A Stronger, More Secure Smile Starts with Implant-Supported Bridges at Tuckerton Dental
Are you tired of dealing with missing teeth, loose dentures, or uncomfortable dental bridges? If so, it’s time to consider implant-supported bridges—an effective solution that restores your smile’s strength, beauty, and functionality. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone, offering a permanent, secure, and natural-looking result.
Dr. Ronald Petrosky, a skilled implant dentist in Tuckerton, NJ, specializes in implant-supported bridges to help patients regain confidence in their smiles. If you’re in Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, or surrounding areas near Tuckerton, NJ, and looking for a lasting tooth replacement option, contact your Tuckerton dentist by calling (609) 296-1007 to determine if this treatment could be the perfect solution for you.
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges are an advanced dental restoration designed to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Instead of being held in place by natural teeth (like traditional bridges), this solution is supported by dental implants—small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone.
Each implant fuses with the bone, creating a strong foundation that mimics natural tooth roots. Once healed, a custom-designed bridge is attached, giving you a permanent and stable solution that looks and functions just like real teeth.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. Here’s why they are significant for people dealing with missing teeth:
Unmatched Stability and Durability
Traditional bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, which can weaken them over time. Dentures can slip or shift, making eating and speaking uncomfortable. Implant-supported bridges eliminate these issues by anchoring directly to the jawbone, ensuring long-term stability.
Prevents Bone Loss and Facial Sagging
When teeth are missing, the jawbone deteriorates due to a lack of stimulation, leading to bone loss and facial sagging. Dental implants prevent this by stimulating the bone, preserving facial structure and preventing premature aging.
Natural Look and Feel
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implant-supported bridges look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
While the upfront cost of implant-supported bridges is higher than traditional options, they last significantly longer—often decades or even a lifetime with proper care. This means fewer replacements, fewer dental visits, and greater savings in the long run.
No Damage to Healthy Teeth
Traditional bridges require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth for support, which weakens them over time. Implant-supported bridges don’t rely on neighboring teeth, keeping them intact and healthy.
Who’s a Candidate for Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent solution for patients who:
- Have multiple missing teeth in a row.
- Have sufficient jawbone density to support dental implants.
- Are in good overall health and free from conditions that affect healing (such as uncontrolled diabetes).
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit, as smoking can affect implant success.
Even if you have some bone loss, bone grafting may be an option to prepare your jaw for implants. If you’re in Tuckerton, NJ, or nearby areas like Barnegat, Stafford Township, or Beach Haven, schedule a consultation with Dr. Petrosky at Tuckerton Dental by calling (609) 296-1007 to determine if this solution is right for you.
The Implant-Supported Bridge Process
Getting an implant-supported bridge is a multi-step process, but the results are life-changing. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation & Treatment Planning
Dr. Petrosky will conduct a thorough examination at Tuckerton Dental, which may include X-rays and a cone beam CT scan to assess your bone density.
Dental Implant Placement
If you’re a candidate, the implants are surgically placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia. Over the next three to six months, they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
Custom Bridge Placement
Once healing is complete, a custom-crafted dental bridge is securely attached to the implants. Dr. Petrosky ensures a perfect fit, so your new teeth feel natural and comfortable.
Aftercare for Implant-Supported Bridges
Taking care of your implant-supported bridge is essential to ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are some tips:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss daily using specialized floss or interdental brushes.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods Initially – While your bridge is durable, excessive force from very hard foods can cause damage over time.
- Attend Regular Dental Checkups – Routine visits to Tuckerton Dental will help Dr. Petrosky monitor your implants and catch any issues early.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking can lead to implant failure, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
With proper care, your implant-supported bridge can last for decades!
Cost of Implant-Supported Bridges at Tuckerton Dental
The cost of implant-supported bridges varies depending on:
- The number of implants needed
- The complexity of the procedure
- The materials used for the bridge
- Whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are required
On average, implant-supported bridges range from $5,000 to $15,000 per section. While the initial cost is higher than traditional bridges or dentures, their long-term durability makes them a wise investment.
At Tuckerton Dental, Dr. Petrosky will work with you to explore financing options and ensure you receive the best treatment within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Implant-supported bridges can last a lifetime, but their lifespan depends on factors such as the quality of the dental implant, the patient’s oral hygiene routine, and overall health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings must be scheduled to help increase the longevity of your implant bridge.
There’s no age limit for implant-supported bridges. However, implant bridges aren’t a treatment option normally recommended for patients whose jaws are still developing. Older patients may have a lower jawbone density, which can affect the success of the implant. In these cases, implant-supported bridges aren’t always the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.
In general, an implant bridge can replace anywhere from two to six missing teeth in a row. If a patient has more than six missing teeth in a row, multiple dental implant-supported bridges or other tooth replacement options may be needed to fully restore their smile. The number of dental implants needed to support the bridge will also depend on the number of missing teeth being replaced.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger, Healthier Smile in Tuckerton, NJ
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer! Implant-supported bridges offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that enhances your confidence, improves your oral health, and restores your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
At Tuckerton Dental, Dr. Ronald Petrosky and his team are committed to providing high-quality, long-lasting dental solutions for patients in Tuckerton, Manahawkin, and surrounding communities.
Ready to restore your smile? Schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Tuckerton, NJ by calling (609) 296-1007 to take the first step toward a beautiful, fully functional smile!