What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Have you battled gum disease, teeth decay, and tooth loss for years and lost all hope of having a healthy full smile? A full mouth reconstruction treatment may be exactly what you are looking for. Full mouth reconstruction is the process of rebuilding all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws to restore the full smile. While the procedure requires the investment of both time and money, it may be the solution for you. Below is more detailed information about the full mouth reconstruction treatment.
Who is a good candidate for full mouth reconstruction?
Typically, this in-depth reconstruction or restoration procedure is performed by a general or restorative dentist, with the help of dental specialists like periodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists. Who is involved in the procedure depends on the state of the teeth, gums, and tissues of the mouth being treated. The reasons for needing a full mouth reconstruction can vary greatly, but may result from any of the following:
- Teeth that have been lost due to decay or an accident
- Teeth that have been badly injured or fractured
- Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of acid erosion or tooth grinding
The steps of a full mouth reconstruction
If you are considering a full mouth reconstruction, it may be helpful to consider the process involved. In total, a full reconstruction treatment will involve many steps, several procedures, and can take at least 12 months or more. Here is an idea of the general process:
- Comprehensive Oral Exam:To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and what procedures will need to be involved in your restoration, your dentist will start by completing a comprehensive exam of the following:
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- The condition of your teeth: to determine what restorative procedures may be needed.
- The health of your gums: If your gums are not healthy, you will need periodontal disease treatments, such as scaling and planing. If gum disease is more advanced, additional treatments may be needed to ensure the foundation of the new teeth is healthy and stable.
- The bite: it is important to confirm that the bite is pain free and does not cause wear or destruction to the teeth.
- Esthetics: The overall look of the teeth, including the color, shape, size and proportion are important factors to incorporate into the planning of a full mouth reconstruction.
This exam, and any additional consultation that are necessary from specialists are essential to developing a treatment plan that is best for you.
- The Treatment Plan: The treatment plan will be highly customized to you and improving the health of your mouth. In general, the full treatment plan will involve multiple phases and visits to the dentist. The dentist will work in a specific order: rehabilitating and stabilizing your gums to serve as a foundation, restoring your existing teeth, and then enhancing the appearance of the smile. The following procedures may be involved in the treatment plan:
- periodontal care
- Contouring of the gum tissue
- Placement of crowns, veneers, or bridges
- Implant placement to replace missing teeth
- Bone or soft tissue grafting
More on Full Mouth Reconstruction : How Much Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?