August 15, 2025

How to Choose the Best Dental Implants — From a Real Patient Who's Been There

Last Updated:
August 15, 2025
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Woman pulling down lip to show dental implants next to a set of fake teeth

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Check your provider’s timeline. Nuvia delivers zirconia teeth the day after surgery, not plastic temps that the traditional approach has patients wear for months.
  • Sedation from a CRNA keeps you comfortable and safe during the procedure. Make sure you know what anesthesia options are available.
  • Ask the right questions — Know what materials, timing, and process you’re getting before you choose a dental implant provider.

I got my dental implants over two years ago. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably where I once was—wondering how to choose the best dental implants and who you can really trust.

I remember thinking, Did I make a mistake? I had spent enough time in dentist chairs to know they weren’t my favorite place to be. But today, I can honestly say I’m glad I did it—because my life looks completely different now. Here's what I wish I knew before I made my decision, and what might help you make yours.

*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.

Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours Made All the Difference

While researching where to get my new teeth, I learned that most places I looked into wanted me to come back over and over again. They said you’d get teeth the next day, but what they meant was temporary plastic ones. Then you’d wait months for the final set. I didn’t have time for all that. Who does?

At Nuvia, I had surgery one day, and got my permanent zirconia teeth the very next day. That was huge for me.

I was back to life within days. I even drove my mom hundreds of miles to meet her first great-grandbaby just a few days after surgery. 

Close up of zirconia teeth

What Made Me Choose Nuvia Over Other Places

When you’re choosing where to get your dental implants, it’s important to find out what you’re in for and what the process will be like.

Before I decided on Nuvia, I did my research, I saw all the ads– I even talked to other providers. But I noticed something important: many other providers weren’t upfront about what you actually get.

Some would say you get teeth quickly, but come to find out, by “teeth” they actually meant plastic healing teeth– That’s not what I wanted. 

Nuvia was the first one who I found that could deliver permanent, zirconia teeth the day after surgery. They also didn’t need me to keep coming back over and over again, taking more and more time off work over the course of months.

Not only was Nuvia’s process going to let me get back to my life, they also had a full team including a CRNA, oral surgeon, and restorative dentist. When I learned this, I knew I had found the right place to get my new teeth.

The Pain I Was Afraid Of (and What Really Happened)

Not only should you learn about the process to get your new teeth, you should be sure to find out if you’ll be awake or asleep during the procedure itself. This is a key part to finding the best dental implant provider for you and made a big difference in my experience.

I had already been through so much with my teeth that the idea of surgery and more discomfort was terrifying.

But what actually happened at Nuvia? I was sedated through the whole procedure and woke up with everything done. It was like blinking your eyes. That was it.

I didn’t even take pain medication until later that night—and only to sleep comfortably. The next day, I went back and got my permanent teeth. Not temporaries. Not plastic. The real deal. And again, no pain. Just some pressure. I couldn’t believe it.

Disclaimer: Patient’s experience with pain after dental implant surgery varies.

Cynthia smiling with her dog

What to Expect in the First Month

The first few days I mostly rested, ate soft foods, and iced my face. I used arnica gel and only had one small bruise.

Getting used to the new teeth took a little time. I had a bit of a lisp at first—mostly with "s" and "th" sounds. But Nuvia had prepared me for that. They told me it was normal, and they were right. I practiced by singing in the shower and in the car. My tongue just needed to adjust, and within a few weeks, everything felt normal again.

Now, I don’t even think about it. These teeth feel like they’ve always been mine.

What Eating Is Like Now (It’s a Big Deal)

Before dental implants, eating was painful. Even cereal would make my gums bleed. Now I can eat anything I want.

Corn on the cob, steak, salads, tortilla chips, saltwater taffy. You name it.

And it’s not just about what I can eat. It’s about what I choose to eat. I don’t have to limit myself anymore. I can finally enjoy food again.

Maintenance and Daily Care

People ask if cleaning my implants is harder than taking care of my natural teeth, and it’s really not. It’s just a different routine to get used to.

I use a sonic toothbrush, a Waterpik, and floss with Superfloss or a threader. And because there’s no pain from failing teeth, it’s something I actually want to do.

My Advice for Choosing the Best Dental Implants

Don’t just look at ads or price tags. See if you may be a candidate, go to a consultation and ask:

  • Will I get permanent teeth or temporary ones?
  • How long will I have to wait?
  • Will I be sedated during surgery?
  • Who’s on the surgical team?
  • Are the teeth made of zirconia or plastic?
  • How many visits will this take?

Those questions matter. I chose Nuvia because I wanted a fast, safe, permanent solution. And two years later, I wouldn’t change a thing.

My Final Thoughts

If you’re deciding what to do with your new smile, ask the right questions so you can get the best dental implants. 

And if you’re wondering about cost, you can get the cost guide here.

For me, getting dental implants was the best thing I ever did. I got my confidence back. I feel healthy. And I can finally live life without holding back.

You deserve that too.

Take the 60-second quiz to see if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours.

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Cynthia

SML MKR

Two years after getting her permanent zirconia teeth at Nuvia Dental Implant Center, Cynthia is sharing her experience and the life-changing result of a new smile on Nuvia’s blog. As a nurse with a demanding schedule, she valued the 24-hour process, expert care, and the freedom to enjoy every food she once avoided. Now she shares her story to help others see what’s possible with the right team.

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Cost Guide

Dental Implant Cost Guide

2025 Cost Guide

This guide is designed to walk you step by step through the dental implant process and each dental implant type with their associated costs.

  • Different implant types and their average costs
  • 4 little known factors that affect pricing
  • How much will dental & health insurance typically cover for dental implants?
  • What 1000’s of average Americans are doing to make this treatment affordable.
  • And more...
Get the Guide

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