Full Mouth Reconstruction Steps
Full mouth reconstruction, also called rehabilitation or restoration, can help restore your smile’s function, comfort, as well as appearance, helping you look and feel your best. Full mouth reconstruction is a personalized treatment plan designed to repair or replace most of your teeth. The treatment may be recommended by your dentist if you have multiple missing, broken, or damaged teeth, extensive tooth decay or gum disease, significant tooth wear from grinding or erosion, jaw pain, bite problems, TMJ, or damage to your teeth or mouth from an injury.
What are the Benefits of Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction can involve various treatments to address a variety of dental concerns such as:
- Replacing missing teeth
- Repairing cracked or chipped teeth
- Correcting teeth that are misaligned and/or closing any gaps or spaces
- Improving the appearance of teeth that are affected by stains or discoloration
- Restoring teeth that are damaged by injury or decay
- Treat gum disease
- Treat TMJ symptoms
Treatment Process
Generally, there are three main steps involved in full mouth reconstruction: diagnosis, planning and preparation, and restoration.
- Diagnosis: Your dentist will start with a thorough exam, including X-Rays, to evaluate the condition of your gums, teeth, jaw, and bite. Your dentist will use this information to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. After the treatment plan is created, they will walk you through the estimated cost and timeline. Because the process can vary widely depending on the patient, the severity of the damage, and the treatment required, so does the cost. On average, the total cost in the United States typically ranges between $20,000 and $90,000, with insurance covering 50%–80% of the cost if it is medically necessary. Some treatments cost more than others; crowns or veneers typically range between $500–$3,000 per tooth versus bridges, which typically range between $700–$1,500 per tooth.
- Planning and Preparation: After your treatment plan is finalized, your dentist will take impressions and/or digital scans of your teeth. These are then used to make a temporary model of your teeth so that you can preview the end results before the treatment or custom restoration is completed.
- Restoration: Your treatment will depend on your needs. Some treatment plans include crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, or veneers. A dental crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap that is fitted over a weak or decaying tooth. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. Dentures are made of acrylic and artificial teeth that are made to look like natural teeth. They are worn when most or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. A veneer is custom-made of porcelain or composite material that is bonded to the front of the tooth to improve its appearance and close any gap. After your restorations are complete, the dentist will place, fit, and adjust them to your mouth so that you are comfortable. Throughout this process, your dentist will check in along the way so that you are always comfortable with the healing process and are happy with the results.
Every full mouth reconstruction journey and process is different, but they all have the same goal: to help you walk out of the dentist’s office feeling confident and comfortable for many years to come. To meet with a dentist and discuss treatment options, contact the office to schedule an appointment.
Related Article: What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
