G4 by Golpa is a type of All-on-4 implants that can be done within 24 hours.
There are many reasons why you might lose your teeth throughout your life. It can be due to trauma, or simply rot and decay—sometimes, no matter how good of a job you do with brushing and flossing, enamel just doesn't last a long as we do! That's why Dr. Golpa developed the G4, but is this the right solution for you? Let's find out!
In This Article
What is Golpa G4?
G4 implants use the All-on-4 method to replace an entire arch of teeth with four to six implants and a bridge. G4 is done in 24 hours whereas traditional All-on-4s may require an entire year to complete. Let's learn how this innovative technology came about.
Dr. Golpa
Dr. Mike Golpa is the doctor behind G4 implant dentistry. He is regarded by some as a pioneer in the field of implants and trained with Dr. Mike Paolo, the doctor behind a lot of the development in All-on-4s. Dr. Golpa is now working on providing G4 implants in more cities across the United States by working with affiliate partners.
What is G4?
This method is an innovative combination of All-on-4 technology and patented protocols that allow for a more efficient, less painful, and more
convenient mouth restoration practice. Ultimately, the method developed by Dr. Golpa is a cheaper way to permanently restore all of your teeth.
But in order to really understand exactly what G4 is, it is important to first learn about the parent technology that is was adapted from.
What is All-on-4?
So, what exactly is the All-on-4 method? And how is G4 different?
The All-On-4 procedure involves four titanium implants that hold bridges of false teeth in place. Titanium is chosen for the root material screwed into the jawbone for several reasons:
- Titanium is strong enough to withstand the impact of biting, chewing, and grinding without breaking.
- It is a biocompatible material, so the body doesn't recognize it as a foreign object and reject it.
- Titanium actually fuses with the bone as the implants heal.
This type of surgery is invasive and can have negative side effects depending on the material used. But using titanium to replace roots greatly lowers the risk of complications during the recovery period.
All-on-4 procedure
This method requires multiple appointments and months of healing and procedure time. But the procedure looks something like this:
- During a consultation, X-rays are taken of the teeth to determine their health. Jaw impressions and 3D images of the jaws are taken to determine bone thickness, sinus cavity placement, and nerve visualization. At this time further appointments will be scheduled and financial estimates will be made.
- Once the surgeon reviews the records, they will plan the implants procedure and use the images taken in the consultation to make surgical guides.
- The first surgery is the extraction of the remaining teeth. Sometimes other surgeries need to happen first to move sinuses out of the way or to graft bones to your jaw for stability. This type of procedure must heal first before the teeth can be removed.
- The second surgery is implants placement. After all of the extraction sites are healed, it's time for those titanium implants that we mentioned before. Patients must wait for these to completely heal (3-6 months) before getting new teeth. During this time temporary dentures are worn in the affected area.
- Only after all the healing is done can the new teeth be placed and permanently set into the patient's mouth.
All in all, this process can take up to a full year.
Golpa G4 Procedure
The G4 implant solution is a way to ensure patients are out of the office with implants in 24 hours. Each patient is different, but normally the procedure looks something like this:
- The patient arrives at one of the G4 implants dentistry offices and has a consultation that includes the dental x-rays, jaw impressions, and 3D images of the jaws that are needed for the surgical plan.
- The treatment plan is made, including any need for sinus lifts and bone augmentation.
- All the surgeries happen at once under sedation. This includes extraction, dental implantation, sinus lifts, etc.
- Once the surgery is complete, the patients will return home or to a nearby hotel to rest and recover overnight. At this time the lab will finalize the new permanent teeth using the scans taken from the consultation before.
- Finally, the patients receive their new smiles after a night of recovery. The Golpa G4 implants are placed in the mouth and adjusted to fit the patients' individual needs.
In the video below, you can see one happy patient's review of this procedure, six years after he got his G4 implants.
The entire G4 implant solution takes about 24 hours to complete, a huge difference from the year-long process of the All-on-4 method. From consultation to a brand new set, patients only need to set aside two days to be at one of the locations where G4 dental implants are offered. This means you could make your Memorial Day Weekend extra productive and head on up to Vegas for a brand new set of pearly whites! Pending availability from the doctors of course.
How long do G4 dental implants last?
With a titanium root and a porcelain crown, implants can last anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime, and G4 implants can last upwards of 15 years.
Recovery time
Due to the efficiency and effectiveness of the G4 implants method, most patients are said to return to their regular routine, such as eating, within a day. However, depending on the individual situation and surgical conditions, the doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods or other substances for some time to avoid harming your new implants.
Pros and cons
G4 implants are essentially a full arch bridge supported on four implants. Thus, the pros and cons of this procedure are the same as with any tooth bridge supported on implants. But how does this compare to a traditional bridge? Have a look at this table for a summary of the pros and cons and comparison to traditional dental bridges:
Pros | Cons |
Strong base | Requires several surgeries at once |
Doesn't require removal of enamel | More expensive than other options |
Fixed in place | Only 3 locations worldwide |
Permanent solution | |
Done in 24 hours | |
Implants in general can help slow the bone degredation that happens when teeth are missing |
Where to get Golpa dental implants
The biggest downside to G4 implants is that the Golpa dental implant center may not be anywhere near you. G4 implants are currently only offered at five labs across the United States.
Locations
G4 implants are offered at dental offices in Las Vegas, Dallas, Tyson, and affiliate centers in Culver City and San Jose.
If none of these locations are convenient, you may want to consider another brand of implant. Places like First Point Dental or EON Clinics may have comparable options. You can call the number below to get connected with an implant dentist in your area so you can discuss your options:
G4 dental implants cost
The G4 by Golpa cost starts at $16,500 for a single arch and the G4 implant cost for a full mouth starts at $29,500.
G4 cost vs. All-on-4 cost
G4 by Golpa prices are actually pretty reasonable when you think about the time saved. They are also comparable to the costs of All-on-4s which can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per arch.
G4 implants warranty
G4 by Golpa implants are manufacture warrantied for life…sort of. If your G4 implant fails within a year of getting it implanted, G4 will replace it at no cost. However, after a year goes by, you can get your implant replaced and G4 will pay for implants, including the abutments, sedation, and any new bridges that need to be made. You will be responsible for paying the surgical costs for removal and replacement. The surgical costs for each removed/replaced implants are $1,500.
Make sure you carefully read all of the conditions of the warranty. If you smoke or use nicotine in any form, including vaping, or develop an uncontrolled systemic health problem, you will not be covered by the warranty.
Who needs G4 Implants?
G4 implants are recommended for those who are currently wearing dentures. If your dentures feel loose, or uncomfortable, or you simply want a better teeth-replacement option, you may want to consider G4 dental implants instead.
G4 implants may not be suitable for you if you suffer from diabetes or severe heart, lung, or brain disease. As always, every individual should consult their doctor before pursuing this option.
How to care for G4 implants
G4 teeth are just like other implants and bridges. With implants, your hygiene routine may differ a bit than with natural teeth, because it's important to make sure the area under the bridge stays clean as well. Many dentists recommend adding a water flosser like the cariPRO or Waterpik to your everyday oral care routine. Read reviews of the best water flossers.
Aftercare of G4 implants
There are three steps to caring for Golpa dental implants after placement.
- Brush: You should brush your bridges like you learned to do when you were a kid with toothpaste three times a day for at least two minutes every time.
- Rotary Brush: Use this by dipping the proxy brush in your medicated rinse instead of toothpaste to clean under your bridges for the first week.
- Water flosser: After a week of healing, use a water flosser like the cariPRO to remove plaque between each tooth and underneath the bridges.
How often should I get professional cleaning?
Just like with your regular teeth, Dr. Golpa recommends an annual (at least) examination and professional cleaning of your G4 dental implants to avoid any unnecessary complications or decay.
G4 Reviews
Shannon checks in with viewers six months after her G4 procedure. She says that everything is going well and her only complaint is that sometimes food gets stuck underneath her bridges. Her implants cost her $40,000 for both arches and she understands that it's a big investment, but she ultimately recommends the procedure.
This next reviewer checks in a full year after getting her G4 implants. She's overall happy with her implants, and one of the main things she loves is that she no longer experiences excruciating sensitivity in her teeth and gums.
There are some issues she'd like to address with the G4 clinic; for one she's experiencing some sinus pressure that she suspects might be from the surgery. She also doesn't love the aesthetics of her two front teeth which she describes as ‘buck teeth', and her nose feels very delicate, so she's a bit afraid to sneeze. She does feel like she's still in the healing process, all of which she will talk with her prosthodontist about during her next visit.
Conclusion
The Golpa method is an innovative combination of older implant technology and new patented protocols that allow for a more efficient, less painful, and more convenient mouth restoration practice. They have a 24-hour turnaround and offer an efficient way to make your smile look like a million bucks. If you have the cash and the ability to get to one of the few offices that provide this service, then the G4 way might be your best ticket to a healthy, beautiful smile.
3 Ways To Finance Dental Work That Aren’t Insurance
FAQs
How much do G4 implants cost?
G4 implants cost $16,500 for a single arch and $29,500 for a full mouth, minimum. Any additional work you require like extractions means you may have to pay more.
How long do G4 implants last?
Implants, in general, can last anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime with proper care and G4 implants can last upwards of 15 years. G4 implants are warrantied for life…sort of. What this means is that if your dental implant fails within one year of receiving them, Golpa will replace it at no cost. However, if an implant fails after a year, they will only charge the surgical costs of the removal and replacement of the implant. They won't charge you for the cost of the replacement implants, abutments, sedation or new bridge. The surgical replacement is $1,500 per implant.
What is a G4 implant?
G4 implants are a type of All-on-4 implant that can be completed in a single day. It's a way to replace all of your teeth by using four implants in each arch, connected by a full-arch bridge. These implants have titanium screws, and can last upwards of 15 years with proper care.
NCBI: A Critical Review of Dental Implant Materials with an Emphasis on Titanium versus Zirconia. Consulted 1 April, 2020.
G4 by Golpa: G4 by Golpa Website. Consulted April 1, 2020.
ADA: Implants. Consulted April 1, 2020.