This person requested specific information from my "long distance" patient. I contacted the patient and asked if it would be alright if they communicated. My patient was happy to do so and here is the correspondence:

S

I just wanted to know how your procedure was with Dr. D and what the results were. Did you find the cost too much? Was the procedure a success? Do you find your face fuller now that you have the teeth in? Did they restore height as well in your face? I had some back implants put in and they failed. I'm just looking for a second opinion and I wanted to know what you thought of this particular doctor and how the implants feel to you. Any info would be helpful.

Thank you,

A S (female)
===============================================

A S

I had 8 implants holding a bridge of 16 teeth on my lower mouth and that was the best thing happened to me last year. I could not be happier with my decision having implants done by Dr. Davidoff. The reason that I went so far to Boca Raton was 1) I could not find a qualified Dr. in Austin who had enough experience to do such complex work, and 2) who would charge me with reasonable fees.

Please see my answers to your questions below:

How your procedure was:

Five visits to Boca Raton Dr. Davidoff's office.

1) office visit - duration 30 minutes,
2) implant surgery - 4 hours but stay overnight at Boca Raton
3) taking imprints - one hour
4) temporary bridge and taking imprints again - 3 hours
5) permanent bridge - 3 hours

What the results were:

I can eat anything I want. The bridge is stronger than my own teeth and it does make my face fuller. It is like my own teeth and I feel normal.

Was the cost too much:

No, Dr. Davidoff's fee was 50% less than the estimates that I got from the Doctors in Austin.

I had some back implants put in and they failed:

You need to find out why they failed before you have another implants done.

Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Davidoff. Dr. Davidoff is a veryexperienced, responsible, and caring Doctor. He likes what he is doing. Somehow I feel that money is NOT all he is after. If you need to know more, please feel free to call me after work. My home phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx

S

You can see this patient's dental treatment at http://www.dental-implants.com/long_distance/long-distance.html

About once a week, I get a letter from someone who has gone through the procedure of having dental implants and dental implant restorations and just wants to share the process with me and others. This letter was very typical...

Dear Dr.Davidoff:

I have just spent the last two hours exploring your site and learning the about implants, bone grafts, and all the different scenarios for each potential case.

I know I need not explain how important your work is to someone like myself, an individual saddled with a full upper and lower denture (age 50).I am now in the process of having fixtures (the bar method) attached to two bramarks in the lower jaw.

The implants where installed at Tufts Dental School in Boston. It was my intention to complete the entire process at the school, but because of time restrenghts, I acquired the services of a local dentist, Dr. Parsons, to design the bar structure and make new upper and lower dentures. Time, money, insurance, all played a role in my decision process (I'm exhausted just thinking about it).

Anyway I want you to know that I have "bookmarked" your site and plan on being a frequent visitor. Being a patient who has suffered with dentures for years, and has significant bone less, I am thrilled to have been able to have the two implants successfully installed (so far so good - put in 3/1/99).

But I want to learn more. At some point, I want to do something with the upper sinus area. The oral surgeon at the Dental School, Dr. Robinson, felt that there is not enough bone in the back of the jaw and taking it from the hip is probably the only way to get it done. So, until cost comes down, as I'm sure it will as this science advances, I will bide my time, learn, and prepare myself for the opportunity when it arises. It is because of practitioners such as yourself, who openly share there knowledge, that I can generate hope and promise for the future --because I am gaining the knowledge to understand my own situation. You are a major asset to your profession.

Keep up the great work. I know it means a lot to you, but for us out here who made irrational decisions earlier in life that we know must live with -- you are a savior.

Best Regards,

Bill

Fortunately, I am very often able to direct people to dentists 
in their area capable of helping them with their dental implants. 
Dear Dr. Davidoff,

Your wealth of information on implants has been invaluable. I am contacting all your referral names. I'm looking for the experts/specialists in Spokane, WA, to place and restore probable implants in #8 and 10. However, do you have any recommendations on additional information and names to direct my search?

    Thank you for your expertise and time.
Sincerely,
   Shirley  

I am half way through my procedure for dental implants. I am having fully fixed implants. I have had a sinus graft 3 weeks ago. I will wait for 6 months for the top implants. Bottom implants are placed. I would like to get your feed back on your implants. So far my procedure has gone very well. Thanks for your comments. Carol

Sounds like everything is going well here... Keep me posted...

My name is Roy and I want to tell you how much I enjoyed looking over your site. The implant process is a big concern of mine. My son is eleven and is missing seventeen of his permanent teeth. We have been in braces for the last year but he now has those off {for now} and is wearing a retainer with teeth built in to help keep his two front teeth together. So far we have had very good luck and the teeth have not shifted back. If I had a scanner I would send you his x-rays. I think you would find the case interesting. Our biggest fear now is that the rest of the permanent teeth he does have will not come in. We are taking a wait and see approach for the next eighteen months or so just to see what happens. Two of my best friends and one of my cousins are dentist here in the small town of Searcy Arkansas. With the help of these guys, my wife and I chose an orthodontist in Little Rock. We have been pleased.{Dr. Richard Meyer} Even though implants are 10 to 15 years away I am always interested in the latest treatment. Thanks again for you site.

Roy

Again, it sounds like everything is on track here... Please keep me informed...

Dear Dr. Davidoff,

I have visited your site on numerous occasions during the past few years and I find it quite interesting. I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment to create adequate space for a dental implant which I hope to have to replace my right central incisor which was knocked out in an accident around 12 years ago.

My main concern is with the appearance and feel of the dental implant as compared to regular teeth. Does the crown which is attached to the implant sit on the surface of the gum tissue or does the tissue surround the crown like it would a normal tooth? Does the material which the crown is made of feel like a foreign substance or does it match the properties of a normal tooth? The strength and functionality of a dental implant is what appeals to me, as I have had an acrylic retainer as a temporary solution for the past 10 years and while it's appearance was acceptable, it's functionality rating was zero.

Thank you for your time,

Brent

If everything is done correctly, the crown on an implant should look just like a normal tooth. The gum should surround it like a normal tooth and the function of the restoration should be quite similar to the normal tooth....

I have a subperiosteal implant. The rt. lower strut and portion of bar has been removed. I continue to have granulation tissue occur and be removed. X-ray discloses some deterioration around base of both anterior posts but so far we've been able to salvage these. After the pain and trauma ofhaving this procedure 5 years ago I am very reluctant to have more surgery. An endoseous implant has been recommenced -- beaded, with probably 4 posts. The rest of the old one would have to be removed prior to implantation on new, of course along with all of the HA which still exists under the implant. My original oral surgeon died some time ago. Two opinions I have received -- one from my family dentist and one from a friend who is an orthodontist -- have been to maintain what is left of the present implant until it is unhealthy to do so. I have almost decided to have it removed when this happens and resort to a conventional denture. My only problem is that due to bone deterioration from long term use of dentures before I had the implant inserted I have a nerve which is close to the surface of the gum. I am really in a quandary. Please reply with a general opinion. I am 65 Y.O., Still teach and my students (college) think I'm about 55.

Merrilyn

Subperiosteal implants are very dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. Consult with a very qualified oral surgeon to determine the best means of removing and replacing this implant....

Hi

Thank you so much for your attention - something quite unusual here in Germany. Your email from yesterday gave European references for implant specialists - none of them in Germany. I found only about a dozen dentist in Germany who present themselves on the internet, some of them do implants. Thanks for the reference in the UK, I'll check them out.

Paul

As more and more dentists come on line from all over the world, I will have a much better opportunity to recommend qualified people in far away places...

Dr. Davidoff,

Thank you for your help locating an implantologist. Dr. Podlesh seems very well qualified to handle my problem. Please pass my thanks onto Dr. Sampson as well. Thanks again,

Michael

Putting people together is very rewarding for me....

As you can see from my address I am a resident in NZ, south island for that matter. I am presently coping (marginally) with a plate to replace a front tooth on the upper right of my mouth. The original was extracted as a desperate measure on my part to curtail the effects of gum problems. I find the plate most unsatisfactory for all the obvious reasons. In that I intend to be in Phoenix in about a year it occurred to me that I might be able to get an implant installed. Where may I get information about suitable dentists in that area? Incidentally I found your home page and attending information most interesting and worthwhile. Thank Your R.

Unfortunately, very typical problems...

Hello Dr. Davidoff,

I would like to have dental implants and feel very lucky to have come upon your site. My wish is to get started as soon as possible - your appointment schedule permitting, of course. Please advise of the steps to take. Perhaps you need some history first. Thirty-six year old female. History of periodontal disease and varying degrees of bone loss; surgery in '85. These seven teeth missing: ULQ- 1, 6; URQ- 2, 4, 6; both six's in lower jaw. Excellent health otherwise. I can be reached at home: Thanks! Joan

Very often, people from all over the world will contact me for treatment...