The process of restoring all the natural teeth of the upper jaw and the lower jaw is called full mouth rehabilitation. This can involve several phases and processes, all of which Dr. Yarbrough can usually complete all in-house. Including any needed Root Canals, gum treatment, tooth extractions, implant placement, tooth whitening, crown fabrication and preparations.
The need for full mouth reconstruction may result from:
- The loss of teeth from decay or mouth injury
- Fractured or injured teeth
- Teeth that have been badly worn out due to things like acid reflux, acidic diet or excessive tooth—grinding.
- People with an ongoing jaw, muscle and headache pain who need adjustments to the bite
How the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Begins
Before you can go for a full mouth restoration, you will first of all need to consult your dentist. The dentist will then perform an examination to determine how serious the problem is and what options you have at your disposal. The condition of the following things is going to be examined:
- Teeth. The restorative procedure to be performed will depend on the condition of your teeth. It is this condition that will determine whether implants, bridges, onlays, inlays, full-coverage crowns or porcelain veneers are going to be needed. The dentist will take special note of such things as tooth wear, cavities, cracks, short or long teeth, root canal problems and the movement of the teeth.
- Gum (periodontal) tissues. If you have unhealthy gums, it may be necessary to have root planting and scaling done in order to treat periodontal diseases. A periodontal dentist will be most important at this stage as it is he who will see to it that your reconstructed teeth have a solid foundation. These treatments could involve the bone grafts or soft tissues to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone. The dentist is going to look for excessive or insufficient gum tissue, deep pockets, irregularities in the bone density and any periodontal diseases.
- Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and occlusion. It is important not only to your oral health but to your overall health as well, that you have a stable bite. A stable bite is one in which you do not experience and pain or discomfort when you close your mouth and chew. It is also important for the dentist to identify any occlusal changes. Dental braces or other types of treatment such as bite reprogramming orthotic or night guard may be required to rectify occlusion prior to the performance of restorative procedures.
- Aesthetics. A full mouth reconstruction will not be complete if it does not enhance the shape, color, proportion and size of your teeth in relation to the gums, mouth, lips, face and side profile.
The following mouth records will be required during the examination – x-rays, photographs, a model of your bite as well as models of your upper and lower teeth, models and impressions of your teeth. Your dentist may further refer you to other mouth specialists such as a periodontist and orthodontist for additional consultation on how to properly develop a treatment plan.
The process of the full mouth restoration will begin once the dentist has all the relevant information to your case. A complete and comprehensive plan meant to correct all your oral and dental problems will be developed. In case you do not fully understand the plan and procedure as explained to you by the dentist, you can ask him or her to write it down for you on a piece of paper so that you can review it later. It is important that you understand the risks that you are putting yourself at and weigh them against the benefits and see if it is worth it.
What Procedures Are Needed for Full Mouth Restoration?
The only people who can determine what procedure is best for your case are your dentist and the team of specialists. In many cases, there could be other treatment options. Therefore, ask the dentist to give you all options at your disposal so that you know which one is best for you.
A full mouth reconstruction will involve several visits to the dentist’s office. Depending on your particular situation, a treatment can take in excess of 12 months. A general procedure goes like this:
- Periodontal care and prophylactic teeth. This costs an average of $80.
- Lengthening of the crown to expose the healthy, sound tooth structure for possible bridges or crowns. This cost roughly $550.
- The jaw will be repositioned by orthognathic surgery.
- The gums are then going to be contoured so that a balance and harmony in your smile is created.
- There will then be a reduction of your natural tooth structure so that the veneers, bridges or crowns can be fitted.
- Temporary restorations will then be placed so that you become used to your new teeth as well as the feel of your new mouth or bite alignment.
- Permanent restorations such as veneers, inlays, onlays or crowns that are made of ceramic are going to be placed.
- Braces are then going to be placed so that your teeth move into the optimal position for reconstruction.
- Implants are then going to be placed so as to replace teeth that are missing or anchor bridge restorations.
- Grafting of the bone or soft tissue so as to enhance the stability of your teeth, proposed implants or other restorations.
Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover
The difference between the two is that a smile makeover is something that you have out of choice. You can choose to have it or not. On the other hand, a full mouth reconstruction is something that you must have.
Due to an increase in consumer demand for these procedures, it is becoming harder to distinguish between the elective cosmetic dentistry procedures and the necessary reconstructive ones.
You should also know that a smile makeover will call for the use of dental materials that are clinically proven even though it is done primarily to improve a person’s smile. High quality treatment techniques as well as experience and good knowledge of dentistry are all required for this. Most of the equipment and techniques used in a full mouth reconstruction are the same ones that are used in ensuring success and stability in the long-term for smile makeover treatments.
