Dr. S. Jeremy Tu is a talented restorative dentist who treats patients who suffer from complex dental concerns. This includes patients who suffer from a missing tooth. It is important to replace a gap in your smile. It will make chewing and speaking easier and prevent remaining teeth from drifting. He offers several options to replace a tooth, including a dental bridge in Cedar Rapids, IA. Dr. Tu takes a comprehensive approach to treating each patient to ensure long-lasting, natural results. Bridges are one of the dental services we provide to our new and existing patients.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a popular, custom-fabricated dental restoration that is used to close gaps along the arch created by missing teeth. It consists of a series of fake teeth that are fused together to create one prosthesis. On each end is a dental crown that your dentist will attach to the abutment teeth or implants. The replacement teeth are in between the crowns and the pontics.
Whether you are missing one or multiple teeth, consecutive missing teeth, a bridge is an excellent replacement option. We can design one that will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. Dental Design is proud to offer many types of dental bridges to help patients from Cedar Rapids efficiently replace their missing teeth.
Choose Your Dental Bridge in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Traditional Bridge: We will suggest this type of fixed bridge when there are two healthy teeth on each side of the gap. The teeth, commonly called the abutment teeth, will support the dental bridge. We will reduce them in size to create room for the crown.
- Cantilever Bridge: This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it only uses one abutment tooth as opposed to two. Dentists will use them towards the front of the mouth where you need less chewing force. We will have to reduce the one tooth in size to make room for the crown.
- Maryland Bridge: This type of bridge is unique because it uses a framework made of metal or porcelain to hold a pontic in place. Your dentist will fix this framework to the back side of two abutment teeth. They will not need to modify these teeth to support it.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: For patients who are missing several consecutive teeth, they can use dental implants to support a dental bridge. Here, the dentist will surgically place two implants in the jaw bone on each side of the gap. The implants will support the dental bridge as well as replace the missing tooth roots.
Why Choose an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge offers a higher success rate and will typically last longer than the other types of bridges. Using dental implants as anchors will provide a stronger base to support the bridge and save your healthy, adjacent teeth from unnecessary damage and pressure.
Choosing this option will also save you from enduring bone loss in the jaw. The implants will act as tooth roots, providing enough stimulation for the bone to avoid deterioration and gum recession. Promoting continued bone growth in the jaw is what sets implant-supported bridges apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about treatment? Read answers to common questions about dental bridges in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
No. Our dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia. You may feel some pressure during treatment, but not sharp pain.
How long does it take to get a bridge?
It usually takes two visits. The first visit to get a bridge takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The second visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes. Once your bridge is placed and you are fully healed, you can eat most foods. We recommend that you avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
What is the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge uses your natural teeth as anchors. An implant replaces the tooth root and does not rely on adjacent teeth. You can use implants to help support a bridge for more stability. Our dentists can help you decide if a traditional bridge or implant bridge is right for you.
Schedule a Bridge Consultation Today
We encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about the available solutions for missing teeth. Dr. Tu is an expert restorative dentist who offers dental bridges at our Cedar Rapids-area dental office.