Dental implants offer a natural looking replacement for adult teeth. Often times people feel free or anxiety when considering dental implant surgery. We understand that! At Eric George DMD & Associates, we are proud to provide dental implants in Coventry and the surrounding areas of Rhode Island for those with missing or failing teeth.
With our advanced sedation dentistry techniques, you can rest assured that dental implant surgery can actually be simple, relaxing, and much less painful that you would have ever expected!
Dental implants are small, biocompatible titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Acting as artificial tooth roots, these posts fuse with the natural bone over time in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, they provide a sturdy foundation for permanent restorations like crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthetics.
Because they are anchored in the bone, dental implants offer unmatched stability and function. They not only look and feel like natural teeth, but they also help preserve jawbone density — preventing the sunken appearance that often comes with long-term tooth loss.
Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire arch, dental implants are considered the gold standard for modern tooth replacement due to their longevity, reliability, and ability to restore both appearance and confidence.
Dental implants come in a few different forms, each suited to specific clinical needs. The two primary types are endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal implants are the most common and widely used type. They are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and serve as artificial roots for one or more replacement teeth. These implants come in a few shapes, including threaded (screw-like), smooth cylinders, and bladed styles. After the implant integrates with the bone, a second procedure is performed to attach a post, or abutment, which supports the final tooth restoration — whether it’s a single crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
Subperiosteal implants are less common and are typically used when there isn’t enough healthy jawbone for traditional implants. Instead of being inserted into the bone, a custom-fitted metal frame is placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes securely anchored in place. Posts attached to this frame extend through the gums and are used to mount artificial teeth.
Full arch fixed teeth are a premium solution designed from a solid block of zirconia and permanently secured to four to eight implants. They provide the closest experience to natural teeth, restoring over 98% of bite function while supporting long-term jawbone health.
These restorations are extremely durable, resistant to bacteria and fracture, and require no additional maintenance beyond regular brushing and dental visits. Though they represent the highest investment, they also deliver the greatest benefits — both cosmetically and functionally — and qualify for financing plans.
Implant supported dentures are crafted from acrylic or porcelain and are anchored by two or more dental implants for improved stability. This option offers greater comfort and chewing power compared to traditional dentures and is less likely to slip or fall out.
While still removable for easy cleaning and potentially needing adjustments over time, they promote better jawbone health. These dentures strike a balance between function and affordability, making them a popular choice with moderate treatment cost and financing options available.
Traditional dentures are typically made from acrylic and are the most affordable option for tooth replacement. While they are easy to produce and qualify for dental financing, they offer only minimal support and must be removed daily for cleaning.
Over time, they often require relines or repairs and can become loose or ill-fitting. Because they do not interact with the jawbone, they do not prevent bone loss and may feel bulky or unstable in the mouth.
We treat you like a person! You’ll always know how much you owe before treatment starts. We also provide flexible options. We remove pain & anxiety. We work hard to remove the fear of going to the dentist. Your experience here should be special! Honestly, we’re just really good at this. We’ve built a team of highly-trained experts who are experts in almost all forms of dentistry.
Our commitment to you is to compassionately provide the best possible care.
Dental implants are the most advanced and dependable solution for replacing missing or failing teeth. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, creating a permanent foundation that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth. This secure fit allows you to speak clearly, eat confidently, and smile freely without worry.
In addition to aesthetics and stability, implants play a critical role in maintaining your oral health. They stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, helping to prevent bone loss and facial collapse over time. Unlike bridges, implants also protect surrounding teeth by eliminating the need to grind them down for support.
Caring for dental implants is as simple as brushing and flossing your natural teeth—no adhesives, soaking, or special maintenance required. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last for decades, making them a wise investment in both your dental health and overall quality of life.
Dental implants don’t just replace teeth—they restore confidence, preserve your appearance, and support lifelong wellness.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, it’s important to understand your choices. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three most common treatment options: traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, and full arch fixed teeth. Use this guide to see how each solution compares in terms of comfort, durability, maintenance, and cost.
| Feature | Traditional Dentures | Implant-Supported | Full Arch Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed in Place | ❌ | ✅ (Partial) | ✅ |
| Preserves Jawbone | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Looks/Feels Natural | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Long-Term Investment | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Financing Available | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that replaces missing teeth by embedding small titanium posts directly into the jawbone. Over time, these implants fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Most patients heal in stages over several months. After the implants are placed, it typically takes 3 to 6 months for them to fully integrate with the jawbone. Some patients may also need preparatory treatments like bone grafting before implant placement.
Yes — implant-supported dentures offer superior stability and comfort. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported options are anchored to the jawbone, improving bite function and helping prevent bone loss over time.
Today’s dental implants use advanced 3D imaging, guided surgery, and precision-fabricated zirconia restorations. These tools ensure optimal implant placement, improve aesthetics, and reduce discomfort during recovery.
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone underneath no longer receives stimulation from chewing pressure. Over time, this lack of stimulation causes the bone to shrink or resorb — affecting facial structure and oral health.
If your dentures frequently slip or fall out, you may be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. These use dental implants to anchor your prosthetic teeth, giving you greater comfort, stability, and confidence.
Ideal candidates have good overall health and enough jawbone to support an implant. Even if you’ve lost bone, you may still qualify with additional treatments like bone grafting or sinus lifts.
No — thanks to sedation dentistry and local anesthesia, most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
You’ll start with a soft food diet for a few days or weeks, depending on your case. Once healing is complete and restorations are placed, you can enjoy your favorite foods with full bite strength.
Contact our team at Eric George DMD & Associates to book a personalized implant consultation. We’ll evaluate your needs, explain your options, and help you get started on a treatment plan that fits your goals.
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