Full Mouth Reconstruction Steps
The field of reconstructive dentistry includes multiple different procedures that are designed to restore the mouth to its proper, healthy state. Reconstructive dentistry procedures can be used to restore damaged teeth and replace missing teeth, repair damage in the gums and jawbone, correct some problems with the bite or placement of the jaw, and treat certain diseases of the oral cavity. When multiple problems exist in a person’s mouth, a full mouth reconstruction might be the best course of action. Patients with abundant issues with their oral health, with problems affecting all or many of the teeth as well as the supporting tissues of the mouth, are often good candidates for full mouth reconstruction. If additional surgeries will be required to reconstruct the mouth, the patient should be healthy enough to receive anesthesia, and these additional surgeries will add to the steps needed to complete a full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction can include restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, and fillings; dental implants; cosmetic dental treatments like porcelain veneers and bonding; orthodontic correction of issues with the bite and the alignment of the teeth; treatment of periodontal diseases and their effects, like resorption of bone tissue; and oral surgeries. Each person’s treatment plan will differ, but there are some steps that are consistent from patient to patient.
Every full mouth reconstruction begins with an initial consultation. At this appointment, your dentist will discuss your possible treatment goals with you, examining your oral cavity and asking questions about areas of concern. They may also take preliminary x-rays and diagnose possible conditions at this consultation. During this initial consultation and comprehensive examination, you and your dentist will discuss your concerns and your ultimate goals for treatment. They’ll take a thorough medical history, asking questions about habits, like drinking alcohol or smoking, or medical conditions that increase the risk of dental implant failure and gum disease, and they’ll review your expectations and possible constraints of treatment.
If the dentist recommends full mouth reconstruction, the patient will visit again for a second appointment, where the dentist and patient will review the possible treatment plan and discuss its financial aspects, reviewing possible insurance coverage and discussing financing options where applicable. The goal of any full mouth reconstruction treatment plan is to construct a healthy, functional, attractive mouth that supports oral health while enhancing the smile. This might mean a full mouth reconstruction that takes months to complete, with different procedures and treatments scheduled in increments along the way.
Treatment will commence with a photograph of the patient’s smile and their face before treatment. To begin treatment, your dentist will remove any old dental restorations so that the teeth and oral cavity are a clean slate. They will also remove any decay, possibly extracting teeth or performing root canal treatments, and, once decay has been removed, they will treat periodontal disease if it is present. Once the mouth is free of decay and disease, the dentist will prepare the teeth for their reconstruction. This might include bone grafts or other tissue grafts, which must heal before new impressions are taken of the newly-restored, healthy oral cavity, a fresh canvas for your full mouth restoration and your new, healthy smile.
