Full Mouth Reconstruction: Everything You Need to Know
Sometimes your dental concerns are more significant than a single problem. For patients that have extensive damage to their teeth and need multiple treatments, a full mouth reconstruction may be the best solution.
What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Your teeth are vital for eating and clear speech. Extensive damage can interfere with these two basic needs, as well as cause emotional distress due to the appearance of missing teeth and decay.
A full mouth reconstruction is a combination of dental procedures that repair tooth and gum damage and rebuild fully functional dental arches. It addresses oral and overall health needs through the restoration of the mouth and by protecting against further decay and complications. A welcome accompaniment to many of the treatments is the improved appearance of the patient’s smile.
Each reconstruction is unique since the procedures Dr. Rinaldi uses are selected to address the patient’s unique conditions, desires, and needs. Full mouth reconstruction is generally a faster solution, and more cost-effective than opting for individual procedures.
How Is It Different from a Smile Makeover?
It’s important to note that a full mouth reconstruction is very different from a smile makeover. Reconstruction is done for health and functionality reasons but will likely result in cosmetic benefits. A smile makeover is a fully cosmetic procedure that focuses on improving the appearance of the mouth through teeth whitening, straightening, and addressing tooth differences and flaws.
Common Reasons for Reconstruction
Dr. Rianldi will do a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedures involved. The reasons that most patients seek a full mouth reconstruction normally include one or more of the following:
- Multiple missing teeth
- Teeth that are broken or badly chipped
- Severe periodontal disease
- Many teeth that are damaged, infected or decayed
- Worn or weak teeth due to bruxism (tooth grinding)
There are also several inherited conditions that can increase your risk of developing serious decay or tooth loss:
- Amelogenesis
- Dentinogenesis
- Ectodermal Dysplasia
Whether the present condition of your teeth and gums is due to neglect, trauma, or a condition you were born with, it’s essential that you take action to address it. Oral issues are the same as most health conditions in that they get worse over time if left untreated. The best course of action is to address the problem quickly. Contact Dr. Rinaldi if you are experiencing headaches, jaw muscle aches, or other jaw pain.
Procedure for Full Mouth Reconstruction
The procedure itself consists of several steps. First, you have a consultation with Dr. Rinaldi to perform an exam and discuss your options. Your wishes are important and the results you desire are taken into consideration.
An exam begins with both cleaning and viewing the entirety of the mouth. X-rays along with both intraoral and extraoral photographs help Dr. Rinaldi know the complete condition of the mouth. Impressions of your bite allow Dr. Rinadi to create molds for any prosthetics needed as tooth replacements. Dr. Rinaldi will record his observations and discuss the best possible plan of action.
The planning stage is necessary because of the wide variety of procedures and treatments available. Together, you will figure out which of these will benefit you the most.
Procedures:
- Porcelain crowns restore decayed or fractured teeth.
- Dental implants or bridges replace one or more missing teeth.
- Inlays and Onlays are different kinds of fillings to replace decayed areas of a tooth.
- Composite bonding is tooth-colored material to repair chipped teeth or correct misshaped teeth.
- Root canals treat tooth decay that has reached the pulp or inner tooth. The procedure attempts to save the tooth by removing the pulp, cleaning the affected area, and then sealing off the root canals.
- Gum scaling is necessary to remove plaque that has built up around the tooth below the gumline.
- Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root to allow the gum to reattach itself to the tooth.
- Bone or soft tissue grafts may be necessary for instances of severe gum recession or jaw damage.
Each procedure receives special attention to match tooth color and keeps everything in proportion. The result of the combination of treatments is a healthy mouth and a gorgeous smile.
Aftercare and Recovery for Patients
The time to recover from a full mouth reconstruction depends upon the types and number of procedures required, along with your body’s ability to heal. This varies for each patient. It’s very important that you listen to Dr. Rinaldi and follow all of his instructions precisely to have a faster and smoother recovery.
Rest to Heal Properly
You should plan to rest and avoid a lot of activity during the first few days of recovery. Arrange to take off from school or work and don’t drive or operate any machinery. You may be groggy from anesthesia. Have a friend or family member take you home after the procedure is complete. As you begin to heal and recover, you can get back to your normal routine.
Swellnig and Soreness
In some cases, you may experience some swelling or soreness. Apply an ice pack to the area in 20-minute intervals, several times a day until the swelling and discomfort alleviate. If there is no improvement within five days, contact Dr. Rinaldis for additional guidance.
Prescription Medication
Dr. Rinaldi may recommend over-the-counter remedies or provide you with a prescription for medication. Only take what Dr. Rinaldi recommends and pay close attention to dosage and times the medication was administered.
Eat Soft Foods
Stick with a diet of soft foods and liquids for a few days as you give yourself time to heal. As the discomfort lessens, you can start to introduce more foods back into your diet.
Keep Appointments and Inform Dr. Rinaldi of Concerns
Call Dr. Rinadi if you have any questions or concerns. You should also schedule and attend all recommended follow-up sessions. Dr. Rinaldi will check on your progress and the success of the treatments.
A full mouth reconstruction can make a drastic difference in your health and how you perceive yourself. Don’t let dental concerns stand in the way of living a full and happy life. Reclaim your confidence and enjoy vibrant full-body wellbeing by addressing your oral health concerns.
Find out more about our services or schedule your appointment with Rinaldi Dental Arts today. Don’t wait for one more second to get the smile you deserve!
