Clearwater, FL Periodontist, Dr. Todd Britten, Now Provides Bone Loss Patients With The Strength For Dental Implants Through Bone Grafting Procedures

Todd Britten, DMD, M.S. , a board-certified periodontist,  places bone grafts for patients suffering from bone loss in the jawbone, which occurs when teeth are missing and are no longer stimulating the bone. Dental implants are often used to replace teeth and can stimulate the jawbone, but when there is not enough jaw bone to hold the implants, the dental procedure of bone grafting may be done first to provide security for the implants.

Dr. Todd Britten recommends bone grafting procedures for patients with missing teeth who need additional jaw bone support for the placement of dental implants. Bone grafting is recommended when bone loss is extreme. 

The bone grafting procedure takes bone from non-essential areas of the patient's body and transplants it into the area of the jaw where the dental implants will be located. In most cases, allografts are used.  Allografts are taken from a bone bank where human bone from cadavers has been donated and xenografts are taken from animal bone. Autogenous grafts come from the patient.  The new bone is surgically placed in the jaw area where it is required and may be supplemented by the patient's bone marrow mixed with a grafting material. The incision is closed using sutures, and the area is allowed to heal.  Local anesthesia is all that is needed in most cases, however, Dr. Britten offers different forms of sedation dentistry, including IV conscious sedation.  

The dental bone graft then heals completely prior to proceeding with other procedures, such as the placement of dental implants. This will generally take about four to six months. Once the area completely heals, the patient can be evaluated for the placement of dental implants.  This often can be done with an examination and radiograph and sometimes a ConeBeam CT scan can be performed.  The implants are made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees), a metal that is well suited to pairing with human bone.  Patients interested in these procedures should locate additional information at http://www.clearwater-periodontist.com or www.brittenperio.com.

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.