Full mouth reconstruction:
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is a group of dental techniques used when the patient comes into the clinic wanting help with many different dental problems. These might include missing teeth, fractured teeth, broken down teeth, or a combination of these issues. The dentist must help get them into condition to function well (eating) and looking their best.
This is work done together with the dental team of dentist plus lab technician. Pictures and dental x-rays are taken, oftentimes including CT scans. Then a meeting is held with the three Partners in this oral reconstruction or oral rehabilitation procedure: the dentist, the patient, and the lab technician.
In severe cases, the whole mouth has to be reconstructed. Frequently the technician will use what we call a Digital Smile Design program, enabling the patient to envision the final outcome before any work is even begun. Often the actual work of oral rehabilitation will entail treatment by many different specialists. Before the dentist will do the actual crown and bridge work, often the other specialists must prepare the mouth. For example, the oral surgeon may place implants, the root canal specialist may do root canals and even a periodontist may be involved if gum surgery is needed.
The end result can take anywhere from four to six months, or even up to a year, but the results are exquisite.
What are the benefits of full mouth reconstruction, versus doing individual dental implants or any other procedures?
Full mouth reconstruction affords the patient the opportunity to complete the entire mouth simultaneously, both upper and lower teeth, so that the bite is correct. Many times, changes in the bite may be caused when doing a conventional crown and bridge or a single crown or cap. But when a patient needs extensive work, it will require the subspecialty of full mouth rehabilitation (reconstruction).
You mentioned some of the parts of the procedure earlier. Can you be very specific about how the full mouth rehabilitation procedure is carried out?
First, every single tooth is reviewed on an individual basis together with the technician. The dentist and technician will classify all of the teeth into three levels.
- the teeth they classify as “hopeless”
- restorable teeth
- teeth that can be considered as being in good shape
The “hopeless” teeth need to be extracted, and the broken-down teeth that are still salvageable will require a root canal followed by a post and a core to build them up. Then a treatment plan will be drawn, showing the best way to restore all of the teeth.
Who is a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction? Does it depend on the age of patient or on other factors?
The younger generation doesn’t usually require full mouth rehabilitation, because their teeth are generally in good shape, with only one or two teeth that need fillings, a cap or a crown.
Generally, people aged 40 years or more will be the best candidates for this treatment. Often there has been a large amount of neglect to their teeth, and they’ve reached a stage where they are embarrassed to smile, or to meet with others socially. Something drastic must be done to improve their facial aesthetics, their oral function and their comfort level, when they need to present themselves publicly.
Why would someone choose Dr. Prenzlau Oral Health Care center over other practitioners for Oral Rehabilitation?
Dr. Prenzlau has been specializing in this subcategory of dentistry for quite a while, keeping updated with multiple hours of continuing education courses for these specific techniques, through both frontal and Hands-On courses. Our clinic houses all of the necessary specialists under one roof, enabling it all to take place right here: the digital Smile Design together with the technician, the implants together with the oral surgeon, the root canals together with the endodontists. Even the laboratory we work with is now completely set up to perform these larger cases- digitally scanning the Impressions and then milling the crowns out of zirconium oxide.
How long will this full mouth reconstruction process take?
The time needed will vary depending on the individual case, because the dental team must first determine what each patient’s mouth requires. Which teeth will be considered “hopeless”? Which teeth need to be extracted? Are implants needed? If so, how many? Do any teeth require root canals?
The first step taken in beginning the rehabilitation will be the preparation of the teeth with crowns. This first set of crowns are called PMMA Crowns. Those are exquisite looking temporaries that are produced in the laboratory. Only after corrections are made, if needed, and the patient is satisfied, will the final product be prepared. This process can take anywhere from four to six months.
Will this process be painful?
Patients will probably not experience pain, since their mouth can be anesthetized using novocaine. Special rinses are given to the patient to improve gum tone (chlorhexidine), along with special toothbrushes and oral hygiene instruction.
How long will the healing process take after these various procedures are done?
The patient must understand that once everything is completed, they will have to come back on a routine basis for oral hygiene care, and bi-annual checkups. These will include intermittent X-rays and making sure that everything is solid holding up and comfortable and functional
This is a very important part of the full mouth reconstruction, ( oral rehabilitation ) procedure
Is there anything you want to add?
Although the procedure can be costly, most patients usually agree that it’s well worth the investment. Once the reconstruction is completed the patient will see how much better they look, and how their beautiful new smile reflects their improved confidence, and their fresh new outlook on life.
Want to know more about Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
Please Contact us today to schedule an appointment for all your dental needs.
