TODAY I had all my teeth removed for the all on 4 procedure at clear choice portland. I am in the recovery room. Mild pain, took 2 vicodin. Surgery went well. attended by main surgeon, 2 surgeons assistant, and nurse anesthesiologist. Hisory- After a consultation, exam, xrays, impressions, and payment arrangements, the appointment was made for March 30. Many of my teeth were in still in great condition, but gums were frequently infected, many could not be saved, bleeding, worsening pain, receding gum lines and gapping, odor becoming a major issue, problems eating and chewing. I met with the consulting dentist and surgeon. Both were concerned that many teeth could be saved and at half the cost and gave me both options very clearly. The spent hours checking and discussing. I made the decision to go ahead. I was requested to get an exam and clearance from my doctor. After some question about blood pressure from my regular doctor, even though my BP was OK in the end, cc decided to take extra precautions, which I appreciated. I was also warned several times if anything appeared to be a health issue, the surgeon would not proceed The surgeon called me on the phone a week or so before the procedure, went over the procedure, cautioned that I had choices that were less costly and could save many teeth, discussed any health issues, and told me very clearly, that if I changed my mind even on the day of surgery, the would cancel and fully refund all payments. They wanted me to be sure. He even made it clear it may take 6mo-1yr to get used to the allon4's, I would have to relearn my s's and t's and probably would spit involuntarily for awhile. All very scary and much to think about! After a month of on and off cold feet, scary thoughts, considering the options, the pain worsened, another infection took hold, eating was getting more difficult. Cold feet and all, that was the final decision. I didn't want to spend a year or longer repairing half my teeth, and at age 57 look forward to more tooth decay and infections as the healthy teeth began to decline. The surgery went well, the surgeon was not happy with the fit of the temporary uppers and is having those adjusted before putting them on. The pain is not too bad for a normal person, but my tolerance is low, so am on painkillers for a few days. Was it worth it? Yes, but since i am in recovery awaiting the temporary implants now will update in a few days with how they look and feel and if any issues. So far service, care, surgeon, office staff, comfort, are 5 star. Updated on 8 Oct 2015: Just had my 6 month visit for molds. So far so good! I copied this from another review because it is exactly my experince. "Just went in for a pretty awful 6-hour appointment to make the molds for the permanent teeth last week. The implants have healed well and are solidly in the bone. In 2 weeks I go in for the first try-out. If I like it, then they'll make the permanent ones with the titanium bar. If I still want further changes, then there'll be a few more try-outs. I'm aiming to have it all completed by year's end. In the interim, I can eat almost like a normal person, I have a pretty nice smile already, and for the most part, it feels like my own teeth! I am happy I did this!!" Drs Sam and Burnstein and Lindsay make a great team. They surely care about my experience and comfort. I have an issue with a small amout of water passing through my nose when holding my breath under water, that appeared to be related to the surgery, but we cannot be sure. The Dr's did everything they could to figure it out. From additional imagery, consulting with other surgeons and dentists around the u.s., referring me to a specialist (who also could not find the cause). The ENT confirmed the bone healed well and there is no issue that he can find, nor any reason for this to occur. We decided to wait until the permanent implants are in and revisit if it's still an issue. Both Dr's made it clear they will be available if needed. I couldn't be more satisfied with clear choice portland, the procedure, the doctors, and their team. And, an applause for Lindsay. She cares about my experience every time I am there. She made tomato soup for me while I was waiting for my temporary to be upgraded... ! And she was very concerned that I am comfortable and have little to no pain. Lindsay has been with cc for 8 years. I had an issue with saliva building up under the Temps causing hard suction. Dr Sam had the Temps adjusted to make this more comfortable for the next 4 months. Another unexpected gesture that shows they are concerned with my comfort. My husband had surgery yesterday and has had dental work done by this office. He agrees with me 100%. He is very satisfied. We highly recommend this office For any work you need done. I give them a 6 out of 5 stars! The extra star is for going beyond. I get the feeling that going-beyond is normal practice for this Office. Well done clear choice portland. I will try to update again and post pics of my final permanent implant's in a few months. Very satisfied. Highly recommended office And procedure. Updated on 11 Feb 2016: I am at the portland airport, having just had my final adjustments and implants. I want to take a moment to say that positive reviews are just as important as bad reviews in helping folks make one of the most important decisions of their life. Its a large investment financially, in the time involved in the process (nearly a year for me), and the risks are all important. MY FINAL REVIEW. The first review reminds me, a year later, why I decided to move forward and why I initially chose Clear Choice Portland. A little explanation of the final adjustments. Our final trip was for 2 days. Day 1 to fit the final implants, adjust the bite, and go over all the details I needed to know. Day 2 was to make sure all issues are resolved. This 2 day accommodation was for my convenience since I flew from Southern Oregon to Portland, they wanted to make it easier for me. Dr. Sam made it clear that should I need another adjustment after getting used to the bite in a month, and that he wanted me to be very satisfied with the result, that his door was open for another adjustment. THIS type of caring about the quality and satisfaction with the entire experience extends from the doctors to every staff member at CC Portland. The facility and equipment are maintained in the highest standards. My new implants are incredible. In addition to beautiful, they are functionally superior. I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with the experience and the implants from beginning to end. The office staff is friendly, highly knowledgeable, and very efficient. I h ave never been more impressed by an office staff. To put the price into perspective, it is about the same as a mid luxury car. It is well worth every penny, and is a surgical procedure with 6 month's to a year of followup ca're. If you have a question, feel free to drop me a note. I will post final pictures later. My plane is boarding. Thank you DR's Sam and Bernstein, Carrie for accommodating our schedules and convenience, LINDSEY for your incredible care and personal qttention, Annie for your detailed answers. A personal note to Dr SAM... THANK YOU for telling me like it is everytime. You made sure 'I understood everything whether I liked it or not. You are a true professional I highly recommend this office. PHotos coming soon. Updated on 17 Apr 2017: Had a final visit with Dr Sam today and I couldn't be more happy with the results. Dr Sam's office strives for excellence in quality. It's rare to find a doctor who cares so much about quality, service, and education. I highly recommend this ClearChoice office. If you are going to do the all on four, Doctor Sam is the best doctor to see.
