Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares: What is LANAP Laser Surgical Gum Therapy?

What is LANAP Laser Surgical Gum Therapy?

Our office offers a minimally-invasive periodontal surgery procedure called the LANAP protocol.Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissue and bone around the teeth.  If left untreated, the disease can lead to receding gums, loss of bone, and ultimately tooth loss. The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment that is cleared by the U.S. FDA and is clinically and histologically proven to regenerate new gum, tissue, ligament and bone

Who is a candidate for LANAP laser surgery?

Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol.  The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.  It is important to state however, that not every patient is a candidate for laser surgery, it all depends on the individual.  Dr. Britten will thoroughly explore all options to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts_s044_R-Q

Dr. Todd Britten has received intensive training in the LANAP protocol by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.  The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment scientifically and clinically proven to regenerate soft tissue and bone.  The surgery is performed here in our practice with the only laser specifically designed for the LANAP protocol -- the PerioLase MVP-7.

For more information regarding LANAP Laser Gum Treatment offered by Dr. Todd Britten, contact our office at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares Bone Grafting Procedure

If a patient has severe bone loss surrounding existing teeth, Dr. Britten may recommend a regenerative procedure called Periodontal Regeneration Grafting. This procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue.

During this procedure, Dr. Britten accesses the deeper disease and removes the disease‐causing bacteria in a procedure called osseous surgery . Barrier membranes, bone grafts or tissue‐stimulating proteins can then be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. The bone grafting material is placed in the bony defects around the teeth. A membrane may be used to cover and protect the bone graft. When healed, new bone will grow and attach to the teeth.

For questions about if a bone grafting procedure might be right for you, contact our office at 727-586-2681.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPORajUKNe4

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: Clenching and Grinding & Custom Nightguard

Many people clench or grind their teeth whether they realize it or not. Clenching and grinding can be detrimental to your teeth and to their supporting structures (gum tissues and bone). It can cause wear on the biting surfaces, root defects, gum recession, contribute to gum disease and tooth shifting and mobility, and cause muscular and TMJ (joint) issues.

Most people are completely unaware that they do it, because it happens while they are sleeping. Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth and find the thought of wearing a night guard very unappealing.

Nightguards purchased online or at the drug store are not custom fitted, they are usual one size fits all or boil & bites. They can be large, unattractive, poorly fitting and may even come out during the grinding.

Your dentist is trained in how a persons' bite should function, how the teeth should come together and will take into account your specific situation and grinding pattern. Your dentist’s office will take impressions of your teeth so that the dental lab can make a might guard that is the exact match to your teeth.

Although the initial investment may be greater, a custom fit nightguard can be an extremely worthwhile investment in the long run. It is designed by your dentist to fit your teeth exactly and is much more likely than a store bought guard to prevent you from needing more expensive dental work in the future. In many case, dental insurance covers all or part of the cost.
Dr. Britten can check your teeth and bite for signs of abnormal clenching and grinding and work with your dentist to fabricate the right appliance for you. Contact our office at 728-586-2681, via email at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com with any questions or concerns you have.