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POSTED UNDER All-on-4 Dental Implants REVIEWS

Today is the Day - Las Vegas, NV

ORIGINAL POST

I'm not going t go through my "bad treath"...

pinapt
WORTH IT$34,500
I'm not going t go through my "bad treath" history, as I am pretty sure it's similar to most who seek this form of treatment. Needless to say, it was the only option left outside of wearing full dentures. I've been wearing partial upper dentures since 2004, and gum recession in both my upper and lower teeth have progressively gotten worse in the past few years. I HATE my smile, and always had to cover my mouth when laughing because my 2 canine teeth beside the partials almost show the whole root. UGLY! My bottom teeth looked ok, but are so crooked. And while they look "ok to me, the guns has recessed so much that they all look too love with half of the roots exposed. My whole intention is to just have the upper arch done as I was still skeptical about the success, do t thought process is to get half done and if it is really as good as everyone claims it to be, then I'll go for the lowers later. I'm paying cash, so 19.5 K as also what I was only prepared to spend.
So forward on to today....
My husband drove us to Las Vegas last night as we only live 3 hours away. We checked I to Treasure Island hotel, which was provided by Dr. Golpa's package. That wa convenient. the driver who was going to pick me up, James, ran 20 minutes late, so we just drove to the clinic since we had transportation. I personally met the staff who I 'be met on the phone. I was attended to by Carlos, really nice guy. He did my CT scams and answered some of my questions and pretty much reassured me about certain things. Cat did my x-rays and spent a long time explaining the whole procedure. I was then taken to the lab for more 3D scans and to see the place where they manufacture the teeth and bridges, etc. By this time, each one of them are trying to convince me, in a very POSITIVE way (not at all forcing. Me) to consider getting my whole mouth done by giving me all the pros and cons. By the time I finally met Dr. Golpa, my husband and I had no doubt that both arches ned to be done to achieve the best results, versus just doing the uppers. The primary reason I was hesitant was becaus wi had only prepared to pay cash for one arch only. Carlos resolved that by offering in-house financing that was very doable for me. And so we divided to go forward with the full mouth.
I was at the clinic for 6 hours. I had 15 extractions total. I met with the anesthesiologist, the Maxillofacial surgeon and the nurse/dental tech that assisted in the whole procedure (I will mention names later as I am still kind of foggy right now). One thing I must not forget to mention before anything else is that EVERY SINGLE PERSON in this clinic is so very nice, accommodating, non-judge mental and NOT in a rush. They take time to explain and reassure you.
So moving on to surgery...... I didn't feel a thing other than a poke from the IV line to deliver my anesthesia. I woke up 3 hours or so later and I was done. Hardly any pain, just numb and swollen. they gave me thorough instructions for aftercare and gave me a goody bag with ice and protein shakes.
I went back to hotel, a total of 6 hours later and just went to sleep :)
I just woke up, still with very minimal pain (1-2/10 pain level) . I am soooo hungry so I sent my hubby to get me some soup. Right now, my face is swollen so I'm icing. More to come later.

pinapt's provider

Mike Golpa, DDS

Mike Golpa, DDS

Dentist

4.8 | 82 Reviews
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Replies (12)

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June 1, 2016

Thanks for sharing your story with this community. I hope things continue to go well with your recovery, and that you'll keep us updated on your progress.

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June 2, 2016
You made a great decision. Dr Golpa, and staff are great at what they do. It may take a day or two to adjust, but you're going to very happy you did the tops, and bottoms. Dr Golpa doesn't need to hard sell anything. That's thoes commercial places, or dentists that are just starting. I had this done going on 5 years, and ANYTIME I had, a question, or concern, they always were super helpful. I was fortunate enough to pay for everything upfront, but it's not like they took my money, and said "see ya" after. They treat everyone with great care, and concern. I've said this several times on Realself, but I'll say it again. I go annually for cleanings, and check ups, I've spoken to 25-35 different patients through that period, and I've never met anyone who wasn't totally thrilled with the results.
NYTodd
June 2, 2016
Thanks for the re-assurance. It really helps to get feedback from those who have had this procedure done. And I/m even more happy to know that even after 5 years, you're doing great. I will keep posting my experiences here so that others can get well-informed, first hand. So far, but only at day 3, I'm super happy. I just cant wait for all the swelling to resolve so I can get back to life :)
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June 3, 2016
It's all good from here on out. If you smoked, stop, and use the floss along with the water pic (just follow their instructions). If you're at day 3, you should really start feeling much better real soon. It's amazing how good Dr Golpa is at his craft. When I see the commercials for the cookie cutter places, all I can think "thoes poor people "
I'm sure you'll get back to a new, and improved life sooner than ya think.
NYTodd
June 15, 2016
Hi you look great I also had the procedure done three weeks ago I'm very happy too and was wondering how the plates are after 5 years. Would they need replacing soon or do they still look great. Thanks for your time
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June 2, 2016
Wow they look great..Quick question, what is in house financing?????? is this something where you need good credit?ty..Cant wait to follow your journey
June 4, 2016
I was only prepared to pay for the upper arch. It made a while
Lot of sense to do the whole mouth, so they made it financially possible by helping me finance the rest of the cost "in-house". Meaning, they worked out a payment plan that wa adorable for me without i sternest over a period of 9 months :)
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June 14, 2016
oh really? see thats what i have saved for just the uppers..all i can afford and zero credit,,,meaning crap credit..will they work with that?
June 9, 2016
June 9, 2016
Nevermind sorry. Maybe you can answer my question here, how much is the total cost, for the upper and lower? And are you doing payments? If so how much monthly?
July 3, 2016
Sorry for the typo in the first post. I meant "my bad TEETH"...fat fingers on the phone keyboard :(
UPDATED FROM pinapt
1 day post

Day 2- Got my new smile... And I can't be any happier!

pinapt
First of all, sorry for the typos at yesterday's post. I was posting on my phone and I was, well, quite groggy after the procedure.
Fast forward to this morning. I had a pretty restful night, but woke up with some throbbing at about 5 AM. I ate some ice chips, took some meds and I was fine. I literally had no pain, just some pressure from swelling and a very slight headache. I don't like taking meds, so I'm thinking my headaches could be from Vicodin. Anyway, on areas where I had no teeth, I felt sutures. in fact, I had sutures all throughout, making me think that they exposed my entire jawbone during surgery. That's what I think is causing all the swelling and pressure. Anyway, still no real pain. they called me to come into the office at 2 PM. Once there, everyone greeted me like it was Christmas! You just simply feel at home as they all call you by your first name! Everyone seems to be genuinely concerned about how I did overnight. I was taken in by Sophia, who assisted in surgery and proceeded to place the bridge on my abutments. No discomfort at all! I was so freaked out about pain when they screw in the bridge but all I felt was very sligjt pressure. NO part of the bridge rubbed or pushed in my gums at all. It fit like a glove! Dr. Torkaman (surgeon) did some adjustments prior to Dr. Golpa coming in. When Dr G walked in, he still made minor adjustments....., these guys are all PERFECTIONISTS!!! They took their time to make sure everything looks the way it should..., needless to say, I am happy, simply very happy to get a PERFECT smile! I LOVE MY NEW TEETH ... And so glad I did both upper and lower... There was just no doubt it was the better option. I love everyone in the office- Carlos, who made financing my lowers possible (since I did not come prepared for that), Amanda, Cat and Kathy..., and all the docs /DDS that worked on me! SO WORTH IT!!!! I will keep you all posted on my journey later. for now, I'm obe happy camper with a beautiful smile!!!

Replies (5)

June 2, 2016
Congratulations! I had the same experience last month, and feel the same as you do about all of the people involved with Dr. Golpa. You look wonderful.
June 2, 2016
How long did it take for the swelling to resolve?
June 2, 2016
About 4 -5 days. Minor swelling for another week. Never had any pain at all.
June 4, 2016
Thanks! I'm now on Day 4. Notice pain but still swollen and some slight bruising around my mouth. I feel good though. I just can't wait for all the swelling to settle down.
June 3, 2016
WOW!! Gorgeous smile!!
UPDATED FROM pinapt
2 days post

Day 3-Post Op

pinapt
More swelling today when I woke up. I could barely open my eyes. BUT still not much pain, really. I iced my face and took a cold shower and swelling went down quite a bit. I'm hoping to return to work tomorrow, depending on how big my face looks like :)
I was informed that the worst swelling happens at about 72 hours, so I was expecting it. I'll post more updates as needed. For now, all I can think of is why I had not this procedure sooner!!!!
What I would like to hear for here are people who have had it for a year or so and how has it been.... Any complications, etc?

Replies (4)

June 2, 2016
Congrats! I have my heart set on having Dr. Golpa fix my teeth. Trying to obtain the financing. Wish me luck. Haven't had any. :(
June 2, 2016
They really work with you. Speak with Carlos. I was not prepared to do both upper and lower, but they were able to work out in-house financing for me.
June 2, 2016
Thanks! I will call and talk to him :)
June 2, 2016
That's great I'm very happy for you and so glad you had both done as eventually you might've had to go through all that again. I had mine done in Australia last week n also very happy. Wishing you all the best