Clearwater Periodontist Performs the Latest in Gum Grafting

Dr. Todd Britten performs the latest techniques in gingival grafting, or gum grafting, and other gum recession procedures to treat patients suffering from loose, sensitive teeth and receding gums in Clearwater, Florida. "Recent surgical innovations have made this procedure safer and more effective than ever before," says Dr. Todd Britten.

Gum grafting involves carefully placing a small amount of new gum tissue in an area where little or no gum tissue currently exists to prevent further gum recession or to cover root surfaces of the teeth that have become exposed. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The tissue used in this procedure may be obtained from a variety of sources: an area of tissue nearby, the hard palate (roof of mouth), or donated tissue from another person, which has been medically processed. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re¬establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, a patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage. The tissue is then delicately sutured (stitched) in place where it's needed, using very fine suturing material.

Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics or age, oral trauma, and periodontal disease. Patients experiencing signs of gum recession are encouraged to seek treatment right away. Gum recession is not only a cosmetic problem – but it can also affect oral and periodontal health. A successful graft can reduce or eliminate problems like tooth sensitivity and further gum recession, as well as improve the aesthetics of a person’s smile. When a tooth loses the natural protection of healthy gum tissue, they become extremely sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, causing pain when drinking or eating, or even to cold air. Missing gum tissue also makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the roots and cause decay — or for minor trauma to result in rapid gum recession. The eventual result is often tooth loss.

Dr. Britten offers a variety of modern and effective treatment options for receding gums in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice, including gum grafting procedures and the minimally invasive Pinhole® Surgical Technique. For more information on the progression of gum disease, scaling and root planing procedures, or periodontal surgical treatment options, contact us today at 727-586-2681. 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.

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Discusses, Can My Medication Cause A Problem With My Gums?

Can My Medication Be Enlarging My Gums?

As a gum specialist, we often see and help treat changes in patient’s gum tissues related to certain medications they are taking.  One of the main issues we come across is gingival overgrowth, or hyperplasia. 

Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth.  In our practice, we sometimes see that certain medications our patients are taking contribute to gingival hyperplasia.  Other factors can include orthodontic treatment or certain medical issues, such as hormonal imbalances, leukemia, a genetic condition or the growth can sometimes be due to a benign or malignant lesion.  Inflammation of the gums and poor plaque control are often a main contributor for gum overgrowth.  Poor oral hygiene also can increase inflammation which may also play a role.

Medications associated with gum enlargement fall into three main categories:

1.         Anti-seizure medications

2.         Immunosuppressant medications (used in transplant patients),

3.         Calcium channel blockers used to treat certain heart conditions, most commonly high blood pressure.

It is important to notify your dentist or dental hygienist if you take any of these medications so they can watch for changes in your gum tissues.  Many of our patients are on some form of calcium channel blocker such as Amlodopine (Norvasc) or Diltiazem for high blood pressure. 

A more severe case of gingival overgrowth could effect a person’s appearance when they smile or talk.  Enlarged gum tissue will complicate and sometimes completely prevent patients from being able to remove harmful plaque bacteria at and below the gum line and in between their teeth.  The tissues become enlarged, grow over the surface of the teeth and can become fibrotic, or tough.  Once overgrowth has started, it becomes more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.  This will lead to retaining more damaging periodontal bacteria under the gum line, which can in turn worsen the gingival hyperplasia. 

If a big factor of the gum overgrowth is a medication, your physician may need to be consulted. Stopping or changing the medication can help limit the overgrowth, but do NOT stop the medication on your own.  Your dentist or periodontist can communicate with your medical doctor to see if your medication can be altered.  In some cases, a person’s medical professional will advise against altering a medication, most often in seizure disorders, immunosuppressed patients, and certain heart conditions or difficult to manage blood pressure.  If this is the case, we have to handle the gingival overgrowth as best we can.  Options include increased oral hygiene, non-surgical, or surgical periodontal therapy. 

Even if the medication causing this condition can be altered or discontinued, this will not necessarily reverse the overgrowth.  Additional treatment is sometimes required and often includes:

AT-HOME CARE
Good oral hygiene, especially the effective removal of plaque between the teeth and at the gum line, can alleviate the condition in early or very mild cases.

NON-SURGICAL THERAPY

In a mild to slightly moderate condition, a series of scaling and root planing procedures (commonly known as a “deep cleaning”) can be performed, often by a dental hygienist using local anesthesia.

Your dentist or periodontist may have you return every three months for dental hygiene visits to limit the effects of inflammation on the soft tissues.

SURGICAL REMOVAL

In severe cases, the enlarged or hyperplastic gum tissue may need to be removed surgically. In the case of drug-induced overgrowths, if patients are not able to discontinue the medication, surgical removal may be the only effective treatment. This can be done with a scalpel or laser.

If you think you have an area of overgrowth, visit your dentist for an evaluation of your condition. If you are now taking medications that can cause gingival overgrowth, consult with your dental professional and physician.  If you have questions about gingival hyperplasia you can contact Dr. Todd Britten in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice at 727-586-2681 or http://www.brittenperio.com

Moderate gingival hyperplasia

Severe gingival hyperplasia of the lower front teeth

A more mild form of gingival hyperlasia

A very severe case of gingival hyperplasia