January 14, 2026

Case Study: Duncan’s Life With Dental Implants After 5 Years

Last Updated:
January 14, 2026
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Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Duncan spent decades in a cycle of root canals and crowns, totaling 15 root canals over his adult life

  • Traditional dentistry felt like a “band-aid approach” that cost him confidence and compounded pain

  • He chose full mouth dental implants after realizing patchwork dentistry would cost more over a lifetime

  • 5 years later, Duncan reports zero issues, restored confidence, and long-term financial peace of mind

Patient Background: A Lifetime of Dental Work That Never Ended

Before getting dental implants, Duncan’s dental history looked like what many patients quietly endure for years:

  • Repeated tooth pain

  • Root canal after root canal

  • Crowns breaking

  • Teeth failing one by one

By his own account, Duncan had 15 root canals over his adult life.

“I realized my dental experience was a band-aid approach. I had a bad tooth. They either did a root canal, then they put a crown on it. Then the root canal tooth broke. The crown broke. And it was just repetitive.”

Each procedure was meant to “fix” the problem — but none of them solved it permanently.

In fact, Duncan notes something that some patients find surprising:

“Every root canal I ever had was more painful than my extraction of my teeth.”

*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.

The Emotional Cost: Hiding His Smile for Decades

The impact of having failing teeth wasn’t just physical — it was deeply personal.

For years, Duncan avoided smiling altogether.

“Before, I never smiled because my teeth were so terrible looking. I put my hand over my mouth a whole lot.”

This is a common but under-discussed reality that many people experience: dental problems often lead to social withdrawal, embarrassment, and reduced self-confidence, even when people appear “fine” on the outside.

The Turning Point: Lifetime Costs vs. a Permanent Solution

What ultimately pushed Duncan to consider full mouth dental implants wasn’t just pain — it was perspective.

After years of dental visits, procedures, and ongoing repairs, he did something most patients never stop to calculate:

He asked, “what will this cost me over the rest of my life?”

“When I looked at the cost I had spent in a lifetime of the band-aid approach, my sense was this was the best option I could have.”

Instead of continuing a cycle of root canals, crowns, and future failures, Duncan was presented with two paths:

Option Timeline Outcome
Temporary dental solutions ~18 months of ongoing work Continued repairs, uncertainty
Full mouth dental implants at Nuvia 24 hours Permanent, lasting teeth

“When I was faced with the idea of a year and a half worth of dental work versus twenty-four hours to have a full set of permanent teeth… it was a no brainer.”

The Financial Reality: Why Implants Made Sense Long-Term

At first glance, full mouth dental implants can feel intimidating financially. Duncan acknowledges this concern directly.

But after reviewing his lifetime dental spending, he came to a different conclusion:

“I believe I’m saving money the rest of my life.”

Rather than continuing to pay for:

  • Root canals

  • Crowns

  • Replacements

  • Emergency visits

He chose a one-time, comprehensive solution.

“I was going to spend the rest of my life coming and going to dentists fixing a terrible set of teeth.”

For Duncan, implants weren’t just a medical decision — they were a strategic investment.

And to find a competitive investment, he didn’t have to settle for traditional methods of getting dental implants that can take up to 10+ months before giving patients their permanent teeth. Nuvia’s permanent teeth in 24 hours doesn’t cost more for the rapid timeline. He was able to get affordable new teeth AND have his final set within 24 hours.

The Experience: Support, Transparency, and Trust

Another critical part of Duncan’s story is how he was treated during the process.

“I walked into Nuvia, and they were so supportive, so nonjudgmental.”

He describes the environment as:

  • Confidence-building

  • Clear and transparent

  • Thoroughly explained steps— not rushed

“Everything I had heard about the process, I was told again in fuller depth.”

This matters, especially for patients who have spent decades feeling embarrassed or blamed for their dental condition.

5 Years Later: The Long-Term Results

Today, Duncan is living proof of what long-term success looks like.

“Four and a half years later, I have my teeth, and I’ve not had one single problem or issue with those teeth.”

Outcomes For Duncan After 5 Years:

  • No complications

  • No additional dental procedures

  • Full confidence when smiling

  • Peace of mind

“I get to smile now. I’m just excited about that.”

Why Duncan’s Case Matters

Duncan’s story reflects a broader pattern seen in many implant patients:

  • Patchwork dentistry often can cost more than full mouth dental implants over time

  • Delaying lasting care can mean years of emotional and physical toll

  • Long-term solutions frequently outperform “cheaper” short-term fixes

His case highlights an important truth:

The real cost of dental care isn’t just the price — it’s time, pain, confidence, and quality of life.

Final Takeaway

Duncan spent years managing dental problems one tooth at a time.

When he finally stepped back and looked at the big picture, the decision became clear.

“I didn’t pause and ponder.”

Five years later, he’s smiling — without pain, without regret, and without another dental procedure on the horizon.

See if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours with the same 60-second quiz that Duncan took.

FAQs

FAQs About Long-Term Dental Implant Outcomes

Is it normal to feel hesitant because of cost?

Are implants worth it compared to crowns and root canals?

How long do full mouth dental implants last?

Lucy Steckler

SML MKR

Lucy Steckler manages the website at Nuvia Dental Implant Center. Having spent over a year being involved in dental content creation, she finds purpose in helping individuals find answers to their dental implant questions and learn more about the benefits of permanent teeth in 24 hours.

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