britten enjoys making a positive impact in our patients’ lives by improving their smiles as well as their comfort and health. We believe in delivering state of the art care with a gentle touch in a lighthearted environment. If you have any questions about your periodontal (gum) health, please contact our office at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.

Flossing's Evil Secret Unveiled?

A recent news report from the Associated Press has shed light on the lack of clinical studies and scientific research on the effectiveness of flossing.  Please remember when reading this AP news article that "inadequately researched" certainly does not equate to flossing "been proven useless or ineffective."   This most certainly should not lead us to the conclusion that flossing has no effect on dental health. Even the reporter himself admits he still uses floss daily to remove food from between his teeth. 

The question can be asked, "How many scientific studies have there been saying getting shot with a bullet is bad for your health?"  None or few.   However, common sense as well as real-life examples, talking to doctors, surgeons, or coroners, would lead you to the sensible conclusion that getting shot with a bullet is bad for your health. Similarly, neglecting proper dental care between your teeth daily whether it is with floss, or other dental aids is certainly bad for your oral health.

Bacterial plaque has a direct relationship in the development of caries and periodontal disease. Excellent daily oral hygiene is necessary to remove dental plaque daily to prevent oral disease to remove plaque around and between the teeth, as well as a review of diet, risk factors, and medical history. 

Most patients brush for at least a short period of time, but it is important to use interdental (between the teeth) devices in addition to toothbrushes. Toothbrushes are relatively ineffective between the teeth, and periodontal disease typically begins between the teeth. Preference, availability, interdental anatomy, and dexterity (patient's physical ability) all play roles in the selection of an interdental cleaning device.  Sometimes, more than one aid is required to effectively remove plaque.  This is especially true for our periodontal patients.  Interdental cleaning is so important for the health of your gums and should be done every day!

Since our stance is flossing and/or other interdental care is effective and necessary to prevent both cavities and prevent and control periodontal disease, let's compare our two favorite interdental aids.

                                                 DENTAL FLOSS

Floss is able to reach into narrow spaces between the teeth where use of an interdental brush may be very difficult and will also remove plaque where two teeth have contact. 


Flossing is certainly technique sensitive.  If floss is used too vigorously, gum tissue can be traumatized.  Typically, dental floss should be wrapped around the 2 middle fingers and stretched to a 12 to 18 inch length. Gently move back and forth in the area where the teeth contact each other, wrapping your floss it in a “C” shape around the side of the tooth. Once the floss is through this contact area it is gently moved under the tissue just until resistance is met. It is important not to “jam” the floss under the tissue, as this pulls on the periodontal ligament and can cause damage to the tissue and result in very sore gum tissue. At this point a cleaning stroke moves the floss away from the gum tissue toward the contact spot. Continue with this 6-8 times until a squeak can be heard and the tooth surface is clean. Then move the floss to the adjacent tooth and do the same. 

Possible limitations of floss:  Back teeth (molars and premolars) often have a more complex anatomy between teeth due to root concavities.  A root concavity is a linear developmental depression in the root surface. In health, root concavities are covered in alveolar bone and actually help secure the tooth in the bone.  Flossing may not access these difficult to clean and plaque retentive areas. So for many periodontal patients, flossing as well as the use of an interproximal brush is necessary.

                                                 (anatomy (with root concavity) of a premolar)

                                                             INTERDENTAL BRUSHES

Interdental brushes (proxabrushes), floss and mechanical devices, are available to remove plaque between the teeth. Clinical studies have shown that manual interdental brushes are particularly effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis. Selecting the sizes and types of interdental cleaning devices that are best for you should include an assessment of the space between your teeth, contact points, areas that retain food, gum shape and position, and periodontal pocketing. 

Interdental brushes, or proxabrushes come in wider or thinner sizes Go-Betweens® (Sunstar Butler), to accommodate the various dimensions of the interdental spaces.  Interdental brushes are available with both coated and uncoated wire, and some include antibacterial agents (chlorhexidine) on the bristles. There are also ultrathin, rubbery versions of interdental brushes called Softpicks and Advanced Softpicks® (Sunstar Butler). Our patients who have dexterity issues often find interdental brushes or Softpicks easier to use than floss.  

There are also mechanical (or vibrating interdental brushes), but they do not seem to be as effective as floss or the manual interdental brushes.  A study of a mechanical interdental device (Interclean) in a German population revealed more plaque than with manual interdental brushes. 5 percent of interdental plaque remained following patient use of manual interdental brushes in this study.   In other studies, the same device was compared to the use of dental floss, and the device and manual dental floss were found to be equally effective in reducing plaque. Based upon the results of these clinical studies, manual interdental brushes are superior and floss is equally effective in reducing plaque.


The article by the AP about flossing has brought dentistry and oral hygiene, particularly flossing, into the news and into people's minds.  For that, we are thankful. Even people who admittedly do not floss, are coming to flossing's defense.  And it certainly opens up some open, some lighthearted and some not-so lighthearted discussion on the topic (many dental hygienists, assistants and dental practicioners are NOT happy with this article or the confusion it could cause!)

Ultimately, the goal of oral good hygiene and good dental care is to prevent, arrest, and control periodontal disease and caries. One's ability to remove plaque from all areas, including interproximal areas, is an essential part of every patient’s selfcare program. Your dentist, dental hygienist, and periodontist can work with you as to which oral hygiene aids are going to improve your oral health by examining the effectiveness of your daily plaque removal routine (measuring your plaque levels and the condition of your gum tissues), as well as selecting and demonstrating the best oral hygiene aids for your lifestyle, ability, health, tooth anatomy, your risk for cavities and your periodontal condition.

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 services visit our website at:http://www.clearwaterperiodontist.com or http://www.brittenperio.com or call (727) 586-2681.

Clearwater Florida Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten using New Green Technology in Practice

In the past, traditional dental x-rays were only able to provide limited information about the condition of a patient's teeth and jaw bone. Advances in technology now allow Clearwater Florida Periodontist Dr. Britten to see fine detailed tooth and jaw anatomy to diagnose conditions that may have been previously hard to detect. Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is now offering the only dental 3D CT Scan that is FDA approved for use on pediatric patients as it delivers the lowest dose of radiation possible on both children and adults. The VATECH PAX-i3D GREEN cone beam CT Scanner offers fantastic imaging detail and is the only cone beam system considered a “Green CT” due to its extremely low dose, equivalent to only a short time out in the sun. This technology also assists in the digital planning of dental implants for precise accuracy, safety and optimal results. It can also assist in planning for bone grafting, tooth extractions, particularly third molars (wisdom teeth) and suspected pathology such as infected cracked teeth or impacted teeth.

The Green CBCT scanner by VA Tech America provides innovative technology for ultra-low-dose x-rays in 5.9 seconds and minimizes radiation to both patient and operator.

“I am excited about not only the excellent image quality for diagnostic purposes, but also the increased protection for the health and safety of our patients. The VA Tech Cone Beam CT scanner is perfect for claustrophobic patients."

Periodontal and Implant Specialist Dr. Todd Britten recently began using the latest in Cone Beam CT technology, an open Green CBCT scanner, in his Clearwater office. He says the goal with this cutting-edge technology is obtaining a high quality 3-D image, using the lowest possible radiation dose. Dr. Britten states that this new technology allows him to not only take routine x-rays but also uses it for ConeBeam CT scan technology to take very accurate 3D images which typically require a higher dose of radiation.

The Green CBCT scanner by VA Tech America provides innovative technology for ultra-low-dose x-rays in 5.9 seconds and minimizes radiation to both patient and operator. Dr. Britten says the Green CBCT scanner protects both his patient and the x-ray technician while delivering a high quality 3-D imaging. “I am excited about not only the excellent image quality for diagnostic purposes, but also the increased protection for the health and safety of our patients. The VA Tech Cone Beam CT scanner is perfect for claustrophobic patients, as it is an ‘open air’ scanner. Patients are positioned and stand very still, and in less than six seconds, the scan is done.”

Dentists and dental specialists are using ConeBeam 3-D CT scans more and more frequently as a diagnostic tool for ultimate treatment efficiency and precision, particularly for dental implants, however, they can provide information for full mouth treatment when needed or localized to third molars or even the Temporomandibular Joint. New Green CBCT technology allows your dentist or x-ray technician to select specifically the desired scan while managing radiation dosage to their patients.

“This is a very powerful treatment tool in our practice,” says Dr. Britten. “With it, we can work together with our referring dentists to more confidently map our surgical and restorative treatment plans and place and restore implants with accuracy, while protecting our patients and our staff with lower radiation. I have read thousands of CT scans of the jaws but am still amazed at the fine details that I am now able to see in our VA Tech scans. We often see hairline cracks in people’s teeth that were previously unclear on traditional x-rays, yet causing them discomfort.”

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 services visit his website at:http://www.clearwaterperiodontist.com or http://www.brittenperio.com or call (727) 586-2681.