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Considering dental implants? You may have questions about what the experience is really like and if there are any potential dental implants problems you should know about.
Laura, a dental implant patient who has had her implants for four years, shares her story and paints a realistic picture of what to expect from getting dental implants. From the short-term problems with dental implants to the long-term experience, Laura shares all.
**Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
Want to experience a transformation like Laura? See if you may be eligible for dental implants with this 60-second quiz.
Short Term Dental Implants Problems
As Laura thinks back to her experience getting a new smile 3 years ago, she remarks that the dental implants problems she initially faced “really fade into the past”.
Here is what she remembers needing to get used to after first getting her dental implants.
The Recovery
As with any surgery, some discomfort is not unexpected. Immediately after her surgery, Laura faced some of this expected discomfort.
"From the very beginning there was pain involved," she recalls. This is common as the mouth heals so each dental implant patient is equipped with aftercare instructions and prescriptions to assist with any pain.
Like other patients who have experienced some dental implant problems, part of Laura’s healing process was some bruising and exhaustion. It took her some time to get feeling back to herself while she recovered.
"I did not feel myself. I did have some bruising, actually. That was a lot of work."
Bruising after full mouth dental implant surgery typically appears around the jaw, chin, and sometimes the neck — the areas closest to the surgical site. For most patients, dental implant bruising is most visible around days 2 to 3 post-surgery and fades within one to two weeks. Every Nuvia patient receives detailed aftercare instructions covering what to expect during recovery, including how to manage swelling and bruising as the mouth heals.
Speech Problems - A Temporary Lisp
Some patients, especially those who have been missing teeth for a long time, experience a temporary lisp as their mouth adjusts to new teeth. This was the case for Laura.
"I never thought I would ever lisp," she says. "Once I got used to having the appliance in my mouth, it became very natural. Everything started to work together," she explains. The lisp eventually went away, and she regained her clear speech.
Many patients find the Nuvia SML MKR Club to be a great resource where they can interact with others who have gotten dental implants or who are thinking about it. Many people share tips and exercises that can help the temporary lisp to go away.
Biting My Cheek
Another of the dental implants problems that Laura faced as a result of her mouth getting used to the new smile was biting the inside of her cheek.
"I started biting the insides of my cheeks. And let me tell you zirconia teeth going through skin is a real deal," she shares.
Luckily for Laura and other patients who experience this, it doesn’t last very long!
Her Favorite Part of Dental Implants
Despite these initial challenges, Laura loves her dental implants and all the positive changes that have come to her life since getting them.
Here are a few of her favorite parts of the dental implant experience at Nuvia.
She Felt Safe with the Nuvia Team
Laura felt incredibly supported by the Nuvia team. "Working with the Nuvia staff was one of the very first experiences I've had in any medical office where I knew that I would be good, safe, taken care of by this group of people," she says.
This sense of security played an important role in her journey and to this day she still remembers the names of those she worked with.
“I do remember their names because they meant that much to me. As I think about my life now with my teeth and the way that they look and how absolutely thrilled I am.”
Increased Self Confidence
Laura’s confidence skyrocketed after getting her implants. "I no longer feel like I have to dye my hair, that I have to be somebody other than I am because I'm constantly covering my mouth," she shares.
This newfound confidence allowed her to embrace her natural appearance and feel comfortable in her own skin.
Exceptional Oral Health
Another one of Laura’s favorite things about her dental implants is the significant improvement in her oral health. "I haven't had a toothache for three years," she notes.
There are so many people like Laura who experience near constant mouth and tooth pain. Dental implants can be life-changing for those individuals.
Ready for a change? See if you may qualify for dental implants with this 60-second quiz.
Dental Implants Problems with Long Term Complications
Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate and those who qualify for the procedure don’t often experience complications when working with a highly experienced team.
Though Laura didn’t experience any long term dental implants problems, it’s important to recognize that improper care and dental implant failure can lead to more serious problems.
Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene are essential to prevent complications or any long term dental implants problems.
What Dental Implant Problems Years Later Can Look Like
So what can actually go wrong years down the road? The most common issue is a type of gum disease that develops around the implant — it's called peri-implantitis. Think of it like gum disease, but around the implant instead of a regular tooth. If it goes untreated, it can cause bone loss and — eventually — a loose implant. The good news is it's very preventable. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with cleanings go a long way.
In rare cases, the prosthetic (the actual teeth) can wear down or crack over time, especially with lower-quality materials. And in some cases, implants can loosen. These things are much more likely to happen when the surgery was rushed, the provider wasn't experienced, or follow-up appointments got skipped. At Nuvia patients get extremely strong and durable teeth made from zirconia and placed by a highly experienced team that does this procedure day in and day out.
The difference between a great long-term outcome and a "bad dental implants" experience usually comes down to three things: did someone make sure you were actually a good candidate, was the surgery done well, and did you take care of your teeth afterward? Patients who check all three boxes rarely run into serious problems down the line.
This is true whether you have four implants holding up your arch (All-on-4®) or six (All-on-6®). All-on-6® dental implants problems look a lot like full-arch problems in general — mostly peri-implantitis risk if oral hygiene slips. The extra implants can add stability for some patients, but the same basics apply either way. Nuvia's {{success_rate}} implant success rate is a reflection of what's possible when those basics are followed.
What Laura Said About the Cost
During Laura’s consultation, she knew that no matter what, she wanted a new smile. At Nuvia, the cost of dental implants shouldn’t be a hurdle for people, who like Laura, just want their teeth back.
The dental implant cost guide answers all your cost-related questions so you can take the next steps to get the smile of your dreams.
Download the Free dental implant cost guide here.
In regards to dental implant cost, Laura said, “This is a complete investment, but the investment that it is in your overall health and in your overall quality of life.
That's what dental implants are. It isn't just a shot at one time I'm gonna make myself feel better and I can go on for maybe another year.
This is an investment that I know I will never have to worry about oral health again in my life. And believe me, whatever life that is, if it's ten years, twenty years hopefully, maybe even thirty, I'm never gonna have to worry. I'm never gonna have to worry about going back in because this was a success and this is a forever procedure that I know I can depend on.”
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