A full mouth reconstruction is a term given to a program of different treatments that are all being carried out with the intention of reconstructing and restoring all of the teeth and oral structures in the mouth, normally in the instances of severe wear and decay. In doing so, the patient can benefit from having the full function of the teeth returned, as well as enjoying an attractive smile.
Am I a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction?
To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction it will be necessary for you to attend a consultation appointment with your dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will speak to you about which procedures may be beneficial in helping to reconstruct your smile. It will also be during this appointment that any images of your teeth are taken, such as x-rays, CT scans and photographs that may be used to help plan your treatment.
Good candidates for a full mouth reconstruction usually have one or more of the following dental problems:
Missing teeth
Severe dental decay
Damage to multiple teeth, e.g. chips or cracks
Gums that are swollen and sore
Advanced periodontal pocket depths that indicate that the patient has moderate to severe gum disease
Severe wear to their dental enamel
Toothache
Receding gums
A loose tooth
Abscess in the gum tissue
What will be included in my full mouth reconstruction?
Before your full mouth reconstruction can get underway, it is important to understand that every treatment plan is unique and tailored to the specific needs of each individual patient.
Some of the typical procedures included in a full mouth reconstruction include the following:
Cavity Filings
These are now most often chosen to be from tooth-colored material so that the filling is discreet and doesn’t have a negative effect on the appearance of your smile. They are placed to fill small to moderate-sized areas of decay in your teeth, protecting further bacteria from entering the space.
Dental Crowns
Again, dentists and patients tend to choose crowns made from porcelain rather than metal. This is because porcelain can be glazed in a shade to match your existing teeth, ensuring that your restoration blends into your natural smile. Crowns are used to sit over the top of teeth that are damaged or decayed in order to give them back their strength, shape and function.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge comprises of a line of dental crowns with a prosthetic tooth in the middle and are used to fill gaps where missing teeth once were. Bridges are usually made from porcelain and glazed in a shade to match your natural teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a newer solution for missing teeth that are rooted into the jaw bone using a titanium post and have a porcelain crown for the visible part of the implant. Since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, many patients prefer them to dental bridges.
Dentures or Implant-Supported Dentures
Most people are familiar with dentures – a full or partial arch of prosthetic teeth that are used when patients are missing most of or all of their teeth. Conventional dentures are secured using adhesive, but it is now possible to get dentures secured on dental implant posts – a solution that is considered more reliable and secure.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is used to deal with infections that have penetrated the very root of the tooth. Without it, the tooth will almost certainly die. Early root canal treatment could potentially save your natural tooth and prevent it from needing to be replaced with an artificial alternative.
Tooth Scaling and Planing
Scaling and planing is a common treatment that is designed to help prevent the development of periodontal disease and is beneficial in helping to retain your natural teeth.
If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction, please make an appointment for a consultation with our experienced dental team today by calling 361-245-5400.
