If you are a student of body language, you know that one thing that sets us apart from other primates is the concept of a smile.
With dogs, chimps, and other animals, showing your teeth is a sign of aggression. It signals that the animal is ready to defend itself if necessary. But with humans, the smile is a universal symbol meaning quite the opposite. Whether you are walking down the street in Louisiana or pushing your way through the brushy forest of Argentina, when you smile at a person you come across, you are sure to get a positive response. It is how we signal that we have friendly intentions. A good smile can draw people towards us. It can begin a friendship or renew an old acquaintance.
Americans smile more than any other nation. Ask any European how they can pick us out of a crowd, and they will say the same thing. The American is the one smiling, waving, and saying “hi!”
Yes, our smiles communicate for us. They can tell more than words in any given social interaction.
So, what happens, then, when our teeth do not appear healthy and strong?
In this article, we are going to discuss dental implants in detail. What are they? How can you expect them to impact your life? And finally, what are the most modern options available?
Let us get started!
When Will You Need Them?
Many people will need dental implants at some point in their lives.
Our teeth are only designed to last for about thirty years. Because of advancements in medical technology, we can live longer, more fulfilling lives.
While taking care of our teeth can help extend their life span, even the most diligent flossers and brushers are going to see the day when their teeth begin to age. This is a completely normal part of the aging process and nothing to feel ashamed about. Click here for more information about the procedure.
Other people might find that they need dental implants due to an accident. Perhaps they have lost teeth in an extreme fall or after being kicked by a mule in the mouth. Still, other people might find themselves with a mouthful of sick or rotten teeth due to a hard drug habit. For this group, dental implants can be a way to end a period of instability and illness with a brand-new face, ready to take on the world.
No matter what the circumstance, knowing that you need this procedure can be intimidating and overwhelming. This brings us to our next point.
Emotional Toll
Because our smiles are so ingrained into our everyday lives, it can be devastating to find out that you are in need of dental implants. Many people struggle with symptoms of depression when they find out about the news. Symptoms of depression include a decreased appetite, lowered mood, insomnia, hypersomnia, and even irritability.
It can be quite common for a person to want to withdraw from the world when they need work done on their smile. They might be tempted to skip out on major events like weddings, birthday parties, graduations, and other parties where it is common to smile and take pictures. It is extremely important for us to stay connected to our social group. Any withdrawal can trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression. These can be devastating if not treated.
Give it to me Straight, Doc
So, what can you expect when it is time to get dental implants?
There is no easy way to say this. You are going to experience some pain. The first step in the process is for the dentist to remove your teeth. You may need only the top or only the bottom removed. You might need to have all your teeth removed to completely replace them with a brand-new set.
Typically, your dentist will split the sessions up, so you are not experiencing all the pain in a single session. After removal, you can expect to feel lingering effects for up to six weeks. In most procedures, you can expect to spend weeks to months healing. For the first few days, you will be put on an all-liquid diet. After some healing has occurred, you will be given the go-ahead to switch to soft foods.
This could include oatmeal, pasta, rice, and other foods that need little to no chewing. For many patients, this can be the most difficult part of the process. They may find themselves dreaming of their favorite, forbidden foods at night!
Of course, there are some who welcome the opportunity to indulge in their mad, insatiable lust for mac and cheese. Either way, it is perfectly normal to feel self-conscious about your missing teeth while you wait for your mouth to heal and for your dentist to create a full or partial set of implants for you.
Wave of the Future
Luckily, there are new options available to you if you are expecting to need dental implants.
Some companies can offer twenty-four-hour teeth. With this service, instead of waiting months for your new implants to be ready, you can expect to see them in one day.
This can be an attractive option, especially for patients who have already been hiding and missing out on important events because their smile has caused them to be self-conscious. If this sounds like you, you may want to learn more about Nuvia Smiles to see if it is the right fit for you.
As we begin to return to our normal lives after the height of the Coronavirus pandemic1, we want to make sure to put our best foot forward. If you languished alone before the creation of the vaccine, you know how important social interaction can be. Do not let any imperfections in your teeth keep you away from your friends and family.
Although it can be intimidating, you will find that the process of dental implants2 will ultimately be worth the investment.
- Onyema, Edeh Michael, et al. “Impact of Coronavirus pandemic on education.” Journal of education and practice 11.13 (2020): 108-121. ↩︎
- Pye, A. D., et al. “A review of dental implants and infection.” Journal of Hospital infection 72.2 (2009): 104-110. ↩︎
Last Updated on by NamitaSoren
