POSTED UNDER Dental Implants Reviews
Biting the Bullet
UPDATED FROM LexieCat
1 year post
No more Photoshopping my smile!
WORTH IT$72,000
I've gotten very excited about the 2020 election, specifically, Pete Buttigieg's candidacy. I recently had the opportunity to meet Mayor Pete and his husband, Chasten, at a fundraiser in NYC. They had professionals there taking photos, and I was SO happy with how they turned out. Check out the great smiles here! (Oh, and while you're at it, check out some of Pete's videos--he is amazingly smart, reasonable, and kind. Even if you support another candidate, having Pete in the race is elevating the conversation.)
LexieCat's provider
UPDATED FROM LexieCat
8 months post
Had my first cleaning
I went in a couple of weeks ago for my first cleaning since I got the final teeth in late October. I've been as conscientious as I can with using the WaterPik and brushing, including using an interdental brush. I was sort of nervous because historically I've dreaded checkups because I did such a lousy job of cleaning at home.
I'd assumed they would remove the teeth for cleaning, but they did not--she just cleaned with a scraper and polished my teeth, pretty much the same way they would with real teeth. My hygienist said they looked GREAT, that I was doing an excellent job. That was a big relief, and it also made me a bit giddy, since I've NEVER in my LIFE heard those words from a dental professional! I have to say, the fact that it's uncomfortable/unpleasant to have anything under the arch is a great motivator to keep up with the cleaning--the discomfort of not doing it is a great deterrent to neglect!
She said she didn't see any reason for me to come in more often than once every six months or so. The one place where she thought I could use a bit more work was at the very back of the arches. She gave me an additional brush (TePe Universal Care) that is angled and has a narrow horizontal head that's great for those corners, as well as brushing along the gumline.
Most of the time I'm not even aware of the implants. They are comfortable and I barely notice them. And I'm really happy with my smile. I went out to visit family and friends across the country at Christmastime, and got so many compliments on my smile--and I find myself smiling a lot more than I used to (even on those days when it doesn't feel like there's much to smile about).
I have not one ounce of regret over any of the money I spent to get this result. It has been totally worth it.
I'd assumed they would remove the teeth for cleaning, but they did not--she just cleaned with a scraper and polished my teeth, pretty much the same way they would with real teeth. My hygienist said they looked GREAT, that I was doing an excellent job. That was a big relief, and it also made me a bit giddy, since I've NEVER in my LIFE heard those words from a dental professional! I have to say, the fact that it's uncomfortable/unpleasant to have anything under the arch is a great motivator to keep up with the cleaning--the discomfort of not doing it is a great deterrent to neglect!
She said she didn't see any reason for me to come in more often than once every six months or so. The one place where she thought I could use a bit more work was at the very back of the arches. She gave me an additional brush (TePe Universal Care) that is angled and has a narrow horizontal head that's great for those corners, as well as brushing along the gumline.
Most of the time I'm not even aware of the implants. They are comfortable and I barely notice them. And I'm really happy with my smile. I went out to visit family and friends across the country at Christmastime, and got so many compliments on my smile--and I find myself smiling a lot more than I used to (even on those days when it doesn't feel like there's much to smile about).
I have not one ounce of regret over any of the money I spent to get this result. It has been totally worth it.
Replies (4)
February 6, 2019
Excellent! I look forward to my first cleaning, which will be in August! It’s so satisfying to get a good ‘review’ from the dentist for a change. My lifetime of appointments has always been stressful and never any good news!
No regrets!!!
March 18, 2019
I was just in Vegas Feb 26th, and 27 to see Dr Golpa for my 6th+ cleaning, bite adjustment. I had my initial procedure in 2013, so I know the routine pretty well.
This past time I had my first issues with my cleaning, and bite alignment.
Dr Golpa was the only DDS there when I first got the procedure, so he's my go to guy, and only dentist I ever trusted.
However this past visit, Dr Golpa had an emergency on my appointment day. Luckily I booked extra time in Vegas (I suggest staying a full week for the initial procedure, and 2-3 days for cleanings)
So I saw him the 27th. I had to catch a flight that night at 11.
I had my bridges cleaned, fillings put back, and went on my way.
Around 7 we went to dinner, and as soon as I took my first bite of bread, I realized my bite was way off. I also realized one of the fillings had a "high point" (meaning part of the filling was interfering with the ability to bite down normally, and comfortably)
After all my prior cleanings/alignments, Dr Golpa will use what I call "bite paper". It's to make sure your bite is even, and comfortable. They do this after the fillings are put back. If there are any high points, they'll shave down the filling, as "high points" are uncomfortable, and can possibly compramise the implants?. Also after they put in the fillings, they use that UV light, and that nail polish smelling substance to make them dry, and harden fast. Again a step missed.
I had my wife waiting in the waiting room for several hours, so my mind wasn't on their job, but her, my flight, and all the other stresses of travel.
I understand Dr Golpa was probably swamped from missing the day before, and things could have been chaotic. I don't see Dr Golpa as a guy who misses many days.
Anyway, on the survey after, i expressed my concerns, as 1 filling has already fell out. To Dr Golpa's defense, he didn't come by to check the work, and say goodbye before I left.
I plan on upgrading to the latest bridges Golpa has to offer in April, so I figured I'd wait until than, but I'm not sure I should/can wait?
I've always been willing to help Dr Golpa out so I've always been happy to speak to potential patients, and share my experiences with them.
I'm not trying to hijack your thread, I just want to make sure nothing gets overlooked for your cleaning.
I made the office aware of my situation, but i've yet to hear back from the clinical team. Knowing Dr Golpa, and some of the remaining staff, I'm sure this will all be resolved. I just don't want my implants to be damaged with the uneven bite, and the heavy Zarconia upper bridge I still have.
A suggestion to all for after the cleanings. Bring a granola bar, or grab something to eat by the coffee machine. If everything feels good, you should be set until the next cleaning.
Good luck
This past time I had my first issues with my cleaning, and bite alignment.
Dr Golpa was the only DDS there when I first got the procedure, so he's my go to guy, and only dentist I ever trusted.
However this past visit, Dr Golpa had an emergency on my appointment day. Luckily I booked extra time in Vegas (I suggest staying a full week for the initial procedure, and 2-3 days for cleanings)
So I saw him the 27th. I had to catch a flight that night at 11.
I had my bridges cleaned, fillings put back, and went on my way.
Around 7 we went to dinner, and as soon as I took my first bite of bread, I realized my bite was way off. I also realized one of the fillings had a "high point" (meaning part of the filling was interfering with the ability to bite down normally, and comfortably)
After all my prior cleanings/alignments, Dr Golpa will use what I call "bite paper". It's to make sure your bite is even, and comfortable. They do this after the fillings are put back. If there are any high points, they'll shave down the filling, as "high points" are uncomfortable, and can possibly compramise the implants?. Also after they put in the fillings, they use that UV light, and that nail polish smelling substance to make them dry, and harden fast. Again a step missed.
I had my wife waiting in the waiting room for several hours, so my mind wasn't on their job, but her, my flight, and all the other stresses of travel.
I understand Dr Golpa was probably swamped from missing the day before, and things could have been chaotic. I don't see Dr Golpa as a guy who misses many days.
Anyway, on the survey after, i expressed my concerns, as 1 filling has already fell out. To Dr Golpa's defense, he didn't come by to check the work, and say goodbye before I left.
I plan on upgrading to the latest bridges Golpa has to offer in April, so I figured I'd wait until than, but I'm not sure I should/can wait?
I've always been willing to help Dr Golpa out so I've always been happy to speak to potential patients, and share my experiences with them.
I'm not trying to hijack your thread, I just want to make sure nothing gets overlooked for your cleaning.
I made the office aware of my situation, but i've yet to hear back from the clinical team. Knowing Dr Golpa, and some of the remaining staff, I'm sure this will all be resolved. I just don't want my implants to be damaged with the uneven bite, and the heavy Zarconia upper bridge I still have.
A suggestion to all for after the cleanings. Bring a granola bar, or grab something to eat by the coffee machine. If everything feels good, you should be set until the next cleaning.
Good luck
March 18, 2019
Opps, my comment was for Dr Golpa. Looks like I accidentally posted to a different Doc
I apologize if that was the case, and have that post removed.
However, it's not a bad checklist for cleanings, so if there's a way to take down that post, I will figure it out.
I apologize if that was the case, and have that post removed.
However, it's not a bad checklist for cleanings, so if there's a way to take down that post, I will figure it out.
March 18, 2019
I guess I jumped the gun with Dr Golpa. I guess I learned the hard way, if it seems too good to be true, it is.
I had a major communication breakdown with him. His word is still good after all these years. Once again I apologize for jumping in this docs thread. If it's possible for me to delete I will figure it out, or ask the Realself team to delete.
I had a major communication breakdown with him. His word is still good after all these years. Once again I apologize for jumping in this docs thread. If it's possible for me to delete I will figure it out, or ask the Realself team to delete.
UPDATED FROM LexieCat
6 months post
Bite check/adjustment
The doc filed down the molars just a bit. The bite definitely is better now, though it may need one more adjustment. I'm leaving for a long vacation this week (till after Thanksgiving) and we agreed that I'll see how these feel over the next three weeks or so, and if I need a further adjustment when I get back we can do that then. After all, it's a lot easier to file them down a tad more than to put material back (which is basically impossible).
I'm so happy I got the finals before my vacation--it will make the whole trip more pleasant.
I'm so happy I got the finals before my vacation--it will make the whole trip more pleasant.
Replies (3)