2515 Maplecrest Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Fax (563) 332-2219
(563) 332-1600

Teeth Replacement in Bettendorf, IA
There are three options to replace missing teeth:

Implants are placed into the bone and are like a "bionic tooth" with a crown or bridge on the top. Bridges have crowns on either side with a bridge tooth or teeth in between to replace the missing tooth/teeth.

Implants and bridges stay in the patient's mouth. A removable option is a partial denture. This third option has clasps that hold the partial in place, with denture teeth in the places where the natural teeth are missing.

Dentures - Implants - Bridges

 

Crowns
 

 

Patient Information Following Crowns

1.  Following the first appointment for a crown(s), a temporary crown is usually placed on the tooth involved.  This offers protection and maintains your correct bite while the custom restoration (crown or cap) is being made a the dental laboratory.  Your custom crowns will be shaped and shaded much better than the temporary to match your other teeth in color, shape, and function.

2.  Your anesthetic should wear off in 1 1/2 to 4 hours.  Sometimes a longer acting anesthetic is used, which can last 8 to 12 hours.  You will need to come back for a second appointment, during which we will seat your crown(s).  For most patients, anesthetic is not needed for this visit.

3.  A temporary cement (glue) is used for easy removal of the temporary crown at your crown seating appointment.  Therefore, it is subject to being dislodged.  Take care in flossing around the temporary crown(s).  Simply pull the floss out sideways rather than flicking it up, over the tooth.  If your temporary crown(s) come off prior to your next appointment, chew some sugarfree gum, then install enough of it inside your temporary crown to settle it back onto your tooth.  Call us as soon as possible thereafter to recement the temporary crown, so it will stay in place until your crown seating appointment.

4.  Sometimes crowns are fitted below the gum line.  Therefore, you may have some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.

5.  After placement, it may take a few days or weeks to get used to the new crown(s).  It is also common for new crowns to be sensitive to cold at first.  If you feel that your bite is not correctly balanced, be sure to arrange an appointment for a simple adjustment.

6.  Proper brushing and flossing are recommended to help you preserve your crown.  Your home care efforts help protect that important area where the crown meets the root of the tooth.  It is this area that is most vulnerable to decay or gum disease resulting form the bacteria in plaque.

***Call our office if any unusual symptoms occur.***
Fixed Bridgework
 

Patient Information Following Fixed Bridgework

1.  Following the first appointment for your bridge, a temporary bridge is placed on each tooth involved.  This offers protection and maintains your correct bite while the custom bridge is being made at the dental laboratory.  Your custom bridge will be shaped and shaded much better than the temporary to match your other teeth in color, shape, and function.

2.  Your anesthetic should wear off in 1 1/2 to 4 hours.  Sometimes a longer acting anesthetic is used, which can last 8 to 12 hours.  You will need to come back for a second appointment, during which we will seat your bridge.  For most patients, anesthetic is not needed for this visit.

3.  A temporary cement (glue) is used for easy removal of your temporary bridge at your next visit.  Therefore, it is subject to being dislodged.  Take care in flossing around your temporary bridge.  Simply pull the floss out sideways rather than flicking it up over the tooth.  If your temporary bridge comes off prior to your next appointment, chew some sugar-free gum, then place enough of it inside the temporary bridge to settle it back onto your teeth.  Call us soon as possible thereafter to recement the temporary bridge, so it will stay in place until your bridge seating appointment.

4.  Sometimes bridges are fitted below the gumline.  Therefore, you may have some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures.  Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.

5.  After placement, it may take a few days or weeks to get used to the new bridge.  It is also common for new bridges to be sensitive to cold at first.  If you feel that your bite is not correctly balanced, be sure to arrange an appointment for a simple adjustment.

6.  Proper brushing and flossing are recommended to help you preserve your bridge.  Your home care efforts help protect that important area where the bridge meets the root of the tooth.  It is this area that is most vulnerable to decay or gum disease resulting from the bacteria in plaque.

 

***Call our office if any unusual symptoms occur.***