The aptly-named full mouth reconstruction merges the science of restorative dentistry with the precision of cosmetic dentistry for a healthy, functional smile. Here at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Bridges and his team are highly skilled practitioners of full mouth reconstruction, and can rebuild and/or replace all of your teeth carefully and efficiently. Explore the world of full mouth reconstruction with our Duncan, OK dental team:
Facts About Full Mouth Reconstruction
Better acquaint yourself with full mouth reconstruction, while diving into these interesting facts about the treatment:
- Full mouth reconstruction, rehabilitation and restoration are all interchangeable terms used to describe this operation, which involves rebuilding or restoring all of your teeth, in both the upper and lower jaws.
- General or restorative dentists are usually the primary practitioners involved in full mouth reconstruction. However, depending on your individual needs, other specialists may be brought in, such as periodontists (for the gums), orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists (for the tooth pulp).
- Because the process occurs in multiple phases and requires multiple office visits both before and after the operation, it’s not uncommon for a full mouth reconstruction to take up to a year. However, the lifelong benefits you’ll gain are well worth the time investment.
Scheduling a consultation with your dentist is the first step in considering full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Bridges and his team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center always ensure to provide a comprehensive consultation where all of your questions will be answered.
Who should undergo a full mouth reconstruction?
Sometimes, oral problems can reach an extent that it doesn’t make sense to try and salvage each individual tooth. Typically, candidates for this operation display multiple missing teeth, decaying teeth, teeth suffering from failing fillings, cracked teeth, and more. If you’re having these kinds of problems with your mouth, it usually makes sense to take care of the problem in a comprehensive manner that takes longevity into consideration.
How to Get Started With a Full Mouth Reconstruction
When you meet with your dentist, they will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth in order to determine if a full mouth reconstruction would benefit you. During this session, the dentist will examine things like:
- Teeth: Each restoration is different, depending on your unique needs. Any decay or other dental issues will be recorded, so that you can later be fitted for veneers, crowns, inlays, bridges, or any other number of oral appliances.
- Gums: The dentist will also pay special attention to your gums. If they are not yet in suitable condition for the restoration, you may need to have bone grafts or scaling and root planing performed before moving forward.
- Temporomandibular joints: A stable bite is essential for a healthy mouth. If your current bite poses problems, you may be treated with orthodontics, nightguards, or another remedy.
- Aesthetics: Your dentist will also take note of the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, gums, and face. This will allow them to provide you with the most natural looking restoration possible.
After this examination is conducted and x-rays and photographs are made, you’ll be able to speak with your doctor about full mouth reconstruction in more concrete terms. If you’re ready to embark on the journey to a better smile, get in contact with Dr. Bridges and his friendly team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. You can contact us online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880 today!