A complete mouth restoration is more than just a single dental procedure; it’s a personalized treatment plan that can be life-changing. Our experienced team in Washington, PA has helped patients with various issues—including severe tooth loss, extensive dental damage, and dental injuries, and those who lacked proper dental care in the past. Let us help you regain your oral health and confidence.
The Benefits Of Full-Mouth Reconstruction
Full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental approach that addresses a range of oral health issues. It typically involves a combination of restorative and cosmetic procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs. By carefully assessing the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw, our dental team can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
There are several compelling reasons to consider full-mouth reconstruction. First and foremost, it can significantly enhance your overall quality of life. Improved oral health and aesthetics can boost your self-esteem, making you feel more confident in social and professional settings. Moreover, addressing dental problems early on can prevent more serious health issues down the road, such as infections or systemic health problems linked to untreated oral conditions. So, whether you’re struggling with tooth loss, damaged teeth, or other oral health issues, a full-mouth reconstruction can be the transformative solution you’ve been searching for.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment plan that combines multiple dental procedures to achieve healthy teeth and gums. While a visually appealing smile is an added benefit of a full mouth reconstruction, the main goal is to restore function to the mouth.
Whether you only need a few or all of the following procedures, a full mouth reconstruction can be tailored to your specific dental needs and goals. These procedures might include:
- Fillings
- Inlays or onlays
- Dental bonding
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dental implants
- Veneers
- Braces or aligners
- Gum surgery
- Gum contouring
- Bone grafting
- Tooth extraction
- Root canals
- Dentures
- TMJ therapy
By combining restorative and cosmetic approaches, your dentist can create a treatment plan unique to your dental health. Because oral health concerns are the main priority of a full mouth reconstruction, your dentist will typically start with those procedures first before moving on to cosmetic treatments.
Since the procedures needed in a full mouth reconstruction are unique to each patient, costs can vary widely. Insurance coverage for full-mouth reconstruction is an option, but it depends on your specific policy and whether the dental procedures are considered medically necessary. Restorative treatments addressing oral health issues might be covered, while cosmetic work often isn’t. Because of this, your dentist will consider your budget when designing a treatment plan that provides optimal results while being cost-effective.
Who Can Benefit From Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction is typically designed for those with severe dental problems, significant damage, or those who are lacking proper dental care. Some common concerns you might have that could make you a good candidate for full mouth reconstruction include:
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or pronouncing certain words
- Loose or missing teeth
- Chronic toothaches
- Painful swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- Bite problems
- Damaged or cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Improperly aligned teeth
- Spaces in between teeth
At your initial visit, an experienced full mouth reconstruction dentist will perform an exam, including imaging, and take a complete health history to understand your dental needs. They will design a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and budget using this information and your desired end goal.
What is the Difference Between Full Mouth Reconstruction and a Smile Makeover?
While a full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover might sound very similar, their main difference is the motivation behind the treatment plan. In a full mouth reconstruction, the desired end result is a fully functioning and healthy smile, while a smile makeover is geared toward producing a visually pleasing smile. Full mouth reconstruction is often geared toward those with extensive oral health problems that need to be corrected before any cosmetic work can be done.
However, there is typically an overlap between the types of procedures performed in both a full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover. Take dental crowns, for example. A dental crown is a custom artificial cap that is permanently secured over a damaged tooth to help repair the strength and function of the tooth. It has the added aesthetic benefit of providing a uniform, natural-looking tooth. Your dentist can be valuable in helping you understand the difference between a full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover and which is the right choice for you to achieve your best smile.
Common Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction
While full mouth reconstruction might sound overwhelming and scary, it actually involves safe treatment procedures that can restore your dental health and get your teeth back to feeling and looking their best! Some other common myths surrounding full mouth reconstruction include:
- Missing teeth don’t cause dental problems: Over time, the open space where the missing teeth were located can cause the underlying jawbone to weaken and lose density. Your remaining teeth will start to shift, causing alignment and bite issues.
- Dentures are my only option for replacing multiple teeth: With advancements in dental technology, there are more options for replacing missing teeth besides traditional dentures or multiple individual dental implants. Implant-supported dentures and dental bridges are realistic options for replacing multiple teeth.
- My smile will look fake: Modern dentistry has come a long way in creating natural and realistic alternatives to creating a smile that looks and feels like real teeth.
- Full mouth reconstruction is going to be painful: Most often, the site being worked on will be numbed with a local anesthetic to help reduce any pain during the procedure. Many dental practices also offer sedation like nitrous oxide or oral sedation to help keep you calm and relaxed during your treatment.
Don’t let common myths about full mouth reconstruction keep you from achieving a healthier smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation to help you understand what to expect from your full mouth reconstruction.
How Can Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, Help Transform Your Smile with Full Mouth Reconstruction?
At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we’re dedicated to creating personalized full mouth reconstruction treatment plans that prioritize your oral health and functional needs while enhancing your smile’s aesthetics. By combining restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we can address your unique dental concerns to deliver lasting results.
With our modern technology and compassionate care, we aim to make every step of your full mouth reconstruction comfortable and efficient. Whether you need dental implants, crowns, or gum contouring, we’ll work with you to achieve a healthier, more functional smile. Call us at (724) 615-0700 or schedule a consultation through our contact form.
Common Questions
Full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental approach that addresses multiple oral health issues. It’s suitable for individuals with severe dental problems – such as extensive tooth loss or significant damage, or those who haven’t had proper dental care. It can also be a choice for those seeking dental cosmetic enhancements.
The duration of a full-mouth reconstruction varies depending on the complexity of the case and the specific treatments involved. It can range from several months to a year or more. Your dentist will provide a personalized treatment timeline during the planning phase.
Full-mouth reconstruction can include a range of treatments, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, orthodontics, and more. These are tailored to the patient’s unique needs and the desired outcome. Your dentist will determine the most suitable procedures during the consultation.
Insurance coverage for full-mouth reconstruction varies depending on the individual’s policy and the necessity of the procedures. Certain aspects, like restorative dental work to address oral health concerns, may be eligible for coverage, while cosmetic procedures may not be included. It’s essential to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Like any dental or medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, although they are uncommon. These may include infection, discomfort, and complications associated with specific procedures, such as dental implants. Your dentist will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you during the treatment planning process, empowering you to make an informed decision. Rest assured that your safety and well-being are our top priorities.