Understanding Full Mouth Reconstructions

Full mouth reconstruction (FMR) is an advanced dental treatment that fixes multiple problems with your teeth and their supporting structures. The goal is a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. An FMR will fix your teeth and restore your smile. It is needed due to severe tooth decay, injury, or wear from aging or grinding. A dentist can easily create the best reconstruction plan for you if they use a mix of restorative techniques.

If you or a loved one needs to replace lost teeth or has major dental work, visit the dentist regularly. Your dentist will discuss which full-mouth reconstruction procedures suit your oral condition and restore your smile.

An Overview of Full Mouth Reconstruction (FMR)

Full mouth reconstruction is a dental procedure in which all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws or arches are reconstructed. It combines several dental treatments to solve various dental problems simultaneously. These include:

• Crowns.
• Bridges.
• Veneers.
• Dental implant.

A full mouth reconstruction corrects your teeth's positioning to achieve a better bite, aesthetics, and healthy teeth and gums. This procedure focuses on your teeth and jaw's function and appearance. Cosmetic dentistry, however, is only about your teeth's appearance.

Each procedure is customized to meet your needs, restoring firmness and function. You can also choose the materials you want to use for restoration, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

Reasons Why Full Mouth Reconstruction is Necessary

Full mouth reconstruction is required if you have many problems in your mouth that affect the form and function of your teeth. For example, if you experience:

• Severe tooth decay.
• Multiple broken teeth.
• Missing teeth.
• Adverse gum disease.

Other diseases, such as bruxism or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, also cause serious problems that require undergoing full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction is also suitable if you have hereditary diseases such as ectodermal dysplasia or amelogenesis imperfecta. These affect the formation and nature of your teeth.

If left untreated, these dental problems may progress to cause eating and speaking difficulties or constant pain. A full mouth reconstruction addresses such issues, restoring your teeth and bite to normal functionality.

Who Qualifies for a Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure?

FMR suits you if you have several dental issues that fillings or a single crown cannot treat. You also qualify for a full mouth reconstruction if you have several damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. You can also benefit from an FMR if your teeth are worn from grinding or aging. It can also help with chronic jaw pain from TMJ disorders.

You may also qualify for full mouth reconstruction if you have periodontal disease that caused tooth loss or damage. You also benefit from an FMR if dental injuries affect several teeth. This procedure is advised if mouth problems harm the quality of your life. It is also for those in pain who have trouble chewing or speaking.

However, not everyone qualifies to undergo a full mouth reconstruction at first. Your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They will decide if you need other procedures before a full mouth reconstruction. This includes treating infections or bone grafting.

The Aim of Full Mouth Reconstruction

FMR strives to achieve a balanced bite. It enhances your capacity to chew and speak, reducing the pressure on your jaw. It also avoids or treats other oral complications. It also addresses pain, discomfort, and an inability to eat due to damage to the teeth's structure.

The other vital objective of a full mouth reconstruction procedure is aesthetics. An ideal FMR integrates both reconstructive and aesthetic dental treatments. Therefore, not only do your teeth work well together, but they also appear perfectly normal and beautiful. This will give you a new lease on life due to the boost in confidence that comes with a better smile.

Moreover, full mouth reconstruction aims to eradicate potential future oral health issues since decay, gum diseases, or misaligned teeth usually cause dental damage. It also aims to restore your healthy mouth. An FMR can serve you for years or a lifetime.

Step-by-Step Procedure of a Full Mouth Reconstruction Process

Full mouth reconstruction is a process that can take several steps depending on your dental situation. The method may require one or more operations, each carefully coordinated to meet functional and aesthetic goals. The procedure may take several months because your dentist plans your treatment based on your oral situation. Some of the steps involved include the following:

1. Overview and Assessment

The first step in a full mouth reconstruction procedure is a dental checkup. During the checkup, your dentist will assess the health of your teeth, gums, jawbone, and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

This step involves simple dental X-rays and molds of your teeth to obtain an accurate picture of your dental status. This step aims to determine the causes of your dental problems and what can be done to them. Before the reconstruction, you must manage any active dental infections, cavities, or bone issues.

2. Customized Treatment Plan

After a thorough diagnosis, your dentist can develop a treatment plan that will suit you. This plan defines the activities that will be done, the sequence in which they will be done, and the time it will take.

Therefore, depending on your dental issues, the plan may involve restorative treatments. These include crowns, dental implants, and bridges to align your teeth and bite. At this stage, you will also be told the likely cost of the full mouth reconstruction. It may vary based on the custom treatment plan and materials used.

3. Preliminary Treatments

All pre-treatments will be carried out before the actual reconstruction process is initiated. These may involve scaling and root planing for periodontal disease. If you have badly damaged or decayed teeth, they may need extraction. You may require bone surgery to support dental implants if you have lost bone mass. Your dental care team may treat any infection you have. This will create a suitable environment for the reconstruction.

4. Restorative Procedures

This is the primary step of the reconstruction process. Your dentist will do all the restorative work required to reconstruct your smile. Common restorative treatments include the following:

• Dental Crowns: They are used to fix and rebuild decayed teeth. Crowns are installed to replace damaged or weak teeth and make them strong and functional.
• Bridges: Bridges are used to replace lost teeth and also give them functionality.
• Dental Implants: Implants are a permanent solution if you are missing teeth. They act as artificial roots holding crowns or bridges in place.
• Veneers: If you have broken, stained, or slightly crooked teeth, veneers are applied to give your teeth a better look.
• Braces or Clear Aligners: If you are concerned about how your teeth look, your dentist will use braces or clear aligners to straighten them.

All the restorative procedures are done carefully. This guarantees that your bite is corrected and your teeth are functioning correctly.

5. Cosmetic Enhancements

After treating the functional aspects of your teeth, gums, or jaws, your dentist may consider cosmetic procedures to improve your smile. These could involve brightening your teeth or putting on veneers to give you that nice-looking natural smile.

6. Follow-up Appointments

After your full mouth reconstruction, you will need follow-up appointments. Your dentist will check your healing. After some time, your dental care personnel will also evaluate the effectiveness of your new bite. They will also check for any signs of complications and make adjustments if necessary.

These post-operative visits maintain the positive results of your full mouth reconstruction in the long term.

7. Long-Term Maintenance and Care

To preserve the results, you should keep your mouth clean after full mouth reconstruction. A maintenance visit to the dentist will check your teeth and any replacements. The visit will ensure they are healthy and prevent further decay. Your dentist may also suggest a nightguard if you usually grind your teeth because grinding could damage your new dental work.

The Cost of a Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure

The cost of a full mouth reconstruction can differ significantly depending on the dental treatment you require. The type of dental material used and the processes performed also influence price. A full mouth reconstruction procedure generally costs between $30,000 and $180,000. However, it might even be higher depending on your case.

Factors that Influence Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost

Several key factors may influence the overall cost of your full mouth reconstruction procedure. They include the following:

• Number of Procedures: Full mouth reconstruction can require several general and specialized procedures. They include implants, bridges, and crowns. The amount of reconstruction work determines the cost of the work to be done.
• Type of Restorations: The materials used in your dental work, like porcelain, zirconia, or metal, will likely affect the cost. For example, porcelain veneers or crowns are relatively more costly than other types. However, they do give a better-looking and lasting result.
• Preliminary Treatments: Preliminary treatments may include extractions, gum disease treatments, or bone grafting. They must be done before reconstruction and added to the total cost.
• Geographical Location: The price of dental services may differ from one region to another. In urban settings, the cost may be more expensive because the need for specialists is higher.
• Dentist’s Expertise: Full mouth reconstruction is costly. It requires dentists with years of experience and specialized training. This procedure also involves the handiwork of several dental specialists. These specialists include oral surgeons, periodontists, and general dentists, each with their own rates.

Insurance and Financing

Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of specific materials in full mouth reconstruction, such as crowns or bridges. However, they may not pay for aesthetic materials such as veneers. You should consult your dental insurance company to know what they cover and to what limit.

However, financing is available in most dental practices, making full mouth reconstruction more accessible. You can talk to your dentist and agree to pay for the various procedures in installments.

You could also use third-party financing companies to pay for the cost on your behalf. These companies provide low or even interest-free payment options.

Long-Term Value

Although a full mouth reconstruction procedure may appear expensive initially, it is a good investment in the long run.  Full mouth reconstruction corrects the problems of your teeth and their appearance and also boosts your overall well-being. It can help avoid future dental problems that could cost even more.

Also, better looks and a healthy mouth can boost well-being and productivity. They can improve self-confidence and assurance.

What to Expect After a Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure

A full mouth reconstruction procedure substantially improves your teeth's functionality and aesthetics. After your procedure, you should expect the following:

Restored Functionality

Your new teeth and bite will enable you to eat correctly, bite efficiently, and speak without discomfort due to injury or misaligned teeth.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Your smile will be transformed. Procedures such as veneers and implants will give you the natural smile you have always wanted, making you more confident.

Improved Oral Health

Any decay or gum disease will be addressed, and you will not experience further complications. The full mouth reconstruction process ensures that all these dental problems are addressed.

Long-Term Durability

A full mouth reconstruction can have lasting effects if patients follow up with proper care and maintenance. The implants, crowns, and bridges installed are made to last long on teeth.

Increased Comfort

You will feel less sensitivity, discomfort, and pain in your teeth. Also, your damaged teeth and bite problems will improve. This will help you live better.

Recovery Process From a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Recovery after full mouth reconstruction depends on the type of surgery that has been done, and you have to prepare for slow healing. At first, you might feel some discomfort, be swollen, or be sensitive to cold and hot drinks. You can use painkillers or antibiotics and eat a soft diet for you to feel better and not harm yourself.

Minor restorations such as crowns or veneers can take a few days to a few weeks to adjust to. However, significant procedures such as implants may take several weeks for the gums to heal.

Subsequent appointments help evaluate the procedure's outcomes. Continued care, including brushing and flossing or cleaning by the dentist, will sustain the results.

Medical Conditions that Full Mouth Reconstruction Can Help Address

Full mouth reconstruction is not simply a cosmetic procedure. It is a procedure that also eliminates many medical ailments associated with the oral cavity. It also enhances your general well-being. Some medical conditions that an FMR can effectively address include the following:

Misaligned Teeth

When your teeth are misaligned, they can put a lot of pressure on your jaws. They can also make chewing difficult. An FMR can straighten your teeth, making eating and chewing easier. The procedure can also enhance the health and functionality of your jaw joints.

Congenital Dental Defects

Amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta are dental diseases that can affect your teeth from childhood. During an FMR, your dentist will devise a treatment plan for these diseases. The procedure will strengthen and improve the functionality of the teeth affected by these genetic conditions.

Erosion or Decay from Acid Reflux or Bulimia

Acid reflux and eating disorders, such as bulimia, can make your teeth weak and sensitive. An FMR can prevent further deterioration of your teeth. It can also bring relief and restore the functionality of your teeth. This restoration is done by rebuilding your lost enamel through crowns or veneers.

Periodontal Diseases

Periodontitis is the last stage of gum disease. It destroys teeth and their alveolar support and can lead to tooth loss. An FMR integrates periodontal therapies to treat your gums and stabilize your teeth, stopping the progression of the disease.

Severe Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Grinding your teeth continuously can lead to tooth abrasion, cracks, and jaw pain. An FMR can fix worn teeth with crowns or veneers. It can also change the position of your bite to lessen the grinding. Full mouth reconstruction also conserves your teeth and relaxes your muscles.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ disorder may result in jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. An FMR can treat TMJ disorders. The procedure corrects structural problems in the bite and jaw positioning.

Orofacial Pain and Muscle Tension

An FMR relieves pain in the face, mouth, and jaws by adjusting the bite position. When the bite is aligned, pressure is taken off the dental muscles.

Find a Full Mouth Reconstruction Expert Near Me

Full mouth reconstruction is the primary step to an ideal, healthy, and functional smile. If you need many dental restorations, FMR is the solution. It will fix your teeth’s functionality and beauty.

A full mouth reconstruction can restore your ability to chew and speak properly. It can also boost your confidence. If you are considering undergoing one, consult with skilled and competent dental care personnel.

At Tarzana Dental Care, we can help you with full mouth reconstructions. Our approach is to develop individualized treatment plans that suit your specific circumstances. Our skilled dental staff is committed to providing top care. We will ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

Call us today at 818-708-3232 to book your appointment and obtain advice on full mouth reconstruction.