Whether you have cracked teeth, poor fillings or gum disease, you may be considering full mouth restoration or reconstruction. The process is extensive and involves interacting with multiple specialists. However, the mouth makeover will leave you feeling confident, clean and satisfied.
What is Full Mouth Restoration?
Restoration is often used interchangeably with rehabilitation and reconstruction. In general, restoration is the process of rebuilding or restoring the teeth, gums, and mouth itself.
General dentists and specialists like periodontists (gum), orthodontists (tooth position) and endodontists (tooth pulp) will work together to evaluate what needs to be done. Many are involved in the process because this extensive surgery will affect multiple aspects of how your mouth functions. Each specialist can work with the other to find the best process for your individual needs.
Once they’ve reviewed your pictures, X-rays, and other dental information, dentists will do one or more of the following:
- Periodontal treatment and surgery — particularly in cases of gum disease or extensive gum damage
- Implants — for missing teeth
- Restoration and cosmetic treatment — primarily crowns, bridges and fillings, potentially whitening, veneers and/or gum contouring
- Orthodontics — in cases of crooked, spaced or squished teeth, dentists may recommend braces, spacers, retainers or expanders
- Therapy — may be used for teeth grinding, root canals or grafting and extractions
Is Full Mouth Restoration for Me?
Most people who decide to go through with a full mouth restoration may have one or more severe issues regarding gum disease, broken teeth or symptoms of TMJ. If you have one or more of the following, discuss the possibilities and options for a full mouth restoration with your dentist:
- Missing, fractured or broken teeth, whether from decay or direct trauma
- Pain in the jaw muscles or headaches caused by jaw pain
- Teeth eroded by food and drinks, acid reflux or grinding
Restoration shows no prejudice — people of any age can undergo the procedure. However, recovery time generally increases with age. You also need to be in good health in order to receive local anesthetics for the process. If you drink alcohol frequently, smoke or have an autoimmune disease, your dentist may discourage you from undergoing the process.
What is the Process?
A general dentist will examine each of the following, noting their conditions to see if you qualify for restoration:
- Teeth — decay, veneers, crowns, bridges, etc. may be recommended and the dentist will check the movement of teeth
- Gums — unhealthy gums will be a sign of periodontal disease, which requires scaling and root planing to ensure the reconstructed teeth will be rooted in a solid base. Dentists may recommend grafts for your jaw and/or gums
- TMJ — a stable bite will verify that the restoration will be successful. Any signs of occlusion will require additional orthodontics before the restorative process can begin
After your dentist performs this general check, acquires photos and X-rays, they’ll be able to better give a blueprint of what your reconstruction will entail. They will be very clear with all risks and benefits of the process.
What Could Potentially be Part of my Restoration?
Keep in mind your dentist will create a restoration plan that will uniquely fit your needs. You will need to check in with your dentist frequently over the course of at least a year to make sure all of your treatments are being handled with care. Procedures may include:
- Teeth cleaning and gum care
- Surgery to reposition the jaw or replace missing teeth
- Bone or tissue grafts
- Braces
- Temporary restorations to adjust you to your new bite
- Permanent restoration (crowns, veneers, etc.)
- Contoured gums and/or crown lengthening
Is the Restoration the Same as a Smile Makeover?
Smile makeovers are purely cosmetic and are something you desire as opposed to restoration, which is a need. Tooth decay, gum disease, and maladjusted bites can create multiple problems. Mouth pain will cause headaches and nausea and broken or damaged teeth and gums can make it difficult or even impossible to eat and drink.
Cosmetic surgery also often applies to only a few teeth. Restoration generally applies to all teeth and the mouth in its entirety. Prices for restoration vary depending on your insurance provider and the dentist’s plan based on your examinations.
What’s the Next Step?
If you have more questions about full mouth restoration or if you’re interested in beginning the process, contact Ericsson Dental today. Dr. Ericsson specializes in full mouth restoration and can answer any questions or clarify any concerns you may have. The team has helped countless people in the Boca Raton area acquire the smile of their dreams, and it’s not too late for you to be one of them. Call to schedule an appointment today!
