Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Right For You?

For some patients, the solution to improving your smile and overall dental health is full mouth reconstruction. But what does it entail? Who should have it, and what is the recovery like? Full mouth reconstruction may be an option for people of most ages, but often requires several phases.

What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction, sometimes called full mouth rehabilitation or restoration, is a dental treatment that replaces or corrects most or all the teeth in your mouth. It’s often described as a type of cosmetic dentistry, but it’s more than just improving the appearance of teeth. Rather, the treatment restores function and overall oral health. 

In particular, full mouth restoration is an extensive solution for those with significant dental concerns and may involve several dental treatments, including:

• Single dental implants
• Full teeth implants
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Orthodontics 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Full-Mouth Dental Reconstruction?

Full-mouth dental treatment is an option for those who have multiple dental concerns. It is appropriate for adults, older adults, and even children who need complete restoration. 

Dental Conditions

As it sounds, full mouth reconstruction provides extensive treatment, whether rebuilding or completely replacing all your teeth. Your dentist doesn’t do a full reconstruction for a simple cavity. 

Instead, reconstruction is reserved for treatment of multiple, complex concerns that can’t be treated by routine procedures. These include:

• Worn teeth
• Active gum disease
• Severe gum disease 
• Dental trauma
• Missing teeth
• Tooth misalignment 
• Bite issues
• Jaw discomfort

These issues may develop because of poor hygiene, tooth decay, genetics, or growth and development problems you’re born with. Accidents, medical conditions, and personal habits may also contribute to dental issues and the need for complete dental restoration. 

Health Status

Depending on the procedures involved, you may need to undergo surgery. It’s best if you’re in general good health to manage anesthesia and promote healing and recovery. However, some procedures, such as veneers or orthodontics, may be less invasive procedures, with fewer health considerations. 

Age

Full mouth dental treatment is an option, even if you’re young or older. For instance, early childhood cavities are a significant issue that affects many young children, as much as 60% to 90% of children globally. 

Full mouth treatment with stainless steel or zirconia crowns is a common approach to treat widespread tooth decay and prevent worsening decay, damage, or tooth loss. This treatment helps restore a child’s ability to eat and speak and overall health, but also prevents spacing and bite problems or delayed adult teeth eruption.

Older adults who lose all their natural teeth are also good candidates for full mouth treatment. In these cases, full teeth implants provide durable, permanent teeth without the irritation or poor fit problems of dentures. 

What to Expect During Full Mouth Restoration

A full mouth reconstruction involves several steps, from an initial consultation to procedure appointments and follow-up. The number of appointments you need depends on the type of treatment involved. 

Consultation

Dental care is most effective when it addresses your specific health and needs, so the first step in full mouth rehabilitation is a consultation with the dentist. Multiple options are available, so Dr. Preussner will start by examining your mouth and teeth and learning about your concerns. 

You may have some X-rays, scans, or other images to assess the extent of decay, damage, bone loss, or other concerns. These images will help Dr. Preussner diagnose any issues and determine whether there is enough healthy bone for implants or other treatments.

Treatment Planning

From there, the dental team will create a personalized treatment plan. This step involves an outline of the procedures required and sequencing them according to priority. 

Full mouth reconstruction is typically a complex process performed in phases, and each of these must be scheduled according to a safe and manageable timeline. At the same time, treatment planning also involves designing appliances or implants for a natural appearance that fits your facial structure and mouth. 

Treatment Procedures

The next step is the actual treatment. Depending on your plan, you may need several appointments, including those necessary to treat underlying conditions. 

Treatment plans are tailored to your health to address immediate concerns and prevent minor issues from worsening. These may start with treating or controlling disease, such as advanced gum disease, or preparing for reconstruction, such as bone grafts. Once these are complete, restorative and cosmetic procedures are next, followed by regular check-ups.

Follow-Up

After treatment, Dr. Preussner will follow up with you to monitor your recovery and healing process and ensure the results are as planned. As you heal, you can prepare for the next phase of your treatment. Once the entire reconstruction is complete, you will continue to follow up with yearly cleanings and exams to maintain your oral health. 

Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost and Recovery

Full mouth treatment is typically more involved than other dental procedures, which may lead to higher costs and longer recovery times. However, these will change based on the specific treatment you need. 

Cost

The price of full mouth restoration varies, depending on the procedures you need and your oral health. The more severe your dental concerns, the higher the cost, typically because there are more issues to treat, which involve more appointments and procedures.

The materials involved may also impact the cost. A good example is whether you choose stainless steel crowns or zirconia for childhood treatment. Anesthesia, surgical, and medication costs may also influence the price.

Recovery Time

Recovery time also varies depending on the procedure. Some treatments, such as implants, may take two to six months to recover. You may experience swelling, pain, and tenderness during the overall process and will need to eat soft foods while your mouth heals.

The goal is to ensure your bones and tissues are strong and healthy enough to support the implants, which may take more or less time depending on your body and whether other problems occur. However, others, like veneers, have little downtime. 

Is Full Mouth Restoration Right for You?

Choosing full mouth restoration is a decision between you and your dentist. Weighing the pros and cons may help you understand the procedure and its potential benefits. 

Advantages

As it sounds, fll mouth rehabilitation completely transforms your teeth and mouth. For patients with extensive concerns, this treatment can:

• Eliminate multiple issues
• Rebuild teeth
• Improve speech
• Replace missing teeth
• Improve the ability to chew
• Enhance your smile
• Create durable, natural-looking teeth

Disadvantages

On the other hand, the process also comes with a few disadvantages. For instance, full mouth reconstruction:

• Is typically nonreversible
• Is often lengthy
• May cause temporary pain and swelling
• May take a few appointments
• May require downtime for recovery
• May require a temporary special diet
• May involve surgery

Ultimately, the goal is to improve your oral function and quality of life, so you have less pain and can chew and speak comfortably. Your dentist will weigh the benefits and risks and suggest the best treatments and procedures for your health and dental needs. In many cases, the benefits of restoration for your overall health, nutritional status, and quality of life outweigh the risks.

Explore Full Mouth Reconstruction in Holliston, MA

Full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment designed to address multiple dental concerns. Dr. Preussner, a family and cosmetic dentist, is dedicated to achieving durable, natural-looking results while prioritizing dental function and overall health. 

Restore your smile and refresh your appearance with the help of cutting-edge technology, treatments, and techniques, and attentive, expert care. Book an appointment to learn about your options.