What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
When all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws need to be repaired, replaced, or otherwise restored, the treatment is called full mouth reconstruction or full mouth restoration. Full mouth reconstruction is usually performed by a dental team that’s led by a general or restorative dentist, who coordinates a team that could include periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, or other specialists. Full mouth reconstruction is used when a person has lost all of their teeth because of trauma to the face or oral disease, and it can also be used when some of the teeth are missing but all of the teeth are damaged. Teeth might be fractured or broken, or they may wear down because of acid erosion caused by certain health conditions and habits or because of chronic clenching and grinding.
When wear on the teeth significantly affects the bite as the shape and size of the teeth change, this can bring jaw pain, headaches, and radiating muscle pain that could interfere with everyday activity. When these factors combine, a patient might want to consider full mouth reconstruction. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you’d like to learn more about your specific options.
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth to assess the level of damage. Your dentist will note any specific issues with the remaining teeth, looking for infection, mobility, decay, or damage to the teeth. If you have gum disease, your dentist will treat it or refer you to a periodontist for additional treatment, including a dental deep cleaning and thorough examination that could result in bone grafts or soft tissue grafts to restore the structure of the oral cavity as it is reconstructed. As your dentist plans your restoration, they’ll measure your bite and the way your restoration will affect your bite, also known as your occlusion, possibly including orthodontics in your treatment to properly correct occlusal problems before dental restorations are completed. If your teeth are worn down from grinding or clenching, you may receive an occlusal splint or night guard to realign your jaws before proceeding with additional restorations. Your dentist will also evaluate the shape, size, and proportions of your teeth and the overall aesthetics of your face, including these factors in the overall design of full mouth reconstruction. They will use x-rays, photographs, and impressions to develop a model of your bite and design the best treatment plan for you.
Most full mouth reconstructions involve a series of office visits over several phases. Treatment can take a year or more and could include such steps as cleaning and periodontal care, gum tissue contouring, surgery to reposition the jaw, orthodontics, placement of temporary or permanent dental restorations like bridges or crowns, placements of veneers or onlays, dental implant surgery, crown lengthening surgery and other preparation of the teeth, and bone or soft tissue grafts when needed to support dental implants and implant-based restorations. Because some of the procedures used in a full mouth reconstruction are medical and some of them are considered cosmetic, dental insurance may pay for some of the treatments included in a full mouth restoration. Third-party financing may also be available, so ask your dentist about payment options if you’re considering full mouth reconstruction and want confidence in your healthy future.
