64, G4 Implants Las Vegas, NV

Went to our dentist two years ago and was told it would cost +/- $100K and be a 1-2 year process to replace my teeth. So I decided to wait until something actually happened to proceed. Well between losing an implant recently, my 36 year old bridge starting to hurt (still had the nerves in the bridge support teeth), loose bottom teeth and two implants into my right sinus causing my right nostril to bleed a lot lately, I knew it was finally time to do something about my teeth. Found a local dentist who had a lot of experience doing implants, but his prices were even worse, so I started expanding my research area to nationwide and found Golpa Dental Implant Center. Dr Golpa and the G4 implants met my criteria, so I made an appt.

Three weeks ago we flew to Las Vegas. I had my consultation on Tues, surgery on Weds, the G4 bridges placed on Thur and flew home on Fri.

For most people they have very little pain after surgery, but I had extensive work, so while the surgery itself was pain free due to the anesthesia, I’ve had pain or aching ever since, but it’s getting better everyday. I wake up to no pain, but by nighttime, my mouth is aching. The prescription for a large number of hydrocodone pills was a clue I would not have a pain free process.

They extracted 15 teeth and 3 implants, performed a sinus lift and bone graft where the previous implants were into my sinus cavity, performed alveoloplasty on both upper and lower jaws and placed 9 implants; 4 implants on the bottom and 5 implants on the top, with the rightmost upper implant hidden under my gums for 6-12 months depending on how I heal.

I go back in 6 months, unless I have problems and need to see them earlier. I was instructed to be on a soft diet for at least three months and was told to chew on my left side only. My lower bridge has 12 teeth and my upper bridge has 10 teeth. There are no teeth over the area when the sinus lift/bone graft/hidden implant is located. I’m using the Waterpik several times a day, but still too swollen to floss.

No pictures because I’m not really happy with my smile and will address that when I go back for a followup.

Golpa Dental is running a special to get other dentists trained in the G4 implant procedure. I knew I had a complicated mouth so I requested Dr Golpa do my surgery rather than the trainee. For that I paid $5000 extra. Also paid $3000 extra for 3 implants to be removed and $4500 extra for the sinus lift and bone graft. Total cost was $44,000 for the surgery and another $3500 for the extended warranty for a total price of $47,500.

I've decided to post before and after photos of my smile. Not sure you can tell from my review, but I am glad I went to Las Vegas to have the G4 procedure. I just think my smile can be improved considerably. There's also a tooth on the bottom bridge that's more pointed on the sides and is whiter than all the rest. It doesn't show up in photos, but it's quite noticeable in person.

I returned to Las Vegas this past week for my 6th month follow-up and to attach my hidden 5th upper implant to the bar if my bone had fused enough to the implant. I discussed with them my concerns about my bridges. Removing the upper bridge was easy, but the bottom bridge was partially destroyed, trying to loosen one of the screws. I was really concerned about them torquing my implant, which has happened to me in the 90s. The tech tried, another dr tried and then Dr. Golpa eventually got the screw unloose without damaging the implant. They uncovered my 5th implant with just a local (my choice), made impressions, cleaned my old bridges, and reattached them until the next day. The next afternoon I returned and they placed the new bridges into my mouth and told me I can now eat anything I want. Yay! I’ve really put my mini food processor to the test these past six months and I’m so looking forward to eating nuts, pop corn, dried chewy fruit, etc again.
Now that I’m finished, except for 6th month follow-ups, here’s some additional thoughts on my G4 experience.
After looking at their website, other websites and watching all their videos, I was really excited to know I would have teeth in just a few days, would have no pain, nor need a sinus lift or bone graft and would be able to eat normally in only a short time. Realistically I had a hard time believing there would be no pain, since I had previously had six dental implants procedures done and remembered the pain, even 20+ years later. As far as eating normally a few weeks after the procedure and no sinus lifts/bone grafts would be needed, I had no reason to doubt what was written and perhaps it is the norm, but in my case it was untrue.
I do believe some people may not have much pain after the procedure, but I also think some of the videos are done while their nerves are still deadened and before the swelling and bruising begins.  I know I read a comment on one of Kalinjax's videos where a guy says his wife did a video saying she was in no pain and then later that night she was in severe pain. I can tell you I had pain starting the night I had surgery for several weeks, which seemed to be worse at night, but even with the extensive work I had done, the pain the first week wasn't as bad as my six dental implant procedures I had done in the 90s and for that I’m very thankful.
As for eating, because of my poor bone structure, I was told when they eventually followed up with a phone call almost a month later, that I needed to stay on a quasi-soft(cut with a fork) diet not only for three months, but until I returned to their office in six months.  
As for the G4 process not needing sinus lifts and bone grafts, I know the day I had surgery, Dr Golpa told me he was doing sinus lifts and bone grafts on five other people that day besides me. Speaking of bone grafts, they won’t be able to tell you what the additional cost will be for the bone graft material until they know how much material will be used.
So if you’re looking to have the All on 4 procedure done, just be aware that we’re all different and your experience may be different than someone’s you’ve read on the internet.
Our teeth affect our health and I should have done this several years ago, instead of postponing it so long. I postponed it not for money, but because I dreaded the two year process I was told it would take to get a decent smile. Also until I found Dr. Golpa’s website, I didn’t think the All in 4 procedure was right for me. Once I saw the G4 process and the titanium bar which spread out the force over the entire mouth, instead of just the implants and saw Dr. Golpa’s extensive implant experience, I knew I had found the right person for the job and I was right. Best thing I’ve done in a long time!