My dislike for dentists goes back to my early days as a youth. It unfortunately contributed to the sad state of affairs my teeth were in when I reached middle age. At the point where it was no longer an option to stay away from dentists, I was introduced to Dr. Dean Vafiadis by one of his classmates from dental school. His description to me was that he was very competent, honest, an expert in prosthodontics and a professor at NYU teaching the latest techniques in dentistry. I needed someone of that caliber because I had decided to replace my problematic upper teeth and most of my lower teeth with individual implants.   

When I finally visited his office, I was made to feel at ease on many levels. Apprehension and uncertainty quickly gave way to a comfortable feeling of being in the hands of an energetic, knowledgeable professional at the top of his game. His office has an appearance which enhances a feeling of calmness and serenity. The staff is friendly and welcomed me as though I were a family member as well as a patient. It was strange to have the novel feeling of looking forward to going to the dentist. My fear that I would be spending many hours in a dentist’s chair was completely unfounded. The entire process, although progressing thru 24 months overall (due to time required for bone healing of implant posts) involved relatively few 1 hour appointments. Dr. Dean employed the very latest computerized techniques which he has helped to pioneer and also mentors to other prosthodontists.    At the end of the process, I had an almost complete mouth of implanted teeth. I felt as though a third set of natural teeth had sprouted in my mouth at age 59, rivaling the smile I had at age 25. I had forgotten how nice it is to have people smile back the minute my lips begin to part.

 

2 years later, my new teeth actually feel even more comfortable as my jaw bones have become accustomed to accommodating their new neighbors. There is nothing that I now do differently than when I had my natural teeth. These now are my natural teeth! 

 

From the very beginning, I have recommended Dr. Dean Vafiadis to all my family, friends, co-workers, business associates or anyone else who will listen. They are astounded that I went from hating dentists (not personally, only what they do to you) to actually liking and looking forward to going to one. When they meet him, invariably they call to thank me and react with the same enthusiasm that I have been experiencing.