Full mouth reconstruction and restoration are used interchangeably to describe the treatment of reconstructing or simultaneously restoring the teeth in both your upper and lower jaws.
A full mouth reconstruction might involve a general or restorative dentist performing a procedure like a crown, a bridge, or veneers, and may also incorporate a dental specialist, such as a periodontist, specializing in your gums, an oral surgeon, or an orthodontist, specializing in shifting teeth, and even an endodontist, who specializes in the tooth pulp.
The Reasons for a Full Mouth Reconstruction
The need for your full mouth reconstruction could result from:
- Your teeth have been damaged.
- You have teeth that have been removed due to decay or trauma.
- Your teeth have become worn from tooth grinding or long-term acid erosion, foods, beverages, or acid reflux.
- Continuous issues of jaw, muscle, and headache pain resulting from a misaligned bite or occlusion.
The Full Mouth Reconstruction Process
If you think you may need a reconstruction, visit your dentist for an examination. Your dental team will examine your entire mouth to identify the extent of your issues and the appropriate treatment that might be performed to correct them. They will examine the condition of the following:
- Teeth- The condition of your teeth influences what restorative procedures can be beneficial, such as porcelain veneers or crowns, inlays or onlays, or bridges or even implants. Your dentist will identify any cavities or decay, tooth wear, cracks, chips, short or long teeth, root canal issues, or any unwanted tooth movement.
- Periodontal (gum) tissues- If your gums are not healthy, you could need scaling and root planing to reverse the gum disease. You may require additional treatments from a periodontist to make sure that your reconstructed teeth will be secured and supported by a solid foundation. These might include soft tissue or bone grafts to restore your gums and jawbone.
- Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and occlusion- A healthy bite, one where you can close your mouth or chew without any discomfort and a bite that does not cause wear of your teeth, is crucial to your overall oral health. Occlusal changes must be considered when your dentist plans your restoration. You might require orthodontics or another kind of treatment, such as a night guard, to correct the occlusion prior to your restorative procedure being performed.
- Aesthetics- The color, shape, size, and proportional balance of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your lips, gums, mouth, your profile, and your face, are all important elements in your full mouth reconstruction.
The examination could require history records of your mouth, such as X-rays or photographs, impressions of your teeth, or models of your teeth. Your dentist could refer you to a specialist, periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon, for a team consultation to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
After your dentist has compiled all the information relevant to your personal case, they will create a detailed, personal treatment plan to correct issues with your mouth to complete your reconstruction. If you do not quite understand the process, ask for a detailed description of the proposed plan for review. Be sure you understand both the risks and benefits of the recommended treatments.
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