Implant Dentistry Northwest is fully equipped to carry out full mouth reconstruction procedures of the highest quality. If you have been wanting to get your smile back after a severe accident or other unexpected event leading to a full or partial loss of your natural teeth, Our oral rehabilitation experts are here to help.
What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation refers to a comprehensive restoration procedure that involves replacing all of the teeth – both upper and lower – and possibly reconstruction of the mouth structure, including the gums and jawbone.
After full mouth reconstruction, the patient’s jaw and facial structure will improve significantly, and the mouth will function better when eating and speaking. This procedure is usually carried out in severe cases, regarded as a necessary, rather than elective surgery. Your family dentist will usually work with a team of dental health specialists to plan and carry out your dental restoration procedure.
Common Reasons for Getting a Full Mouth Reconstruction
You may need a full mouth reconstruction for one of several reasons, usually involving complex dental problems. Some of these reasons include:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Full mouth reconstruction can restore decayed teeth that cannot be fixed with simple fillings.
- Tooth Loss: Full mouth reconstruction can replace missing teeth with implants, bridges, or dentures.
- Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss and damage to the bone and gums. If this damage is sufficiently advanced, full mouth reconstruction can restore healthy gums and teeth.
- Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries that cause significant damage to the teeth and jaw can sometimes only be resolved with full mouth reconstruction.
- Wear and Tear: Teeth can wear down over time. Full mouth reconstruction can restore the teeth’s structure and functionality.
Who Can Benefit From Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction may become a necessity due to several possible causes. Some of the patients who could benefit from full-mouth rehabilitation include:
- Patients who have had oral cancer
- Patients who were born with medical conditions that have affected the oral cavity
- Patients who have experienced severe tooth decay, and/or those with a number of missing teeth
- Patients who have experienced trauma that has fractured most of the teeth
- Patients who experience chronic pain due to oral health issues.
How Full Mouth Reconstruction Works
The patient first consults with their family dentist, who can either refer them to a prosthodontist, or bring several specialists onto the treatment team. The treatment team may include any or all of the following specialists, depending on the specific issues that affect each patient:
- a periodontist
- an endodontist
- a prosthodontist
- an oral surgeon
- an orthodontist
Working together, this team will first determine how the teeth, gums, and jaw of the patient may need to be prepared. After the initial preliminary work is completed, crowns, bridges dental implants, dentures, or “onlays” may be constructed, to create a permanent, fully functional set of teeth. During the procedure, the team addresses the issues behind the reconstruction, and ensures that the new teeth are both aesthetically pleasing and provide an effective bite.
After a full mouth reconstruction, patients experience better oral health, more social confidence, and may even experience improved opportunities in the workplace. Some patients also report a significant reduction in jaw, back, neck, temple, or mouth pain once the procedure is complete.
What Kind of Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures Do We Perform?
Full mouth reconstruction involves a combination of several different dental procedures. Two or more of these will be incorporated into your treatment depending on your needs. They include:
- Dental Implants: Titanium implants provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges or dentures.
- Crowns and Bridges: Crowns restore damaged teeth and bridges replace one or more missing teeth.
- Veneers: Thin shells are placed over damaged teeth to improve their appearance and prevent further damage.
- Orthodontics: It may be necessary to apply braces or clear aligners to correct misaligned teeth.
- Periodontal treatments: A variety of these treatments may be necessary for the full restoration of your smile, including scaling, root planing, gum grafts and pocket reduction surgery.
- Root canal therapy: This is a treatment for infected roots and tooth pulp. It prevents further tooth decay and relieves the pain that often arises from these infections.
- Tooth-colored fillings: These act like ordinary fillings but they are designed to blend in with the natural teeth, effectively making them invisible.
What Are the Steps Involved with Full Mouth Reconstruction?
When you come to us for a full mouth reconstruction, we will take you through the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: At your first consultation, we assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Comprehensive Examination: A detailed examination, including X-rays, 3D scans, and impressions, helps us understand the extent of your dental issues. We can then plan the best combination of treatments for your reconstruction.
- Treatment Planning: We create a personalized treatment plan outlining the procedures needed, the timeline, and the expected outcomes.
- Pre-Treatment Preparation: Any necessary pre-treatment procedures, such as extractions or periodontal therapy, are performed to prepare your mouth for reconstruction.
- Reconstruction Procedures: Finally, the main reconstruction procedures are carried out. This will often involve multiple visits and treatments.
- Follow-Up Care: After completing the reconstruction, follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments.
If you think you are a candidate for full mouth reconstruction in Tacoma, WA, get in touch with Implant Dentistry Northwest today and book an appointment with one of our experts.