Cosmetic Gum Lifts

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

You may not have any missing teeth, but if you feel that something about your smile is just “off,” it may be due to the fact that your gums rest too low on your teeth. If that’s the case, you’re the perfect candidate to receive a cosmetic gum lift.

A gum lift will even out your gum line, providing you with a smile that you won’t be afraid to flash as often as you can. One of the best things about gum lifts is the fact that your local Pittsburgh periodontist can perform this procedure right here in our office.

The procedure is very simple: you’ll head to Dr. Silberg’s office, and we’ll use a combination of techniques to get your gums looking marvelous. Often, Dr. Silberg will use a pen or marker to illustrate where your new gum line will appear in your smile. You can expect a local anesthetic to be applied to the area (just like when cavities are filled) and the usual discomfort associated with any dental procedure.

The recovery process after you undergo a cosmetic gum lift varies from person to person. It’s recommended that you limit your activity level the day of the surgery, and to expect to wait at least three days to a week for your gums to heal completely. Dr. Silberg will give you very specific instructions on how you can help your gums heal more quickly. Following these instructions to the letter will make the process as comfortable as possible. You’ll obviously be advised to eat soft foods – yogurt, cheese, ice cream, eggs, and pasta for the first few days after your surgery. You’ll also be given direct instructions on how to brush your teeth following the gum lift.

In the end, your gum cosmetic gum lift will drastically improve the quality of your smile. If you think you’re in need of a cosmetic gum lift, get on the phone today or schedule a consultation online.

For Dental Implants, Choose a Periodontist

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

If you’re considering getting dental implants in Pittsburgh, you should give careful consideration to who should perform the procedure. While many dentists across varying specialties advertise this service, and many are competent in it, the best chance of success comes from someone who specializes in the supporting structures of a mouth—in other words, a periodontist.

However realistic a dental implant may look, it isn’t living tissue. The only living tissue at an implant site is the gum and bone being operated on—the primary focus of a periodonist’s training. This expertise comes in handy before, during, and after the process of placing an implant. Before, we need to monitor the health of your mouth and make sure you’re in the best shape possible, to give the implant its best chance of success. During, we work with the bone and gum to fit them around the implant in a way that is secure, natural, and comfortable. And afterward, one of the most important things to do is to monitor the implant site for signs of any complications.

The need for a periodontist’s specialized knowledge becomes even more apparent when you consider that most tooth loss in adults is due to periodontal disease. If you have lost teeth to anything other than a sudden accident, chances are the infection remains active. A dental implant can’t be placed in infected tissue without risking implant failure; instead, the infection must be treated to prepare you for the implant procedure. Every day, we clean and disinfect irritated periodontal pockets. Our office is even equipped with a soft tissue laser which we can use to sterilize infected gum tissue and encourage new growth. To create the perfect environment for implants, no one is better equipped or qualified than a periodontist.

If you are missing teeth, Dr. Silberg can provide all the care you need. The Silberg Center for Dental Science is the first choice among Pittsburgh Periodontists for many. Call us today, and start on the path to a healthy, brilliant smile.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Periodontal disease will always worsen if not treated. By its very nature, it is self-aggravating and progressive, developing from minor gingivitis to advanced periodontitis if given the time. At every step along the way, the disease damages your tissue, damage which may be difficult or impossible to correct without extensive surgery. As your Pittsburgh periodontist, we’d like you to recognize the stages of gum disease and seek treatment if you need it.

Gingivitis

The name of gingivitis refers specifically to the swelling of your gums and not the infection that causes it. It is also characterized by redness, sensitivity, and easy bleeding. Minor gingivitis can be treated at home with careful brushing and flossing. beyond a certain point, however, you will not be able to address it without help.

Periodontitis

In periodontitis, the gums separate from the teeth, resulting in hollows or “periodontal pockets” against the tooth roots where bacteria gathers and multiplies. This causes tartar buildup on the tooth roots, which further irritates the gums, creating a cycle of worsening gum disease.

Progressive bone loss

Between the activity of bacteria and the body’s immune response, all the tissue surrounding the infected gums will begin to deteriorate, including the alveolar bone. The upper and lower jaws include small wells of bone within which the tooth roots are contained; when those wells are eroded, the teeth are no longer secure, and can shift or even fall out. Periodontal disease is the chief cause of tooth loss in adults—not age.

Treatment options

We offer periodontal therapy to eliminate your infection and teach you to maintain healthy habits. Our treatment options include LANAP, a laser-based treatment which helps reduce periodontal pockets and reverse the progression of gum disease. For those with receded gums, Dr. Silberg is trained in the pinhole surgical technique, a minimally invasive option for restoring recessed gum tissue. Depending on the seriousness of your periodontal disease, you may also require tooth replacement and/or bone grafts.

If you are suffering from gum disease in Pittsburgh, don’t wait. The sooner you seek treatment, the more of your mouth you will preserve. Call today or contact us online to schedule your appointment, and experience the benefits of full periodontal health.

Real Teeth For Life

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Tooth loss can have a major impact on your quality of life. The tooth replacement you choose has a lasting effect on your gums, your jawbone, and on everything you do with your mouth from that point forward. Although any tooth replacement is better for your health and confidence than none, there is a distinct difference between the available options. While dentures restore a reasonable amount of function, only dental implants offer benefits similar to your natural teeth.

Stability

One of the chief drawbacks of dentures is that they can shift as you’re using them, causing feelings of instability and the worry that the dentures might fall out. Adhesives help, but can wear off too quickly, and the need to apply them and clean them off adds time and bother to your daily routine. Even partial dentures and bridges have similar problems, wobbling and shifting while in use.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are fixed permanently in place. They don’t shift, let alone fall out, and take the same amount of time to maintain as normal teeth.

Health

Once you begin to lose teeth, the rest of your mouth deteriorates from lack of use. Your gums recede, your jawbone weakens, and other teeth will drift from their positions. Dentures do nothing to help and can even accelerate the process by placing unaccustomed pressure on your jawbone. The only tooth replacements which actively work to keep your bone and gums healthy are dental implants. The post of an implant replaces your tooth roots, encouraging the bone and gums to grow against it instead of receding.

Aesthetics

While we attempt to make every dental prosthetic as realistic as possible, there are limits to what we can accomplish. Dentures will always be a separate appliance in your mouth, which may become visible or even fall out. Partial dentures have to be fastened in place, and those fastenings are often visible.

Individual dental implants are the most realistic, least obtrusive dental prosthetic available. Because they are implanted in your jaw with the fixtures covered by your gums, they look virtually identical to your natural teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence.

Implant-Secured Dentures

Even if you decide that dentures are the option that makes the most sense for you, you can still reap some of the benefits of dental implants. Using just a few implants to fasten your dentures will increase their stability immensely and eliminate the risk of dentures falling out. It will also benefit your jaw and gums—perhaps not as much as individual implants, but enough to make a difference.

Whether you have recently lost teeth or have been wearing dentures for years, dental implants can restore your mouth and change your life. Contact the Silberg Center for Dental Science today to find out whether you qualify for dental implants.

Compassionate, Ethical Dentistry

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

At the Silberg Center for Dental Science, we believe in holding ourselves to a higher standard. Instead of simply treating your dental concerns and sending you on your way, we strive to partner with each of our patients to provide them with the education and self-esteem that they deserve. We understand some of the inherent challenges that new patients can face, such as embarrassment about their dental condition, financial obligations, anxiety about dental work, and the longevity of repairs—which is why we make these promises to our patients.

We promise to always treat you with dignity and respect.

When you walk into our office, our goal is to make you feel like a part of the team. Our front desk staff will greet you with a smile, and we will quietly and discreetly discuss things like paperwork and insurance coverage. We know that you have other options when it comes to dental care, which is why we treat every single patient with the utmost dignity and respect, without exception.

We promise to always do and say what is right and what is best for you.

Dental concerns can be complicated and illusive, which is why some patients worry about undergoing suggested procedures. However, here at the Silberg Center for Dental Science, we promise to never put our own financial interests ahead of the importance of your care. We will always do and say what is best for you, and we understand that your dental care is up to you.

We promise to facilitate your health care decisions with education, caring and compassion.

Every patient is different, which is why we work hard to treat all of our patients with care and compassion. From the smallest children to the most experienced senior, we will treat every patient like they matter—because you do. We are also committed to helping our patients understand their oral health through providing dental education. We will take the time to explain your current condition, where your treatment might need to go, or why certain procedures were necessary in the past. We never want to leave you in the dark, so we always set aside enough time to discuss all of your dental health concerns.

We will never manipulate or pressure you to accept treatment. We will support you to achieve the highest level of health to which you aspire.

Because every person is different, the dental care that might be right for your friend or neighbor might not be something that you are interested in. Because of this, we promise to never pressure you to undergo dental procedures. We want you to feel completely in charge of your dental health, and we will help you to meet your goals—not the other way around.

We promise to keep our education and our technology up to date and will continue to be the leading implant and periodontal practice in the tri-state area

Unlike some other dental practices, we work hard to maintain our level of education through attending additional courses and investing in the best equipment. For example, the Silberg Center for Dental Science offers the innovative Pinhole Surgical Technique™, which is the least invasive gum grafting procedure available. Dr. Silberg also offers services such as laser dentistry, which reduces recovery time and increases patient comfort, and newer dental implants and abutments that are stronger and have a longer lifespan.

For more information about the promises we make to our patients, check out our website or make an appointment with the Silberg Center for Dental Science today.

Treatments for Gum Recession

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

If you struggle with receding gums, there are many different treatments available to you. Your Pittsburgh periodontist, Dr. Silberg, is trained in many different preventive and corrective procedures to ensure that your smile is healthy and beautiful. One of the more innovative approaches he offers is called Alloderm tissue grafts.

Traditionally, in a gum graft procedure, gum tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth, and then grafted directly in to the problem area of recession. This can be a painful procedure, with an uncomfortable recovery. However, Dr. Silberg now offers Alloderm tissue grafts, which are a healthy, low-risk alternative to the traditional method.

What is Alloderm?

Alloderm is a regenerative dermal tissue donation which has been aseptically processed to remove cells, and freeze-dried to remove any moisture, while preserving the biological components and dermal structure. It can be grafted right in to your own tissue to create a seamless, natural solution to your receding gums. Alloderm has been used in over a million patients, over a span of more than 10 years in dental settings, with excellent results.

How does it work?

Alloderm tissue grafts are used to replace any missing gum tissue you may be experiencing. At your procedure, your gums will be gently pulled back to reveal the roots. The roots will be planed and demineralized to aid in the bonding of new tissue to the surface of the root. Small incisions are made to create a passageway between the tooth and the gum tissue. Next, the Alloderm tissue grafts are carefully placed in the space created, filling in the gaps where gum recession has occurred. Finally, the gums and grafts are sutured securely in place to allow healing to occur. An antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to help make the healing process more comfortable and to prevent infection.

Because Alloderm tissue components are acellular, they are virtually risk-free from biological rejection, as well as transmittable disease. All tissue samples are thoroughly screened and treated with an aseptic procedure to prevent complications from arising as a result of the graft.

To learn more about this and other procedures we offer, visit our comprehensive website. Give us a call to set up a consultation and to see if Alloderm gum grafts may be the best option for you. As a qualified and experienced periodontist, Dr. Silberg and he staff are fully prepared to make your gums as strong and beautiful as they can be.

Advancements in Treating Receding Gums

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Periodontitis If your gums are receding, you may need surgery to correct them. Traditionally this is done by cutting gum tissue away from the roof of the mouth, and replacing it under the affected gum line. The replaced gum tissue is stitched into place, where it will assimilate with the gum tissue around it. The healing process can be painful and lengthy.

Causes of Receding Gums

There are many reasons why gums may recede. Among them are hormonal changes or genetic predisposition, habits such as grinding teeth or tobacco use, misalignment, or gum disease. Whatever the cause, receding gums are serious and can lead to the degradation of the underlying bone tissue. If the bone is not strong it cannot support the teeth and they may fall out.

Here at The Silberg Center for Dental Science, we offer a state-of-the-art procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Dr. Silberg has learned this technique from its creator, Dr. Chao, and has brought it back to our office so that you can enjoy its incredible, non-invasive benefits.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

This technique is the latest break-through in the treatment of receding gums. In older treatments the gums are cut, grafted and stitched. But with the Pinhole Surgical Technique, there is no cutting, no grafting and no stitches. Because of this, there is far less discomfort, and the recovery is much quicker. This efficient method was developed so that you can enjoy the lasting results of healthy gums without all the hassle of traditional surgery.

In this procedure, only a local anesthetic is needed. Once administered and in effect, a small needle is used to create a “pinhole” in the gum tissue, giving access to the affected area. Using specialized tools, the gum tissue is loosened, and repositioned to cover the roots of the affected teeth. Collagen strips are then placed under the tissue to help stabilize the gums. The pinhole site heals very quickly—often even overnight—so that you can resume your regular eating and drinking as early as the next day.

No longer is the scalpel the only way to correct receding gum lines. If your gums need to be treated for recession, come in for a discussion with Dr. Silberg, who has studied this technique and mastered its application. Forget about the fear and pain associated with the traditional method, because there is a better way. This breakthrough technique has enabled thousands of patients throughout the country to enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy gums, without grafts or stitches. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.

Creating and Protecting Your Beautiful Smile

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

We live in an exciting time when it comes to modern dental procedures and technology. Virtually anyone today can shine a beautiful smile, thanks to technology and techniques that correct many common dental problems.

The following infographic developed by Carrington.edu illustrates some of the most interesting and surprising findings about dental health. According to the research, attractive white teeth can make a person appear at least 20 percent more attractive and can shave off as much as five years from your apparent age.

Understanding the Possibilities

Both children and adults can benefit from correcting missing, misaligned or discolored teeth. However, achieving and maintaining that brilliant smile often represents a significant investment in time and money.

The infographic points out that a whopping 164 million work hours are spent by adults receiving dental care each year, and another 51 million school hours are required for the dental needs of children.

The dollar cost also represents a significant investment. A few of the more common procedures average:

Braces – $5,000
Veneers – $ 10,000 to $30,000 per set
Dental implants – $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth
Root canal – $1,000 per tooth

Of course, those costs are a minor consideration for a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. In the first place, dental health plays a very big role in your overall physical health. The highly regarded Mayo Clinic has identified many ways poor dental health may affect you, including aggravating several serious medical conditions.

The cosmetic value of a great smile cannot be overstated, either. A number of different surveys continue to document that the appearance of your teeth and smile is a major factor in your success and social acceptance. With this perspective, you can see why a reasonable investment in your dental health and appearance is extremely important. dental-care-chart

Proactive Protection Is Essential

It is equally as important to protect your investment in a great smile by ensuring proper dental hygiene. For example, you can damage your teeth from poor dental habits such as frequent teeth grinding. If you feel this is a problem, check with your dentist for solutions, or take time to explore how it may be rooted in such factors as frustration and feelings of anxiety and anger.

You could also benefit from paying attention to what you eat and drink to better avoid staining and damaging your teeth. Certain foods and beverages have chemicals and acids that can stain and etch teeth very quickly. These include:

Coffee
Wine
Colas
Berries
Tea
Candies

If you drink these liquids, try to use a straw and always swallow as quickly as possible. Also, rinse with water as soon afterwards as possible. A beautiful smile is something everyone can aspire to, and could be well worth the investment. Be sure to regularly schedule dental checkups and maintain good oral hygiene.

Your Health, Your Future, Your Choice, Silberg Center for Dental Science

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Start 2016 Off Right

At the dawn of a New Year, millions of Americans resolve to make healthier choices and turn over a new leaf. Here at the Silberg Center for Dental Science, we would like to encourage all of our patients to make 2016 their year to return to dental health. Whether it might be coming in for regular checkups or finally addressing that root canal you have been putting off, we know that making a commitment to dental health will pay off in the long run.

Also, we want you to know that we will do everything in our power to make your dental care experience as pleasant as possible. We want you to feel comfortable, welcome, and safe in our office, which is why we offer conveniences such as in-office sedation. In 2016, make a commitment to keep your teeth healthy, beautiful, and comfortable.

Preventive Care Is Key

Did you know that a staggering 27.6% of adults between the ages of 20 to 44 suffer from untreated dental cavities? If this decay is allowed to stay and grow, it can harbor bacteria that can cause dental abscesses and periodontal disease. Fortunately, you can stop decay in its tracks by focusing on preventive care.

We encourage our patients to come in for a checkup twice a year, and not to put off recommended dental care procedures. Please keep in mind that we offer a range of payment plans to make your experience as convenient as possible. Our dentists are also happy to discuss the basics of oral hygiene and preventive care with you, if you feel like you need additional education. By maintaining healthy teeth, you can keep your body healthy, and fulfill your commitment to a healthier self in 2016.

Our Promises

We have also made a few resolutions of our own. Here are a few of the promises we want to make to our patients:

We promise to treat each of our patients with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
We promise to recommend treatment options that are safe and correct for your individual case.
We promise to facilitate your dental care with education, compassion, and kindness.
We promise never to pressure you into accepting treatment. We will always support your decisions.
We promise to provide a safe office environment and to include you in your dental care decisions.
We promise to maintain our commitment to continuing education and to provide state-of-the-art services for our patients.

We look forward to serving you in 2016. If you know that you are due for an appointment, call us today to set up a dental checkup.

Happy New Year from The Silberg Center for Dental Science

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Make Oral Health A Priority In 2016!

Don’t let those teeth go another year without being cared for. Join with us to make 2016 the year that you start focusing on your oral health! We are encouraging all of our patients to make dental care part of their New Year’s resolutions. It might seem silly, but by taking the time to perfect your oral hygiene regimen and visit with Dr. Silberg, you might be able to enjoy a healthier smile than ever before.

A great place to start is by making an appointment for a preventative checkup. You don’t have to wait until you have serious dental problems to visit with Dr. Silberg. In fact, early appointments can help us to identify issues with your teeth and stop decay before it starts spreading.

Let Us Help You to Perfect Your Smile

Here are just a few ways we can help you to have the smile you have always dreamed of:

Discolored, Damaged Teeth: Here at the Silberg Center for Dental Science, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening, bonding, or even reshaping. If your teeth are discolored or damaged, we can brighten them, smooth out the surfaces, and replace decay with tooth-colored resins or porcelain crowns.
Uneven or Blotchy Gums: Don’t let those splotchy or uneven gums make your smile look strange. We offer laser treatments to bleach away spots or to remove and reshape tissue. After all, your gums provide the frame for your smile.
Missing Teeth: Don’t let those missing teeth make your smile look damaged. We also provide custom-designed dental implants that can be anchored right into your jawbone. These implants are comfortable, natural looking, and can transform your smile.
Gingivitis: We can even treat advanced gingivitis at our office. Dr. Silberg can remove plaque and tartar pockets that might be inflaming your gums or contributing to periodontal disease.

Don’t hesitate to make your New Year’s appointment today! The sooner you start focusing on your oral health, the better.