What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Your mouth is comprised of various soft and hard tissues, including your gums, inner cheeks, lips,tongue, teeth, and the jawbone. Connective tissues are responsible for holding these different structures together. A healthy mouth requires that all these systems, along with the upper and lower teeth and jaw joints work together harmoniously. When these systems are not working harmoniously, your oral health can be compromised.
If these systems become severely compromised, full mouth reconstruction raleigh north carolina may become necessary. Full mouth reconstruction refers to the process of rebuilding and restoring your upper and lower jaw, including repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing teeth, addressing damage to the jawbone or gums, replacing old fillings or crowns, and treating periodontal diseases. These procedures can be performed independently, but there are times when multiple issues present themselves. When this occurs, a full mouth reconstruction may be suggested. This reconstruction can end up involving a variety of procedures and the involvement of a range of specialists, including dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and periodontists.
A patient may require full mouth reconstruction for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Fractured or injured teeth
- Teeth lost as a result of decay or trauma
- Persistent issues with muscle or jaw pain and/or headache that requires an adjustment to the bite
- Severely worn teeth due to tooth grinding or long-term erosion
What Procedures are Associated with Full Mouth Reconstruction?
- Gum Therapy: To prepare the patient for treatment, many dentists will schedule a series of gum therapy treatments to remove bacteria and infection from the area or areas to be treated.
- Bone Grafting: A bone graft will be performed if an area of your mouth has been missing a tooth or teeth for an extended period of time. A bone graft involves the use of bone (human or animal) or a synthetic material to facilitate bone growth in the affected areas.
- Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are a tooth-shaped cap that are placed on the surface of a damaged tooth. This crown protects the structure of the tooth, improves overall hygiene, and improves patient’s ability to bite and chew.
- Root Canals: Although they have a bad reputation, root canals are often the easiest way to save your tooth from having to be removed. Your dentist will remove the injured pulp and then disinfect the system. After the inside of the tooth has been cleaned, a filling or crown will be placed to act as a seal and to prevent further infection.
Other examples of full mouth reconstruction procedures include any combination of the following: Implant Dentistry, Restorative Dental Treatments, Cosmetic Dentistry, Bruxism Treatments, TMJ Treatment, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Periodontal Treatments.
Because every individual will have different needs, your dentist will likely begin the full mouth reconstruction process by conducting a comprehensive exam to determine the extent of damage to your teeth and what procedure or combination of procedures are necessary. Once your dentist has determined what procedures are necessary, they will discuss a treatment timeline with you to determine what approach works best for your particular needs.
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