If you're living with missing or failing teeth, you've probably wrestled with the question:
"Are dental implants really a good idea — or will I regret it?"
Maybe you've heard success stories. Maybe you've seen warnings. And if you're like most people, you're caught between hoping for a life-changing result... and worrying about making a painful, expensive mistake.
Here’s the truth:
Dental implants can be a life-changing solution — but they aren’t right for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through when implants are a good idea, when they might not be, and what real patients had to say after their journeys.
Dental implants aren’t a good idea for everyone. To find out if you may qualify for them, take the 60-second quiz here.
When Are Dental Implants Not a Good Idea?
Dental implants have helped thousands of people reclaim their smiles, their health, and their confidence.
But they aren’t for everyone.
Here are a few situations where dental implants might not be the best idea:
Uncontrolled Health Issues:
If you have severe uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders, or other major health conditions that impair healing, implants may be risky. After reviewing your medical history your doctor will determine whether or not you’re a candidate for the procedure.
Active Gum Disease:
If you have untreated periodontal disease, it must be addressed prior to getting dental implants as it has the potential to lead to dental implant failure.
Heavy Smoking:
Smoking dramatically increases the risk of dental implant failure. If quitting isn’t in your plan, dental implants likely won’t be worth the investment.
Dental implants are not a time machine and can’t quite make your smile what it was before. However, they are life-changing and can free you of the struggles of missing and failing teeth.
Live Dental Implant Patient Panel
There’s no substitute for hearing it straight from the people who have lived it.
In this live panel, four real Nuvia patients sat down to share their experiences:
*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.
Each patient responded to these questions: what it was really like getting dental implants?
How did they feet before surgery — scared, hopeful, nervous?
What surprised them after healing?
Whether they ever had regrets
The overwhelming answer?
None of them regretted their choice to get a new smile.
Even though the healing process came with challenges for some, they all described getting dental implants as one of the best decisions they had ever made.
One patient responded to being asked if he had buyers remorse, “No. There was no buyer's remorse because it was helping me health wise because people do not realize the infections that can come through your mouth and go straight to your heart…Why couldn't I have done this years ago?”
Unless they’ve gotten them themselves, it’s hard for a dentist to tell you just how much dental implants can change your life. On the other hand, these patient’s stories about what life is like now with a real smile they don’t have to hide — say everything.
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Dental Implant Cost
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate about implants is cost.
Dental implants are an investment, no way around it. But here's what you need to know:
Implants can save you money in the long run.
Compared to constantly replacing bridges, partials, dentures, or dealing with infections, full mouth implants can end up being less expensive over a lifetime.
Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours minimizes return appointments.
At Nuvia, patients receive a permanent set of teeth in 24 hours — not a flimsy set of temporaries that require multiple replacements and fittings.
The traditional approach with temporary teeth can result in time cost meaning the time spent returning over and over throughout the course of what could be 10+ months. That won’t be your experience with permanent teeth in 24 hours.
Financing options make dental implants accessible.
Many patients use third-party financing to spread out the cost into manageable monthly payments, helping them get their smile back without draining savings or retirement accounts.
Dental implants are more than just routine dental work. They’re an investment in your health, confidence, and your future.
Get details on financing, cost, and insurance questions with the dental implant cost guide.
Taking Care of Dental Implants
With proper care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Just like natural teeth however, dental implants need care to last.
But the good news is, taking care of dental implants is very similar to taking care of natural teeth:
- Brush and floss daily (using tools like a Waterpik® can help)
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
- Avoid smoking and protect your implants from injury
And unlike natural teeth, false teeth made from zirconia can’t get cavities.
No root canals. No fillings. No patchwork repairs.
Caring for dental implants requires daily care, but without the endless repairs that failing natural teeth often need.
Final Thoughts: Are Dental Implants a Good Idea?
For the right person, dental implants aren’t just a good idea — they’re one of the best decisions you can make.
They’re life-changing for people ready to say goodbye to pain, embarrassment, and constant dental problems.
Find out if dental implants may be right for you with the 60-second quiz
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