I actually had a dental implant 3 years ago. I also faced the same problem as you as to not being able to smile or talk too much in public. I was not able to eat properly for almost a year. The main concern was after I had the surgery while brushing my teeth I had to be careful to not be in contact with the incision site.
I had to cut down on food and was not able to exercise properly.
It was pretty tough but I got through with it and now I am very much confident to be in the public and to smile and talk.
Another highlight is that now I am facing a broken denture and am in treatment with my dentist for the repair of my dentures.
