Needing a lot of dental work - such as a full mouth reconstruction - can leave you with many questions and overwhelming feelings. It’s natural to feel that way. But, giving the necessary attention to teeth that need to be replaced or restored will leave you with a beautiful, confident smile.
Before you embark on the journey, sometimes it can help to learn a little bit about what may be involved in the reconstruction.
Benefits of a Full Mouth Reconstruction
If you are on the fence about whether or not you should proceed with a full mouth reconstruction or just pick a few of the most important procedures, you should know that there are benefits to taking care of your oral health entirely.
Full mouth reconstruction will:
- Boost your overall confidence.
- Make your mouth more comfortable - and healthier.
- Give you a fresh start on maintaining your oral hygiene.
It can be hard to face your dental needs - especially if you have quite a few of them. But, the peace and comfort that comes from having your mouth restored are worth it.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Time-Frame
There is no set time frame for full mouth reconstruction. Each person and each set of teeth present new challenges and require a mix of different procedures. Depending on the work you need to be done, this could take a few weeks, several months, or a year or more. Due to the level of work involved, many dentists will spread out the work over several appointments -- especially for your comfort.
Types of Reconstruction Procedures
A full mouth reconstruction usually involves a variety of different procedures. Here are the most common.
Composite Fillings
For a tooth or teeth that have cavities or minor tooth decay, composite fillings are often used to restore the tooth. Your dentist will clean out the decay and then cover the area with a composite filling that blends with your tooth enamel.
Root Canals
Sometimes tooth decay is too deep to simply fill it. Instead, if the decay reaches the soft tissue within the tooth - known as the pulp - a root canal is needed. During this procedure, your dentist will need to remove the pulp and any decay from inside the tooth and fill it in to keep it safe from further decay. Often, a crown is then required to add strength to the tooth.
Crowns
For weak or damaged teeth, a crown is permanently cemented over the tooth to protect it and give strength. Crowns come in a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, and gold.
Extractions
For teeth that are damaged beyond repair or are filled with a high level of decay, removal of the tooth entirely is necessary. Extractions are often done with the idea of making room for implants, bridges, or dentures to reconstruct the mouth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming more and more popular. Teeth that are too damaged or missing can be replaced with a dental implant that acts like a fully functional artificial tooth. Implants consist of a metal tooth root that is implanted surgically into the jaw bone and covered with a crown.
Bridges
Bridges are artificial teeth meant to replace missing teeth -- without being surgically implicated like the implants. Instead, they latch on to existing teeth.
Dentures
For mouths that require too many procedures to fix damaged or missing teeth, sometimes a set of dentures can make things easier. Dentures are artificial teeth that are more affordable than dental implants, but again, are not surgically implanted into the jaw bone.
Veneers
Veneers give teeth a beautiful finish. They are designed to cover existing teeth that may be discolored or misshaped. The result is a set of teeth that will look, feel, and function like normal teeth.
Bone and Tissue Grafting
The jaw bone can wear down over time and be disrupted with extractions and such. To move forward with a full mouth reconstruction, the bone needs to be sturdy - and a bone graft can help with this. Tissue grafting is a common procedure that helps reattach gum tissue to better support teeth.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
While not as common, sometimes the jaw bone is causing issues within the mouth -- and must be addressed during a full mouth reconstruction. It may be misaligned or too far forward/back. Surgical procedures can cure this problem.
Full Mouth Reconstruction at Kensington Natural Smiles
Having a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile sometimes requires a full mouth reconstruction. The professional, experienced team at Kensington Natural Smiles has the skills to provide you with all of your dental needs.
Contact our office today at 301-933-3903 or request an appointment online.