May 28, 2025

Long-Term Side Effects of Dental Implants

Last Updated:
June 30, 2025
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Man with long-term side effects of dental implants pulling back lip to show teeth

Table of Contents

Key Topics:

  • The short-term side effects of dental implant surgery, like swelling and discomfort, are temporary—and nothing compared to years of pain and infections from bad teeth.
  • Long-term effects have been overwhelmingly positive: no more infections, more energy, full chewing ability, and as many patients report, restored confidence.
  • Taking care of your implants is key, but with the right provider and permanent teeth in 24 hours, it’s a life-changing decision worth making.
  • If you’re thinking about getting new teeth, you’re probably wondering: What are the long-term side effects of dental implants really like?

    Well, I’m not a dentist. I’m just a guy who lived it.

    I got my full mouth dental implants last year through Nuvia Dental Implant Center, and today, I’m going to share my honest experience — the good, the unexpected, and everything in between.

    You can also hear about my experience in a recent interview I did here:

    *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.

    Short-Term Side Effects

    I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — the first few days after surgery weren’t a walk in the park.

    I had swelling, my face puffed up pretty big, and there was some discomfort. I lived with ice packs glued to my cheeks for a while.

    But honestly? Compared to the pain and infections I had before dental implants — a one time fix with some temporary discomfort is an easy trade.

    Even though I had some swelling, I still got my permanent teeth just 24 hours after surgery.

    That meant no waiting around in temporary dentures, no returning time and time again for fittings and repairs. Just one visit the day after surgery, and I walked out with real, strong teeth that fit me and my mouth.

    Before my surgery, I'd get abscesses and tooth infections so bad that my face would swell, my breath would smell awful, and I'd have to load up on antibiotics just to survive it.

    That pain lasted for years. The discomfort after surgery only lasted a few days.

    Big difference.

    Man with the long-term side effects of dental implants smiling before and after the procedure

    Long-Term Side Effects of Dental Implants I’ve Experienced

    Fast forward to today — over six months later — and the long-term side effects have been life-changing... but in a good way.

    No more infections.

    For years, my body was fighting off poison from bad teeth. After dental implants, I could feel a difference almost immediately. My health improved, my energy came back, and my body just felt lighter.

    I can eat anything.

    Before my implants, I couldn’t even eat a steak on Father’s Day. I had to tell my daughter I couldn’t do it — and that crushed me. Today? Steaks, chips, crunchy apples... you name it, I can eat it.

    More energy, better mornings.

    I wake up feeling better. I can’t explain it any simpler than that. When your body isn’t constantly fighting infection, you have a lot more to give to life.

    Confidence I didn’t even know I lost.

    I didn’t realize how much I was hiding my smile until I didn’t have to anymore. Now, I laugh, I talk, I show up fully — without thinking twice about it.

    It’s like fixing up a classic car: new engine, new tires, fresh paint — except it was me this time.

    Potential Risks and Complications

    Are there risks with dental implants? Absolutely.

    Every surgery carries some risk. But here’s what I learned about potential issues:

    Dental implant failure is rare but possible (.87% at Nuvia, 2-6.7% in other large studies). It’s why you want a team that knows what they’re doing — like Nuvia’s oral surgeons who do this stuff day in and day out.

    Risk of infection is another concern, especially if you don’t take care of your implants.

    That’s why it matters so much to have a qualified team, a clean surgical environment, and a plan for aftercare.

    From day one, Nuvia had it all mapped out for me. No extra fees, no patchwork, no confusion — just real answers and real results.

    When you’ve lived through bad teeth like I did, you don’t want to take chances.

    Taking Care of Dental Implants

    One thing I can tell you — getting dental implants isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. You have to take care of them.

    Here’s what works for me:

    • I brush with a soft toothbrush every day
    • I use a Waterpik to clean under the bridge and around the implants (it's a lifesaver, by the way)
    • I show up for my dental checkups to make sure everything stays on track

    It’s simple stuff, but it makes all the difference. You invest in your smile — you gotta protect it.

    If you’re wondering about the long-term side effects of dental implants, here’s my answer:

    The only regret I have is that I didn’t do it sooner.

    No more constant pain.

    No more hiding.

    No more missing out.

    I feel better, I eat better, I live better.

    If you want to see if you may qualify for the same dental implant procedure, take this 60-second quiz

    FAQs

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    Troy C

    SML MKR

    Troy received his dental implants in the second half of 2024 after years of struggling with failing teeth and declining health. Now, he’s passionate about helping others learn what dental implants can do—not just for your smile, but for your confidence and your life. As a frequent voice on the Real Talk podcast, Troy shares honest insights, real experiences, and encouragement for anyone considering implants.

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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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