Getting dental implants is hands-down a bold step for your oral health. There’s nothing wrong with questioning this decision because implants are not everyone’s cup of tea. This is usually because the entire process takes time, and patience, and causes some temporary discomfort. But the long-term benefits will outweigh any initial doubts sooner or later.
Still, some of the doubts can be about the aftermath. You’ll quite possibly ask “Do you regret getting dental implants?”, but as a matter of fact, patients rarely have complaints after the implant procedure. Unexpected results can only surprise you if you don’t do your research about the implant process. Because you are only likely to experience difficulties during the treatment process, we assure you that there will only be satisfaction afterward. There’s no rose without a thorn after all. This doesn’t mean that your experience has to be bad either, of course. There are some things you can do to prevent a bad experience, let’s dive in together.
5 factors to avoid a negative dental Implant experience
Dental implants are life-changing when it comes to smile makeovers and improving oral functionality. But let’s be honest, nobody wants a negative experience when it comes to dental work. So, what can you do to avoid any possible regrets? Well, for your journey to be nice and easy, you need to evaluate some factors carefully.
From selecting a qualified implant dentist to going for a high-quality option, these factors will help you make decisions and achieve optimal results in your dental implant treatment. We will try to explore five crucial factors to avoid so that you have a safe-and-sound experience.
Make sure you’re consulting a professional dentist
Right from the start, consulting with an experienced dental implant dentist is one of the most important key factors to avoid a negative dental implant experience. After all, these are the people responsible for the health of your mouth. So, a proper checkup during your implant consultation can take any frustration out of the picture. Finding a skilled implant dentist who not only stands out for their expertise but also makes you feel safe and comfortable can also make a big difference. After having your first consultation, which will be the beginning of your journey, you can decide if you are in the right hands.
Deciding if it’s a suitable treatment for you
It goes without saying that if you have lost a natural tooth, the best replacement for it is implant treatment. Of course, although there are alternatives, it is a fact that it is the most common procedure among them. But does that mean it’s suitable for everyone? Well, the answer is no. Before the implant procedure, they first check whether you are a good candidate or not. If you have any underlying health issues, you must get rid of them for a successful outcome. So, you might need specific procedures before the implant is placed. For example, gum treatment, bone grafting, and so on. Once you’ve gone through such treatments, you’ll need a recovery period that can cause some degree of discomfort in the process. And that’s why not everyone tolerates implants. If you can relate, alternatives such as dental bridges and dentures may be your thing.
Don’t wait too long to minimize the need for additional procedures
Another factor is not to delay getting an implant for a long time. Time is important for a successful implant because delay and unplanned complications can increase treatment requirements. Literally, as the saying goes, time is money. For example, when you lose or have a tooth removed, the bone surrounding that tooth will begin to deteriorate over time. Jawbone stimulation is important to prevent bone shrinkage. Otherwise, your bone density and volume reduce. The longer you wait for the implant, the greater the jaw bone loss. So you’ll end up with the need for pre-treatments such as bone grafting or sinus lifts to stabilize the foundation. If you get the implant procedure done on time, you won’t need additional treatments and your experience will be more comfortable and positive.
Go for high-quality implant options for a better look
Who does not want shiny and healthy teeth like pearls? We’re guessing everyone would. To have such teeth, you should prioritize quality materials and advanced technologies to enjoy natural and aesthetic results. High-quality implants not only offer durability and longevity but also mimic the appearance of natural tooth. Dental implants thus blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and it looks as natural as possible. Once you invest in a high-quality tooth replacement option, you’ll be completely free of such questions as “Do you regret getting dental implants?”
Be prepared for the length of the implant process
You should know that implant treatment is not a process that ends within the blink of an eye. Although it varies from person to person, usually it takes months because of each step’s healing process. So, you must be mentally and emotionally prepared and maintain a positive outlook. Because if you welcome this adventure with patience and realistic expectations, you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s what you need to do if your experience was not as intended
Was your dental implant experience not quite what you expected? Don’t worry! There are of course a couple of things you can do to address the situation directly and find a solution. First of all, reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon and talk to them. If you explain your concerns and dissatisfaction with the results, they can shed some light on the problem or suggest ways to fix it.
Another step that can be helpful is to get a second opinion from another skilled implant dentist. Taking a different perspective can offer new insights and alternative treatment options. Remember that you might feel regret in such cases, but as long as you don’t lose hope and try to solve the issue by yourself, everything will be okay. Not all complications are permanent and there may be ways to handle them. But no matter what, you should take responsibility for your oral health by gathering as much information as possible before making any decisions. Through good communication and seeking professional guidance, you can try to find the best solution and resolve your problems.
Schropp L, Isidor F, Kostopoulos L, Wenzel A. Patient experience of, and satisfaction with, delayed-immediate vs. delayed single-tooth implant placement. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2004;15(4):498-503. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2004.01033.x
Wang Y, Bäumer D, Ozga AK, Körner G, Bäumer A. Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life 10 years after implant placement. BMC Oral Health. 2021;21(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-01381-3
Jokstad A, Braegger U, Brunski JB, Carr AB, Naert I, Wennerberg A. Quality of dental implants. International Dental Journal. 2003;53(6):409-443. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1875-595x.2003.tb00918.x
