POSTED UNDER All-on-4 Dental Implants Reviews
Today is the Day - Las Vegas, NV
UPDATED FROM pinapt
2 months post
One month post op
WORTH IT$34,500
Finally, no more swelling. I had some swelling all the way up until the 4th week, just mild, but annoying. Also, the numbness on my chin and bottom jaw is now almost gone. I can now say that it feels as normal as it could get. I love my smile, but I'm just posting more updates for those who arew seriously contemplating on doing this procedure but sitting on the fence for various reasons. So far, this is my experience the last month:
-swelling (really bad the first week, less by day 10 but still noticeable. Swelling slowly subsided over the following 2 weeks or so.
- no real pain at anytime- which is surprising, considering 18 extractions and 8 implants (I'm still puzzled by the lack of pain, which is good, I guess :)
- someone posted on here somewhere that it will take time to get used to a "fuller/different bite" and that you'll be accidentally biting your tongue, inner cheek and lip...and that's so true! I have sopres in my mouth now from accidentally biting my lip and inner cheek while eating.....but im starting to get used to it, now that the numbness is gone
-It took 4 weeks for the numbness in my bottom jaw/chin to go away. I still have it very slightly on the chin.
-The ONLY one thing I hate is food getting stuck between my gum and the bridge.....so I constantly floss and gargle every time i eat...something I need to get used to.
- My speech got affected by the feel of extra "surface" in my mouth, specifically at the bottom. My tongue is still getting used to learning how not to lisp...getting better though.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with the results! It's all worth it!
Will post updates as needed. So far, I have not had any adverse experience, all positive.
-swelling (really bad the first week, less by day 10 but still noticeable. Swelling slowly subsided over the following 2 weeks or so.
- no real pain at anytime- which is surprising, considering 18 extractions and 8 implants (I'm still puzzled by the lack of pain, which is good, I guess :)
- someone posted on here somewhere that it will take time to get used to a "fuller/different bite" and that you'll be accidentally biting your tongue, inner cheek and lip...and that's so true! I have sopres in my mouth now from accidentally biting my lip and inner cheek while eating.....but im starting to get used to it, now that the numbness is gone
-It took 4 weeks for the numbness in my bottom jaw/chin to go away. I still have it very slightly on the chin.
-The ONLY one thing I hate is food getting stuck between my gum and the bridge.....so I constantly floss and gargle every time i eat...something I need to get used to.
- My speech got affected by the feel of extra "surface" in my mouth, specifically at the bottom. My tongue is still getting used to learning how not to lisp...getting better though.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with the results! It's all worth it!
Will post updates as needed. So far, I have not had any adverse experience, all positive.
pinapt's provider
UPDATED FROM pinapt
8 days post
Day 9 Post
I still have some swelling, but much improved. My upper teeth feel like normal, like nothing happened. My lower jaw is still quite numb and still a little swollen. It's because I only had 5 extractions at the top and 13 at the bottom. So the lower jaw took more "trauma" from the procedure, Wuite frankly though, I never really had pain, just swelling. For the number of extractions, I was anticipating being in a LOT of pain... But thankfully was never really in pain. I have stopped taking pain meds by post op day 4 as I didn't need it. the stitches all started coming off 2 days ago, and I beliebe they're almost all gone. I can now brush my teeth comfortably and have learned to use the waterpik effectively. I still haven't started using the bridge floss for fear of tugging on the incisions. Doing very well, and recovering very nicely. above all, my smile is soooo awesome!
Replies (5)
V
June 9, 2016
Your smile looks awesome! I will be traveling in a week and half to Vegas! wish me luck! I am frightened but feel I can trust Dr. Golpa. Hoping not to have much pain after. :)
P
June 9, 2016
Good luck to you! I wish I had done it sooner... But the cost was restrictive. BUT IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!! I am glad I decided to go with Dr. Golpa. He and his team of professionals have got this procedure dialed in! I can't believe the speed of recovery. I'm a physical therapist by profession and run a busy clinic.... And I was back to work 3 days after the procedure! I hope you recover just as fast.
V
T
June 23, 2016
Thank you for sharing your experience. Your teeth are absolutely beautiful. I have been dreaming of a smile like yours for years. I will be having this procedure done in the next few months. I have a partial (since 1998) where my front 4 teeth used to be and 7 natural teeth on top. They are BAD. I am mortified at the thought of having them inspected under a microscope so to speak, lol.I'm on a smoking cessation course atm and I want to be smoke free when I go. I was curious which of the bridge options you chose...the PMMA w/titanium bar or the zirconia? (and why) Also, how many teeth are on the upper and lower? I hear 12 is the norm but i'm not for sure. I am hoping to just get the upper arch (the $21,500.00 package) I have 10 bottom teeth in pretty good shape except for a gumline cavity in the back tooth and some stains. I am brushing like a mad woman to hopefully brighten them up a bit in the hopes of keeping them. One more thing...whate shade did you choose for the teeth?
P
August 4, 2016
You will not regret choosing Dr. Golpa. Im on my 2nd month and very happy with my smile. I do have some concerns that I will post on my update, but no biggie.
I would also like to point out that I too had the intention of only doing the upper arch. The condition of your teeth sounded like mine. But they were able to convince me to do the whole mouth...and it just made perfect sense. It is more expensive, but I am happier!
I would also like to point out that I too had the intention of only doing the upper arch. The condition of your teeth sounded like mine. But they were able to convince me to do the whole mouth...and it just made perfect sense. It is more expensive, but I am happier!
P
August 4, 2016
I chose the PMMA, but am thinking now of upgrading...
Yes, I think I have 12 teeth upper and 12 lower.
Yes, I think I have 12 teeth upper and 12 lower.
M
1
NT
August 3, 2016
Once again Dr Golpa proved he's the man..
I've had them going on 5 years now. Follow the cleaning directions, especially floss, water pick, and mouthwash, you won't have to worry. IF you had smoked, or do, QUIT!
I didn't read all the posts, but saw the pic, and figured I'd chime in on how good they look.
I've had them going on 5 years now. Follow the cleaning directions, especially floss, water pick, and mouthwash, you won't have to worry. IF you had smoked, or do, QUIT!
I didn't read all the posts, but saw the pic, and figured I'd chime in on how good they look.
P
August 4, 2016
Thanks! Im on my 2nd month and getting used to it now. Can I ask which one you chose? the PMMA or the Zirconia?
NT
August 4, 2016
When I first got them I had the PMMA. They were fine, but I really liked how the Zirconia looked, so I upgraded a little over a year ago. The only difference in feel I noticed was the weight of the Zirconia. They're heavier. I remember biting a peanut M&M in half, and almost took my finger off lol. The human bite is much more powerful than ya could imagine, so watch your fingers ;).
After getting the Zirconia put in, I remember Carlos saying I could box with them. I need to find out if he was kidding? I used to enjoy sparing, but just stick to the heavy/speed bag nowadays. I honestly feel they wouldn't come lose, but I'd have to confirm, as he may have been joking?
To answer your question, go with the Zirconia! Look amazing!
By the 2nd month, I was back to eating/doing everything I had in the past. As for speech, I was able to correct that in a week to 10 days.
Not worth the risk I guess
After getting the Zirconia put in, I remember Carlos saying I could box with them. I need to find out if he was kidding? I used to enjoy sparing, but just stick to the heavy/speed bag nowadays. I honestly feel they wouldn't come lose, but I'd have to confirm, as he may have been joking?
To answer your question, go with the Zirconia! Look amazing!
By the 2nd month, I was back to eating/doing everything I had in the past. As for speech, I was able to correct that in a week to 10 days.
Not worth the risk I guess
P
UPDATED FROM pinapt
4 days post
Day 4- Post op
Not much to report, other than I still have quite a bit of swelling. I also now see some
bruising around my mouth. No real pain, just the feeling of a "full mouth". hahaha, I guess because I have more teeth now! I can pretty much eat anything I want, but I'm still too careful not to disturb any of the stitches. I've started using the waterpik to clean, but I'm also scared to put too much pressure on the stitches. Considering I had 18 extractions and stitches, I'm actually pretty amazed of the lack of severe pain. I have stopped using Vicodin by Day 3 and now just using Ibuprofen as needed. I'll continue to post my progress as needed to help anyone considering this treatment. Overall, I'm glad I got it done!
Replies (2)
B
June 5, 2016
Teeth look amazing. Are their any specific cleaning methods you have to do? Has anyone noticed your new smile and how do they feel ?
P
June 9, 2016
Thank you. I LOVE THEM! It is recommended to use a waterpik and bridge floss for cleaning. Not hard to clean at all, except the first few days when stitches were still in place. do people notice? of course those I see everyday know the difference... But I get compliments a lot rather than the "look". they look very natural... And my face didn't really change shape or structure, I just look like I have perfect teeth!
L
June 27, 2016
Hi!
Congrats on your your absolutely beautiful smile. You look so happy and that makes me smile. I thinking of getting this all on four done as I too am not happy with my denture smile and hide it quite often.
Yours is one of more natural ones I've seen yet. Can you please share the particulars: color, shade, (style), etc. Yours is the closest to the natural teeth I lost some 25 years ago.
Again, congrats! and thank you for sharing.
-S
Congrats on your your absolutely beautiful smile. You look so happy and that makes me smile. I thinking of getting this all on four done as I too am not happy with my denture smile and hide it quite often.
Yours is one of more natural ones I've seen yet. Can you please share the particulars: color, shade, (style), etc. Yours is the closest to the natural teeth I lost some 25 years ago.
Again, congrats! and thank you for sharing.
-S
L
June 27, 2016
My apologies - Im old and very new at this. Everyone's dental work is beautiful- Msg intended for pinapt, as the results seem to be exactly what I'm looking for. I have no smile pics to go by. I too would like to smile again, and where lipstic!! I'm nervously excited! Hope you can help.
-S
-S
P
August 4, 2016
I havent been back on this forum in awhile, so my apologies for the very late response. To answer your questions..
As for color, style, etc, they showed me some photos of smiles that I would like to have. But for the most part, I really pretty much let them help me pick what I want. I did not choose the "Hollywood White Smile" though because I wanted it to look more natural. I picked the brightest of the second grade white....if that even makes sense. They will direct you and help you through the process. I figured that they are the pros and so they know best. Comes with paying good for what you want, right?
As for color, style, etc, they showed me some photos of smiles that I would like to have. But for the most part, I really pretty much let them help me pick what I want. I did not choose the "Hollywood White Smile" though because I wanted it to look more natural. I picked the brightest of the second grade white....if that even makes sense. They will direct you and help you through the process. I figured that they are the pros and so they know best. Comes with paying good for what you want, right?
F1
Replies (5)