FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION
A full mouth reconstruction is a dental procedure that rebuilds or replaces all of the teeth in your mouth to improve their structure, health, function, and overall appearance.
It’s essentially an overhaul of your smile that combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques to address a variety of concerns, such as:
- Missing teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Severe decay
- Gum disease
- Uneven bite
Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures
The treatment plan will be unique to each patient’s needs and goals, but it can involve a combination of procedures such as:
- Dental implants: These are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Dental crowns: Caps that fit over the entire surface of a tooth to restore its strength, shape, and size.
- Dental bridges: Artificial teeth that are anchored to healthy teeth on either side of a gap to fill in the space left by missing teeth.
- Dental veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance.
- Dentures: Removable or fixed artificial teeth that replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
- Orthodontics: Procedures that straighten crooked teeth.
- Laser gum recontouring: A procedure that uses a laser to reshape the gum line.
Full mouth reconstruction can be a complex and lengthy process, but it can dramatically improve your oral health, function, and appearance. If you’re considering full mouth reconstruction, it’s important to consult with a qualified dentist or prosthodontist to discuss your options and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
A full mouth reconstruction can involve collaboration between different dental specialists, such as prosthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and orthodontists, to ensure that all aspects of the treatment are properly coordinated and executed.
Why would I need a full mouth reconstruction?
Some common reasons for needing a full mouth reconstruction include extensive tooth wear, severe tooth decay on multiple teeth, bite problems, jawbone loss, and aesthetic concerns such as discolored or misaligned teeth. The treatment includes restoring or replacing teeth with dental implants, bridges, dentures, or other restorative procedures. Bite problems can be fixed with orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign® .
Patients with bone loss may need bone grafting or other treatments before dental implants can be placed. Aesthetic concerns can be addressed with teeth whitening, veneers, or gum reshaping. Ultimately, a full mouth reconstruction is a customized treatment plan that is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient.
What is the process for a full mouth reconstruction?
The process for a full mouth reconstruction can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient. It involves a thorough examination of the mouth and a discussion with the patient about their treatment options. Once a treatment plan is developed, the actual procedures can involve a combination of restorative treatments such as dental implants, bridges, crowns, veneers, and orthodontic treatment. The process can take several months to complete, and patients will need to schedule multiple appointments.
Is full mouth reconstruction painful?
Most patients do not experience significant pain during a full mouth reconstruction, since local anesthesia and other pain management techniques are used during the procedures. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness after the procedures, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long do the restorations last?
The longevity of the restorations used in a full-mouth reconstruction can vary depending on the specific materials and procedures used and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. With proper care, dental restorations such as implants, bridges, and crowns can last for many years.