POSTED UNDER Dental Implants Reviews
Researching for the Right Dental Implant Doctor - Las Vegas, NV
UPDATED FROM JamesWill57
1 month post 4th trip to Vegas
JamesWill57July 18, 2015
So I have been back from Vegas a month now. I wanted to give myself time to adjust to the new lower PMMA prosthesis before commenting. When I arrived and went over my list, I felt as if my concerns were being taken seriously. After explaining what I was feeling Dr Golpa had the lab make a new lower PMMA prosthesis. It needed a lot of customizing to make it fit better. And for the most part the issues were being addressed but after 4 trips I knew that no matter how good it feels while I am in the office, it's how it feels after a month.
These are a list of the issues I brought and discussed with the Doctor. ( new comments by *)
1. Sharp pain in lower right back when I yawn or move jaw certain way.
*this is mostly gone now, only happens 2 or 3 times a week.
2. The lower right 3 teeth feel as if they are being pushed in when I eat things like a steak or apple.
(The other side meets perfectly and the bite pressure is perfect. No problem chewing and it feels strong)
*This was fine for the first couple of weeks but then the pressure feeling started to return.
3. Aching jaw (lower right) after steak dinner, usually the following morning.
*This has stopped so far
4. The lower prosthesis feels uncomfortably snug and hard to get under it to clean.
*The fit also feels a little better
5. Prosthesis gum line is uneven (top and bottom).
*Now I laugh at myself for even listing this
6. Lower prosthesis feels as if it is not aligned with my gumline or upper prosthesis.
*Alignment feels better
7. Why is lower right back teeth much thicker than lower right left ? (uncomfortable)
*Still thick, that is the side the implant is on the outer edge of the prosthesis as well.
8. Why does Top left back extend 1 tooth past the end of the lower prosthesis
*Fixed with the new prosthesis
9. Area of top left prosthesis at gum line that sticks out and always gets big chunks of food caught.
*One of the several adjustments made to the Zirconia while I was there – Fixed but found out from the lab tech that when they do things to the zirconia they then have to 'fire' it in the oven and they can only do this a few time as it makes it weaker.
The first thing becoming more apparent is ' The lower right teeth feel as if they are being pushed in' statement. I realized that the implant on the lower right back, where I get that feeling, is actually on the very outside edge of the prosthesis (see picture) so the pressure when I bite is not evenly distributed. Kind of like a table with 3 legs, it's only ok as long as the pressure or weight is directly over the legs. If that implant was centered like the others, I think that this would be perfect and not such an unnatural feeling. But I think that would mean redoing the Zirconia prosthesis which I was told they can only 'fire' Zirconia prosthesis in the oven so many times because they get weaker so they would have to make a new one. I actually wished they had made a new one that was wider in the back when I was there. That would make that implant and prosthesis sync up with my natural gum line. My concern is over time if this type of stress will loosen the implant and maybe break the prosthesis, especially now that they changed it from Zirconia to PMMA which is not as strong. My wife is even worried about making me a steak because the cost to have it done was a lot for us and the trips from New York are not cheap and I agree that a fifth trip is a bit much.
I would love to hear thoughts from anyone who might have some experience with this procedure.
These are a list of the issues I brought and discussed with the Doctor. ( new comments by *)
1. Sharp pain in lower right back when I yawn or move jaw certain way.
*this is mostly gone now, only happens 2 or 3 times a week.
2. The lower right 3 teeth feel as if they are being pushed in when I eat things like a steak or apple.
(The other side meets perfectly and the bite pressure is perfect. No problem chewing and it feels strong)
*This was fine for the first couple of weeks but then the pressure feeling started to return.
3. Aching jaw (lower right) after steak dinner, usually the following morning.
*This has stopped so far
4. The lower prosthesis feels uncomfortably snug and hard to get under it to clean.
*The fit also feels a little better
5. Prosthesis gum line is uneven (top and bottom).
*Now I laugh at myself for even listing this
6. Lower prosthesis feels as if it is not aligned with my gumline or upper prosthesis.
*Alignment feels better
7. Why is lower right back teeth much thicker than lower right left ? (uncomfortable)
*Still thick, that is the side the implant is on the outer edge of the prosthesis as well.
8. Why does Top left back extend 1 tooth past the end of the lower prosthesis
*Fixed with the new prosthesis
9. Area of top left prosthesis at gum line that sticks out and always gets big chunks of food caught.
*One of the several adjustments made to the Zirconia while I was there – Fixed but found out from the lab tech that when they do things to the zirconia they then have to 'fire' it in the oven and they can only do this a few time as it makes it weaker.
The first thing becoming more apparent is ' The lower right teeth feel as if they are being pushed in' statement. I realized that the implant on the lower right back, where I get that feeling, is actually on the very outside edge of the prosthesis (see picture) so the pressure when I bite is not evenly distributed. Kind of like a table with 3 legs, it's only ok as long as the pressure or weight is directly over the legs. If that implant was centered like the others, I think that this would be perfect and not such an unnatural feeling. But I think that would mean redoing the Zirconia prosthesis which I was told they can only 'fire' Zirconia prosthesis in the oven so many times because they get weaker so they would have to make a new one. I actually wished they had made a new one that was wider in the back when I was there. That would make that implant and prosthesis sync up with my natural gum line. My concern is over time if this type of stress will loosen the implant and maybe break the prosthesis, especially now that they changed it from Zirconia to PMMA which is not as strong. My wife is even worried about making me a steak because the cost to have it done was a lot for us and the trips from New York are not cheap and I agree that a fifth trip is a bit much.
I would love to hear thoughts from anyone who might have some experience with this procedure.
Replies (5)
July 20, 2015
I am sorry you are still having issues. I have had my permanents since March 6, 2015. I have had none of these issues. Mine are zirconium porcelian. J had mine done in Florida in a facility that specializes in implants that also does it in one day and one place and are very, very happy with them. I wish I could advise you.
August 13, 2015
My dentist is Dr. Kirkpatrick, www.newteethnow.com I researched for over a year and I am so happy. The are located in Lakeland, Florida. Even though it is a 2 1/2 drive from my home one way, I am very glad to make the drive! I couldn't have chosen better!
October 9, 2015
Yes of course! I paid $45,500.00 and worth every penny. I had my entire mouth done including extractions. Please feel free to ask me anything you like!
December 14, 2016
August 13, 2015
I have had my upper teeth replaced with the all on 6 bridge made of porcelain and have similar issues as yourself. I had the procedure done 18 months ago and on the whole I am glad I had it but there are definitely ongoing niggly problems which I did not expect. I suppose I thought once the permanent bridge was done then that would be the end of it but I wouldn't chance eating nuts or very hard food in case I break the bridge. The procedure is very expensive and I don't want any further expense.
January 27, 2016
I was assured that my satisfaction is a primary concern of the office and the issues will be corrected. The expense is all included.
October 8, 2015
How are you doing now? Any improvements?
January 27, 2016
Sorry it took this long to respond. Been very busy moving the family to Florida. Everything is pretty much the same. I spoke with the office in October and told them I will be back in touch after my move and was told any issues will be addressed. I will email them this week and will start updating here again.
October 28, 2015
This doctor seems like a nightmare , another lady on here documented her nightmare with this dentist ugh , thanks for sharing
October 28, 2015
I think every story has 3 sides. So far they have always been there for me. I still have some things with the fit of the prosthesis to take care of but they assured me they will , the implants are perfect. I hold Dr Golpa in highest regard.
October 28, 2015
Also I live over in Naples now and I notice you are in Ft lauderdale. Anytime you want to see the work Dr Golpa did, let me know. I will show you first hand.
October 28, 2015
I need a few implants in the year coming up , I sm researching now so that's great you would show me first hand if I need . I appreciate that
January 27, 2016
Now that I live in Florida that would be nice. But all in all if all these issues are successfully addressed, that will make the whole experience good as the team so far has been responsive
UPDATED FROM JamesWill57
Leaving for Vegas in the morning.
JamesWill57June 14, 2015
I am leaving in the morning to try and get the issues with the perms fixed. Trip 4 and the office has been nothing but great about things. However the issues do need to be resolved and I am hoping this will be it. It has been mentioned to me by a few people that the issues I seem to be having are tied to the lab. Looking back on my previous posts, it does seem likely. The issues with the screws going in smoothly, the thick first perms that were too big, the repaired temps hurting, etc. I decided to take an inventory of the issues for this trip to show to Dr Golpa. I know he will understand and address my concerns. He always has so far. He really is my favorite dentist and I have had a lot !
But as I always say ' Eye on the prize' and in this case perfect comfortable and strong teeth are the goal.
My list of questions and things to address and hopefully fix are:
1. Sharp pain in lower right back when I yawn or move jaw certain way.
2. The lower right 3 teeth feel as if they are being pushed in when I eat things like a steak or apple.
(The other side meets perfectly and the bite pressure is perfect. No problem chewing and it feels strong)
3. Aching jaw (lower right) after steak dinner, usually the following morning.
4. The lower prosthesis feels uncomfortably snug and hard to get under it to clean.
5. Prothesis gum line is uneven (top and bottom). *See pic*
6. Lower prosthesis feels as if it is not aligned with my gumline or upper prosthesis. *See pic*
7. Why is lower right back teeth much thicker than lower right left ? (uncomfortable) *See pic*
8. Why does Top left back extend 1 tooth past the end of the lower prosthesis
9. Area of top left prosthesis at gum line that sticks out and always gets big chunks of food caught. *See pic*
Is there an problem with my gum impression ? Could that be why we are having so much trouble getting a good fit with the prosthesis.
It seems the Zirconia prosthesis is more bulky and not the same as the PMMA templates we made the last time I was there ?
Are these lab issues ?
Wish me luck !
Has anyone seen the new reality series on this subject yet ?
But as I always say ' Eye on the prize' and in this case perfect comfortable and strong teeth are the goal.
My list of questions and things to address and hopefully fix are:
1. Sharp pain in lower right back when I yawn or move jaw certain way.
2. The lower right 3 teeth feel as if they are being pushed in when I eat things like a steak or apple.
(The other side meets perfectly and the bite pressure is perfect. No problem chewing and it feels strong)
3. Aching jaw (lower right) after steak dinner, usually the following morning.
4. The lower prosthesis feels uncomfortably snug and hard to get under it to clean.
5. Prothesis gum line is uneven (top and bottom). *See pic*
6. Lower prosthesis feels as if it is not aligned with my gumline or upper prosthesis. *See pic*
7. Why is lower right back teeth much thicker than lower right left ? (uncomfortable) *See pic*
8. Why does Top left back extend 1 tooth past the end of the lower prosthesis
9. Area of top left prosthesis at gum line that sticks out and always gets big chunks of food caught. *See pic*
Is there an problem with my gum impression ? Could that be why we are having so much trouble getting a good fit with the prosthesis.
It seems the Zirconia prosthesis is more bulky and not the same as the PMMA templates we made the last time I was there ?
Are these lab issues ?
Wish me luck !
Has anyone seen the new reality series on this subject yet ?
Replies (4)
June 15, 2015
I'm sorry you are still having issues. I have none. My surgery was July 17th 2014 and my permanents were installed March 6th 2015. I'm coming up on a year since surgery. I have appeared on the news and am currently waiting on other releases. Please feel free to check out my public figure page on FB. ( Donna Heiss ) I wish you well at your next appointment.
June 16, 2015
I will be thinking of you James, I am going for a dental consult today as I have had nothing but problems and am so uncomfortable. We have tried and failed, both the new dentist and I to get any kind of records including just the size and type of implants. So discouraged but I truly hope you do well and that you have good results.
June 30, 2015
Hello, I stumbled upon your posting just surfing around to find out more about periodontists/dental implant specialists in Las Vegas. I am in LA.
I assume you went to Las Vegas as the dental work would be less costly. Do you still think this is the case given the # of trips you have made in the course of your dental treatment??? I am looking into options for crown and implant work outside LA, due to its high cost here. But mindful that perceived savings out of state, or out of the country, may be more than made up for by extra trips needed to see the dentist.
I assume you went to Las Vegas as the dental work would be less costly. Do you still think this is the case given the # of trips you have made in the course of your dental treatment??? I am looking into options for crown and implant work outside LA, due to its high cost here. But mindful that perceived savings out of state, or out of the country, may be more than made up for by extra trips needed to see the dentist.
June 30, 2015
I agree about the additional costs of several trips. Our research led us to Dr Golpa for his expertise and that bore out. I would say the issues I have are more because of the lab. I have upper and lower permanent prosthesis'. Aside from the lab and travels, Dr Golpa is very capable as are the people in the office.
August 23, 2016
Hello. I read your other post about an adverse reaction to botox. Can you tell me if and when it got better?
July 9, 2015
Any updates? How did it go?
July 9, 2015
I have been back a little over two weeks. It was a lot in the 3 days I was in the office. They replaced the lower Zirconia with PMMA and I am still trying to adjust to it. The office changed the protocol as it was explained to me due to the higher risk of failure of Zirconia on Zirconia with the all on 4. I met a few people while I was there that had the same changes done. I want to give it a couple of more weeks and then I will post all the details.
Replies (2)