Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or restoring the teeth in both your upper and lower jaws. It includes replacing missing teeth, repairing damaged teeth, correcting improperly seated jaw joints and faulty bites, addressing jawbone and gum damage, replacing worn-out dental work, and, in some cases, treating diseases of the mouth.
Mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists and can incorporate dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).
You may need mouth reconstruction for:
- Teeth that have been lost due to decay.
- Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
- Teeth severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
- Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion).
Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the treatment options that you have. In particular, he or she will examine the condition of your:
- Teeth: If you have decayed or fractured teeth, treatments may include porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns, inlays or onlays, bridges or implants restored with a crown. In particular, your dentist will make note of any cavities and decay, tooth wear, cracks, short/long teeth, root canal issues and any tooth movement.
- Periodontal (gum) tissues: If your gums are not healthy, you will most likely need scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. Such treatments could involve soft tissue or bone grafts to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone. Your dentist will look for deep pockets, excessive or insufficient gum tissue, periodontal disease and bone density irregularities.
- Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and occlusion: A stable bite is important to your overall oral health. You may require orthodontics or some other type of treatment to correct a “bad bite” before additional restorative procedures can be performed.
- Esthetics: The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.
Once your dentist has obtained all information relevant to your case, he or she will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in your mouth and give you back your beaming smile.