A full-mouth reconstruction is a serious undertaking. Unlike a “smile makeover,” which is primarily concerned with the appearance of the teeth and mouth, a full-mouth reconstruction aims to restore the appearance, health, and function of the whole mouth.
What’s involved in a full-mouth reconstruction?
A full-mouth reconstruction is what it sounds like: reconstructing every tooth in the mouth. This could mean rebuilding teeth using what’s left of the natural tooth or it could mean replacing all of the teeth completely, or a combination of both.
Many different techniques can be used in a full-mouth reconstruction, depending on the extent and nature of the damage, including:
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Implants
- Implant-supported prostheses
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Onlays
- Dental bridges
- Full dentures
- Gum tissue grafting or shaping
- Orthodontics
No matter what technique or combination of techniques is used, the goal is to end up with a healthy mouth that looks great and functions as it should.
When is a full-mouth reconstruction necessary?
It’s not something that most people have to deal with in their lifetime, but for some people, it’s life-changing. If you are in any of the following situations, you might want to consider a full-mouth reconstruction.
Teeth need extensive work
A full-mouth reconstruction should be considered when:
- There are multiple teeth with extensive decay
- Multiple teeth have had extensive work done already and can’t handle additional work
- Multiple teeth are broken, cracked, chipped, or worn down
- Multiple teeth are missing
Acute physical trauma may be the cause of such extensive damage, or there may be an underlying chronic cause. For instance, bruxism (grinding) due to a bad bite may go on for years and could be the underlying cause of cracked and chipped teeth. Chronic neglect of the teeth and gums (i.e., not brushing and flossing regularly) could be the underlying cause of decayed and missing teeth.
In every case, the underlying cause should be addressed either before or during the reconstruction to prevent damage from occurring again.
Severe gum disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious condition that is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. When the gums are neglected, gingivitis (gum inflammation) will progress to periodontitis (gum disease). That’s when the battle begins to save as many of the natural teeth as possible. If it’s too late, a full-mouth reconstruction may be the best option in order to heal the gums and fix the damage done.
Health conditions including oral cancer
People with certain congenital conditions like ectodermal dysplasia, enamel hypoplasia, amelogenesis imperfecta, and dentinogenesis imperfecta will benefit from a full-mouth reconstruction.
Oral cancer survivors may also want to consider a full-mouth reconstruction to restore function and appearance that was lost while treating the cancer.
Life after a full-mouth reconstruction
As stated at the start, a full-mouth reconstruction is indeed a serious undertaking. It involves many visits with the dentist and the typical timeline is several months, including treatment and healing. It can also be expensive, depending on insurance coverage.
However, the benefits make it worth it. Having function restored so you can speak, bite, and chew normally again is irreplaceable. Loving what you see in the mirror and being able to smile with confidence is priceless. If you’re a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction, speak with your dentist about it. It could be the life-changing treatment you’ve been waiting for.
Are you potentially in need of a full-mouth reconstruction or other dental work? Visit our website to see how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!