Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1: A Little About The Practice

Chapter 2: Dental Implants Explained

Chapter 3: Taking Pain Seriously

Chapter 4: A New Smile in One Day?

Chapter 5: Stop Running All Over Town!

Chapter 6: Let Me Help You Get Beautiful New Teeth

Chapter 7: How to Choose an Implant Dentist

Dental Implant FAQs

Foreword

Dental implants and mini dental implants can change your life for the better.

That sounds like an exaggeration, doesn’t it? It’s not.

I’ve helped many people lead happier, more confident, and more fulfilling lives by replacing their missing teeth with dental implants.

Those people now smile without embarrassment. They eat the foods they love with pleasure and without discomfort. And they’re no longer worried about the long-term consequences of missing teeth.

For them, dental implants were a life-changing experience.

What Implants Can Do for You

Restore Your Smile

If you have visible gaps from missing teeth, you’re probably embarrassed or at least uncomfortable smiling at people. Dental implants will fill that gap invisibly. They look and function exactly like your other teeth. And they’ll give you many years of service.

If you want to smile confidently again, dental implants may be the answer for you.

Eat Without Difficulty or Discomfort

It’s hard to chew without teeth. Even one missing tooth tends to lead people to chew on the other side. That can put a lot strain on those teeth that are now overworked. There are other problems from missing teeth that can affect your ability to eat comfortably. For instance, the neighboring teeth can drift, leading to problems with your bite. Unbalanced chewing can strain muscles in your jaw and cause discomfort.

Dental implants restore almost 100 percent of your chewing ability. They look and function like your own teeth. You’ll be able to eat the foods you used to with perfect comfort.

Avoid a Prematurely Old Appearance

Everything in and around your mouth is built to work together. For instance, the roots of your teeth, and the pressure from chewing, stimulate the underlying bone. That causes the bone to remain strong and healthy.

When teeth are missing, there’s no pressure or stimulation. The bone begins to deteriorate, which can cause problems down the road.

Your teeth help define the shape of your face. When a number of teeth are missing, that part of your face can begin to sag inward. You’ll look older than you should.

Dental implants anchor in the bone and transfer pressure when you chew. That stimulates the bone and helps it restore itself. And your “replacement teeth” give you back a symmetrical, more youthful facial appearance.

Maintain Better Overall Health

We chew our food for several reasons. One is to make it easier to swallow. Another is that chewing is actually the start of the digestive process.

Saliva contains an enzyme called ptyalin. Ptyalin begins “pre-digesting” starches in your food. Thoroughly chewing your food (remember what Mom always said?) means that food will digest better. Your body will be able to extract more of the vital nutrients it needs.

Chewing also breaks down your bites into small pieces. That exposes more surfaces for the enzymes in your digestive tract to work on. Your food is digested better and your body is better nourished.

When teeth are missing, food usually doesn’t get chewed as thoroughly. And you can wind up avoiding certain foods simply because they’re hard to chew. The same is true if you have decaying teeth that are painful to chew with.

Beyond tooth decay, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and can cause problems throughout the body. For instance, advanced gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and lung issues. By clearing out pockets of bacteria, we can stop the infection before it takes over the entire mouth. Replacing any teeth lost from gum disease with natural-looking dental implants restores your ability to eat without discomfort and to chew thoroughly.

Life-Changing Results

“I lost two teeth toward the front in an accident. They couldn’t be saved, and I had this huge gap where everybody could see it. I went from smiling a lot every day to hardly ever smiling. I was really embarrassed to let anyone see. After a while, I thought about a traditional bridge but then I read about dental implants. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. My smile is back and so is my self-confidence! I love to smile now. Thank you, Dr. Silverstrom!”

– Janna P.

“I’d lost all my upper back teeth on one side. As time went on, I just flat couldn’t chew anymore without my jaw aching. I even got headaches! I was eating soft foods, and believe me, that’s no kind of diet to live on. When Dr. Silverstrom put in dental implants, it gave me back the ability to eat like I used to. It was like I got my life back.”

– Mark S.

“I was missing a whole row of lower teeth. My husband’s a really brave man. He (carefully) pointed out that my face had changed. I took a good look in mirror and I was horrified!

My face sagged where the teeth used to be and I looked OLD! I gathered my courage and asked Dr. Silverstrom if there was anything that could be done. He recommended dental implants and am I glad! Now, I like looking in the mirror again.”

– Catherine B.

“My family tends to develop gum disease, and I did, too. I had badly infected gums. I didn’t know it, but the infection was traveling to other parts of my body and was causing my teeth to fail. It hurt to chew, so I wasn’t eating much. I lost weight and felt tired all the time. Once Dr. Silverstrom replaced those failing teeth with implants, life was good again!”

– Ahnika F.

About This Book

Getting dental implants can change your life. It’s a big decision, though, and I believe that anyone considering implants should know as much as possible beforehand.

I wrote this book so that you’ll know everything that’s involved in the process of getting dental implants. You’ll have an idea of the time frames, the number of appointments needed, the procedures involved, and the financial investment required.

Implants are an investment – in a better life for you. The one thing I hear most often from our implant patients is that they’re only sorry that they waited so long. Part of the reason our office has become so popular is that I offer more than one type of dental implant and restoration options for patients looking for an alternative to removable dentures.

We offer traditional dental implants and mini dental implants

But I’ll have more on that later.

I also think you should know what to look for in the dentist and the dental practice you choose to do your implants. I provide a number of questions to ask of the dentist. Obviously, I hope that by the end of the book, you’ll choose me. But if not, I want you to be sure that the doctor you choose is the right choice.

Finally, I wrote this book to empower you as the decision-maker and give you options. All any dentist can do is carefully evaluate your mouth’s condition. Then, taking into account your needs and desires, the dentist will recommend a solution. But the decision is always yours. Knowing as much as possible about dental implants and what’s involved with getting them will help you make the best choice possible.

What You’ll Find in This Book

First, you’ll get to know me a bit and why I started offering dental implants for our patients. You’ll learn about our education, training, and experience.

Next, you’ll learn why implants are quite often the best possible solution for a number of problems. You’ll also know who is and isn’t a candidate for implants. Then, I’ll provide an overview of the process of getting dental implants.

Pain is something that almost everybody is concerned about. You’ll learn why people experience pain differently, and why that needs to be taken into consideration during any dental procedure. I’ll review the options for pain-free implant procedures – and yes, I mean pain-free. I’ll tell you what I’ll do to help you manage any residual discomfort and what you can do to help yourself. Not only do we offer sedation methods to minimize discomfort, but we also can place mini dental implants with little to no pain.

We’ll cover things to consider when selecting an implant dentist. There are the obvious ones like the time, the cost, and whether travel is needed. But there’s also the question of whether the dentist and the staff are a good “fit” for you. That’s not just how capable they are, but also their attitude toward managing your pain, what kind of follow-up and support are available, and whether you have confidence in the dentist and the outcome of your procedure.

Finally, I’ll break down the implant process step-by-step and follow that with a series of Frequently Asked Questions.

By the end of this book, you’ll know how to evaluate any implant dentist and have high confidence that he or she can give you the life-changing results you want and deserve.

Chapter 1

A LITTLE ABOUT THE PRACTICE

The Silverstrom Group: What a Trip to the Dentist Should Be

The Silverstrom Group is a dental spa that makes a trip to the dentist something to look forward to—even enjoy! Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom lead a group of professionals who have devoted their careers to the comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction of their patients. From the nurturing environment to the calming ambiance, our practice caters to all ages and boasts advanced technology, highly trained staff, a relaxation room, and complimentary café area. Our numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to our commitment to providing patients five-star service.

While you are in our care, your smile is the most important thing in the world. As a patient, you will benefit from:

We have been Voted Best Dentist in New Jersey more than 5 years in a row.

Complete Health Dentistry

With more than 30 years of experience, The Silverstrom Group educates patients on how oral health impacts overall health. Seventy-five percent of medical costs are caused by chronic disease that we can prevent. Gum disease has been identified as the most abundant source of chronic low-grade inflammation that causes a decrease in our immune response, and eventually, irreversible damage to the immune system. The mouth is a portal to bacteria that can lead to everything from low birth weight babies in pregnant women to arthritis, pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Preventive care is key.

Same Day Dentistry

Our practice features a state-of-the-art dental laboratory where we custom-craft crowns, bridges, and dentures. The in-house lab utilizes computerized dental technology (CEREC) to create these restorations in a day, which means no temporaries and no second appointments, preventing multiple visits. It’s a cost-efficient option for on-the-go patients! Computerized dentistry allows for the most precise and perfect restorations.

All dental specialists in one state-of-the-art facility

Advanced Dental Technology: We use the most modern technology available. Advances in the science of dentistry allow for greater patient comfort, better preventative care, and a more conservative approach to treatment. This enables the doctors to diagnose dental diseases, such as tooth decay, in their earliest stages.

Highly Trained Dentists & Staff

Each doctor has the highest skills and training, including hundreds of hours per year in advanced educational programs that far exceed their licensure requirements. The doctors and staff participate in continuing professional education courses where the latest trends, best practices, and state-of-the-art dentistry are showcased.

The purpose of this book is to tell you about the multiple dental implant options. With different implant options, I can give you the best result possible that fits your smile goals and budget.

What They’re Saying

“I’m embarrassed to admit it but I didn’t take care of my teeth and wound up losing all of them. I was even more embarrassed to go out in public without teeth! I tried dentures, but I couldn’t get comfortable with them. Dr. Silverstrom was really helpful and understanding. He explained why implant-supported dentures are different and how they’d look and function completely like natural teeth. I just wish that I’d consulted him earlier. I’m back to being my old self and life is great!”

– Andrea L.

“I’m a big chicken when it comes to pain. I hate going to the dentist even to get my teeth cleaned. For the longest time, I couldn’t bring myself to even talk to a dentist about implants. Finally, I built up my courage and called Dr. Silverstrom’s office. Everybody was so caring and helpful! Dr. Silverstrom was very patient with all my questions and really understanding when it came to my pain fears. I decided to trust him to do my dental implants. Best decision of my life!”

– Jason D.

“Dr. Silverstrom has the BEST people working for him. I’m not ashamed to say that I was really anxious about spending a lot of time in the dental chair. The staff helped me see that tons of people feel the same way and that’s it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. With their help, I managed the procedures just fine. In fact, I don’t recall much about it! I have my beautiful new implants now and I can eat whatever I want!”

– Ralene T.

“I trust my gut when it comes to people, and my gut told me that Dr. Silverstrom is a straight shooter. He took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions. Never tried to talk over my head or brush anything off. Getting implants is a decision that I took a long time getting to, and I’d done my research. So we had quite the talk. In the end, I chose Dr. Silverstrom for my dental implants and I am thrilled with the results.”

– Miguel R.

Chapter 2

DENTAL IMPLANTS EXPLAINED

By now, you’re probably wondering exactly what’s involved with getting dental implants. You might also be wondering what makes them such a great option for so many people with missing teeth.

Implants are basically permanent replacements for one or more missing teeth. A completed implant is functional, attractive, and nearly undetectable. Implants restore the beauty of your smile, the shape of your face, and your ability to eat.

Let’s get down to it: A dental implant consists of two parts. The implant itself is a tiny screw made of an extremely strong and durable metal like titanium. The restoration is the crown, or the artificial tooth, that is attached to the implant and replaces the missing tooth.

The metal implant is inserted through the gum and into the underlying bone. Generally, but not always, some time has to pass before the crown can be “placed” onto the implant. The waiting period allows the bone to fuse to the implant and hold it very securely.

In some cases, usually where the original tooth is being extracted first, the implant is placed and the restoration is placed immediately after. This is often the case with mini dental implants.

There are two basic kinds of dental implants: conventional dental implants and mini dental implants. These two implants are placed in a similar way, and both join with the bone.

Mini dental implants were originally created for patients with thin jawbones as a way to avoid invasive gum or bone grafting. But mini dental implants have all the advantages that come with conventional implants. However, there is a major difference between the two systems in terms of cost and placement. Mini dental implants are a fraction of the cost and can be placed with little to no discomfort.

In summary, mini dental implants are:

• Less Expensive

• Less Invasive

• Less Time-Consuming

Here’s a little secret: our patients often select mini dental implants over traditional implants after seeing the difference in implant sizes. I’ll show them a model with the different-sized implant holes, and that’s all they need.

Restorations for regular or mini implants can be a single tooth, a dental bridge that replaces a series of missing teeth, or even a full “arch” of dentures. People missing all their teeth on the top, bottom, or both can have implant-supported dentures that will never shift or pop out. Even though your restorations are not at risk of falling out, we do create restorations that you can remove for easy cleaning and oral care.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Traditional dental bridges anchor to two or more neighboring teeth.

The enamel of the teeth is reduced to allow hollow dental crowns to fit over the teeth and still appear natural. Those crowns, known as abutments, anchor the replacement teeth, or pontics. Abutments and pontics together make up the bridge.

As good as they are, permanent bridges have some potential drawbacks.

Bridges require a particular flossing technique to avoid decay. Decay in the abutment teeth can compromise the bridge. If that happens, the bridge will likely have to be removed and the decayed tooth restored. If the tooth can’t be restored, a new bridge will have to be created.

Dental implants avoid these problems by anchoring the bridge in bone rather than to neighboring teeth. There’s no need to reduce otherwise healthy teeth, and you brush and floss like you usually do.

Because they’re firmly anchored in bone, implants are the strongest and most durable restorations you can get. The metal implant should last as long as you live, and the restoration can easily last 10 to 15 years with reasonable care. If a crown should wear out, your dentist can easily detach the old crown and place the new one.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

There are three main factors in getting dental implants – your bone health, your mouth health, and your general health. Earlier, I talked about how bone begins to deteriorate once the tooth above is gone. It’s a slow process, but it happens to everyone with one or more missing teeth. Chewing puts tremendous pressure on the bone. If it isn’t strong enough to handle the pressure, implants simply won’t work.

Even people with less than adequate bone can get dental implants, though. In some cases, mini implants can be used. Mini implants can distribute the pressure of chewing over more area.

Even if we are replacing all of your teeth, mini dental implants are still a fraction of the cost of conventional dental implants. The best part is there is NO DECLINE IN QUALITY. The implants merge to the jawbone the exact same way. At our office, we are so confident in our mini dental implants that we provide a five-year guarantee on the treatment. All you have to do is visit us every six months for cleanings and exams.

Now, both conventional and mini dental implant systems are a major investment. I wouldn’t lead you on and say these are cheap solutions. But the health of your mouth is important. If you have an active infection in your mouth or your teeth, your implant procedure may have to be delayed until the infection is cleared up. Healthy gums are also crucial for implants. If your gums are in bad shape, there are procedures that can restore them enough to allow the implant procedure to happen.

Finally, your overall health is a factor. Implants require oral surgery and people with poor wound healing – for instance, diabetics and people with autoimmune disorders – risk infection and implant failure. Heavy tobacco, alcohol, and drug use can delay or even prevent wound healing. And some prescribed medications like blood thinners, immune-system suppressing drugs, and others can affect the implant process. Generally, a lot of these issues can be managed well enough to allow successful implantation and healing.

“I probably went 15 years without any teeth. When I saw Dr. Silverstrom, he took X-rays and stuff and told me there just wasn’t enough bone left to allow me to get implants. I was crushed, but then he told me about bone grafting. It added some time to the process of getting my new teeth, but now I have them and they’re great! Thanks, Dr. Silverstrom!”

– Reuben M.

“I’m diabetic and when I get cut it can take me a long time to heal. But Dr. Silverstrom told me what I needed to do to qualify for implants, and I worked really hard with my medical doctor to get my blood sugar under even better control. It took a few months, and then Dr. Silverstrom told me that I was ready. So, not only did I get new teeth that look great, my health improved!”

– Jameel K.

Dental Implants: The Details

The dental implant process begins with a consultation. I’ll take images of your mouth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This technology provides crisp 3-D images of your mouth and oral cavity. In fact, we use CBCT scans to diagnose patients and plan out treatments like dental implants.

What’s the advantage? With CBCT, we get to see the jawbone density and even the tiniest blood vessels and nerves, giving us a leg up when placing dental implants. I use the CBCT when placing both conventional implants and mini dental implants. Not all dentists use this technology for both, or at all.

By combining our education and CBCT, I can place implants quickly and virtually pain-free. Best of all, the CBCT technology helps us find the most ideal location for an implant, increasing the acceptance rate.

After detailed measurements, I’ll know whether you have enough bone to support single conventional implants. If not, we can discuss mini implants or bone grafting as options.

I’ll also carefully examine the overall health of your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. I’ll be looking for any evidence of infection, severe gum recession, oral cancer, or other issues that could cause a problem.

If implants are a choice for you, we’ll talk about your expectations for the procedure and your new teeth. I’ll come up with a detailed treatment plan and schedule to address not only the implants but also any existing issues. At that point, the decision on whether to proceed is yours.

If you have one or more teeth that need to be extracted, we’ll determine whether implants can be placed immediately once the teeth are out, or whether a waiting period will be needed. If your implants can be placed immediately, we’ll schedule an appointment for impressions and measurements to guide the lab in creating your restorations. Once those restorations are ready, you’ll come back to the office to have your implants placed and the restorations placed.

You’ll walk out with one or more new, beautiful, and functional teeth.

How Implants Go In and Restorations Go On

Your comfort during any dental procedure is one of our top priorities. We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. I’ll take great care that areas where implants will be inserted are completely numb. We’ll also go at your pace during the procedure. If you need a minute at any point, just let us know.

When you’re completely comfortable, our specialist will place the dental implant. If your implant will need time for bone to fuse to the titanium, you’re done for the day!

If your implant is immediate-load, we’ll attach the restoration firmly and painlessly. You’ll walk out of our office with one or more brand-new teeth and a newfound confidence!

Depending on what type of dental sedation you receive, if any, you may need someone to drive you home afterward. We’ll provide instructions for what to do at home and when to call us. Rest assured, though, that we’ll be calling to see how you’re getting along. We’ll also provide a prescription for pain medication if indicated. Surprisingly, few of our implant patients experience anything but some soreness after the implants are placed.

If you need time for bone fusion, your next appointment will be a delight. The restoration goes on quickly and painlessly.

What They’re Saying

“I thought I’d totally freak out in the chair during my implant procedure. I was so wrong. Dr. Silverstrom and the staff have SO many ways to help you feel relaxed and comfortable! I got oral sedation – just a pill that I swallowed – and about 45 minutes later, the procedure began. I kind of drifted through the whole thing, and I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was done!”

– Tracy V.

“I didn’t feel a thing during my implant procedure, but I did have some pain afterward. Then again, I’m kind of a pain wimp. I guess I’m just more sensitive than other people.

Dr. Silverstrom prescribed some pain medication before I left the office and I wound up taking a grand total of three pills. I couldn’t believe that it was that easy.”

– Pat G.

“If you’re wondering whether you should get dental implants, I have one word for you: YES! The change in the quality in my life just blows me away. I’ve gone from being afraid to smile to laughing and smiling every day! Don’t wait as long as I did. You’ll love the results.”

– Jeff B.

Chapter 3

TAKING PAIN SERIOUSLY

At The Silverstrom Group, we think pain is serious business. That’s we offer a wide variety of options to ensure your comfort before, during, and after any dental procedure.

We know from experience that everybody experiences pain differently, and we know why. Pain actually happens in the brain. Your brain interprets signals sent by nerves at the site. How fast and how strongly those signals come in determines how much pain you feel.

Different areas of the body report pain differently. For instance, a cut on the arm feels very different from a cut on the bottom of the foot. And different types of injury produce levels and types of pain. Think of the pain from a bruise versus the pain from a burn.

Dental pain is very “up close and personal.” It’s a lot harder to ignore than stubbing your toe.

Some people’s nerves naturally report pain very strongly. Other people, not so much. That’s why we firmly believe that your pain is what you say it is.

We don’t judge your pain, we manage and hopefully eliminate it.

Before I discuss the ways in which we manage pain, I have to remind you about our technology and different implant services. Our advanced CBCT technology – something you will not find at many dental offices – allows us to place implants in the most ideal positive. This is relevant because we can avoid even the tiniest nerves and blood vessels, making your implant procedure virtually pain-free.

Local Anesthetic: Ensures that area being worked on is completely numbed. We use a special type of local anesthetic delivery system. This system uses gentle vibrations to block out the pain of the injection. In many cases, patients tell me they feel absolutely NO PAIN from the injection.

Nitrous Oxide: An inhaled sedative that produces a sense of relaxation and comfort. Nitrous oxide is very fast-acting, and you should be able to drive yourself home after your procedure.

Oral Conscious Sedation: A pill or tablet that you swallow about an hour before your procedure. Oral conscious sedation leaves you awake but drowsy, relaxed, and unconcerned. Some people are so relaxed that they do fall asleep. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterward because the effects linger for a while.

Other Measures for Your Comfort

We want your entire experience while in our office to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. That’s why we offer warm blankets and pillows, as well as complimentary beverages. We also have Netflix and a relaxation room for your comfort.

We also proceed at a pace you’re comfortable with. We’ll be happy to explain as much or as little as you want during the procedure. You can have “advance notice” of every step we’re about to perform, or lie back and relax.

Pain Management After Your Procedure

We’re just as concerned about your comfort after the procedure as we are during it. You’ll be given a prescription to help you manage any discomfort. Many, if not most, people who have implants find that they have only some residual soreness.

We’ll be checking on you via phone once you’re home to see how you’re doing. We’ll answer any questions, and we can recommend some self-help measures to increase your comfort.

Chapter 4

A NEW SMILE IN ONE DAY?

What is the "One Day Smile Solution?"

What I'm going to tell you is amazing, and I'm so excited that I can offer this!

Years of dental problems, neglect, and failed dentistry can be reversed All-In-One-Day.

That's right - in one day!

Did you know that more than 40 million people in the United States are missing all of their teeth? No one knows how many millions of those people are suffering with poor digestion and an inability to chew and enjoy their favorite foods. And how many are embarrassed to go out or to be around family and friends because of their smile and missing teeth?

Not only that, but these people tend to look older than they actually are. This results in dentures or partials that repeatedly need to be relined or remade. It also results increases and wrinkles on the face.

The space between the nose and chin decreases. The nose then appears larger or more prominent. The face looks like it is frowning when at rest because the corners of the mouth pull down and form creases. The lower part of the face looks fallen in. The chin looks like it comes to a point or a "witch's chin."

Our One Day Smile Solution provides an innovative new solution for those suffering from these dental issues in a more cost-effective, permanent way. We can usually eliminate the need for extensive bone grafting, and we're able to help many people who've been told they "don't have enough bone."

There is a solution.

How it works

The fixed permanent solution may just be the ultimate dental implant solution. Using new innovative technology, you can have non-removable teeth in just one day.

In One Day, you can have any needed extractions, your dental implants placed, and leave our office the same day with beautiful new teeth. Our patients NEVER leave our office without beautiful teeth to smile with! Beautiful new teeth permanently attached in one day!

Before this new technology was introduced, patients wanting permanent dental implants had to suffer more expense, longer treatment times, more bone grafting, and more uncomfortable procedures.

ALL-on-4 is a complete arch of permanent teeth on four to six dental implants. Unlike dentures, there's nothing in the roof of your mouth, so you can still enjoy the temperature, flavor, and texture of your favorite foods. And you never have to remove your teeth like with dentures!

Dr. Gary and Dr. David Silverstrom, have trained all over the U.S. and internationally, in places like Italy, France, and the Carribean, to stay abreast of recent advances in dental implant dentistry. This allows us to offer our patients the most advanced array of dental procedures in the region, tailored to your individual oral health needs, such as the One Day Smile Solution, which ensures your treatment is finished in the shortest time possible.

Not enough bone? No problem.

The One Day Smile Solution technique places the implants in the frontal bone, which is denser bone. The back implants are placed at an angle to avoid the sinuses and nerves. This helps avoid sinus lifts and bone grafting. In fact, 90 percent of the patients we see who have been told they're not candidates for traditional dental implant options are candidates for this procedure.

The dense bone in the front of the jaw allows us to place a longer implant, with a much less invasive procedure, without entering into the sinus cavity on the upper arch. Ninety-five percent of our patients who have the One Day Smile Solution" require only a three-month healing period. That's significantly shorter than the old, conventional approaches.

So, here's what it looks like: You walk in with no teeth, or badly decayed or worn-down teeth, and you walk out the same day with a complete arch of beautiful, completely functional, and permanently attached new teeth! With IV sedation, you won't have any memory of your time with us!

We'll fit your temporary teeth to the implants we just placed in your mouth. We'll also go over postoperative care and how to care for your new teeth while you're healing.

You'll wear those temporaries for 8-12 weeks to allow bone to fuse to the implants. You'll love your temporary teeth. They look great!

One of the advantages of the healing period is that you can live with and evaluate your new temporary teeth. If you want any changes in the color, size, or length, we can discuss those details when we fabricate your new beautiful, permanent teeth. Many of our patients have suffered with a smile they're embarrassed with for many years. At 8-12 weeks, we'll take an impression to start the 4- to 6-week process of giving you gorgeous new teeth that will allow you to smile confidently and eat the foods you love.

Benefits of the One Day Smile Solution

• Requires minimal recovery time (most patients only take off work the next day!)

• Reduces overall cost compared to individual implants

• Eliminates bone grafting in most cases, unlike the traditional approaches

• Ensures long-term results, with the likelihood of lasting a lifetime (see our lifetime implant warranty)

• Allows for easy maintenance

• Restores your ability to eat all types of foods

• Relieves the many frustrations of removable dentures

• Renews a youthful appearance by restoring facial collapse caused by lost teeth

• Creates a whole new smile in just one day

• Enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life

• Is a permanent solution (permanent teeth): You cannot remove them; I can, easily.

You can have your beautiful new smile in one day with minimal recovery time and discomfort.

If you think that sounds like a dream, let me assure you that we're in the business of making dreams come true!

Chapter 5

STOP RUNNING ALL OVER TOWN!

I touched on this in Chapter 1: If you don't choose a provider who performs every single step of the implant procedure in his own office, you might encounter some surprises and unexpected fees. And a lot of extra time and hassle.

It’s a terrible feeling when you discover that smile you want isn't going to cost what you thought, but is going to cost more than what you budgeted for.

Here’s just one example:

• Appointment #1: You have a consult with your regular dentist because you have a broken tooth that needs to be fixed. He or she takes an X-ray and says the tooth is in bad shape and should be removed. You pay a fee for an office visit and an X-ray and make an appointment at another doctor's office for a consultation for an implant. Fee: $175

• Appointment #2: You go to your appointment for a consultation about an implant. That doctor takes a panoramic X-ray and says you are probably a good candidate for an implant, but says you'll have to go to the St Barnabus Hospital for a CT scan before he can do an implant. Fee for X-ray: $165

• Appointment #3: You drive to downtown to the radiology department and get a CT scan. You deal with the traffic, parking, and sitting in the waiting room for 30 minutes. That's three hours out of your day by the time all is said and done. I don't know about you, but I'm busy and I have better things to do with my time. And that's exactly what it's like when you walk into just about any hospital in the country. It's not their fault, really. They're just not set up to give you the one-on-one personal kind of treatment that you deserve. Fee for CT scan: $650

• Appointments #4, #5, #6: In many cases, we count eight trips or more that patients tell us it took to get their implant placed and restored ... running all over town, or to more than one town, from one office to another.

I could bore you with the rest of this process, but it includes a fee for the implant, possibly bone grafting, and then going back to the regular dentist for the restoration of the implant.

We have many patients who tell us that they thought the fee for the whole process was going to be the CT scan, implant, and the crown. However, they found out that it was a lot of running back and forth and more unpleasant surprises.

For example, when they went to the regular dentist, they found out there was a $1000 fee for an abutment (the part that connects the implant to the restoration) before the crown could even be made. They had lots of confusion and running all over town getting their work done.

This whole long and drawn-out process is why I've gone to great lengths to assemble every single piece of the puzzle you need to restore your smile without ever setting foot outside my office.

Our CT scan machine alone required an investment of $130,000. I tell you this for only one reason: to demonstrate the commitment I have to the experience my patients enjoy during the entire time we are working together.

You may or may not find a similar approach with other implant dentists across the country. I do know they are very scarce.

The CT scan is just one example of the many hidden fees you can encounter when you're working with dentists not fully prepared to offer every step of the implant process in-house.

Your time is too valuable for such a runaround, or at least that's how I see it.

Another benefit that most implant dentists don't offer is that we have our own in-house lab technician. Nearly all dental offices work with a commercial lab that is off-site. This makes it difficult to get top-shelf service, like trying to have "The One Day Smile Solution”.

To me, it's absolutely vital to have an in-house lab technician. When the technician is onsite, he or she can see exactly what is going on in the patient's mouth. If the technician is in a commercial lab somewhere else, all she has to go by when making your new teeth and smile are some plaster models and written instructions from the dentist. Our Master Ceramist Claude, has been working in dentistry for 30+ years and works hand-in-hand with The Doctors at The Silverstrom Group to make sure your teeth are set up for optimal function and beauty.

Naturally, there are always little adjustments and little things we want to do to get everything just right for our patient. When our in-house lab technician can see what I am trying to accomplish, it makes it so much easier to do a great job.

Our lab tech wants to be involved in the entire process of making our patients a new smile, their new teeth. He can meet the patients, see their personality. He can see the shape of their face, skin tone, and the overall look of their cheeks, lips, and lower half of their face. He can see how many teeth show when they smile and work with me to determine what we have to do to give the patient their best smile.

It makes all the difference in the world! Everyone's different. We customize what we do to every patient so they can have the smile they've always wanted.

Ideally, you want to work with someone who can perform the entire procedure in-house. At the very least, make sure you ask your chosen dental provider to walk you through the entire process and help you estimate any additional (hidden) costs.

People love the Mayo Clinic because everything can be done in one place, cutting out all the red tape. All the appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, hospitals, doctor's offices ... you spend more time "running around" than getting something accomplished. You can come right here to our office, and we'll care for everything you need, from start to finish! All-In-One-Place!

The Dental Implant Roadmap

I've had patients come from many different parts of the country to work with me on restoring their smile through the implant process. That's how much it matters that you choose the right dentist for you.

The first step in the process is to schedule what I call a Dental Implant Roadmap.

You begin by calling my office at 973-992-3990 and speaking with one of our Treatment Coordinators. The first thing they're going to ask is if you are in pain or if you are experiencing any type of dental emergency. The reason for this is that we always schedule those patients first. Make sure you mention that you are calling to schedule a Dental Implant Roadmap. We offer priority scheduling options for that service as well, which means you will get an appointment sooner.

At this point in the call, you'll be offered the next available opening for a full Dental Implant Roadmap. These are something I love doing. The sessions offer a lot of value to my prospective patients, primarily because the focus of the session is helping you determine the various options you have for restoring your beautiful smile!

During the session, I'll examine your teeth, take some digital photos, perform a 3D CT scan, and then evaluate whether dental implants make sense for you. I'll also offer you various implant choices and my recommendation on which one I feel would be the best fit for you. I call this a "Dental Implant Roadmap," because by the end of the session, you will walk out of my office with a clear picture of how you can solve your challenges for good. You'll know exactly how to move forward. And you won't have to wait weeks to get that information, because I have everything required to give it all to you on your very first visit! We'll spend about an hour discussing what treatment options make sense for YOU. You won't need to come back for a second visit just to find out where your mouth stands.

Now, just to be clear ... this type of service is not something you're going to be able to find in many places. Without the in-house CT scan equipment, your first visit with an implant dentist isn't going to tell you much. Because without the CT scan, there's simply no way to know which dental implants are right for you - or if they are a good decision at all.

There are many providers offering FREE consultations. Many are 10-15 minute sales pitches. I spend hours explaining all of your options. No sales.

My father always told me that you had to "earn" trust. I work hard during your Roadmap consultation to prove that I am out to find what's best for you, even if it means that I don't treat you! I've always believed that when you prove to people (patients) that they can trust you, you'll have more business than you need.

Now, there are some things to think through before you contact my office to schedule a Dental Implant Roadmap. Read through these items and consider them carefully.

• Are you ready to begin the process to restore your smile and end all of the challenges that come with missing or failing teeth, or other denture problems? I ask this, because some people truly are not ready. And that's fine.

• Are you willing and able to make the investment in yourself, your health, and your happiness that is required for the procedure? Implants are not inexpensive and they simply aren't practical for some people. But I'd rather you understand that sooner than later so you can spend your time finding a solution that will be a good fit. Please review the implant solution options earlier in this book if needed. Also, understand that financing options are available.

If you can confidently answer "yes" to both items above, then I invite you to contact my office to schedule your Dental Implant Roadmap. Remember, there is no catch, no obligation, and no fine print of any kind.

You save time, money, and hassle

Our All-In-One-Place approach may not be unique, but you're unlikely to find another dental practice that offers it. And I guarantee that you won't find friendlier, more professional, more caring, or more highly trained staff than you will in our New Albany office.

And just like our Dental Implant Roadmap, when we quote you a fee for an implant procedure, or any dental procedure, that fee includes EVERYTHING:

• Any needed extractions

• IV sedation

• Your dental implants

• Abutments

• Restorations

• And all pre-op and post-op care from start to finish (no hidden costs or surprises).

This "everything included" approach is also something you won't find at many other places. And we throw in a great patient experience for free!

"I felt that finding someone who had the training to do all of my treatment ensured excellent results."

"It was important to me to find someone who was responsible for all of my treatment, my new teeth, my dental implants, literally everything. I wanted it all done in one location. I felt like finding someone who had the training to do all of my treatment ensured excellent results. In Dr. Silverstrom, I found someone who believed in what he was doing. In fact, whenever I think about Dr. Gary and his staff, what really strikes me is that it's obvious that they take a great deal of satisfaction from being able to provide these services and make people's lives better."

– Larry S

Chapter 6

LET ME HELP YOU GET BEAUTIFUL NEW TEETH

So, now you know the story on dental implants, and why changing my patients’ lives with implants has proven to be a lifelong passion for me.

You know that my team has traveled the world to get the very best training available. And you know that we place more than 500 implants a year with a success rate greater than 98 percent.

You know that I guarantee the replacement of your implants in the unlikely event that one or more of them fails.

You know why dental implants are the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are stronger and last longer than any other alternative. They look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. For many people, they look and work better than their natural teeth.

You know that with implants, you won't have to worry about healthy teeth being ground down to support a dental bridge. You won't have to worry about decay in those teeth leading to failure of the bridge.

You know that we now have techniques to help almost anyone be a candidate for implants. That includes bone grafting, strategically placing implants in the thicker and stronger frontal bone of the jaws for All-on-4® cases, and all the cutting-edge technology available.

You know that the implant procedure isn't nearly as scary as what you might have thought when you heard the term "oral surgery." While it requires a great deal of technical expertise, the actual surgery and the aftermath, in terms of discomfort, is relatively minor. And your comfort is guaranteed with IV sedation!

You know that I'm committed to a pain-free experience for you, and that I offer IV sedation so that you won't feel a thing during your implant procedure and you won't remember anything, either. And I make sure you're comfortable after the procedure.

You know that when you choose me to handle your dental implants, you come to one office for everything. You'll deal with one incredibly warm and caring staff and will know upfront what your total investment will be. You'll never get a surprise bill for your implants.

You know that dental implants will restore your ability to eat the foods you love and enjoy the taste and texture of them. And you won't have the roof of your mouth covered in plastic as you do with dentures, and won't have to worry about your new teeth slipping, sliding, or even corning out unexpectedly.

You know that dental implants can help you look younger by restoring the natural shape of your face that had been lost due to missing teeth.

You know that getting rid of diseased teeth and replacing them with implants can help you be healthier, happier, and live longer.

What you haven't learned yet is that for many people in our culture, the loss of teeth is associated with aging. Implants give a psychological lift to these people with missing teeth who would otherwise have some feelings of inadequacy related to aging and loss of teeth.

In fact, in a study by Branemark, 89 percent of patients treated with dental implants judged their psychological health improved compared to before treatment. The majority of these patients perceived their implant-supported replacement teeth as an integral part of their own body.

With dental implants, you win

My staff and I will be honored to help you get beautiful new teeth, to look younger, to eat the foods you love, to improve your health, and to help you enjoy your newfound confidence and joy in living. We look forward to serving you.

Chapter 7

HOW TO CHOOSE AN IMPLANT DENTIST

By now, you have a good idea of what’s involved in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants when you choose The Silverstrom Group. You also know the steps we take to make the entire experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible for you.

Still, we know that you have many options when it comes to choosing an implant dentist. With that in mind, here are some things to consider.

Local or not?

Everything else being equal, a dentist who’s located fairly close to you is preferable. Remember, implants need several appointments at the dentist’s office. Having to travel for those appointments can be inconvenient and costly.

On the other hand, if you can afford it and you find a dentist you really want to do your implant procedure, traveling may be an option.

Speaking of cost, what dentists charge for implants can vary a lot. If you find several implant dentists who meet your other criteria, cost may be a deciding factor. Just make sure that what you’re getting is the same in all respects.

I’ve already mentioned that implants, in any form, are an investment. That’s why our office helps you with the cost by offering financing programs. We even carry a financial system that works with folks who have less than ideal credit scores.

Are the dentist and the practice a good fit for you?

At an absolute minimum, you need an implant dentist who is competent and will give you the results you deserve. In our opinion, no dentist should be reluctant to discuss the number of implant cases he or she has handled. A dentist should also be willing to talk about the complications, if any, that his or her patients have experienced. And your dentist should welcome questions about the procedure and give you complete answers.

The dental staff should be warm, caring, helpful, and professional. Staff should also be available to answer questions over the phone or in person, and should follow up with you after each appointment.

The practice should be modern, look spotlessly clean, and offer amenities for your comfort.

What are the pain management attitude and options?

You’re making a big decision and a large investment in your future. At the very least, you deserve to be comfortable during the procedures.

Ask about the dental sedation and pain management options available. In particular, ask about the doctor’s and staff’s attitudes toward managing pain during and after the procedures.

Do you feel confident in your decision?

This is the most important thing to decide. Everything about the dentist, the staff, and the practice should help you feel confident.

You should feel confident in your choice. You should feel confident in the outcome of your implant procedure. And you should feel confident that you’re getting good value for your investment.

You have options in choosing an implant dentist. If something doesn’t ring true, consider looking elsewhere.

Your One Tooth At a Time™ Implant Plan

There’s one thing I haven’t covered about dental implants.

Many dentists who advertise implants don’t actually place the metal implants. They refer you to an outside oral surgeon for that. Those dentists just do the implant restorations.

That leaves you with traveling between two practices, dealing with two dentists and sets of dental staff, and getting two bills for service.

The Silverstrom Group provides everything under one roof. We do your entire implant procedure, from the initial consultation to placing the implants to placing your restorations.

With The Silverstrom Group, there’s no need to make multiple appointments in different locations. Our dedicated team handles absolutely everything.

And we’re proud to provide this special offer for our new implant patients.

The Silverstrom Group makes the initial stages of getting dental implants easy and saves you money.

Don’t Live With Missing Teeth Any Longer!

Call The Silverstrom Group at 973-992-3990 to schedule One Tooth At a Time™ Implant Plan.

You can also schedule through our website,

www.ReadyToSmile.com

I look forward to helping you smile without embarrassment, eat without discomfort, and improve the quality of your life.

Dental Implant FAQs

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON YOUR DENTAL CARE:

1. What materials are my new permanent teeth going to be fabricated from?

• Titanium? Zirconium?

• Acrylic (plastic)? Denture acrylic? Denture teeth?

• Monolithic Solid Core milled teeth? PMMA?

• What is the warranty on the materials used to fabricate my new permanent teeth?

2. Do you provide a warranty on the implants you place? Will all doctors involved provide written warranties for their services? If there is a problem, who is ultimately responsible?

3. What happens if something chips or breaks? How long will it take to repair it? Do you have your own in-house lab technician who can repair it, or does it have to go to an outside commercial labs? How long would I be without my teeth?

4. Are the costs discussed all-inclusive, for everything from start to finish, or will there be other fees at other offices during my care?

5. Will every step of my care be performed by the Doctor who examined and consulted with me? If I have to go to other offices and other doctors, how many visits and surgeries will it take, in how many different offices, and by how many different doctors?

6. If multiple doctors, offices, & staffs are involved, will my appointments at the other offices be coordinated for my convenience? How do these offices work together? How often have you worked with these offices in the past?

7. Do these other offices provide a written, detailed, treatment plan for me to take home?

8. Does the Doctor perform dental implant services full-time or part-time? Are dental implants his or her area of expertise? How many dental implants does he or she place per year?

9. How do I know implants will work for me?

The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and an examination are needed to determine whether your bone is strong and thick enough and whether the overall health of your mouth will allow the implant procedure to be successful. Call our office at 973-992-3990.

10. Are implants that much better than other solutions?

Dental implants offer the strongest and most secure solution for one or more missing teeth. Implants are also more durable; the metal implant itself should last your lifetime, and the restorations can easily last 10 to 15 years with care.

11.What happens if I don’t get implants?

Most people can achieve a nice smile and regain the ability to eat comfortably with other solutions, such as fixed or removable bridgework or full dentures. Those dental appliances are less durable than dental implants and can offer some challenges in keeping your gums and other teeth in good condition. And, you’re more likely to need additional dental work done sooner as these other types of restorations aren’t as durable as implants.

However, it’s important to remember that implants are the only solution that will stimulate the growth of new underlying bone. That’s an added benefit in addition to implants’ greater lifespan.

12. What kind of complications can occur with dental implants?

Dental implants have a very good and well-documented success rate. When complications occur, they generally fall into two types. The first is inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the restoration. The second is a “mechanical” problem with the dental implant itself. I’ll be happy to go over potential complications during your initial consultation.

13. Will implants really last as long as you say?

The magazine Dental Economics reported that the average lifespan of a single implant restoration is 10 years, but there are many reported cases of an implant crown lasting 25 years or more. If you avoid eating things that can cause your restoration to fail prematurely – like chewing ice or hard candies – you should easily see 10-15 years before a replacement is needed. And the metal implants themselves should last for your lifetime.

What else don’t I know that I should know about implants?

Let’s find out!

I hope you find this information helpful. We also hope to have the opportunity to work with you, and to help you get back to comfortable chewing with the healthy smile you deserve. We always encourage my complex dental patients to get second opinions. You'll get the opportunity to meet other staffs and doctors to see where you feel comfortable.

We highly recommend that you have your care performed where you are the most comfortable, where you like the things the doctor says to you, and you like how you are treated.

Call The Silverstrom Group at 973-992-3990 to schedule One Tooth At a Time™ Implant Plan.

You can also schedule through our website,
www.ReadyToSmile.com