When to Consider a Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction can get you the smile you have always wanted, regardless of how damaged your teeth are. However, this is not the primary purpose of the procedure. There are other purposes and goals for both patients and dental providers. The chief aim of full mouth reconstruction is to restore the function of badly damaged teeth and/or oral structures. The improved smile is just a nice bonus you get from the treatments involved in a full mouth reconstruction.

What is a full mouth reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction involves rebuilding and replacing all the teeth in a person's mouth. The primary purpose is to restore the function and form of the mouth. A full mouth reconstruction looks different for every patient and can involve a combination of dental implants, dentures, oral surgery, and restorations. The dentist consults with and examines each patient to determine a reconstruction plan customized to them.

Figuring out if you need full mouth reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction is not for people with only one or two damaged teeth. These treatments are for patients with extensive damage to their faces and oral function due to issues including decay, trauma, or gum disease. Sometimes a combination of issues has caused the patient to need this treatment. Here are some of the reasons why you might have to consider getting your mouth reconstructed:

Extensive tooth decay

Acids made by oral bacteria lead to tooth decay. These microorganisms convert sugars in the food particles left on teeth into acids that destroy their structures. Tooth decay is a progressive condition that worsens when left untreated. It can lead to cavities forming on the surfaces of most of a person's teeth and damaging other structures. A dentist can reconstruct such teeth with treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals, inlays and onlays, implants, and dental bridges. A patient with multiple teeth with decay may need a full mouth reconstruction plan that combines several of these treatments.

Gum disease

The advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis leads to the bone structures and gum tissues that support teeth becoming loose or falling out. If a person has many teeth damaged by gum disease, the dentist might recommend treatments like root scaling and planing to control the patient's condition. In addition, they can rebuild any damaged teeth with procedures such as composite bonding, gum grafts, bone grafts, and implants. Procedures such as bone grafting are often performed in order to prepare the patient's mouth to receive dental implants. Dental implants require a certain amount of jaw bone density to be successful.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is a condition that leads to a person involuntarily gnashing their teeth. It typically occurs during sleep, and many people with the condition are unaware of it until someone who hears them grinding their teeth informs them. Teeth grinding leaves teeth exposed to significant bite forces, and that can wear them down and lead to structural damage. A dentist can provide patients with a nightguard to protect their teeth while they sleep. Damaged teeth can benefit from treatments like root canals, composite bonding, and crowns.

Missing teeth

A person who has lost most of their teeth due to any of the issues discussed above or trauma to the face can also benefit from full mouth reconstruction. For such people, treatment involves replacing their missing teeth with oral prosthetics like implant-supported dentures. More traditional options include traditional dentures.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)

TMD issues prevent the temporomandibular joints from opening and closing properly. These are the hinge-like joints that connect the lower half of the skull to the upper half. Reconstructing the patient's teeth with treatments like extractions and teeth straightening treatments can help to alleviate TMDs. Surgery is another option.

Oral Cancer

Cancer that develops in any part of the mouth is called oral cancer. Risk factors include being a man over 50, smoking and heavy alcohol use, and infection with the human papillomavirus. Some of those with oral cancer will require the replacement of missing teeth and other oral structures to restore their ability to speak and chew.

Restore your teeth

A full mouth reconstruction can restore oral function and quality of life for those who have suffered severe dental problems. Only a dentist can decide if someone is a good candidate for this procedure. Give us a call or visit our Garden Grove clinic if most of your teeth have been damaged by decay, trauma, or infection. Our dentist will craft a unique treatment plan that addresses your needs. We can also answer any questions you may have.

Request an appointment here: https://www.allstardental.net or call Allstar Dental at (714) 462-4437 for an appointment in our Garden Grove office.

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