how to merge overlapping buffers of a shape file

Hi,

I've created some buffers from a point layer. My issue is that some of these buffers overlap so I'd like to merge these overlapped buffers. So i'd like 4-5 overlapping buffers to be counted as ONE. I've tried dissolve but with dissolve all buffers in total are counted is one.

Could anyone provide me his help please?

thanks,
Stathis