Description:

In this episode, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Ed Feinberg, a seasoned expert in restorative dentistry with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Feinberg shares his deep insights on implants, crown and bridge, and why modern dentistry is ignoring fundamental engineering principles. With a lineage tracing back to pioneers in full-coverage restorative techniques, he challenges mainstream dental practices and emphasizes the importance of preserving natural teeth whenever possible. If you're a dentist, dental student, or anyone interested in long-lasting restorative solutions, this is an eye-opening discussion you won't want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

The Misconception About Implants – Why they are not a lifetime solution and should be a last resort in most cases.

Crown & Bridge Done Right – How proper engineering principles can prevent failures and extend the lifespan of restorations.

Engineering in Dentistry – What famous engineering disasters can teach us about implant and bridge failures.

The Role of Occlusion – How forces on teeth contribute to periodontal disease and abfractions.

Why Dental Schools Are Failing – How modern education is prioritizing quick fixes over long-term patient health.

The Lost Art of Precision Attachment Cases – A technique that has been around since 1906, but few dentists know about today.

Gold vs. Zirconia vs. Porcelain – The best and worst materials for long-lasting dental restorations.

Temporary Restorations That Last – How Dr. Feinberg creates temporaries that function like permanents.

The Influence of Big Business in Dentistry – Why implant manufacturers and insurance companies are shaping dental education.

Personal Passions of Dr. Ed Feinberg

Dr. Feinberg is passionate about preserving and teaching time-tested techniques that many dentists today no longer learn. He believes in a whole-mouth approach to treatment and stresses that dentistry is not about filling a hole—it’s about engineering for long-term health. His mission is to educate dentists on proper crown and bridge techniques, the importance of occlusion, and how to save teeth that others might extract. He also shares his vast 70-year photographic documentation of successful cases.

Podcast Vision

The Independent Dental Practice Podcast is dedicated to helping dentists improve their clinical skills and business success while maintaining patient-centered care. The goal is to challenge mainstream misconceptions, provide practical, science-based solutions, and empower dentists to think critically about treatment planning. This episode specifically seeks to redefine the conversation around implants vs. crown & bridge and highlight the lost techniques that still provide superior results today.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Implants should NOT be the first option—they fail over time and do nothing for surrounding teeth. Crown & Bridge, when done properly, is superior to implants in many cases, preventing bone loss and improving overall function.

Dentistry is engineering—violating biomechanical principles leads to failure.
Dental education is biased toward quick, high-profit treatments rather than what’s truly best for the patient.
Temporary restorations should be strong and functional, not just placeholders.
Gold remains the best dental material—zirconia is a nuclear plant material, not a dental one. Occlusion matters more than most realize—many common dental issues stem from poor force distribution.
Precision attachment cases are a forgotten yet powerful solution for patients who can’t have implants.
Corporate interests are reshaping dentistry—dentists need to be aware of industry influences.
If a technique has worked for 70 years, why ignore it? Dr. Feinberg has...