How a Multi-Location Dental Group Filled 140 Implant Consults With a Single Google Ads Pivot

"We're getting leads, but they just want teeth cleaning."

That was the complaint from the marketing director of a 5-location dental group in Texas. They were spending $12,000/month on Google Ads, and while the phone was ringing, the chairs weren't filling with the high-value patients they needed. They wanted All-on-4 cases and single implants; they were getting insurance-driven checkups.

The problem wasn't the budget. It was the "General Dentist" trap.

By making one strategic pivot—shifting from "Service-Based" to "Problem-Based" targeting—we helped them book 140 qualified implant consults in just 90 days. Here is the breakdown of exactly how we did it.

The "General Dentist" Trap

Most PPC for dentists campaigns are structured around services:

• "Dentist near me"
• "Dental implants"
• "Cosmetic dentistry"

The issue? "Dental implants" is a high-intent keyword, but it's also expensive and competitive. More importantly, patients often don't search for the solution first; they search for the problem.

The Pivot: Targeting the Pain, Not the Procedure

We paused their generic "Dental Implants" campaign and launched a "Problem-Aware" campaign structure. Instead of bidding on "implant dentist," we targeted the specific situations that lead someone to need an implant.

1. The "Broken Tooth" Funnel

Patients with a broken or failing tooth need an immediate solution. They aren't shopping for a brand; they are shopping for relief.

• Keywords: "fix broken tooth," "tooth extraction and replacement," "cracked tooth options"
• Ad Copy: Focused on "Same Day Solutions" and "Save Your Smile."
• Landing Page: Highlighted the immediate next step (exam + X-ray) and the long-term solution (implant).

2. The "Denture Alternative" Funnel

This targeted an older demographic frustrated with their current situation.

• Keywords: "dentures loose," "hate my dentures," "permanent denture options"
• Ad Copy: "Eat What You Want Again" and "Throw Away Your Glue."
• Landing Page: Showcased All-on-4 as a lifestyle upgrade, not just a medical procedure.

The Results: Quality Over Quantity

The shift was dramatic.

• Cost Per Lead (CPL): Dropped from $185 (for generic implant leads) to $92.
• Conversion Rate: Increased from 4% to 12% because the landing pages spoke directly to the user's pain.
• Total Consults: 140 booked in Q1.

Why This Works

When you target the problem, you meet the patient where they are emotionally. You aren't just another dentist selling a screw; you are the expert solving a life-altering problem.

This approach also lowers your CPC. "Fix broken tooth" is often less competitive than "dental implant surgeon," yet the intent to book is just as high.

The Takeaway

If your dental campaigns are driving volume but not value, look at your keywords. Are you selling the drill, or are you selling the hole? Pivot to problem-based targeting, and you'll see the difference in your consult schedule.

(Want to know more about tracking these high-value conversions? Check out our Google Ads conversion tracking guide.)