What is a full-mouth reconstruction?
A full-mouth reconstruction is when we have to repair or restore people's teeth to the way they used to be or to an ideal condition.
We can do a lot to our teeth. Cavities can break down our teeth, and if we clench and grind, our teeth can really get worn down. There are a lot of things that can damage them over time.
Sometimes what we have to do is fix everything all at once. We can do this in a number of ways, but basically, we're fixing everything in your mouth.
Who is a candidate for a full-mouth reconstruction?
A candidate for a full-mouth reconstruction is someone who has really ground down their teeth a lot. It could also be someone who has lost a lot of tooth structure because of cavities.
These are typically the people who need a full-mouth reconstruction.
What would disqualify someone from a full-mouth reconstruction?
Something that could disqualify someone from a full-mouth reconstruction using their natural teeth is severe periodontal disease where the teeth really aren't salvageable. The cavities or wear on the teeth could also be extensive enough that we really just can't save them.
If that's the case, there are other things we can do to reconstruct somebody's mouth. Namely, we can use dental implants to reconstruct the teeth in their mouth.
What are the options for a full-mouth reconstruction?
There are different options for a full-mouth reconstruction. If we're going to save your teeth, what we're typically doing is putting crowns and bridges on your teeth.
Oftentimes, we're going to make your bite open up a little bit. If people have worn down their teeth to little nubs, we need to open that back up a little bit. Those are some of the things that we do if we're going to save your teeth.
Now, if your teeth are just too far gone or the gum disease in your mouth is too advanced, there are still things that we can do. In that case, we'll typically do what's sometimes called All-on-X or teeth in a day.
We remove the remaining teeth and tooth roots and put several dental implants in a person's jaw. Then we 3D print teeth that screw onto the implants, giving the patient a new smile.
Who is qualified to do a full-mouth reconstruction?
People who are qualified to do a full-mouth reconstruction include experienced dentists and prosthodontists who have had sufficient education on how to do it.
Not every dental office is going to be able to do a full-mouth reconstruction. It's really important that you do your homework and go to a dental office that is very experienced in full-mouth reconstruction.
What is the process for a full-mouth reconstruction?
The process for going through a full-mouth reconstruction starts with figuring out where we want to be in the end. That will typically involve doing a smile design, where we can take pictures of your face and teeth and show you what it's going to look like before we start.
We can also do what we call digital wax-ups. We take the teeth that are beat up and, on the computer, make them look like a new set of teeth. Then we can 3D print that so you can touch and feel it. That's going to be the first thing that we do, sort of creating the blueprint.
Then we're going to go through the treatment process, which will typically involve one or more long days preparing the teeth for their restorations. There will be a phase where you're in temporary teeth for a little while.
Then we'll have another big appointment where we're going to put the permanent teeth in your mouth and cement them on.
How long does a full-mouth reconstruction take?
A full-mouth reconstruction is different for everybody, especially when it comes to how long it's going to take.
Let's say we need to replace some teeth with implants or bridges. That may take longer than if we're just doing crowns on every individual tooth.
Everybody's a little bit different, but I would say typically it's going to be anywhere from about a month on the shorter side to maybe a year, depending on your personal circumstances.
What sedation options are available during a full-mouth reconstruction?
During a full-mouth reconstruction, a lot of times people don't want to be fully aware of everything happening during a long procedure. There are a lot of things that we can do to make the experience more comfortable for you.
If you just need a little something to take the edge off and make you a little calmer, we can do something like laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. We can also give you what we sometimes call the happy pill, which is a pill that we'll prescribe. We'll send it to the pharmacy, and you can pick it up and take it about an hour before you come.
If you really don't want to be aware of the procedure, we can use one of our anesthesiologists to provide deeper sedation while your treatment is completed.
How long does it take to heal from a full-mouth reconstruction?
The time it's going to take to heal is definitely going to depend on each person. Some people need to add implants if they're missing teeth, while others don't. Some people need to extract teeth, and some people don't.
It really just depends. If we're doing any extractions and implants, that can sometimes take about four months to heal before we can move on with the full-mouth reconstruction.
If we don't have to remove any teeth or put any implants in, a lot of times there really is no significant downtime. We prepare the teeth, you're in temporaries for a little while, and then you come back and we put in the permanent teeth.
How do I care for my teeth after a full-mouth reconstruction?
There will be some special home care instructions for you. It's really important that you come in and we talk about that because it's going to be different for everybody.
Certainly, we want everybody brushing and flossing. Other things that can be helpful include using a Waterpik. If you have any kind of bridge, we'd like to have you use floss threaders, and we can show you how that works.
It's really important that you sit down with the dentist or hygienist and come up with a home care plan that's right for you.
How long do full-mouth reconstructions last?
Full-mouth reconstructions done here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center are intended to last a long time. How long is that going to be? I don't know. My hope is that it's going to last for decades to come.
Does dental insurance cover a full-mouth reconstruction?
Dental insurance can help with some of the cost of a full-mouth reconstruction. Typically, dental insurance has a yearly maximum that may be around $1,500 or $2,000, whereas a full-mouth reconstruction can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
We'll definitely find out what your insurance covers, and we'll use those benefits to the best of our ability.
Are financing options available for a full-mouth reconstruction?
Financing options are available. The financing companies that we partner with don't have prepayment penalties, and we can find a payment option that's right for you.
How do I schedule a consultation for a full-mouth reconstruction?
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.