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Dallas/Fort Worth Edition
Dr. Robert A.
Weinstein
A Patient-Focused Practice Built on Excellence
cover
story
Dr. Robert A. Weinstein
A Patient-Focused Practice Built on Excellence
By Tina Cauller
PHOTO BY RAY BRYANT, BRYANT STUDIOS
When Bassam hears Dr. Weinstein greet him with “Jambo!” he
can hardly believe it. A sparkling grin as wide as the Zambezi breaks
out as he exclaims, “You speak Swahili!” Indeed, Dr. Weinstein does
speak some Swahili, and a smattering of 30 other languages, which
he uses to welcome patients from around the world. He is fluent in
Spanish, French, German and Korean. “Making an effort to welcome
someone in their native language is a very reassuring act,” explains
Dr. Weinstein. “From our first words, patients sense that they are
valued and respected here. It makes an immediate connection and
brings a new level of comfort.”
Dr. Weinstein’s remarkable multilingualism isn’t the only surprise
awaiting patients in this unique practice. Although he is an accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than three decades
of experience and an exceptional range of expertise, you won’t find
him on a pedestal of self-importance. To the contrary — in his
practice, the patient is treated like visiting royalty.
As honored guests, Dr. Weinstein’s
Dr. Robert A. Weinstein strives to provide patients with the best possible care from both a
patients are lavished with personal attensurgical and a personal standpoint.
tion and given the opportunity to choose
from a menu of options that will enhance
their experience. “We practice what I call
‘distraction dentistry.’ It’s human nature
— no one likes the feeling of relinquishing control. It makes us feel vulnerable and
anxious. We counter that natural reaction
by offering choices to our patients, giving
them some sense that they are in the driver’s
seat.” Before their procedure, patients receive a “menu” that allows them to choose
from an array of brightly colored, flavored
gloves, and select a DVD to watch. After
their procedure, they can enjoy a soothing
milkshake, made on the spot in the flavor of
their choice.
“We are committed to a patient-focused
practice built on excellence. Providing
excellent patient care means recognizing
that each person is a richly complex individual who deserves our undivided attention.
Listening to any concerns they might have
about their medical problems, their procedure, what to expect during recovery, how
it may impact their work, their family or
their future health is critically important to
their overall care.”
It’s easy to tell that Dr. Weinstein appreciates and enjoys people. In fact, he has
accumulated a wealth of experiences with
people in his global travels and delights in
sharing his passionate interest in culture and
human nature.
D r. We i n s t e i n g r a du at e d f rom
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
Dr. Weinstein believes in “distraction dentistry,” where patients are lavished with personal
attention and given the opportunity to choose from a menu of options that will enhance their
experience. The “menu” allows patients to choose from an array of brightly colored, flavored
gloves, select a DVD to watch and order a soothing milkshake, made on the spot following their
procedure.
Northwestern University Dental School in
Chicago and completed a four-year residency
in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Loyola
University and Affiliated Hospitals, then
earned a master’s degree in addition to his
specialty and anesthesia training. When his
intensely focused training was complete, an
undeniable desire for adventure set in. He left
the landlocked Midwest and began making
his way through the Caribbean on a 40-foot
sailboat, touring the Bahamas and Caribbean
Islands as far south as Venezuela.
His presence in the islands quickly landed
him an unofficial position as the local dentist. “Islanders are incredibly friendly,” he
recalls. “The boat wasn’t moored for long
before word would get around that I was
an oral surgeon. Residents would come to
my boat and ask for help with their teeth,
sometimes in an emergency. Late one night,
a man brought his wife to see me. She had
been suffering with a painful tooth, which,
PHOTOS BY RAY BRYANT, BRYANT STUDIOS
Dr. Weinstein and his staff are committed to a patient-focused practice built on excellence. Providing excellent patient care means recognizing that
each person is a richly complex individual who deserves our undivided attention.
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
PHOTO BY RAY BRYANT, BRYANT STUDIOS
A private consultation, which Dr. Weinstein believes is critically important to the patient’s overall care, allows him to listen to any concerns the
patient might have about their treatment, recovery and the impact on their work, family or future health.
I explained, had to be extracted. They were so grateful, he stayed
up all night to bake two loaves of bread and delivered them to my
boat the next morning.”
After 15 months, Dr. Weinstein returned to the mainland and spent
16 years as senior partner in a group specialty practice in Denver
and chaired the department of dentistry for a large local hospital.
During that time, he served as president of two dental societies
and lectured each year at the Metro Denver Dental Society annual
meeting. He also lectured throughout the U.S. and other countries
on dental implants.
REPLACING MISSING TEETH
Dental implants have been in use for a long time. Primitive implants
made of bone and shell have even been found in Egyptian mummies
and ancient Mayans. At first, it was believed that these had been
used to replace missing teeth after death, but later studies of the surrounding bone proved that they were placed prior to death. Modern
titanium implants were first introduced in Sweden in the mid-1960s,
after Per-Ingvar Brånemark’s studies of the mechanisms of bone
healing serendipitously revealed that implanted titanium fused to
the bone, a phenomenon he called “osseointegration.”
Dr. Weinstein successfully performed his first dental implant procedure in 1969. When two companies set out to bring
European implants to the U.S. in the 1970s, Dr. Weinstein and
a handful of other dentists were asked to evaluate the systems.
He worked with Dr. Axel Kirsch, a renowned German innovator, and established a reputation as a leader in oral implantology
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
in the U.S. The first implants were met with skepticism by the
conventional dental profession, but that soon changed. “In time,
dental implants became so successful that, by 1982, even the most
reluctant skeptics began asking me questions about performing
implant procedures,” Dr. Weinstein remembers.
Dr. Weinstein was among the first specialists to become a Fellow
of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and since those early
days has performed thousands of implant procedures and has lectured
and taught around the world on the topic of dental implants.
OPTIMIZING IMPLANT SUCCESS WITH
EXPERIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Today’s highly refined dental implants have a 95-97% success
rate, with more than 40 years of highly documented research. Fixed
restorations, such as bridges, last from 3 to 25 years, with an average of 12 years. Refining the implants themselves has been just one
aspect of improving their performance. “Experience is a key factor in
implant success,” notes Dr. Weinstein. “Our experience has resulted
in significant refinements in technique and in our understanding of
the role of the supporting bone. Most patients with missing teeth
have experienced some bone loss because bone atrophies in the area
of the missing tooth. Rather than simply placing implants in whatever
bone remains, we now understand that placement is most successful when supporting bone is in the proper position. If it is not, then
the procedure must be staged, using bone grafting to replace bone
where it is needed to securely hold the implant and ensure long-term
success.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
DR. ROBERT WEINSTEIN
Example of a 3-D CT scan of #17 and #32 areas to determine nerve
position.
“Methods of bone regeneration have become much more sophisticated, so we can regrow bone where it is needed to securely support
the implant. With the restoration of adequate bone, the implant
can withstand the forces of chewing in a more natural way, which
minimizes the risk of failure.
“Patient selection is another crucial consideration. It’s essential to
look at the patient’s complete health history. Smokers, uncontrolled diabetics or heavy bruxers are not good candidates for dental implants.”
Advances in bone grafting have played an enormous role in improving the success of dental implants, but a recent development in
computerized imaging technology has initiated a second revolution
in implantology. New volumetric CT imaging enables the clinician
to visualize the area in three dimensions, dramatically enhancing
diagnostic planning for implant placement. These three-dimensional
images enable clinicians to analyze bone density and structure, nerve
location and tooth orientation, and plan implant placement with
extreme accuracy.
With this information, the clinician can visualize the area and determine whether the bone volume, density and location are sufficient
or if bone augmentation will be required. It also facilitates selection
of the most suitable implant prior to surgery, which helps ensure a
good outcome. “The CT gives information that is not possible with
a simple two-dimension radiograph,” notes Dr. Weinstein. “Bone
quality may look good on a pano but prove to be less dense or calcified than ideal on CT. Three-dimensional imaging also helps identify
and locate vital anatomical structures and nerves so as to affect the
least complications and the best results.”
In addition, better diagnostic tools are being joined by high-tech
solutions to long-standing challenges in the field of implantology.
Platelet-rich plasma, autologous bone grafting and bone morphogenic
protein have each contributed to the advancement of the procedure’s
success and expanded the number of patients who can be helped with
dental implants. Dr. Weinstein has taken the initiative to stay current
with all of these new developments and continually utilizes them to
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Weinstein has received four years of specialty training in medicine, general surgery, anesthesia,
otolaryngology, plastic surgery and physical diagnosis. His training focused specifically on the jaws, face and mouth. As a result of this highly
specialized training, he is licensed and well prepared to perform procedures that are commonly performed by plastic surgeons, including
reconstructive surgery of the nose and orbits of the eye, cleft palate and facial aesthetic surgery. He has trained extensively with leading cosmetic
surgeons around the country. His advanced training in anesthesia and expertise in pain control allow him to provide comfortable, convenient and safe
care in an outpatient setting.
Cutting-edge technology is present everywhere in Dr. Weinstein’s practice and has been central to his introduction of facial cosmetic surgery
services. He is currently the only oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana or Arkansas to own and offer the Fraxel SR1500
laser, which provides a safe, noninvasive method for treating fine lines and wrinkles,
acne scarring and other aging skin conditions. Conventional full laser resurfacing uses an
Erbium YAG or CO2 laser, and is associated with two to three months of intense redness
and a lengthy downtime, as well as a risk of pain and infection. By comparison, the Fraxel
laser ablates thousands of microscopic targets at a time, instead of targeting the entire
area. This results in a dramatic immediate effect with minimal downtime. Most patients
experience only a mild sunburn-like effect with slightly dry skin that lasts four or five
days. The effects of the Fraxel laser treatment continue to progress as natural healing
occurs and new collagen, elastin and skin cell growth are stimulated. The results, simply
put, are amazing.
Dr. Weinstein offers a number of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, including the
minimally invasive “mini-facelift” known as Silhouette facial threadlifting, Botox
treatment, laser hair removal, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, mesotherapy, facial
spider vein therapy and FotoFacial. He has acquired five different lasers, each with
specific capabilities that allow him to offer a wide range of cosmetic treatment.
He also performs a wide range of cosmetic facial surgery procedures including
blepharoplasty, genioplasty, jaw surgery, facial liposuction, Diamond Wire wrinkle
correction and VeraFil lip augmentation.
Dr. Weinstein is the first in Texas to offer VeraFil lip augmentation, which uses soft,
flexible saline-filled implants to provide long-lasting, natural looking and feeling volume
without injections or repeated cycles of treatment. After being positioned, the implants
are precisely filled to the correct volume through a self-sealing valve. The minimally
invasive procedure takes about 30 minutes and produces no visible scars. The Kevlarsided silicone sacs encourage tissue to integrate into the Kevlar material so the implant
Heather Rangel, LSO, performing a Fraxel laser
treatment.
cannot be felt, even by the patient. VeraFil is completely removable if necessary.
PHOTO ©JAY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
Cutting-Edge Cosmetic Procedures
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. ROBERT WEINSTEIN
Dr. William Starck recently joined the team at Texas Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants, allowing the practice to provide same-day emergency care
and convenient access to care at both office locations. Dr. Starck is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with 15 years of experience.
Robert A. Weinstein, D.D.S., M.S., has practiced over 30 years in the specialty of
oral and maxillofacial surgery, having gained extensive expertise in dental alveolar
surgery, particularly in wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, general anesthesia, IV
sedation, TMJ, facial trauma, bone cysts, preparation for dentures, chin augmentation
and reduction, orthognathic surgery, oral pathology, reconstructive and cosmetic jaw
surgery. Dr. Weinstein has also received extensive education and training in minimally
invasive facial cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Weinstein is an accredited member of:
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - Fellow
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry - Fellow
• International College of Oral Implantology - Fellow
• American Dental Association
• American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
• Rocky Mountain Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American College of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American College of Stomatologic Surgeons - charter member
• Dallas County Dental Society
• Dallas Dental Implant Study Club
• Metro Dallas Dental Society
Dr. Weinstein has lectured extensively on surgical procedures, case management and
dental implantology in various regions of the United States, as well as internationally.
He is a published author in professional journals and has held licenses to practice in
Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and
Jamaica. He is still drawn to travel and to the sea, where he enjoys sailing, scuba diving
and spending time with his family.
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
enhance his treatment armamentarium.
The volumetric CT can also be beneficial in planning wisdom tooth extraction,
particularly if the tooth is impacted in the
lower jaw. In certain cases, there is a risk of
trauma to the nerve near the impacted tooth,
which can result in paresthesia. Accurately
visualizing the nerve and other anatomical
structures in the area prior to the procedure
can help avoid such complications
ADDING TO EXPERTISE AND
CONVENIENCE
Since its inception, Dr. Weinstein’s
practice has grown and now occupies
two locations. In keeping with his commitment to excellent, attentive patient
care, Dr. Weinstein was recently joined
by an associate, Dr. William Starck. This
enables the practice to provide same-day
emergency care and convenient access
to care in both locations. Dr. Starck is
a board-certified oral and maxillofacial
surgeon with 15 years of experience.
Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Starck have a highly
trained and qualified staff ready to help make
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. ROBERT WEINSTEIN
Dr. Weinstein and his family at the recent graduation of his son, Joshua, from Southwestern University. One daughter, Soonja, is not pictured
because she is overseas serving our country in uniform as a rescue diver.
each patient’s experience pleasant and comfortable. The maxillofacial
surgical assistants, aestheticians and professional office personnel
are committed to providing the best care possible. Each member of
the clinical staff has been trained and certified in basic life support,
advanced cardiac life support, infection control and sterilization
technique, as well as dental radiography. There are staff members
who speak English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Russian and Farsi.
Drs. Weinstein and Starck are now state-accredited PACE providers, hosting continuing education courses to referring dentists at no
cost on wisdom tooth extraction, implants, Botox, ACLS and CPR
recertification.
According to Dr. Weinstein, “Texas dentists are licensed to
provide Botox injections and dermal fillers. Cosmetic procedures
are also expanding into the offices of all kinds of physicians. But in
my opinion, a trained dentist is better equipped to perform these
procedures than a trained gynecologist, dermatologist, ENT, ophthalmologist or general surgeon. A general dentist is specially trained
in the anatomy of the face. In addition, they are particularly attuned
to the demands of cosmetic procedures because they typically have
an eye for minute aesthetic details. Also, dentists are especially
adept at injections because injectable medications are a routine part
of day-to-day dentistry. These skills translate well to the realm of
cosmetic procedures.”
Dr. Weinstein himself takes approximately five times the required
number of course hours for continuing education each year, maintaining his commitment to a position at the leading edge of the latest oral
DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOCTOR OF DENTISTRY
and maxillofacial surgery procedures. He is trained and accredited
in 10 different implant systems.
As a dedicated member of the global and local community,
Dr. Weinstein makes two mission trips to Mexico each year and
provides care through Jewish Family Services in Dallas.
Dr. Weinstein’s patients often reward him for his exceptional
commitment by telling friends and family about the special attention
they received while in his care. Referring dentists are confident in the
acuity and fineness of his surgical technique, but also understand that
each patient’s positive experience builds confidence in the referring
dentist. “I try to provide patients with the best possible care from
both a surgical and a personal standpoint,” he notes. “When I am
honored by a visit from a member of a patient’s or referring dentist’s
family, I know I have done my job well.”
For more information on Dr. Weinstein, call (972) 960-1111 or visit
www.texaswisdom.com or www.cosmeticyouth.com. ■
DENTAL IMPLANTS
www.texaswisdom.com
14856 Preston Road #104
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 960-1111
www.cosmeticyouth.com
7750 N. MacArthur Blvd # 115
Las Colinas, TX 75063
(972) 869-2525