POSTED UNDER All-on-4 Dental Implants REVIEWS
Thanks to Dr. Mike Golpa i finally have my smile back - Las Vegas, NV
ORIGINAL POST
My lifelong fear of dentists led me to where i am...
WORTH IT$19,500
My lifelong fear of dentists led me to where i am now. I have always struggled with the health of my teeth since i was younger and i always tried to hold off seeing the dentist as long as i could. Majority of my problems were my upper teeth. 3 weeks ago i broke another tooth so I saw a dentist near me. Because of the state of my teeth he gave me 2 options, implants or removable bridges. So i started researching on implants on the web. One of the first that caught my eye was Dr. Mike Golpa. i started watching his patient reviews both on his website and You Tube. The more i read and watch the reviews the more i felt that he is the right doctor for me. I started chatting with Andrea and asked her some questions. I just needed to gather the funds in order for me to move forward and schedule the appoinment/surgery.
Since i am local i decided to do the consultation and surgery on the same day (August 2). I went in there and all the staff were very nice and professional. I was only doing the upper arch since my lower are still kinda ok. Amanda took her time to examine me, did the xrays, ct scan and discussed what i wanted my teeth to look like etc. Then i met Dr. Golpa briefly, he said my case was very straightforward so i felt very reassured. I also met Dr. T who will do the extraction. The anesthesiologist and the other lady staff were very nice and funny. All i remember was i was feeling sleepy and when i woke up everything was done, implants were in and i didnt feel any pain at all. they let me sleep there for awhile. Went back the next day for my permanent bridge to be put in, Dr. T adjusted my bite (I didnt see Dr Golpa though, he was with another patient). No pain, a little bit of swelling and soreness thats all. They discussed after care and they did inform me that there might be more swelling on the 3rd-5th day so i was prepared for that.
Today is my 7th day post extraction and so far everything is going well. i have not had any pain at all, just soreness and still a little bit of swelling. i love my upper teeth, i will have to wait until the swelling dies down for me to fully get used to it and evaluate my smile (which i will update here in a week or so. Thank you Dr. Golpa, Dr. T, Amanda1, Amanda2, Carlos, James and the rest of the staff (sorry i didnt get all the names who took good care of me).
I am still adjusting to eating right now, everything in my upper jaw still feels different for me so im just taking it slowly. On the plus side , i lost 5lbs since the procedure :-)
All i can say is that i am glad i went to Dr. Golpa. It is totally worth it.
(i will try to ask them to email me a photo of my original teeth bcoz i dont have one as i always avoid smiling fully for the cameras, a habit i've gotten used to for years.)
Since i am local i decided to do the consultation and surgery on the same day (August 2). I went in there and all the staff were very nice and professional. I was only doing the upper arch since my lower are still kinda ok. Amanda took her time to examine me, did the xrays, ct scan and discussed what i wanted my teeth to look like etc. Then i met Dr. Golpa briefly, he said my case was very straightforward so i felt very reassured. I also met Dr. T who will do the extraction. The anesthesiologist and the other lady staff were very nice and funny. All i remember was i was feeling sleepy and when i woke up everything was done, implants were in and i didnt feel any pain at all. they let me sleep there for awhile. Went back the next day for my permanent bridge to be put in, Dr. T adjusted my bite (I didnt see Dr Golpa though, he was with another patient). No pain, a little bit of swelling and soreness thats all. They discussed after care and they did inform me that there might be more swelling on the 3rd-5th day so i was prepared for that.
Today is my 7th day post extraction and so far everything is going well. i have not had any pain at all, just soreness and still a little bit of swelling. i love my upper teeth, i will have to wait until the swelling dies down for me to fully get used to it and evaluate my smile (which i will update here in a week or so. Thank you Dr. Golpa, Dr. T, Amanda1, Amanda2, Carlos, James and the rest of the staff (sorry i didnt get all the names who took good care of me).
I am still adjusting to eating right now, everything in my upper jaw still feels different for me so im just taking it slowly. On the plus side , i lost 5lbs since the procedure :-)
All i can say is that i am glad i went to Dr. Golpa. It is totally worth it.
(i will try to ask them to email me a photo of my original teeth bcoz i dont have one as i always avoid smiling fully for the cameras, a habit i've gotten used to for years.)
maca775's provider
Replies (34)
August 11, 2016
I'm excited for you the teeth look great. I'm having my upper arch done at Clear Choice on 81-31-16. I'm exited, nervous, anxious all at once. I'll keep up with your progress keep us posted.
August 11, 2016
i will try to update here every few days of my progress. i can imagine how u must feel especially its more than 2weeks away. goodluck :-) i will check on your progress as well.
August 11, 2016
You look great! I am 2 months post and loving it!
August 15, 2016
Yes, I'm somewhat adjusted to eating. I can pretty much eat what I want....BUT I hate that food gets stuck under the bridges. Ive developed a habit of trying to pick it with my tongue and so my tongue is always sore! I also accidentally bite my inner lip and tongue.
August 15, 2016
If you don't have immediate access to a water pick etc....do this...With every meal, make sure you have a glass of water. When you're done eatinr swoosh the water under, and over the bridge with as much force as possible. At first, it may look obvious, so go to the rest room. After some getting used to, and a few (i guess tricks in social) you'll be able to take care if it right then. Every once in a while, when eating certain foods, it may wrap around an implant... so bring the dental floss with ya, and just go to the rest room. After a bit, it's not even noticeable, but like anything, it just takes a little time to get used to. Ya also may get certain foods stuck in between teeth. The water swoosh will take care of that. Either way, just use the rest room after. Also, you said your only 2 months out, so your gums will receed, making things much easier too. Anyway I look at it, it's a WHOLE lot better than learning how to smile without showing your teeth (pre procedure)
As I think I mentioned, I'm going on 5vyears, and not a day goes by that I'm NOT happy ;)
Golpa is real good at what he does. I feel bad for all the poor fools who've used other docs, spent their $, and are worse off now than before!
As for biting, I also mentioned that. The bite is POWERFUL! Be careful of your fingers if you're (in my case biting an M&M in half to get the peanut out without breaking it) lol, been doing that as long as I remember.
When ya go to get your adjustment from gums receding, just let Doc know, and all your concerns will be taken care of.
As I think I mentioned, I'm going on 5vyears, and not a day goes by that I'm NOT happy ;)
Golpa is real good at what he does. I feel bad for all the poor fools who've used other docs, spent their $, and are worse off now than before!
As for biting, I also mentioned that. The bite is POWERFUL! Be careful of your fingers if you're (in my case biting an M&M in half to get the peanut out without breaking it) lol, been doing that as long as I remember.
When ya go to get your adjustment from gums receding, just let Doc know, and all your concerns will be taken care of.
August 11, 2016
Another perfect smile Al la Dr Golpa! Thoes look exceptional. I've said it on other threads..I had mine going on 5 years. One of the best decisions of my life. THANK GOD I DIDN'T USE ANYONE ELSE! My advise....If ya smoke, stop, get the best water pick you can find, and follow the instructions ya got.
August 11, 2016
thanks, Dr. Golpa is amazing :-) while i was researching about this procedure i didnt even consider going to other places, thats how strong my gut feel is towards him. i never smoked in my life, even the anesthesiologist (while we were waiting for my sedation to take effect) was telling Dr. T , she doesnt smoke, she doesnt drink and shes not diabetic...so healing should be a breeze.
I bought from them the waterpik and the sonic toothbrush (bought it esp for my lower teeth) . they also give a few packs of the floss and i ordered more online. i was feeling queasy when i first used the floss lol, it took me awhile to put it in between.
I bought from them the waterpik and the sonic toothbrush (bought it esp for my lower teeth) . they also give a few packs of the floss and i ordered more online. i was feeling queasy when i first used the floss lol, it took me awhile to put it in between.
August 15, 2016
That last sentence reminds me of the last time I got hammered JK JK JK..
Well, I'll pull a "Trump", and say "well not really" I haven't been wasted like that in YEARS. If ya knew me, you MAY have just laughed.
I use the "I'm a NYer" excuse a LOT!
Well, I'll pull a "Trump", and say "well not really" I haven't been wasted like that in YEARS. If ya knew me, you MAY have just laughed.
I use the "I'm a NYer" excuse a LOT!
August 12, 2016
Where are the before pics. This dentist gets a great one paragraph review and always a couple of after pics and never before pics. Let's see the before please
August 12, 2016
i will try to ask them for a before pic. i didnt even cared to ask them for one bcoz i dont want to remember it. i always avoid taking pics of myself with a full smile for almost 10years now. i have mastered to smile with only half of my upper teeth showing. when i brush my teeth i dont even stare at my teeth bcoz i feel sad whenever i look at them. my teeth are not really bad in the front bcoz i had 5 veneers and 1 crown on my upper front (the dentist who made them 10yrs ago made it thick and bulky and my crown was already infected). 90% of my problem teeth were the ones u couldnt really see. out of the 16 on my uppers 10 were hopeless..3 were almost gone down to the gums that u can only see stumps, 5 were broken and decayed and the 2 last ones were my wisdom teeth that were in bad shape too. plus i had gum disease/infection as noted by my regular dentist that he said in a few years i had a very high chance i would really lose all even the front with veneers.
as far as i noticed i am only one of the few who have not posted the before. if you search his name here at realself u can see more of his patients.
https://www.realself.com/find/Nevada/Las-Vegas/Dentist/Mike-Golpa#photos
as far as i noticed i am only one of the few who have not posted the before. if you search his name here at realself u can see more of his patients.
https://www.realself.com/find/Nevada/Las-Vegas/Dentist/Mike-Golpa#photos
August 12, 2016
also before i went to Dr Golpa i went to my regular dentist and they did a 2hr examination on me. xrays, scan, photos and examination of each of my teeth probing how deep were my pockets are. to tell you the truth i cringed when my dentist showed my teeth in full screen. i didnt want to look at them if i had a choice. maybe thats why it didnt really crossed my mind to ask a copy of the photos. will let u know once i contact them tom :-)
August 15, 2016
I don't even want to see em myself, let alone share my old smile with a bunch of people I don't know.
Go to his website....Pleanty of before, and after there!
Go to his website....Pleanty of before, and after there!
August 16, 2016
yeah that was one of the reason why it didnt even crossed my mind to ask my before pics. i cringe when i remember the photos
August 16, 2016
yeah that was one of the reason why it didnt even crossed my mind to ask my before pics. i cringe when i remember the photos
August 16, 2016
yeah that was one of the reason why it didnt even crossed my mind to ask my before pics. i cringe when i remember the photos
September 9, 2016
Either the guy is trying to steal business from Dr Golpa, or he can't accept the word of countless satisfied customers. If I see 10-15 GREAT replies about any business thats been open for years, it's usually their buddy's trying to help their family, or friends business. However in Dr Golpa's case LOOK AT ALL his reviews, and go to his site. He has a ton of before, and after pics! He knows how sensitive this can be to his patients, so he'll block out the eyes, or something to keep his oath of confidentiality.
Let me guess....You're either a dentist, or like me (before the implants) think it's too good to be true...OR, perhaps you're just a jerk?
Idk? All I know is the man changed my life! I had some major issues with mt teeth, other less qualified DDS wanted over 100k in my neck of the woods PLUS 6 months healing time before he'd put the implants in.
Send me a PM, and ill show ya my before, and after. The thing is, it's already on his website.
It's not just about having a "movie star" smile, but I haven't had pain in almost 5 years, I can eat a big fat juicy steak, and I don't have to worry about my teeth breaking, of food getting stuck in a cavity etc.
I don't know why I'm even entertaining you comment? Real quick. I thought Dr Golpa was too good to be true. I was WRONG! He's the best!
Let me guess....You're either a dentist, or like me (before the implants) think it's too good to be true...OR, perhaps you're just a jerk?
Idk? All I know is the man changed my life! I had some major issues with mt teeth, other less qualified DDS wanted over 100k in my neck of the woods PLUS 6 months healing time before he'd put the implants in.
Send me a PM, and ill show ya my before, and after. The thing is, it's already on his website.
It's not just about having a "movie star" smile, but I haven't had pain in almost 5 years, I can eat a big fat juicy steak, and I don't have to worry about my teeth breaking, of food getting stuck in a cavity etc.
I don't know why I'm even entertaining you comment? Real quick. I thought Dr Golpa was too good to be true. I was WRONG! He's the best!
UPDATED FROM maca775
10 days post
my recollection of the past week...
8.02.2016 ---day of extraction:
james took me home at around 4:30pm, went inside with a mask in my mouth so naturally my kids were curious. i hesitated but i showed them and my sons reaction was so funny because he said i had zombie teeth (implants) lol. so glad my sister was there to take care of them. took a nap for a few hrs, woke up still no pain. put ice packs on my cheeks. i had a goodie bag from Dr Golpa's office with protein shake and applesauce and i had that plus noodle soup for dinner then went to bed. and more ice packs.
8.03.2016 --1 Day Post extraction:
woke up with no pain. gums were sore and a little swollen but no bruising. placed more ice packs. waited for James to pick me up in the afternoon. there were 2 of us that arrived in his office. i had my bridge placed after she examined my gums. when she put the screws in there was no pain , u will just feel a little bit of pressure. then Dr T came in to look at it and he adjusted my bite for a few minutes until i felt it was good. then she reminded me again about using the waterpik and floss after 3-5days depending on when i feel comfortable doing it. went home and rested for a bit.
8.04-07.2016
more swelling on my cheeks as expected. uncomfortable but not painful . i broke the pill in half and took half just in case. more ice packs. i could also feel some stitches whenever i run my tongue on my bridge. other than that i was just taking it easy. i am still feeling cautious on what to eat so just soft bread, soup and yogurt. teeth still feels foreign to me when i chew but ive read on some reviews it may take awhile to get adjusted. Oh i flossed on the fifth day and i almost felt queasy lol, i was just imagining that i might poke it inside my gums :-) it took me awhile to do it though.
8.08-10.2016
Swelling on my cheeks is almost gone. Still adjusting to eating but hey i lost 5lbs so not complaining lol. Just noticed a little bruising on the side.
8-11.2011
My gums dont feel swollen anymore. I ate spaghetti today. Flossing is a little easier now.
PS: i attached photos so some of you will understand why i dont have a before photo of my teeth. as you can see this is how i smile for the past 10years, i smile without showing my teeth or if i do smile a bit wider u can just see a little glimpse of it. i will contact them later today and ask for the photos they took of me during consultation.
james took me home at around 4:30pm, went inside with a mask in my mouth so naturally my kids were curious. i hesitated but i showed them and my sons reaction was so funny because he said i had zombie teeth (implants) lol. so glad my sister was there to take care of them. took a nap for a few hrs, woke up still no pain. put ice packs on my cheeks. i had a goodie bag from Dr Golpa's office with protein shake and applesauce and i had that plus noodle soup for dinner then went to bed. and more ice packs.
8.03.2016 --1 Day Post extraction:
woke up with no pain. gums were sore and a little swollen but no bruising. placed more ice packs. waited for James to pick me up in the afternoon. there were 2 of us that arrived in his office. i had my bridge placed after she examined my gums. when she put the screws in there was no pain , u will just feel a little bit of pressure. then Dr T came in to look at it and he adjusted my bite for a few minutes until i felt it was good. then she reminded me again about using the waterpik and floss after 3-5days depending on when i feel comfortable doing it. went home and rested for a bit.
8.04-07.2016
more swelling on my cheeks as expected. uncomfortable but not painful . i broke the pill in half and took half just in case. more ice packs. i could also feel some stitches whenever i run my tongue on my bridge. other than that i was just taking it easy. i am still feeling cautious on what to eat so just soft bread, soup and yogurt. teeth still feels foreign to me when i chew but ive read on some reviews it may take awhile to get adjusted. Oh i flossed on the fifth day and i almost felt queasy lol, i was just imagining that i might poke it inside my gums :-) it took me awhile to do it though.
8.08-10.2016
Swelling on my cheeks is almost gone. Still adjusting to eating but hey i lost 5lbs so not complaining lol. Just noticed a little bruising on the side.
8-11.2011
My gums dont feel swollen anymore. I ate spaghetti today. Flossing is a little easier now.
PS: i attached photos so some of you will understand why i dont have a before photo of my teeth. as you can see this is how i smile for the past 10years, i smile without showing my teeth or if i do smile a bit wider u can just see a little glimpse of it. i will contact them later today and ask for the photos they took of me during consultation.
Replies (6)
November 5, 2016
girl beautiful...I been trying to save for this for a lifetime...hope they take some kind of payment plan, what a life changer...you look beautiful in them
May 19, 2017
Maca775 I'm in my second set of temporaries I'm having problems with the bite it's off. My first set of temporaries the bite is perfect I don't understand why they can't get it right the second time around. I'm wondering if the fact that I had my upper arch done only may be causing a problem with the bite. Since u had your upper arch done only how did the second set of temporaries go for u ?
May 19, 2017
Hi , do you mean temporary teeth? I never had temporaries. After my surgery, the next day they put the permanent implants. So far I dont have a problem with my bite (its been 9mos already).
Congratulations on getting the results you were hoping for. Thanks for sharing your story with this community.