4 Options Used by a Dentist in Full Mouth Reconstruction

You might need full mouth reconstruction if most of your teeth are decayed, damaged, or missing. Issues like teeth grinding, severe acid reflux, and gum disease can wreak havoc on the teeth and gums. Unfortunately, extensive treatments are required to address the damage that affects most of your teeth, and the process often requires multiple reconstructive treatments. Full mouth reconstruction aims to restore the structures and function of damaged teeth, along with their appearance.

Understanding full mouth reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is a viable treatment option when all the teeth in the upper and lower jaws are affected. It often involves tooth restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and dental implants. Patients struggling with lost or damaged teeth may benefit from a full mouth reconstruction. Complex dental problems can affect one's oral aesthetic and cause significant pain and health issues.

Anyone who suffers from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMJ, and the accompanying jaw issues or was born with certain medical conditions that require extensive tooth restoration may also be a good candidate for full mouth reconstruction. Some treatment options for oral cancer also require reconstruction. Our staff will perform a thorough exam to help determine if a patient is a good candidate.

Popular treatments performed during full mouth reconstruction

Treatments that a dentist might recommend as part of a patient's full mouth reconstruction include the following.

1. Dentures

These appliances are part of an affordable way to replace missing teeth. Patients can complete the process in as little as two weeks. Full denture sets are recommended when a person has lost most or all of their teeth, while partial dentures can replace a few missing teeth.

Dentures restore the function and appearance of missing teeth and help preserve the wearer's facial structures. However, people who wear dentures often have the main complaint that the restoration tends to have poor stability because they are often held in place via suction. This can be addressed by attaching dentures to implants for a more permanent solution.

        2. Crowns

Crowns cover the visible parts of the tooth and protect it from irritants in the mouth, like bacteria and the acids they make. Crowns also restore the function of damaged teeth and protect them against bite forces in the mouth. A dentist might recommend placing crowns on several of a patient's teeth if they have been severely damaged by decay, trauma, or bruxism.

Soon-to-be-crowned teeth are prepared for the procedure by removing enamel from their sides to create a better fit. However, this permanent alteration means these teeth will always need crowns to serve as their artificial enamel.
 

       3. Dental implants

Implants are artificial teeth roots inserted into a patient's jaw. Restorations like crowns are then attached, and the implants transfer bite forces into the patient's jaw, helping preserve the bone tissues.

The placement of implants requires oral surgery, so patients are evaluated individually to determine if they are healthy enough to recover. Patients are also evaluated to determine if their jaw is thick enough to hold implants.

       4. Dental bridges

Dental bridges are used to close up the gap created by missing teeth. Bridges are typically attached to the two teeth closest to that gap. These teeth are covered with crowns to provide more stability for the artificial teeth that bridge the gap in the patient's smile. The pontics can also be attached to a pair of implant crowns. Patients can complete the dental bridge installation process in as little as two weeks.

Post-treatment care

After-care instructions are given during the appointment before the patient is set to leave. After-care is similar to most treatments and involves maintaining oral hygiene up to par. This is especially important for patients undergoing multiple procedures as they will need a clean, healthy mouth going into their next treatment. Nonetheless, all patients should practice stringent oral hygiene habits to ensure their oral cavity is healthy and prevent further complications from arising.

A good oral hygiene regimen includes:

• Brushing at least twice daily
• Flossing at least once daily
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
• Regularly visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings
  

We will discuss individual after-care and follow-up instructions with patients after each appointment and at the end of their full mouth reconstruction.

Restore your teeth

Full mouth reconstruction addresses extensive damage or missing teeth and can transform your smile. These treatments can make all the difference in your mouth's functionality and appearance. In addition, we can help determine the types of treatments or procedures you need to keep your oral cavity healthy and prevent further complications. Call us at (941) 676-9225 or stop by our Port Charlotte clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Please request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

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