FAQs

What benefits do permanent teeth dental implants offer over conventional dental treatment?

How successful are permanent teeth dental implants?

Are permanent teeth dental implants right for me?

What about the cost of permanent teeth dental implants?

Is age a deterrent to dental implant treatment?

Is Osteoporosis a deterrent to permanent teeth dental implants?

How much time is required to have a dental implant procedure?

What can I use for teeth while the dental implants are healing?

Does it hurt to have permanent teeth dental implants placed?

How do I properly maintain the dental implant once treatment is completed?

Why is supportive periodontal care (maintenance) important?

How often should I have maintenance visits?

Are supportive periodontal care visits worth the cost?

What is covered by my insurance?

What are my payment options?

Can I still get implants or periodontal treatment if I have a fear of dentists?

Can I still be treated by Dr. Silberg if I live outside of the Pittsburgh area?

What is the relationship between your dentist and Dr. Silberg?

WHAT BENEFITS DO PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS OFFER OVER CONVENTIONAL DENTAL TREATMENT?
Not only are permanent teeth dental implants better than conventional dental treatments, such as dentures or bridges, in some cases, they are even better than your own natural teeth, because permanent teeth never decay and never require root canals. A single permanent tooth dental implant is easy to clean, easy to floss and prevents the adjacent teeth from being damaged (through grinding or filing). CLICK HERE for more information on the benefits of permanent teeth dental implants.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
In our office we have a 20-year track record. On average, over 95% of our permanent teeth dental implants are successful. CLICK HERE to review our statistics regarding the success of our patients receiving permanent teeth dental implants.

ARE PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?
Outside of desire to get rid of your dentures or missing teeth with the best dental solution known to man, you only need good health to become a candidate for permanent teeth dental implants. Even people with well-controlled diabetes have had successful implant placements. To determine your needs and a proper course of treatment, Dr. Silberg and his staff will take you through our CARE Continuum to find a solution only for you.

WHAT ABOUT THE COST OF PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Over the course of an individual’s lifetime, the cost to replace a single tooth with a bridge can, in most cases, be more expensive than replacing that same missing tooth with a permanent tooth dental implant. For instance, a single permanent tooth dental implant and crown will generally cost our patients $2,950. While a bridge may save you money initially, costing only $2,700, you will end up spending more money, and more time, in the future for treatment or replacement of the same bridge. The following chart displays projected costs and expenses for a standard 3-unit bridge to replace a missing tooth, over a patient’s lifetime (based upon the finding that the average bridge lasts for 10-12 years and is replaced due to decay).

Age When Tooth Is Lost	Average Cost to Place Initial 3-Unit Bridge Today	Cost to Replace Bridge in 10 Years	Cost to Replace Bridge in 10 Years	Cost to Replace Bridge in 10 Years	Cost to Replace Bridge in 10 Years	Lifetime Costs
30	$2,700	$3,375	$4,219	$5,273	$6,592	$22,159
40		$2,700	$3,375	$4,219	$5,273	$15,567
50			$2,700	$3,375	$4,219	$10,294
* Example assumes 2.5% inflation per year. * Example is based on average fees in the Pittsburgh area

IS AGE A DETERRENT TO DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?
Not at all. Ask yourself, is it ever too late to feel good about yourself, improve your health and rediscover the quality of life? Generally, anyone above the age of 16 is an ideal candidate for permanent teeth dental implant treatment. Dr. Silberg has placed permanent teeth dental implants in people over the age of 90, who could no longer chew and function with their old “George Washington-type” dentures. This treatment is also a wonderful way to take care of an aging parent.

IS OSTEOPOROSIS A DETERRENT TO PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
No. We have successfully treated many people with osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as those taking medications to help stop osteoporosis. Because they increase your overall bite and chew force, permanent teeth dental implants may actually help strengthen your jawbone, in some cases, by stimulating the jawbone as you chew with your dental implants.

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE?
The standard permanent teeth dental implant procedure for a single dental implant can take close to an hour, while placement of multiple dental implants can take two to three hours, depending on the number of implants needed, placement location and cosmetic needs.

WHAT CAN I USE FOR TEETH WHILE THE DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE HEALING?
If your missing tooth or teeth can be seen when you smile, your restoring dentist can make a temporary replacement tooth (or teeth) for cosmetic purposes. In some cases, a temporary tooth can be connected to your dental implant on the same day that it is placed. If you are missing all of the teeth in an upper or a lower jaw, you may be a candidate for immediate placement of REAL teeth that are connected directly to the dental implants, on the day of your implant placement.

DOES IT HURT TO HAVE PERMANENT TEETH DENTAL IMPLANTS PLACED?
As with most dentistry, pain is a common misconception about the permanent teeth dental implant placement procedure. Our patients continuously tell us how amazed they are that the procedure did not hurt and that they required no pain relievers after the procedure. Of course, your level of discomfort is dependent upon the extent of your procedure (such as the number of dental implants and the placement location), but our patients routinely tell us that they experience little to no pain during treatment. As we always say, don’t take our word for it, CLICK HERE to see what our patients have to say.

HOW DO I PROPERLY MAINTAIN THE DENTAL IMPLANT ONCE TREATMENT IS COMPLETED?
Permanent teeth dental implants are just like REAL TEETH and require the same care and treatment regimen of regular brushing and flossing to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. CLICK HERE for more information on how to care and maintain permanent teeth dental implants.

WHY IS SUPPORTIVE PERIODONTAL CARE (MAINTENANCE) IMPORTANT?
It’s a fact: You are susceptible to gum disease. And, the main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in this plaque produces toxins, or poisons, which constantly attack your gums and teeth. Unless plaque is removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help to minimize the formation of calculus, but it won't completely prevent it. No matter how careful you are in cleaning your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional must check for hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque at time intervals appropriate for you so that your teeth and gums stay healthy. CLICK HERE for more information on effective prevention of periodontal disease and damage.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MAINTENANCE VISITS?
Your periodontal condition is the deciding factor. Depending upon your situation, the interval between your maintenance visits might be as often as, every few weeks or every six months.

The frequency of your maintenance visits will be influenced by:

The type of periodontal disease you have.
The type of periodontal treatment you received.
Your response to your treatment.
Your rate of plaque growth.
Your personal commitment to, and effectiveness of, good oral care at home.

ARE SUPPORTIVE PERIODONTAL CARE VISITS WORTH THE COST?
Without question! By treating disease in the early stages, you save dollars - and discomfort - in the long run. Maintenance visits help to protect your periodontal health and prevent future dental problems. While most dental insurance programs will cover only one dental examination every six months, and force you to pay out of your own pocket for more frequent maintenance, these visits are a wise investment in your dental health that save you greater expenses, and suffering, in the long run.

WHAT IS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?
Your insurance coverage may or may not include benefits for services provided in this office. The benefits you may receive are established by the terms of the contract that has been purchased by your employer or you. The formula your insurance carrier uses, if benefits are covered, may be less than the fee we have established as necessary for your care.

You should know:

Your insurance is a contract between you and/or your employer and/or the insurance company. We are not a party to that contract. Questions regarding why your company includes or excludes certain services should be directed to your employer.
Our fees are based on your individual needs and what Dr. Silberg feels will be required to provide the highest quality care. The exact amount of reimbursement will vary between insurance companies. Some companies reimburse based on an arbitrary “schedule” of fees, which has no relationship to the current standard, and cost of your care.
Insurance is considered a method of reimbursing the patient for fees paid to the doctor and is not a substitute for payment. Some companies pay fixed allowances for certain procedures, and others pay a percentage of the charge. It is your responsibility to pay any deductible amount, co-insurance or any other balance not paid for by your insurance.

WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?
The Silberg Center For Dental Science is committed to running a financially responsible practice that offers our patients high quality treatment and high value results, facilitated by our ongoing investment in state-of-the-art equipment and extensive continuing education for the doctor and all our staff. We will assist you in every way to make the insurance and financial arrangements you need for your care and treatment.
Prior to your treatment our financial coordinator will work with you to determine a financial arrangement best suited for you.

We can offer you the following payment options for your care:

5% courtesy fee reduction for payment before treatment is rendered.
Treatment fees divided into 2 or 3 equal payments.
We can arrange a “No Interest” 6-month loan.
We can arrange a “Low Interest” loan for 12 to 48 months.

CAN I STILL GET IMPLANTS OR PERIODONTAL TREATMENT IF I HAVE A FEAR OF DENTISTS?
Absolutely. Today, there is no need to ever let fear or anxiety keep you from feeling and looking your best. Dr. Silberg and his staff use a variety of methods to help you to feel relaxed, comfortable and ready. Whether you need a few kind words of reassurance to help you feel at ease, or anesthesia to numb the pain or bring you to a soothing twilight sleep, we are committed to making your treatment experience as enjoyable as it is effective. CLICK HERE for more information on our approach managing patient fear and anxiety.

CAN I STILL BE TREATED BY DR. SILBERG IF I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE PITTSBURGH AREA?
Yes. At the Silberg Center For Dental Science, we routinely treat patients from outside of the area who travel specifically to receive the specialized care and treatment that Dr. Silberg offers. We encourage patients from anywhere in the country, and around the world, who are ready to throw away their dentures and replace their missing teeth with the only effective and permanent solution to missing teeth, to contact us today and we will assist you in making travel arrangements to meet with Dr. Silberg at our Pittsburgh-area practice.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR DENTIST AND DR. SILBERG?
Your dentist and Dr. Silberg work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care. They combine their experience to formulate the best treatment plan and maintenance plan for you. They keep each other informed about your progress. Although Dr. Silberg may see you periodically for maintenance therapy, you will need to see your general dentist as well. Appointments for periodontal maintenance do not replace regular dental checkups. If Dr. Silberg detects tooth decay during a maintenance visit, he will refer you to your general dentist for treatment. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health, including such dental needs as filling new or recurrent cavities or making changes in fillings, crowns or bridges.