What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction, also referred to as a full mouth restoration, restores, rebuilds, and rehabilitates teeth in the upper and lower jaw. Reconstructing teeth includes multiple procedures that improve appearance, oral health, speech, smile, and food digestion.
Full mouth reconstructions require a customized treatment plan that involves a combination of dental and cosmetic procedures. Unlike the “smile makeover” trend, which includes veneers or whitening, the benefits of a full mouth reconstruction extend beyond cosmetic enhancement. Most full mouth restorations are necessary for restoring oral health and dental functionality.
How to Tell if You Need a Full Mouth Reconstruction
If a patient has multiple conditions that need to be addressed to result in a properly functioning mouth, they will likely be a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction. This condition requires an overall vision and strategy to address the multiple areas of concern.
Patients who might need a full mouth reconstruction may have:
- Multiple missing teeth
- Teeth with large fillings that are cracking or decaying
- Broken teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Periodontal disease
Certain inherited and genetic disorders can also impact tooth enamel, shape, and formation. Patients with conditions such as ectodermal dysplasia, ameliogenesis, and dentinogenesis imperfecta are often candidates for mouth reconstruction.
What to Expect During a Full Mouth Reconstruction
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a full mouth reconstruction will help you feel more at ease. The process is completed in phases, starting with an evaluation where your dentist takes X-rays to determine the patient’s needs. For instance, treatment for tooth decay may be a prerequisite to repairing cracked teeth. They will either recommend a full mouth reconstruction or suggest that the patient starts with less-comprehensive restorative dentistry procedures such as fillings or dental implants.
Your dentist will then create a customized treatment plan. Before teeth reconstruction, patients need healthy gums, which are essential for building a strong foundation. In some cases, patients who suffer from gum disease or gum degeneration will undergo preparatory procedures.
At Corner Dentistry, after completing a full dental restoration, patients are given a detailed plan to keep their new mouth healthy for years to come. This plan could include scheduling check-up appointments every 6 months and an at-home oral routine with specific products to target issues.
How long does a full mouth reconstruction take?
The decision to undergo a full mouth reconstruction should not be made lightly, as it can be time-consuming, expensive, and involves multiple sessions. Patients can expect the process to take anywhere between six months to a couple of years as a ballpark estimate.
Analogous to how long a dental reconstruction takes, the cost of the procedure also varies depending on what treatments you are receiving. Less intensive reconstructions will cost less due to their requiring fewer treatments. More intensive reconstructions will cost more. During your initial consultation, your dentist will provide an estimate encompassing all of the necessary treatments for your mouth restoration.
How long is dental reconstruction recovery?
The average dental reconstruction recovery time depends on the procedure and the patient’s age, overall health, and aftercare. Full mouth reconstruction is an umbrella term encompassing multiple dental procedures, so, the road to recovery is not a straightforward process. That’s why reconstruction dentists recommend patients wait differing amounts of time between procedures.
For instance, reconstructing teeth may have a six-month recovery period as the tooth fuses to the jawbone whereas recovery for a dental crown replacement is 2 to 3 days. For tooth extractions, it takes 3-4 weeks on average for gum tissue to heal. Your specific recovery will depend on your procedures and how fast your body heals.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Options
Full mouth reconstruction treatment options are unique to each patient and will result in different combinations for each person, depending on their goals. The more typical options include:
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Bridges or dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Porcelain dental veneers
- Full mouth reconstruction
Benefits of a Full Mouth Reconstruction
Depending on your specific case, the goals and results of your dental reconstruction can vary. Generally, patients can experience the following benefits:
- Improved health and function, lowering your risk of future oral health complications.
- Stronger dental foundation. Aligned teeth and healthy bone structure will help maintain your newly reconstructed mouth over time.
- Improved appearance and aesthetics, resulting in increased confidence.
- Living life with increased comfort.
Undergoing a full mouth reconstruction yields many benefits. Along with improved functionality of the mouth, patients also experience better overall oral health leading to increased confidence. Although it is not an easy or quick fix, full-mouth reconstructions are typically regarded as “worth it” by many patients.
How Much Does a Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?
Full mouth reconstruction can cost between $15,000-$40,000 for moderate full mouth restoration. Extensive reconstruction can range from $45,000-$80,000 or more depending on the condition of the teeth and jaws, and the type and amount of procedures required.
Insurance Coverage for Dental Reconstructions
A full mouth restoration can often be more affordable if you have dental insurance. Some insurance plans will cover some or all treatments under a full mouth reconstruction plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine your coverage level for your customized plan.
Contact Corner Dentistry for Your Full Mouth Reconstruction
The benefits of a full mouth reconstruction go beyond aesthetics. While a restored smile can increase your confidence, it can also improve your overall oral health by fixing issues like damaged teeth, gum disease, and misaligned bites.
If you’re interested in a full mouth reconstruction or general cosmetic dentistry, contact us at Corner Dentistry. Our team is ready to help you restore your smile and increase your confidence. To learn more about full mouth reconstructions, visit our Treatments page to get an idea of what might be involved in your full mouth reconstruction, or book an appointment today.