Dental ImplantsSometimes, a simple filling is all you need to be done when going to the dentist. When attempting to correct your teeth due to wear and tear or improper preventative care, getting dentures may be a necessity. However, when even dentures cannot help you out, you may need to turn to a Full-Mouth Reconstruction procedure to fix your problems.

Although this sounds scary, a Full Mouth Reconstruction1 may be your window to a happier and healthier mouth. The extremes are usually there for a reason and Full-Mouth Reconstruction is no different. So, let’s go over what you will learn, and what you should expect when going in to get a Full-Mouth Reconstruction procedure done.

What is Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

To start with, Full-Mouth Reconstruction can cover a wide range of issues and problems that may have come from either immediate or long-term issues that have been building for months or years. In terms of defining a Full-Mouth Reconstruction, any dental treatment that affects all of the teeth in the mouth one way or another is what the term generally applies to. There can be many different reasons for Full-Mouth Reconstruction, such as:

  • Oral Cancer
  • Ameliogenesis
  • Ectodermal Dysplasia
  • Dentinogenisis
  • Collateral Damage from Trauma
  • Decay

Depending on the depth of the injury, different treatment options can include the likes of dental implants2, bridges, or a combination of such procedures. These procedures are not normal ones that you might find for aesthetics, but more for improving the efficiency of the patient’s mouth when it comes to chewing, biting, and tearing. As such, it can be quite a big choice to go for a Full-Mouth Reconstruction.

Prior Steps to a Full-Mouth Reconstruction

There are some steps to take before you are allowed to get a Full-Mouth Reconstruction. Many different options rely and focus on fixing certain conditioned requisites. A few of the conditions and points of interest that determine if you need Full-Mouth Reconstruction Are:

Condition of the Teeth: When talking about a possible factor in determining the procedure necessary to help correct your mouth, the condition of your teeth is the starting point. For instance, what is the level of the decay in your teeth? Has the decay set and taken root, or is it just the beginning? To what extent has the decay spread to the surrounding teeth? These questions are what helps dentists determine what level of a procedure is needed. Condition of the Gums: In some cases, it’s not the teeth that need the help, but the gum line. Some conditions that can affect the gums are things like oral cancer, or dental decay, where the teeth have completely rotted out and have now taken hold inside the gum line, inside of the protective layers. For issues like this, you may need root planing and scaling of the gum line as well. If you have such things as deep pockets, bone density irregularities, or periodontal disease, these may be signs that you will need Full-Mouth Reconstruction. Aesthetics: One of the more lesser-worried about factors is Aesthetics. Aesthetics includes such things as the size and proportion of your teeth, the coloring, and even the shape of your mouth. All of these factors determine how much work can be done that can fall in line with the formation of your mouth. The before and afters of how these components align in relation to your mouth, side profile, and face are final factors that will be taken into account for a Full-Mouth Reconstruction.

Not only do these factors need to be taken care of, but many records and models are also usually taken as well. Things such as extensive x-rays and photographs, as well as impressions and models of your teeth and gums, are used to help identify the direction and process that would need to occur to outline the treatment plan for you.

The Procedures for Reconstruction

There are quite a few different procedures that can be used for the treatment plan that the doctors can layout for you. You will need to understand that the procedures that they will be using are that each treatment plan will be used as a tailored guide specifically for your issue. Just some of the procedures and phases that can be used are such things as:

  • Temporary Restorations for New Teeth
  • Orthognathic Surgery
  • Bone or Soft Tissue Grafting
  • Orthodontics/Braces
  • Permanent Restorations
  • Preparations/Reductions of Natural Teeth Structures

The most important factor to remember is that Full-Mouth Reconstruction is not a simple thing. This is not a one and done deal. Instead, many people that agree to have a Full-Mouth Reconstruction procedure done can expect upwards of 12 months with these procedures, and possibly more during the recovery period.

Differences between Full Mouth Reconstruction and Smile Makeovers

Now, there are some that believe that Full-Mouth Reconstruction is the same as a Smile Makeover procedure. Although they do use some of the same techniques to ensure long-lasting stability and success, there are some differences that need to be made.

The most important aspect to remember is that, although both are designed to reform your mouth and facial areas, a Smile Makeover is not exactly necessary. Instead, a Smile Makeover is elected and is not necessary to ensure the health and survival of the mouth, gums, or teeth. With a Full-Mouth Reconstruction, it is needed for the health and survival of your teeth and gums, as it is dealing with many deep-rooted issues that may have ingrained within your mouth.

Resources

  1. https://www.timessquaredental.com/Full-Mouth-Reconstruction
  2. https://www.timessquaredental.com/Dental-Implants