What to expect from Tissue Grafting - Clearwater Periodontist

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

“Tissue grafting is recommended when you have gum recession that has left the root of a tooth exposed, or you are at risk of root exposure due to recession. It is a common procedure that is intended to recreate your gum line and prevent further deterioration of the gums, enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Gum recession can be caused by:

• Aggressive toothbrushing
• Gum disease
• Gum tissue that is naturally thin
• Previous orthodontic treatments
• Previous tooth loss

What are benefits of soft tissue grafting?

• Prevention or reduction of sensitivity by covering exposed root
• Protection from future cavities
• Symmetry in your gum line, creating an improved smile
• Creation of a suitable environment for implant placement

Why is thicker tissue better than thin?

Thick gum tissue is critical to maintaining a healthy gum line and mouth. It makes your gums more resistant to recession over time and is more comfortable to brush. Additionally, thick gum tissue is important for achieving aesthetic results.”

-Zimmer Dental

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.

3 Parts of a Dental Implant

1. The Fixture

The fixture is the bottom of the implant and is the part that is embedded below the gum line, fusing with the jawbone.  It is like the root of the tooth. The fixture is made of titanium and has a cylindrical, screw-shaped design. It is often coated with a material known as hydroxyapatite, which can assist with the process of fusing the implant to the jaw bone. This part is placed first and appropriate healing has to take place before the restorative phase, which includes placing the abutment and crown.

2. The Abutment

The abutment is screwed into the fixture and will eventually hold the actual tooth portion that you see in your mouth. It is a small piece that lies right around the gum line.

3. Implant crown

The crown is cemented or screwed into the abutment. If the prosthesis is a crown or bridge, or snapped onto the abutment if the prosthesis is a bridge or denture.

Dental implants are designed and constructed to be extremely strong and able to last decades, becoming a permanent solution to replace missing or chipped teeth.

If you have any questions about Dental Implants, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible. Contact us today:

727-586-2681.

www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist discusses Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (reduced saliva, also known as xerostomia) is a problems because it creates a:

Higher risk of cavities, because saliva neutralizes and buffers acids in the mouth caused by foods and bacteria, as well as cleanses the teeth

Increased risk of oral infections

Decreased sense of taste and enjoyment of food

Bad breath

Causes of dry mouth

Medications seem to account for a substantial portion of dry mouth cases, especially among the elderly. Over 400 agents in drugs affect salivary levels, with evidence that the risk of xerostomia rises with the number of medications.

o Commonly used medications include those for those for acne, allergies (antihistamines), anxiety, asthma, depression, diarrhea, high blood pressure, incontinence, nausea, obesity, Parkinson's disease. Other contributors are muscle relaxants and sedatives.

o Damage to salivary glands (Due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neck surgery)

o Dehydration (may be due to fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of blood)

o Habits, such as consumption of tobacco or methamphetamines ("meth"), breathing with mouth open, snoring.

o Diabetes, anemia, hypertension

Treatment of dry mouth should target its causes. For example, if your dry mouth is caused by medication, then an alternative medication or dosage change may help.

If a medication change or a health condition cannot be addressed to help with dry mouth, you can help promote saliva in the following ways:

• Sipping water or sugarless drinks often and during meals

• Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas

• Professional recommendation for oral care products that will assist in moisturizing the mouth

• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices

• Avoid tobacco or alcohol, which dry out the mouth

• Minimize spicy or salty foods, which may cause pain in a dry mouth

• Avoid sugar and acidic foods

• Using a humidifier at night

It is important to perform daily and effective removal of plaque, which is the main preventable cause of cavities and gum disease.

We have also found in our practice that a combination of over the counter Biotene products (gels, rinses, sprays, lozenges), a product available via prescription called Neutrasal, and PerioSciences' Anti-Oxidant Gel can also be helpful for our patients suffering from dry mouth. For more information, call us today at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Discusses: Are all dental implants created equal?

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Discusses: Are all dental implants created equal?

                                                               

Dental implants have become a vital and mandatory option for tooth replacement in recent years. While modern implant dentistry has seen major advancements in popularity and success, we must stress that not all dental implants are created equal, and no dental implants are guaranteed to last forever.  However, using a high quality implant as well as a highly trained implant surgeon and restorative dentist, can make a big difference as to whether the implant will last for many years (and preferably a lifetime), which is always our goal.

The best way to ensure implant success is to use a high quality implant and to have the implant properly placed by a highly experienced dentist, or even better - an implant specialist and restored by a highly experienced restorative dentist. Oral surgeons and periodontists have extensive training and have also developed more predictable implant placement technique.

Low-budget implants have poorly designed screws (the portion of the implant that goes into the bone) or may move (even microscopically) when you chew. How an implant crown (the portion of the implant you see above the gumline, or the “tooth”) is made is also critical for the longevity of dental implant health in the bone.

Some of the things we look for in a high-quality implant system are:

1        1.  They should have a very natural look and function just like real teeth.

2.    Strength and reliability of the bond between the abutment and the implant that provides support to the restoration or crown. This bond is so strong that they ultimately unite to form a single unit.

3.    They should be made from neutral titanium. It is accepted by the human body and therefore the chances of long-term success are increased.

4.   The implants are completely sterile and are opened only just before the implant placement begins. Your highly trained dentist or implant specialist and his assistant maintain sterile procedures as the implant is placed

5.   A great quality of the implants we prefer to place is a rough surface which means that it will fit perfectly and heals the new root easily. They are also designed to ensure a perfect fit after restoration and will bond with a patient’s jaw bone.

6.   The implant screw is designed so that the biting forces do not traumatize the surrounding bone.

7.    Implants can be customized for an individual patient’s needs and are selected by length and diameter especially for this patient.

8.   Ideally, implants should be placed around 2mm below the bone crest to get maximum benefits.

9.   The implants system we use in our office have tapered conical connectors to avoid a gap between the restoration and the implant.  This keeps bacteria from collecting where the implant and abutment meet and prevent microscopic movements which over time would put strain on the implant and surrounding bone.

         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 andFlorida West Coast Dental Association.  Dr. Todd Britten also routinely uses a 3D GREEN Cone Beam CT Scanner in his office which offers fantastic imaging detail to assist in the digital planning of dental implants for precise accuracy, safety and optimal results.  For more information, visit his website at www.brittenperio.com