Key Takeaways
- A full mouth restoration includes a wide range of procedure options that address not only tooth and gum concerns but also structural concerns of the jaw and mouth.
- Those that benefit from a full mouth restoration can include those looking to transition to dentures or implants to those with medical conditions such as Ectodermal Dysplasia and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.
- A full mouth restoration is not just a cosmetic procedure designed to improve a smile, but rather a combination of procedures designed to restore function as well as appearance.
Defining full mouth restoration
A full mouth restoration, or full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehabilitation, is a combination of cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular, and restorative procedures designed to address chronic dental decay or infection, misalignment, gum disease, periodontal disease, jaw abnormalities or dysfunction, missing teeth, and much more in order to restore the functionality of the mouth as well as the patient’s smile. Common procedures in a full mouth restoration can include:
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- Bone grafting
- Orthodontics, such as Invisalign
- Teeth whitening
- Different general dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental bridges, fillings, onlays, inlays, and root canals
- Dental implants
- Orthographic surgery to reposition the jaw
- Deep cleanings
- Tooth extractions
Is it the same as a smile makeover?
A smile makeover combines cosmetic procedures specifically designed to improve the patient’s smile. While a full mouth restoration does affect the appearance and smile, the main goal of this procedure is to restore optimal oral health and functionality for the patient and is often considered medically necessary.
Who requires a full mouth restoration?
A full mouth restoration is designed for anyone with serious dental concerns, including damaged teeth, gum tissue, jaw abnormalities, and other oral health concerns. This can include everything from long-term and extensive dental decay to those with extensive injury or trauma to the oral cavity. This can also include those with congenital diseases or other illnesses, such as Ectodermal Dysplasia, Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, and oral cancers that affect the oral cavity and jaw. Because a full mouth restoration includes many different procedures, it is designed to meet each individual patient’s specific needs and concerns.
Benefits of a full mouth restoration
A full mouth restoration is designed to improve your smile’s appearance and restore functionality, such as making it easier to chew and speak. In addition, a full mouth restoration can provide many other benefits, including:
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- The overall improvement of oral health by addressing decay and gum disease.
- Pain reduction: decaying teeth, gum disease, and jaw alignment issues can cause chronic pain.
- Headache and migraine reduction: misaligned teeth, jaw concerns, such as a TMJ, and bruxism (grinding and clenching the teeth) can all contribute to chronic headaches and migraines.
- Stronger dental structure: as you age, so do your teeth, and this aging often contributes to weaker teeth structure. A full mouth restoration can reinforce the oral structure and promote tooth integrity.
What does a full mouth restoration involve?
A full mouth restoration is different for every person, as the chosen procedures will depend on individual needs. For example, one patient may need extractions, bone grafts, and implants, while another may require jaw surgery and orthodontics.
A full mouth restoration begins with a consultation with your dentist and a thorough exam that looks at your gums, oral health, bite, and jaw. This will likely include x-rays and molds of your teeth. Your dentist will ask about your goals and work with you to create an individualized plan of procedures that will help you achieve those goals while restoring overall oral health.
How long does it take to complete?
A full mouth restoration can take anywhere from a few weeks or months to more than a year. This all depends on the specific procedures that make up your full mouth restoration. For example, tooth extractions and bone graphs may require time to heal before additional procedures can take place. For procedures such as orthodontics, full treatment can take over a year. Every full mouth restoration is different and how long it will take to receive results will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Is a full mouth restoration painful?
Your dentist is likely to use some sort of anesthetics and sedation for many full mouth restoration procedures, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort during procedures. You may, however, experience pressure or a tugging feeling during other procedures. As you heal, you may experience discomfort and swelling as the tissue heals, but this is usually managed by over-the-counter pain medications. In more extensive cases, your oral surgeon may prescribe pain medications, as well as other medications to take after specific procedures.
Full mouth restoration gives you back functionality and a beautiful smile
If you have been dealing with significant dental decay, have had issues chewing food, or have a medical condition that has affected your overall oral health, a full mouth restoration can help give you back the functionality of a healthy jaw and teeth, as well as improve your smile and self-confidence. A full mouth restoration allows you and your dentist to choose which procedures will offer you the best results and help you achieve the goals you are looking for.
Take the first step to better oral health
At Soundview Family Dental, we understand how poor oral health, chronic dental issues, the loss of oral function, and a smile that leaves a lot to be desired can affect not only the overall health of an individual but also self-confidence and emotional well-being as well. Our team works with you to develop a full mouth restoration treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns and delivers a healthy smile you can be proud of. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.