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The first time I got dental implants, I was nervous. It was a big decision. But by the time I returned for my second surgery — to complete my smile with a bottom arch — I felt different.
I wasn’t scared anymore. I was ready.
When you’ve experienced what it feels like to get part of your smile back, you can’t help but imagine how powerful it will be to finish the journey. That’s what pushed me to say yes a second time — not fear, but excitement. I knew I was in good hands. I knew I’d have permanent teeth in just 24 hours. And I knew the team at Nuvia would walk with me every step of the way.
If you’re on the fence about getting dental implants, wondering if it’s ever “too late”, or wondering why someone would choose to get dental implants twice (and go back to the same place to do it) I hope my story helps you understand just how life-changing this journey can be.
Because if I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.
*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 First Time: My Top Arch Changed Everything
I got my top arch done at Nuvia in June 2022.
At the time, it was absolutely the right decision. My top teeth were in bad shape — loose, gapped, turning in every direction. I hadn’t been able to bite into a sandwich in years, and I was starting to avoid social situations, meetings at work, even just smiling at people. I was tired of hiding.
When I got my permanent top teeth — just 24 hours after surgery — everything changed.
My health improved because I could finally eat again. My confidence at work skyrocketed. I teach and speak in front of others regularly, and for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t afraid to open my mouth and share my voice.
And emotionally? I felt like I could finally look people in the eye again. I didn’t feel embarrassed anymore. I was smiling more. Laughing more. Living more.
But even with all that progress… there was still a part of me holding back.
Something Was Still Holding Me Back
Even with my new top smile, there was always this quiet question in the back of my mind — and sometimes, it wasn’t so quiet.
People would ask me, “Wait… what happened to the bottom?”
They weren’t trying to be rude. Most of the time, they were just curious. But every time someone pointed it out, it hit a little nerve. I knew my smile had come a long way. But I also knew the bottom didn’t match. I was missing a tooth. There were gaps. Things were shifting. It was noticeable — and I noticed it before they did.
I kept reminding myself that I am not my imperfections. And that’s true. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t leave me feeling a little incomplete.
The thing is, I hadn’t ignored the bottom arch. When I had my top done, the team at Nuvia actually advised against doing both at once — because my bottom teeth were still mostly healthy. And that’s something I respect deeply about Nuvia.
They didn’t just pull teeth to sell me a bigger procedure. They referred me elsewhere to explore my options and prioritized what I actually needed at the time.
I decided not to go with any temporary solutions for my bottom tooth, but over time, things changed.
Without neighboring teeth to support them, my bottom teeth started to shift. Bone loss started creeping in. Functionally, I could still eat… but aesthetically and structurally, things were moving in the wrong direction. And emotionally? I was tired of explaining why my smile still felt “unfinished.”
That’s when I knew: It was time to complete the journey.
The Second Time: Trusting the Process Again
The idea of having surgery again could’ve been scary — and trust me, the first time, it definitely was. But the second time?
I felt calm, prepared and supported.
What made the difference was knowing exactly who I was trusting with my smile. I didn’t have to wonder what kind of care I’d get. I’d already experienced it.
From the moment I stepped through Nuvia’s doors the second time, I knew I was in good hands. I saw familiar faces — including the same assistant who’s been with me for years. My surgeon actually remembered me. And the CRNA walked me through everything with such care and professionalism, just like before.
The process itself? Just as smooth the second time as it was the first.
But what made it even more special this time around was how present I felt. I paid attention to every detail. I let myself take in the experience. I knew this was the final step in a long journey — and I wanted to remember it all.
And yes — just like before, I received my permanent zirconia teeth 24 hours after surgery. No plastic temps. No waiting months. Just one procedure and the next day, I returned to get my full, permanent smile.
[Sharala Before and After pt 2]
The Moment I Saw My Full Smile
I’ll never forget the moment I saw myself with a full smile.
It was the day after surgery. I walked into Nuvia surrounded by people I love — my family, and a surprise visit from a few dear friends I’d met through the Smile Maker Club who flew in just to support me. That alone had me emotional. But then came the reveal.
They handed me the mirror… and I couldn’t stop looking at myself.
It didn’t feel crowded, I didn’t feel different. I felt like me.
I remember thinking, This is what I’ve been missing.
And then I cried. I was overwhelmed with joy. All the waiting, the wondering, the nerves… It led to this. And it was worth every step.
Healing the Second Time Around
Recovery after my second surgery was smooth — maybe even easier than the first time.
I followed Nuvia’s post-op instructions to the letter. I stayed ahead of any discomfort by keeping up with my medication schedule and making ice my best friend. I mean, seriously — I was icing like a professional.
Even when I went back to work (just six days after surgery), I kept an ice pack in my purse, just in case. And I never needed anything more than ibuprofen.
Why I Chose Nuvia (Twice)
People ask why I went back to Nuvia for my second surgery, and the answer is simple: I trust them.
From day one, they were honest with me. When my bottom teeth were still healthy, they didn’t try to upsell me — they gave me options and respected my decision.
When I was ready to finish the journey, there was no doubt where I’d go. I already knew the level of care I’d receive. I knew I’d be getting permanent zirconia teeth just 24 hours after surgery — not plastic healing teeth and months of waiting.
And it wasn’t just the process. It was the people. I walked in and saw familiar faces, including team members who had been with me from the very beginning. That kind of consistency and care? You don’t find that everywhere.
They delivered the first time — and I knew they would again.
If You’re On the Fence…
If you’re nervous about getting dental implants — I get it. I was too.
I had fears about the cost, the process, and whether I’d waited too long. But taking that first step changed everything.
Start with the consultation and check out the dental implant cost guide. Nuvia gave me the answers I needed to move forward. They helped me feel seen, supported, and confident every step of the way.
If you’re holding back because of fear or uncertainty, just know this: you don’t have to live like that anymore.
A new smile is possible — and it’s so worth it.
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