The terms “full mouth reconstruction,” “full mouth rehabilitation,” and “full mouth restoration” are often used interchangeably. They describe the rebuilding or restoring of all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. There are many reasons why people may need full mouth reconstruction. They might have been in serious accidents or suffered serious diseases that cost them all or most of their teeth. However, some patients think of full mouth reconstruction as a smile makeover.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Restorative dentistry involves restoring the mouth to its natural appearance and health. Full mouth restorations typically require restorative dentists to perform procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers, onlays, and implant crowns. Some of the conditions that may lead to full mouth reconstruction include:
- Tooth decay or trauma that results in lost teeth
- Injured or fractured teeth
- Severely worn teeth as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or bruxism (tooth-grinding)
- Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle, and headache pain
- The need for bite adjustments (occlusion correction)
What is the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Like?
There is no one way to perform full mouth reconstruction. Every patient who walks into our office will have a unique set of dental issues. After a consultation with the patient, Dr. Sowell will create a personalized treatment plan that will address every dental issue and concern you may have.
This could involve any combination of restorative dental procedures and cosmetic dentistry treatments. Our team commits its time to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health while making their smiles beautiful. Full mouth reconstruction refers to the rebuilding of all your teeth and replacing missing teeth. Services could range from veneers and inlays on all of your teeth to crowns, bridges, and implants.
For example, a treatment plan for a badly broken-down tooth may include rebuilding the foundation of the tooth and treating the nerve health, gums, and bone treatment. Then we may use porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, onlays, or bridges to strengthen the teeth and restore function and beauty. We can do whatever it takes to restore your teeth to excellent health.
Sometimes patients have very dark teeth and want a more attractive smile. They may have a tooth that falls into this category. Although, they do not need all the preliminary work to get the tooth healthy and usable. Either way, we usually do all the work in our office, providing a turnkey service (except for root canals).
Our dentist in Plano TX has been providing full mouth reconstructions for 20 years and uses all the techniques he’s learned from Dr. Frank Spear of Spear Education.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Before & After
This gentleman came to our Plano, TX dentist office unhappy with the crowns that a general dentist placed. The crowns were poorly designed and dark along the margins. Dr. Sowell removed the faulty restorations and replaced them with Empress and Emax dental crowns. The result is extremely natural-looking and also restores a comfortable bite position to the patient’s smile.
Full Mouth Reconstruction FAQs
Does dental insurance cover full mouth reconstruction?
Yes, your dental insurance is capable of covering all, or part, of your full mouth reconstruction treatment plan. Although it is ultimately up to your dental insurance provider. They will typically cover necessary restorative procedures. Most of the procedures include restorative services that are necessary for your oral health.
How fast can a full mouth reconstruction be done?
A full mouth reconstruction is not a simple procedure. It is a complete dental treatment plan that combines several procedures. Depending on your needs, it can span from a couple of weeks to a few months. This is due to the steps we have to take in order to successfully complete treatment the first time without issues. For example, there will be some procedures that may need to be conducted before others. Then there are healing times in-between procedures.
Is replacing missing teeth considered mouth reconstruction?
Yes, replacing missing teeth can be a part of your reconstruction treatment plan. Placing multiple dental implants is a process that can take a couple of weeks, depending on how many implants you need.