Dr. Friedberg is a  board certified periodonitist and provides surgical and non-surgical approaches to treating periodontal problems. During your initial consultation, the doctor will review your situation and provide you with all available treatment options. In addition, sedation is available for patients who wish to have maximum relaxation during periodontal procedures.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Periodontal disease is a common finding among the adult American population. In rare situations, periodontal disease can even impact children. Periodontal disease, also referred to as "gum disease" by many, is a chronic infection of the gum tissues caused by the bacteria found in the oral cavity. The early stages of this disease can be identified by inflammation of the gum tissues (gingivitis). As the disease progresses, the inflammation travels to the deeper tissues and begins to destroy the bone and gum tissue that supports the teeth. If left untreated, bone loss can continue until ultimately, the teeth are lost. Periodontal disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.

PERIODONTAL HEALTH MATTERS!      
Research has linked periodontal disease to problems in many other areas of the body. In addition, if you battle other health issues such as diabetes, you may be at greater risk for developing periodontal disease. Treatment of periodontal disease is aimed at controlling the levels of bacteria and the destructive inflammatory processes they initiate. Traditional surgical and non-surgical approaches are extremely effective at stopping the disease process and regenerating lost bone and gum tissue. In addition, newer treatment approaches are available when indicated. These include the placement of antibiotics beneath the gum tissue at the site of infection, and the use of newer medications (Periostat), that suppress the inflammatory process.

To learn more about periodontal disease go to: http://perio.org/consumer/2a.html

Treatment of Gum Recession: Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. There are many causes of gum recession including periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, anatomic susceptibility, and tooth position. If recession progresses without treatment, it can lead to esthetic compromises, tooth sensitivity, tooth decay on roots, or even tooth loss. Recession does not always need to be treated. Therefore, it is important that an examination be completed to identify the potential risks for future progression.  Dr. Friedberg is an expert in treating gum recession, and has perfected multiple techniques to correct these defects.

Crown Legthening: When a tooth requires restoration with a filling material or a crown, the dentist must have adequate access to remaining tooth structure. It is a common occurrence that the dentist will not have adequate tooth structure to attach the restoration, and preserve favorable gum tissue health. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored. 

Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures: Periodontal procedures are frequently performed to support the cosmetic restorative work of your dentist. Gum reshaping for a natural and beautiful smile profile is often coupled with veneer restorations. In addition, bone or soft tissue grafting to shape the gum tissue around bridges is an innovative approach to providing patients with the most natural result from their restorative dental work.

Oral Diagnosis and Biopsy
As a board certified periodontist, Dr. Friedberg has expertise in identifying and diagnosing any number of findings in the oral cavity. When abnormal findings occur, it is important that they be evaluated and determined if a biopsy is indicated. Our doctor works with pathologists at the University of Texas for the most accurate evaluation of tissue biopsies.