For people currently struggling with numerous dental problems, a full mouth reconstruction essentially enables them to hit the reset button for their smiles. This one treatment plan can be used to replace multiple teeth, fix decayed or broken ones, and address cosmetic concerns all at the same time. If you think this might be exactly what you need, here are 4 procedures that will likely be part of the process.
1. Dental Implants
Typically, if a person needs a full mouth reconstruction, they are missing a few teeth or have ones that need to be extracted. Whatever the case, dental implants offer the most effective, durable, and long-lasting replacement available today.
Instead of just sitting on top of the gums like a bridge or denture, an implanted tooth is held in place using a small titanium post positioned within the jaw. There, the bone actually grows around it like a real tooth root. The result is a rock-solid foundation that can be trusted to support a single crown, bridge, or denture that looks natural and will last for 30+ years.
2. Crowns
A crown, also sometimes called a cap, is a tooth-shaped restoration that is placed over decayed or broken enamel. It serves multiple purposes—it protects the tooth from further damage, helps it regain its appearance, and also enables it to work like normal again. Both aesthetically and functionally, a crown can give a tooth a new lease on life and prevent it from needing to be removed in the future.
3. Root Canal Therapy
Despite its dubious reputation, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to stop severe dental pain. If a cavity is left untreated for a long time, the bacteria can reach the innermost layer of a tooth where the soft tissue lies, called the pulp. This contains the nerve of the tooth, so if it becomes infected, this can create quite a toothache.
Rather than just extracting it (and having the patient go through the process and expense of replacing it), a root canal can be used to remove the infected tissue and essentially save the tooth. The pain will stop, the infection will be gone, and the tooth will be able to function normally again.
4. Veneers
The most fun part of any full mouth reconstruction is improving the appearance of the smile once all of the underlying oral health issues have been eliminated. With veneers, a patient can change the shape, size, spacing, and color of their teeth to give themselves the perfect grin. A veneer is a thin sheath of porcelain placed on the front of a tooth. Most celebrities and professional athletes have them, and with them, you too can achieve a red-carpet-ready look!
While these procedures are often part of a full mouth reconstruction, there is no guarantee that they will be included in your treatment plan. Ultimately, you and your dentist will decide what is best for you. Nonetheless, the end result will be a completely renewed smile and fresh beginning.
About the Author
After achieving his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the Manubhai Patel Dental College in India, Dr. Sujal Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University. He is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp and is currently a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Dallas Local Society, and the 17th District Local Society. For more information about full mouth reconstructions or to schedule a consultation at his office in Dallas, visit his website or call (972) 629-9339.