Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Clearwater Periodontist Shares: What you can expect from a soft tissue grafting procedure

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


4th Annual Veteran's Day Event Clearwater Periodontist

In his Clearwater periodontal practice, Dr. Todd Britten sees veterans for periodontal screenings followed by a free day of surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. He works with local restorative dentists who help provide fillings, crowns and sometimes dentures.
Dr. Todd M. Britten and the team at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is gearing up for their 4th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans. The event is scheduled for November 9, 2018.
“Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Dr. Todd Britten. “Many of us ask ourselves, ‘What can we do?’, ‘How can we make a difference?’” Dr. Britten said that is exactly what he asked himself in 2015. “I am aware that dental coverage for veterans was very hard to attain, so we hit the ground running trying to deliver periodontal care to as many veterans as we could.”
The inaugural year the Clearwater, FL based periodontal practice provided over $35,000 in treatment over the last 3 years’ events. Stated Britten, “Having local dentists involved enables us to provide more comprehensive care to our veterans. Being a periodontist, my specialty is really the surrounding structures of the teeth; roots, gum and bone. My job is to help with the foundation. Having restorative specialists involved helps us to treat the whole mouth and really deliver comprehensive care to these veterans.”
Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is currently doing initial exams on veterans to get them scheduled for treatment. “If you know of any veteran in serious need of dental care, please get in touch with their office right away, as these spaces are filling up quickly,” says Ellen Byrd, a dental hygienist in the practice who helps plan the event each year.
Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten offers sedation dentistry. For more information, visit http://www.brittenperio.com

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.