I get why you'd say that, but honestly, I think the anxiety factor can be a bit underestimated. My dentist was great too—super patient, explained everything—but even with all that reassurance, I still found myself pretty stressed out leading up to the procedure. Maybe I'm just a big baby about dental stuff (okay, definitely am), but I don't think clear explanations alone always cut it for everyone.
For me, what really helped was talking to someone who'd already been through it. My cousin had implants done a year before me, and hearing her firsthand experience—the good, the bad, and the awkward—made a huge difference. Dentists are awesome at the technical stuff, sure, but sometimes you just need someone who's been in your shoes to tell you straight-up how it feels afterward. Like, no dentist ever mentioned how weirdly aware I'd be of my teeth for the first couple weeks...I swear I spent days convinced everyone could tell they weren't "real."
Also gotta say, dentures aren't always as terrible as people make them sound. My dad's had his for years and he's totally comfortable with them—he even jokes about popping them out to scare the grandkids (gross, but hilarious). Implants worked great for me personally, but dentures can be a solid option too if implants aren't doable or affordable.
Anyway, glad yours are holding up so well after 6 years! Mine are only at the 3-year mark and still feel pretty good...fingers crossed they stay that way.
I'm glad you mentioned the anxiety factor because that's honestly my biggest hurdle right now. I've read tons about the technical aspects, but like you said, dentists don't always cover the weird little things that might freak you out afterward. Did you find yourself constantly worrying about biting into something too hard or crunchy after getting implants? I'm a bit paranoid about accidentally damaging them in the early stages.
Also, curious about your dad's dentures—did he have trouble adjusting to them at first? My aunt got dentures recently and she's been struggling with speech clarity. I know everyone's different, but it'd be reassuring to hear if that's something that typically improves over time...
Totally get the anxiety—been there myself. Honestly, I was super cautious at first, chewing like a nervous squirrel for weeks. 😂 But after a month or two, you realize they're pretty sturdy and you relax naturally. About dentures, my dad definitely had some speech hiccups early on, but it improved noticeably after a few weeks. He still grumbles occasionally about certain words, but overall he's adjusted well. Seems like patience is key there...
My daughter got implants at 17 (missing teeth from birth), and honestly, the first couple months were a bit nerve-wracking for both of us. She kept poking at them, convinced they'd loosen or something. 😂 But step by step, she got used to the sensation and stopped obsessing. Dentures seem trickier, though—my mom struggled with pronunciation for a good month or two before things smoothed out. Definitely a patience game...but worth it in the end.
Totally agree about the patience part—it's definitely key. I've noticed that younger patients tend to adapt quicker to implants, probably because they're still pretty adaptable overall. Dentures can be a whole different ballgame, especially if they're full dentures. The tongue and mouth muscles have to relearn how to position themselves, which explains why pronunciation can be tricky at first.
Funny you mentioned your daughter poking at her implants—I see that a lot. People get nervous about the stability, but implants actually fuse directly with the bone, so they're incredibly secure once healed. Still, it's natural to feel cautious at first. One thing I always remind patients is that the gums and surrounding tissues need time to adjust too, not just the bone. So even after the implants are stable, it might take a bit longer for everything else to feel totally normal.
Glad things worked out well for both your daughter and your mom...sounds like you all handled it great.
