The loss of an entire row of teeth can significantly alter the way a patient smiles, speaks, and eats. This can be caused by trauma, gum disease, advanced tooth decay, excessive wear from grinding or acid erosion, or even just congenital conditions. Any of these can have results that can adversely affect the patient’s confidence. In these extreme cases, full mouth reconstruction can provide the patient with a beautiful new smile. Read on to learn more about the process.
Preparation
To determine if the patient is a good candidate for full mouth reconstruction, the dentist will perform an evaluation. This will involve examining the condition of the teeth and the alignment of the bite while considering dental and medical history and factors that could affect the treatment process such as habits, conditions, or medications.
The dentist will then go on to imaging and modeling the teeth, which can include taking X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions. These allow them to develop the best way to go about correcting any issues and create a model of how the mouth might look after treatment. Then the patient can provide feedback on the matter, allowing the dentist to develop a final model of the intended result.
Making the Plan
With the goals for the procedure understood, the dentist will devise a plan including necessary treatments and how they should be sequenced. Full mouth reconstruction involves a variety of procedures, which can include:
- Cleaning of the teeth and gums
- Gum treatments
- Orthodontics
- Root canals or fillings
- Crowns or veneers
- Tooth extractions
- Jaw surgery
- Dental implants
Treatment
Full dental reconstruction can take place over multiple stages which might be spread out over weeks or months. Some parts of the process, like dental implants, can require healing time before moving on to the next step. Other treatments are relatively streamlined, depending on the patient’s circumstances. The dentist will give the patient a detailed plan for the process.
At the end of the course, the patient and dentist will compare before and after images to determine if goals were adequately met. This will likely be followed by setting up later appointments to assess the patient’s recovery.
After full mouth reconstruction, a dentist will likely advise a patient to abstain from physical exertion and tough foods while maintaining excellent regular oral hygiene. Each full mouth reconstruction is unique, and some will require more time for recovery than others.
Full mouth reconstruction can achieve results that would otherwise be impossible and restore a patient’s confidence and quality of life. While the road ahead might be long, getting a first-rate smile can open new social and professional pathways, and the results can be more than worth the effort.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Johnson graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine with his DDS. He leads Jacksonville Dental Excellence with dedication and compassion to provide some of the most excellent care in Florida. His practice provides services in cosmetic, restorative, preventative, and emergency dentistry, periodontal therapy, TMJ therapy, and dental implants. If you’re curious about full mouth reconstruction, contact him online or at (904) 895-4536.