What is a full mouth reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is when we have to restore all your teeth in your mouth. It could be the top teeth, the bottom teeth, or a combination of both. It could involve dental implants, crowns, bridges, dental veneers, inlays, onlays. Basically, we're doing some type of restoration on every single tooth in your mouth.
Who are candidates for full mouth reconstruction?
Candidates for full mouth reconstruction can be pretty much anyone. Basically, anyone who is missing teeth, has broken teeth, or has been struggling with gum disease, broken fillings, and broken teeth. They're candidates for full mouth reconstruction. It's really patients who are no longer in control of their teeth. They're always battling their teeth breaking, their gums getting inflamed, and things like that. There are different ways that we can treat their oral health by doing full mouth reconstruction.
What are some treatment options for full mouth reconstruction?
The treatment options for full mouth reconstruction really depend on the condition of your teeth. If the teeth are broken or have cavities, but the roots and foundation are still good, we can treat your teeth with fillings, crowns, onlays, inlays, or bridges to help restore the teeth you have.
If the foundation of the teeth is not good anymore, if there's bone loss or gum disease that has caused some teeth to be lost, or if over the years you've had teeth taken out, it may involve restoring some teeth, replacing some with implants, and in some cases, removing all the teeth and restoring them with dental implants to help regain the function of your teeth.
Can a general dentist do a full mouth reconstruction?
Some general dentists are very capable of doing full mouth reconstruction. They take a lot of continuing education post dental school to be able to do these types of restorations. My recommendation is to check their credentials.
Ask the dentist you plan to see to show you before and after cases they've done, and what other post-graduate courses they've taken to be able to perform full mouth reconstruction.
What is the process for full mouth reconstruction?
It all starts with coming in to see the dentist. When you come in, we take a full set of X-rays, do a comprehensive exam, review your medical and dental history, and get an idea of your dental journey. We want to ensure that health-wise, everything is okay. Then, we come up with a plan to help restore your teeth.
If we are keeping your teeth, we start with photos and X-rays. We take a 3D scan, do mockups of your teeth, and even virtual simulations of how your teeth would look and how you would look speaking with these new teeth. We discuss what you like about the new design and any changes you want. Once we confirm your preferences, we move into the production process, fabricating all the guides or templates needed for the day of treatment. On the day of treatment, depending on the scope of work, we can do one arch or both.
How long does full mouth reconstruction take?
When considering full mouth reconstruction, patients often want to know the duration of the process. There's a lot of pre-operative planning that happens behind the scenes. Once you're ready to start the treatment, it could take a few hours for one arch, ranging from four to six hours for either the top or bottom.
It involves getting anesthetized, preparing the teeth, taking a scan or impressions, and making temporaries that fit well and are comfortable. We then work with our lab partners to start making the restorations. While in temporaries, it gives us insight into how you're chewing, speaking, and your satisfaction with the shape, size, and color. This information helps design your final restorations. Once you're happy, it takes about three weeks to complete your final restorations, and then it takes about two to three hours to deliver them.
What types of anesthetics are used for a full mouth reconstruction?
Typically, in a general dental office, we use local anesthetics, commonly known as Novocaine. For patients with dental anxiety, we can provide medication like Valium to relax them. We can also use nitrous oxide, which some patients prefer. It's a personal preference, but Valium-type medication works well for most to calm them. Some offices offer general anesthesia or semi-general anesthesia with an IV. We can arrange for an anesthesiologist to provide that procedure, but most patients do well with just a local anesthetic.
How long does healing take after full mouth reconstruction?
It depends on the type of reconstruction. If we're doing full arch implants, it takes longer due to the surgical nature. Some patients do great the next day, while others experience bruising and swelling for about a week before healing starts.
For restorative work like fillings, crowns, and bridges, patients usually feel better in two to three days. They may experience some soreness or aching from keeping their mouth open or from the procedure, but typically, it doesn't require multiple days off work. A day or two to relax and heal is usually sufficient.
What care is needed after full mouth reconstruction?
It's crucial to understand the importance of maintaining your restored teeth. We first assess the issues with your natural teeth, such as gum disease or cavities. It's essential to make changes in diet, habits, and home care. I recommend that patients with full mouth reconstruction visit us every three months for an exam to maintain their new dentition.
It's important to brush and floss every night, and start using a water pick immediately to maintain oral health. Avoiding sweets, refined carbs, sodas, and sipping on coffee throughout the day is crucial to preserving your new dental work. Proper home care and maintenance are essential to keep your new teeth in excellent condition.
Will a full mouth reconstruction last a lifetime?
It can, if you take proper precautions. However, nothing lasts forever. Our natural dentition didn't last a lifetime, so while it can last, it may need maintenance over time. Just like anything else, maintenance is required.
For example, an implant may have issues after 10 years. Crowns and any dental work will need to be redone eventually. The longevity depends on how well you take care of it, your diet, overall health, medication use, and factors like dry mouth. Discussing these factors with a dentist is crucial when considering full mouth reconstruction.
Are there financing options for full mouth reconstruction at LifeTime Smiles?
Yes, we offer financing options through third-party companies we work with. If you're interested, we'd be happy to discuss that with you.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Haymarket, VA, call (571) 248-7389 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.