Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: What is Peri-Implantitis?

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: What is Peri-Implantitis? Dental implants are fantastic, but like anything biologic or placed in or on the human body can NOT always be completely predictable or guaranteed all the time. One of the long-term risks associated with dental implants is a condition called Peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the surrounding gum and bone of a dental implant, and can lead to the loss of supporting bone. This condition is very difficult to treat. Fortunately, most patients receiving dental implants never develop this condition. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, bone can be lost around a dental implant. This will often occur without a patient ever being aware of it. Some dental implants will develop bone loss very early after having the implant crown is placed or it can happen many years down the road. Most patients are unaware that they have bone loss around the dental implant. Peri-implantitis generally begins painlessly and without symptoms. Once peri-implantitis becomes advanced, symptoms can develop and the patient will notice. There are several risk factors for peri-implantitis, especially smoking. Smoking definitely causes constriction of blood vessels which leads to bone loss. Medical issues such as Diabetes, Osteoporosis and a weakened immune system are more at risk for developing bone loss around dental implants. Those with a history of gum disease are more at risk. Good home care is critical. Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes or more with an electric toothbrush, flossing once a day and using adjuncts such as a rubber tip or implant floss every day! Grinding your teeth is another risk factor for dental implant bone loss. Factors related to the surgical procedure can also cause peri-implantitis to later occur: Soft bone, lack of tightness when the dental implant is placed, bone that was grafted in a vertical fashion, implant size too big, overheated bone, and many others. Signs of Peri-implantitis • Deep periodontal pockets around the implant • Pus comes out from the implants and gums • Bleeding at the gumline • Appearance – Gum tissue may appear red, or slightly purplish bluish, and tartar/plaque build up is noted • Progressive loss of supporting bone on x-rays • Metal thread exposure • Long tooth Again, peri-implantitis is not always symptomatic and typically there is no pain. Some patients will complain of a dull ache or tenderness when they brush or touch the area. A bad taste can develop if infection or pus has developed around the implant. If this infection around the implant becomes very severe, the glands in your neck may become swollen and the dental implants may begin to be noticeably loose. The first thing an implant specialist will usually check around the implant is to make sure the crown or bridge was made properly. An x-ray, or sometimes a 3-D Cone Beam CT scan is necessary to see the inside surface. Extra cement can often be the cause of peri-implantitis. The cement oozes beyond the abutment and gets down below the gum near the bone and becomes an irritant. There is often good reason to make crowns held in by screws rather than cement in some cases. The technique of cementation and choice of cement used is a big factor on implant success! This is why it is important to work with an experience implant specialist and restorative dentist in implant placement. Occasionally a loose abutment screw may be present which may not have been torqued properly or it has broken, sometimes due to a patient’s heavy bite. Patients with heavy bites need to have their crowns designed to protect the implants. How an implant crown is made is critical for the longevity of the dental implant in the bone. Low-budget implants have poorly designed screws or may move (even microscopically) when you chew. Sometimes gum disease on nearby teeth can stimulate peri-implantitis to start on the implant. Generally some type of exploratory surgery needs to be done to find out the cause of peri-implantitis along with a simultaneous bone graft to save the implant. Not all implants that have developed peri-implantitis can be saved. Treatment The long-term goals are to stop the progression of bone loss and maintain your dental implants! Generally speaking the area will need to be cleaned thoroughly using dental instruments. Sometimes antibiotics will be prescribed or special antibacterial agents will need to be applied to the implants itself such as iodine or tetracycline. Sometimes a laser procedure can be performed around the implant, called LAPIP, to sterilize the implant. Most peri-implantitis dental implants require surgery and bone grafting. This means that the dental implant surgeon has to open the gum tissue in order to detoxify the implant. All of the bacteria will be killed in order to have bone re-grafted onto the implants. The physiology and the type of bone that is used is critical. Sometimes your implant surgeon will recommend using your body’s own helpful blood products such as PRF/ PRP. The best way to prevent peri-impantitis is to have the implant properly placed by a 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. When an implant has had too much bone loss, a success rate can be as low as 35 to 50%. Some severe cases of peri-implantitis are better off removing the implant and placing a new one if detoxifying and regrafting do not seem to have a good long-term prognosis. If one implant fails or develops bone loss, it doesn’t mean the second one will. Time will tell if the procedure works. There are no guarantees on grafting around implants that have pre-existing bone loss. It is far more successful if the bone missing is in the shape of a moat rather than an entire wall missing.

Correction of dental implants with problems should be performed by an implant specialist and highly trained restorative dentist who routinely performs this procedure. Dr. Todd Britten is a periodontist and implant specialist practicing in Clearwater, Florida. As periodontist, Dr. Britten specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, the placement of dental implants and bone grafts, and treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists also perform cosmetic periodontal surgery. Dr. Britten has received an additional three years of specialty education and surgical training beyond dental school and has experience in treating this very difficult condition. If you have any questions regarding implant placement, contact us at 727-586-2681 or email us at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com.

Is All Dental Floss Created Equal?

If you’re uncertain about which type of floss is best for you or a member of your family, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice. Here are some points that might be helpful:

Large gaps between your teeth? Try woven floss or Super Floss. We like Listerine Gentle gum care woven floss.https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste…/listerine-gentle-floss

Not much space between your teeth? You may find that a waxed floss, dental tape, or a thinner string floss such as POH is easier to slide into those tight spaces. POH even comes in black floss if you are excited to see how much plaque you are removing!http://www.buypoh.com/percept630blackfloss.html

We also like shred resistant Listerine Ultraclean floss (formerly Reach brand) since it gets into these tighter spaces but still has microgroove and a toothpaste coating to help remove stubborn plaque!https://www.listerine.com/toothp…/listerine-ultraclean-floss

Braces, bridges or implants? A spongy floss is a good option, but any floss can be used if you wear dental appliances, especially if you have a floss threader. We like Proxysoft (formerly Thornton's) Bridge and Implant Threaders for our bridge, implant and even in problem gum areas where extra TLC is needed.
http://www.proxysoft.com/products.html

When it comes to dental floss, flossing every day is the most important choice you can make!

If you have any questions about which type of floss may be most effective for you, contact our dental hygiene department at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or call 7275862681. ‪#‎brittenperio‬‪#‎clearwaterperiodontist‬

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Campaigns to Raise Money and Awareness for Red Nose Day 2016!

Are you Red Nose Ready?

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Campaigns to Raise Money and Awareness for Red Nose Day 2016!

Throughout the month of May, Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, is campaigning to bring awareness about Red Nose Day and help raise funds for this extraordinary cause!

Red Nose Day is a philanthropic event that began 25 years ago to help children in poverty worldwide.  In the past 25 years the event has raised more than 1 billion globally.  Their slogan is, “Laugh. Give. Save a kid.” 

Dr. Todd M. Britten, a board certified periodontist in Clearwater, FL, has challenged his staff members to get #rednoseready by donating to this global event and then showing off their red nose as they share a little about each of themselves with the online community.  During the month of May each staff member has been featured on the practice’s Facebook page with a silly red nose and their biography, in hopes to engage the community and bring awareness to Red Nose Day 2016!  They are challenging the community to post pictures of themselves in their own red noses onto Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry’s Facebook page.  For every person who posts a picture with a red nose on their Facebook page, they will donate an additional $1 to the Red Nose Day cause!

Jennifer Daly, one of the surgical assistants at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry expressed why this cause is so important to her, “Red Nose Day is important to me because as a mother, it breaks my heart knowing that there are still children in the world that can’t or don’t have food to eat.  These are things that I take for granted, but would love to see the end of childhood hunger.” 

Half of the money distributed by Red Nose Day 2016 will be spent right here in the U.S. The other half will be spent in some of the poorest communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. All money raised supports projects that ensure kids are safe, healthy, and educated.

Red Nose Day 2016 directly benefits these charity partners; Boys & Girls Club of America, Feeding America, Children’s Health Fund, National Urban League, Gavi The Vaccine Alliance, Oxfam America, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Covenant House and National Counsil of La Raza.

To find out more about how you can participate in Red Nose Day, visit...

http://rednoseday.org/

Or to post a picture of you with your red nose on Britten Periodontics Facebook Page, please follow this link!  https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterPeriodontist/

Periodontal Disease Can Be Controlled and Treated

Periodontal Disease Can Be Controlled and Treated

Your dentist and/or dental hygienist routinely perform an examination of your gum tissue health which includes periodontal probing, or measuring of the depth of your gums.

Unhealthy gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's own enzymes fighting the infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Periodontal disease – and the harmful affects to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth – can be controlled and treated. Improvement to our patients’ overall health is also often dramatically improved.

The health improvement is easy to appreciate when you consider living with an active bacterial infection, easily exposed to one’s bloodstream, can have a detrimental affect beyond the harm to the tooth and gums.

If you have symptoms of gum disease, contact us immediately. Gum disease addressed early can be reversed – and gum disease addressed later can be controlled. For more information, please contact our office at 727-586-2681 or www.brittenperio.com.

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 leftuntreated, 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.

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: Is PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONTAGIOUS?

Friday Q & A:

Is PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONTAGIOUS?

From Perio.org:

"Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious.

However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment.

If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family."

If you have any questions, please contact us 727-586-2681 or email healthysmiles@brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Participates in Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Todd Britten and his staff, along with many other professionals in Pinellas county, are using the month of April to focus on Oral Cancer Awareness. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, "Close to 45,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,650 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day."

Dr. Todd Britten and his staff participated in the 3rd Annual Oral Cancer Foundation 5K Walk/Run for Awareness on April 9th in Hurley Park at St. Pete Beach. In addition to participating in the event, he and his staff helped event organizers prepare packets for race participants. “Your dentist, dental specialist and dental hygienist are your first line of defense for early detection of Oral Cancer,” Dr. Britten stated. “We check every patient for signs of Oral Cancer. It is most common in current or past tobacco users and those that use alcohol heavily, however it may occur in non-smokers and non-drinkers.”

Dental professionals routinely perform systematic examination of the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, borders of the tongue, as well as the lymph nodes surrounding the oral cavity and in the neck. “It is important to me that my staff, as well as my patients know what we are doing and why, and what they may be able to look for at home. If you have any concerns about your oral health, come see us.” Britten’s periodontal practice is located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Britten stated he is using the month of April to review with his staff their Oral Cancer Screening protocol as well as distributing an Oral Cancer Screening handout to his patients.

The 3rd Annual Oral Cancer Foundation 5K Walk/Run for Awareness on April 9th featured free oral cancer screenings by local dental professionals as well as keynote speaker and internationally recognized storyteller Eva Grayzel. Grayzel was diagnosed at age 33 with stage IV oral cancer and given a 15% chance of survival. Grayzel also performed off-Broadway, in Tongue-Tied: A Story NOT Silenced by Oral Cancer and has written two children’s books, “Mr. C Plays Hide & Seek and Mr. C the Globetrotter.”

Dr. Britten states, “I am so grateful that we were able to participate in this important event with many other professionals in our community, as well as those touched personally by this devastating, and sometimes deadly disease.”

Todd Britten's periodontal office is located in Clearwater, Florida. For more information visit his website http://www.brittenperio.com or call 727-586-2681.