Replace 3 or more consecutive missing teeth with a permanent bridge anchored by dental implants. No grinding down healthy teeth. No removable dentures. Just a natural-looking, fully functional restoration that lasts a lifetime.
When you lose multiple consecutive teeth, you face a choice: a traditional bridge that requires grinding down healthy teeth, removable dentures that slip and require adhesives, or an implant-supported bridge that preserves your jawbone and protects your remaining teeth.
A traditional bridge requires grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. This permanently alters those teeth and leaves them at higher risk for decay and future problems. An implant-supported bridge uses two or more titanium implants placed directly into the jawbone â no grinding required.
Here’s the thing: your jawbone needs stimulation to stay healthy. When teeth are missing, the bone beneath them begins to shrink within months. A traditional bridge doesn’t provide that stimulation. An implant-supported bridge does â the titanium posts act like natural tooth roots, preserving your jawbone and maintaining your facial structure.
The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions exactly like natural teeth. You brush and floss it like normal teeth. You eat whatever you want. And with proper care, it lasts a lifetime.
You may be a great candidate if any of these apply to your situation.
Whether from decay, extraction, injury, or gum disease â an implant-supported bridge is the most natural-feeling replacement available.
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant bridge doesn’t require grinding down adjacent teeth. Your healthy teeth stay completely untouched.
The implant posts stimulate your jawbone the way natural roots do, preventing the bone loss that follows tooth extraction.
Implant bridges restore near-complete bite strength. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about the restoration.
With proper care, an implant-supported bridge can last a lifetime. No replacements, no adhesives, no removal.
The porcelain bridge is custom-matched to your surrounding teeth. Most people can’t tell which teeth are the restoration.
The consultation is just a conversation. We take a panoramic X-ray and 3D CBCT scan to assess your bone density and jaw structure, review your dental and medical history, and talk through your options. If an implant-supported bridge is the right fit, we build a clear treatment plan with a timeline you can plan around.
Comprehensive exam and periodontal assessment
Advanced cone beam scan to evaluate bone density and anatomy
Complete review of your dental and medical background
Explore implant bridge options tailored to your needs
We verify your benefits and discuss financing options upfront
Transparent timeline and next steps with no obligation
Most patients complete the full process in 4 to 7 months. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
Bone assessment, treatment planning, insurance review
Rebuild jawbone if insufficient density. 3-6 month healing
2-4 titanium posts placed under local anesthesia
3-6 months for posts to fuse with jawbone
Custom porcelain bridge created to match your teeth
Bridge attached permanently. Bite checked. Complete
Same-week consultations available. Serving Carmel, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas.
Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision.
| Feature | Implant-Supported Bridge | Traditional Bridge | Removable Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preserves Jawbone | â Yes â stimulates bone | â No bone stimulation | â Accelerates bone loss |
| Adjacent Teeth Affected | â None | â Must be ground down | â None |
| Bite Force Restored | â ~95% | ~80% | â ~20-25% |
| Removable | â No â permanent | â No â fixed | â Yes â must remove daily |
| Expected Lifespan | â Lifetime | 10-15 years | 5-10 years |
| Feels Natural | â Identical to natural teeth | Close to natural | â Can slip or feel bulky |
| Maintenance | Brush & floss normally | Floss threader required | Daily removal & soaking |
20+ years of trust, built one patient at a time.
Dr. Stuart and Dr. Schraeder have placed 800+ implants with exceptional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
3D CBCT imaging and advanced diagnostics for precise implant placement planning and bone density assessment.
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation available for patients who feel anxious about procedures.
From bone grafting to bridge placement, we handle every step of your implant journey in one practice.
CareCredit financing available. We also work with most major PPO insurance plans.
Hundreds of five-star Google reviews from real patients across Carmel, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas.
“I was missing three teeth and dreading the idea of a removable denture. The implant bridge has been life-changing. I can eat normally, smile confidently, and I don’t think about it anymore. Highly recommend.”
“Dr. Stuart explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. The bridge looks perfect and feels just like my real teeth. Best investment I’ve made in my health.”
“No more worrying about my teeth shifting or looking unnatural. The implant bridge is solid, permanent, and I can care for it just like normal teeth. Carmel Family Dental is exceptional.”
Multiple missing teeth affect more than just your smile. They change how you chew, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. Patients who get implant-supported bridges consistently tell us the same thing: they forget it’s there. That is exactly what we are going for.
We serve patients from Carmel, Indianapolis, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, and surrounding areas. Our practice is at 3021 E 98th Street, Suite 240, Indianapolis, IN 46280. Call us at (317) 846-0509 to schedule your consultation.
A traditional bridge requires grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. An implant-supported bridge uses titanium implants placed directly into the jawbone â no grinding required. The implant bridge also preserves your jawbone, which a traditional bridge cannot do.
The complete process typically takes 4 to 7 months. After the titanium implants are placed, your jawbone needs 3 to 6 months to fuse with them. Once that is complete, we take impressions for your custom bridge. The bridge is usually ready within 2 to 3 weeks. If bone grafting is needed first, add 3 to 6 months to the timeline.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation is available for anxious patients. Most patients report feeling pressure but no pain during implant placement. Afterward, mild soreness for 1 to 2 days is typical and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Yes. The bridge is custom-fabricated from high-quality porcelain and matched precisely to the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. We take detailed impressions and shade measurements to ensure the bridge is indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Most patients tell us they genuinely cannot identify which teeth are the restoration after a few weeks.
Insufficient bone density is one of the most common concerns patients have, but it is often solvable. Bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone in the area of the missing teeth, creating a stable foundation for the implants. We perform bone grafting at Carmel Family Dental and will assess whether it is needed at your consultation.
Caring for an implant-supported bridge is straightforward â you brush and floss it exactly like natural teeth. There are no special adhesives, no removal, and no soaking required. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily around the implants. Regular dental check-ups every six months allow us to monitor the implants and ensure everything remains healthy.
Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement. We’ll work with you to get your gums healthy first, then proceed with the implants. This ensures the best long-term outcome for your implants and overall oral health.
The cost varies based on individual factors like the number of implants needed, bone density, need for bone grafting, and the complexity of your case. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate and discuss financing options. Most insurance plans cover a portion of the implant cost, and we work with CareCredit for flexible payment plans.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before your procedure so there are no surprises.
CareCredit healthcare financing is available with low monthly payment options. Many patients find that financing makes implant bridges far more affordable than they expected.
Carmel Family Dental | 3021 E 98th Street, Suite 240, Indianapolis, IN 46280
Serving Carmel, Indianapolis, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, and surrounding areas since 2003
