Full mouth reconstruction, restoration, and rehabilitation are terms that are commonly used when describing the process of restoring and rebuilding all of the teeth in the lower and upper jaws. It involves restorative or general dentists and might also include dental specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons.
Who Requires Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
According to New York Total Dental, “for situations where many teeth are missing or damaged, full mouth rehabilitation will be necessary to restore the mouth to proper form and function.” Generally, a full mouth reconstruction is required in the following situations.
● The teeth have been fractured or injured.
● The teeth have been lost due to trauma or decay.
● The teeth are severely worn out because of long-term acid erosion such as in the case of acid reflux, beverages, and foods. It could also be a result of tooth grinding.
● Ongoing complaints of headache, muscle, and jaw pain which require adjustments to be made to the bite.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures
When you consider getting a full mouth reconstruction, it could involve any of the procedures as mentioned below.
● Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial teeth which replace the teeth that are missing or have become too damaged to get restored. When getting a dental implant, a metal tooth root would be surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Then, a crown would be placed on top. Implants function and look just like natural teeth and prevent bone loss from occurring.
● Crowns: Crowns are placed over existing teeth which have become too damaged to get restored. These artificial teeth caps ensure that the tooth root stays in its place and are permanently cemented. Thus, a natural look is achieved.
● Bridges: Dental bridges are a row of teeth that help keep existing teeth in place. They are also used for holding implant teeth in place and are used in combination with other procedures.
● Composite Fillings: If a tooth has minor decay or a cavity, composite fillings are required to restore it. During the procedure, the decay is removed and the tooth is then filled with composite to ensure that it matches its natural colour. Composite fillings are required for repairing broken or cracked teeth.
● Veneers: Veneers are commonly made of porcelain. They are made to fit over existing teeth which have become misshaped or discoloured. To attach veneers to the teeth, the front of the teeth needs to be resurfaced or grinded down. Veneers are cemented onto the teeth permanently to achieve natural functioning and look.
● Dentures: Dentures are considered to be the most affordable and easiest option when the majority of the teeth have become damaged. You can have the teeth replaced with a full set of dentures.
● Root Canal: If tooth decay gets too deep and reaches the pulp, a root canal might be required. It involves removing the pulp and filling in composite to prevent the infection.
● Orthodontics: Two types of orthodontic treatments that are available include Clear Correct and braces. They are commonly used during a full mouth restoration to realign the bite and straighten the teeth.
● Corrective Jaw Surgery: Sometimes, the issue might be caused by the jaw bone or the teeth. It could be due to the jaw being misaligned, too far back, or too far forward. It can negatively impact bite and teeth alignments and prevent you from having a beautiful smile. Hence, a jaw surgery would be required to correct these issues.
● Dental Extractions: At times, it is vital to remove damaged or severely decayed teeth and replace them with dentures, brides, or implants. Thus, the procedure involved in removing the teeth is known as dental extractions.
● Bone Grafting: If the jaw bone is not strong enough to hold the implant in place, there is a need to perform a bone graft to promote bone regeneration and fortify the jaw.
How Long Does A Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?
As you have already seen from the above, a full mouth reconstruction involves various procedures. Hence, the length of time would be different for each patient as it would involve different procedures for correcting the individual problems. Generally, a full mouth reconstruction will take a few months to a year or even more. You can ask the dentist for a better estimate during the initial consultation.
How Much Does A Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?
Once again, the cost of a full mouth reconstruction depends on the requirements of the individual. Moreover, it is also important to consider how much insurance covers. You can ask your dentist about an estimate to get an idea about how much you would need to spend.
