38 Year Old, Obsessively Researching Solution to Smile Again

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I am so scared but yet excited for this journey I am about to take. Mr. Golpa is definitely one of the doctors I plan on consulting. But after reading what feels like 1000's of reviews I have a couple of concerns.
1. Since they use their own materials rather than use Nobel Biocare, I am wondering if it is in long term less superior.
2. I have read that you actually do not get Dr. Golpa unless you pay an additional $5000. Otherwise you get a trainee who is learning the G4 method.
3. Even though I like the experience, I worry that because of the shear volume I will become just a # to them rather than a good doctor-patient relationship.
4. I have read on a few reviews how they are very good with communicating and responsive up until they have your money and the procedure is done. Then you cant get responses to questions or concerns.

But I feel there are positives.... I like that you get your permanent immediately rather than temporaries. Also I like the experience despite the volume negative I posted above. Ughhhhhh I feel like I have done so much research and read so many reviews that I keep second guessing and questioning my thoughts. hahahah It's just that it is so much money, an investment, and I want to make sure I make the best decision. :)

Hi! I'll answer your questions in order so I can stay on track.
1. I never questioned the actual implant product but I did read the info on the Golpa website. The product used is made by Neodent and I was happy with what I read. Plus, the actual implants have a lifetime warranty. That was a relief to me because I knew that I wouldn't ever have to shell out more money if something went wrong. Like any line of products, there are changes and upgrades constantly, similar to Apple products and Samsung. They are both good, the choice is up to the consumer. In Dr. Golpa's case, he prefers Neodent over Nobel. And since he has a long history of doing implants I trust his judgement. My biggest concern was that I would get the top of the line material available at the time of my procedure. I feel sure I did! At each of my checkups they have done X-rays to check the actual implants for placement, movement or any other issue that could potentially be lurking and waiting to cause problems. All clear on that front, no problems ever.

2. I've seen Dr. Golpa every visit except this past week. I've never paid extra. I saw him after I chose the shape and color of my bridges and he addressed many of my concerns. I also met with the Anesthesiologist and the Oral Surgeon before my procedure. I was completely out for 5 hours but I know how the procedure went. The Anesthesiologist started my IV and stayed with me the entire time I was under sedation. The Oral Surgeon removed my remaining teeth and Dr. Golpa placed the implants. There were also the behind the scene nurses, techs and others who take every care with their patient at the most critical moments. While Dr. Golpa might not be doing every little bit of the procedure, you can rest assured that he is monitoring everything. He's very hands on and his good name is what would be harmed if something went wrong. I know that he is training other Doctors in his G4 procedure and recently opened a Dallas office. From what I heard at my checkup a few days ago, he has been back and forth between both offices but the majority of his time is in Las Vegas. He is a very busy person but even at a checkup he takes the time to come in and personally check on you. This past week I met with Dr. Lee instead of Dr. Golpa. She is a Prosthodontist and since I've had issues with biting my cheeks and tongue (hard to get used to having a full mouth of teeth), she came in and spent over an hour with me insuring my teeth were right for my mouth. I really appreciated her concern for me and the time she spent with me. Dr. Lee was wonderful!
As with any growing business one person can't do it all. But I'm confident that anyone who Dr. Golpa hires will meet his high standard and continue to provide excellent care. And he stands by his work and because his signature is on all work provided at his offices it will be the best! That said, I would ask the receptionist when you book your appointment who will be doing the implant procedure. If they say it’s someone else, ask questions! Find out who and why.

3. I’ve never felt like a number! Granted, it’s a very busy office but everyone is so kind and thoughtful about any need you might have and I felt that I was a very important person while I was there. Also, I’ve called so many times (usually about really unimportant things overall but important to me) and they’ve answered my call if the office is open and returned my call if they weren’t. The key there is to pick one or two people to talk to each time. My go to person is Berlinda. Because I specifically ask to talk to her she knows me and will get back to me as quickly as possible. Email is not as reliable because the one you send could get lost in the thousands of emails I’m sure they get daily. I suggest calling over email anytime!

4. As I wrote above, it is a very busy office. At any given time they could be doing several surgeries, hygiene visits or consultations. But after my procedure I called at least once a week for a few months and have always been taken seriously and my concerns were addressed. Since your implants are guaranteed for life and the bridges under warranty for a very long time, you are still an important person after the main procedure is over. Dr. Golpa wants his patients to be not just happy with their new smiles, but thrilled. If that isn’t happening, he will work to correct any problems.

It is a lot of money, but much less than you will find it elsewhere. I did look into going out of the country where it might be a little cheaper but I was worried that if I had issues I wouldn’t be able to get back to an out of country place as easily as I could get to Las Vegas. Plus, Las Vegas is fun! When I go for my checkups we can enjoy an excellent, relaxing meal (or 2) in a great restaurant and even gamble a little if you like that. I decided this last time that a day spent at the mall and time getting a chair massage was more fun than gambling (and probably less expensive).
As I said, the decision to go with Dr. Golpa was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time. I ate a cheeseburger and fries within an hour of leaving the office with my new teeth. And that evening I enjoyed a seafood dinner and a salad, delicious! A year and a half later, I eat anything I want and rarely think about the fact that I have bridges instead of my real teeth. I have no pain from infections, never have to sit in a dental chair again trying to save another tooth and except for our hotel and food, there is no charge when I go for my 6 month cleanings. And I love life! Our last child (of 5) was married this past summer and for the first time in a long time, I was happy to be in the pictures. We’re blessed with 16 grandchildren under 10 (it’s a little crazy but I am so loved) and I can enjoy being with my family without worrying about my teeth. My health has improved overall as my dental health improved.
Good luck with your decision! I second guessed myself constantly until I got to Las Vegas so I understand what you are are dealing with.
Please feel free to ask more questions or just chat. I’m always happy to put in my 2 cents worth. K. :)

Thank you so much for all the info!! So helpful!!! I am definitely leaning more and more to Dr. Golpa! Can I ask you how much the procedure cost you?

I paid $5,000 when I made the appointment. We borrowed money from our bank using our house as collateral and wrote a check for $29,000. So, $34,000 (1 and a half years ago). A little painful to the wallet but I was spending a lot of money each time I would go in trying to save just one tooth. The other option with bone grafts and temporary bridges (eating only soft food for 1-2 years until permanent teeth) started at $50,000 and every appointment for wax try ins, checkups, etc. would be more. I wanted my teeth issue over and done with! It was and still is the least expensive place within the USA. And you leave with permanent teeth!
They do have specials every now and then. Watch their website or Facebook page to see if they have one available. It is expensive, no getting around that, but it was worth it. Let me know if you need more info! K. :)

Anonymous-Dear KRM53, I'm super poor but cannot stand the feel of plastic on the roof of my mouth! I can try to get ahold of the money but: really difficult. Also don't want to look for a significant other with dentures! (not getting any younger): who is? I'm over 60-the usual; had money; needed to use it for everything but teeth, and when I did it was always exorbitant because I had waited too long. Everyone who knows my financial situation laughs and says something along the lines of "Are you nuts? Get dentures!" Of course these are people who have good teeth. I have 2 concerns perhaps you could help with. Got money?? Just teasing! If you barely have any bone do you know if his system will still work? Are the teeth thick? (if possible an exact measurement will help!) Can someone else do follow-up? I'm very far from Vegas and their newer site in Texas. I know there's more but rushing right now. Thank you so much and I'm so happy for you!

Hi! I had no bone and according to several oral surgeons I consulted would have needed bone grafts and sinus lifts. Dr. Golpa's technique works perfectly for those of us with little bone left. After many photos, X-rays and scans, the implants are placed in the best areas with bone to support them. For me, that means the front two implants go almost straight up and down and the back two are angled in, both upper and lower, to use the most available bone and still avoid the sinus cavity and nerves. I've never had any problems with the implants and X-rays show that they are still where they were placed. As for the actual thickness of the teeth, no clue. They feel just like my original teeth though. They taper in thickness so that at the tips they are thinner. They are really strong allowing me to eat anything I want and I love that! They fill out my face so that my actual appearance looks the same. I imagine that the thickness varies person to person. They are not cookie cutter teeth. They are made especially for you and your mouth.
Money wise, I feel like I made the best use of my dollars. Vegas is about 8 hours driving for me but I can also fly and flights into Vegas are pretty inexpensive. The hotels have great deals and the food is amazing! Dr. Golpa's driver, James, will pick you up at your hotel and take you back for all your appointments. I have beautiful teeth and I never need to pull out my wallet when I go in for checkups.
I did see my dentist where I live for a brief checkup so he could see what they did. He was impressed! I'm sure he could do the follow up but it wouldn't be free. Also, they use special wrenches to torque the screws holding the bridges to the implants. Not sure that every dentist would have those. If someone else changed something on your bridges it might void the warranty. Don't want that. That said, Dr. Golpa might know someone in your area that he trusts. Worth asking.
If you have more questions, feel free to pm me. :)

Thank u so much for your fast and informative answers. It is truly appreciated! Too many people promise to help etc., but they have short memories and start to go about their lives. Human nature I suppose. You've made me more at ease. Honestly you've been very kind. Thanks a lot!

You're welcome! I find the opinions of those who have walked in my shoes very helpful so I want to be there for others. Always around if you have more concerns! :)

Thank you so much! I am so happy and so blessed to be able to have a happy ending. It feels great and I couldn't be happier!

Thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words. Hopefully one day the health system will be better! My heart breaks for all who need medical procedures but the health system fails them.

You just had it done yesterday so you have to give yourself some time to heal. Just remember everyone heals differently. How is your swelling? Did you speak with your dentist about the fit and bite? Speech will gradually improve a great deal (I recommend singing in the car) So your dentist put you in a temporary full denture on top? Thankfully I did not have that, I had a permanent bridge in place next day. What doctor did you go to?

Ohhh my goodness thank you for the quick reply. Yes he put me in a full denture on top. I'm going to call him to go see him today. When I went in to get 8 crowns on my top teeth and 2 pulled, I already had 2 missing teeth on top, I decided last minute to have him pull all my teeth and do this procedure, I'm sure thats why he wasn't prepared. Swelling isn't even evident. Pain is tolerable. I had an under biter and asked him to correct that but now looks like a over bite. I can't bite anything. I'm worried even with the whole bridge thing that I won't be able to taste amd stuff. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly

I made it through the consult! Lol it was a very reputable doctor here in the Philly area. But just like suspected he is outrageous!!!! For all on 4 uppers and lowers the total would be almost 75K!!! It took everything in me to not laugh out loud!!!! They tried to convince that I should consider doing a full denture on top and the all on 4 on the bottom to save money (that would be 43K). I told them several times that I have no interest in that.

So now I have my X-ray's and treatment plan so I can submit to other dentists and get quotes etc.

Good luck

Hi Girlcurious! I had the all on four procedure done but not with the dentist I had my first consult with. I went to Golpa in Las Vegas. Please take a look at my profile and you can read about my journey :)

I read it. Amazing congrats. Your smile is amazing.

Will do! I am so excited for this next step in the research. I am one step closer to gaining my smile back!! oh, good news I found out yesterday was that I have enough bone for all on 4. This was a concern for me prior to yesterday so to find out I have plenty was a relief!

Hi Kate, The procedure is a lot of money, for me $31K but to me it was worth it. I had to take a loan out in order to pay for the procedure but I think it was a great investment. I used a company called SoFi because after some research they offered the lowest rate for a medical loan this size. Since it is for medical they also let us spread the loan out for the next 8 years which helps with keeping the monthly payment lower. Look around and check some rates. Remember that this is a medical/dental procedure and not just a standard personal loan so some finance companies are more open to it. Once we had the funds, Golpa requires a $5K deposit to schedule the surgery so we paid that via ACH and then made the final payment a few days before surgery. After so much research, I knew my confidence wasn't high with going to Mexico (after having one on one conversations with some patients) and was very, very high with Golpa. I am so happy with my decision and am 100% satisfied. :)

After reading that, I wonder, if I had needed to get a loan to pay for it, if I still would have gone ahead with it. I charged it to a 2% rebate card, so I got a bunch of money back while paying the whole balance off using the banks money for free for nearly 2 months on the float. Thankfully, I am debt free and was in a position to be able to easily afford to pay it all off, and the 2% rebate was a nice kicker to cover the cost of the trip. If I had to be in debt over it, I wonder if I would have done it...I really don't know. I hate the whole idea of being in debt but I also hated being in pain from bad teeth.

That's awesome! Sadly, a loan was the best option for us. I wasnt in a position to pay it off immediately especially with 1 child in college and two other children that will be in college in a few years. Luckily we got a low interest rate medical loan so it worked out great. My hope is for us to finish paying the loan off early! To me the loan and debt was well worth it! I was pretty depressed because of the daily pain and lack of self confidence.

HI! Yes, Vegas was where I ended up in November and have no regrets whatso ever. I am planning my 6th month follow up for next month :) Keep in touch and let me know how your follow up goes!