The worst part of the dental implant process for most people is the psychological and logistical waiting game. Once the post is surgically placed, you enter a months-long period where you are essentially waiting for your body to grow bone around a piece of metal. This “limbo” phase can be frustrating if you are eager to have your full smile back. There are also the initial dietary restrictions, living on smoothies, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm soup for the first week, which gets old very quickly. The anticipation of the final crown, combined with the multiple check-up appointments, makes the middle of the journey feel like it is dragging on indefinitely. It is a test of patience more than it is a test of physical endurance.