Blog

A comprehensive dental treatment that addresses all the teeth is called full-mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation. It combines the aesthetics of cosmetic dental surgery with the science of restorative dentistry.

People opt for cosmetic dentistry to beautify their smiles and the appearance of their teeth, gums and/or bite. But it does not usually address function.

A makeover that improves both aesthetic appearance and functional issues is called a full-mouth reconstruction. It rebuilds or replaces all the teeth in the upper and lower jaw to improve health, function, and appearance. This type of reconstruction is needed for a variety of reasons including disease, injury, or poor oral care. It is usually not just a choice but a necessity.

Conditions Needing Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction plans are customized based on a patient’s particular condition and issues. It may be necessary to deal with a variety of issues affecting teeth, gums, trauma, bite issues, or repeated stress. Reasons for full-mouth reconstruction include:

• Broken dental bonding, bridges, crowns, implants or veneers
• Broken, worn or fractured teeth due to grinding (bruxism) or other habits
• Crooked, cracked, irregularly shaped or small teeth
• Discolored or decayed teeth
• Fillings that fail or exhibit decay
• Missing or gapped teeth
• Oral pain
• Oral cancer, including the replacement of missing teeth, and restoration of oral cavity structures

Full-Mouth Reconstruction Procedures 

A full-mouth reconstruction begins with a thorough analysis and evaluation of the oral structure and teeth. The patient’s goals and concerns are discussed, and a customized treatment plan is developed.

The many possible procedures involved in a full-mouth reconstruction may include:

Bonding: a putty-like resin improves the shape, size, and shade of teeth instantly.

Crowns: a prosthetic that completely encapsulates the damaged tooth to restore its look and structure.

Fillings: metal fillings are replaced with tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin to restore the appearance of a cavity-free mouth.

Implants: a permanent, natural-looking solution to replacing missing teeth, dental implants consist of a titanium post securely implanted within the tooth socket to which a prosthetic tooth is attached.

Inlays and Onlays: porcelain or composite resin inlays and onlays are used to repair decay and damage on the biting surface and for the treatment of cavities or injuries.

Root Canal: the infected root area is excavated, cleaned and medicated. The cavity is plugged with a dental filling. Dental implants or crowns complete the procedure.

Veneers: thin, tooth-colored shells are cemented to the front surface to improve appearance and smiles by masking imperfections and repairing damage.

Whitening: quick and simple way to improve the smile.

Benefits of Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Mouth reconstruction surgery can correct congenital defects, orthodontic problems and reverse years of neglect, abuse, or wear. In addition to improving your smile and appearance (and self-esteem), it can aid chewing and digestion.

It can also provide relief when oral or dental issues are causing pain. For example, a full-mouth reconstruction can realign the bite, lessening pressure on the jaw and alleviating pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

If you have multiple dental problems, you may be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction. For further information and to make an appointment, contact Dr. Ernie Soto at (954) 368-6264 or go online.