Well, it is day eight (8) since I had upper and lower implants done at the Golpa Dallas Implant Center on August 9, 2017.Before Dallas and Dr. Golpa, I had a traditional upper implant bridge done in 2005 and by 2014 it had failed. I had to get a full upper denture after most of the implants were removed. I had a bridge on each side of my lower jaw with just 8 teeth remaining. The right bridge had a broken tooth, which had infected and made chewing next to impossible. So, with the upper dentures and failed lower right side, I could only chew on the left side. With no palate and only the left side of my mouth working, my taste buds went on vacation; everything I ate tasted awful. I was eating just to survive.My dentist's solution was to add a few more implants and give me a Snap-On upper denture and repair the failed right lower bridge at a total cost of $14,000. Before long, I would be back in the dentist chair for other options and most certainly higher costs. With the Snap-On upper denture, I would still not have use of my palate but my taste would improve over left side only chewing.I went on the Internet searching for dentists who had perfected optional dental technology for people with missing teeth, dentures and so on. Surely, someone had problems such as I had and usually where there are problems, there are solutions. I came across Clear Choice and set up an appointment for an evaluation. While resetting my 4th appointment with Clear Choice, there was a pop up ad from Dr. Golpa, Las Vegas, NV. I read what the website had to say and wanted to compare and contrast with the Clear Choice offerings but after reading, saw that the technology was different - almost revolutionary. I set up a telephone consultation with Mark Taylor and he filled me in on the process, procedure and price. When I think of the price and, while it is precious, Clear Choice’s price would have been even more precious according to one of my associates.I considered Dr. Golpa’s All On 4 solution to be radical but it was suitable for my situation. I arranged funding, hotel and airfare reservations and finally the time was at hand for me to board the flight to Dallas, Texas.Once I arrived at the Center on Tuesday and it was my turn, the ladies made me feel welcome (Dr. Golpa has a wonderfully efficient team in Dallas. I hope when I return for my checkup appointment in 4 months, they are still there. I would like to thank them personally – again!), answered my questions, helped me to choose teeth (color, length, etc.) and gave me insight to expectations regarding the procedure. When I woke up after the procedure and was helped out of the chair, I had no pain or discomfort. I brought along with me a giant bottle of Advil but didn’t need them. The ladies gave me a goody bag with high milligrams of ibuprofen and shakes and applesauce. I didn’t sleep much Tuesday night and did a lot of floor pacing with the 2 ice bags that I brought along with me that I placed on either side of my face and secured in place by an ace bandage wrap.On Wednesday, around noon, just as I was checking out of the hotel, I received a call from Maria letting me know my teeth were ready. When I arrived, the ladies were busy, setting me up for the placement of my teeth. Dr. Golpa, set my bite and showed me my smile in a mirror for the first time. I could not believe the transformation and the ladies’ experienced my joy and amazement!Now, I am chewing on both sides, tasting every nuance of flavor and - I’ve got my palate back! I am impatiently waiting for the swelling to go completely away so I can see the new me! My tongue is getting used to the new teeth and I am struggling a bit with my pronunciation of S’s but am improving every day. There is nothing I have not eaten with ease: peanuts, plums, apples, corn on the cob, green salads and so on.For anyone that is considering this All-on-4 Dental Implant procedure by Dr. Golpa, don’t consider any longer. Follow Nike’s guidance: Just do it!Gene Wright
