What Is It? Full Mouth Reconstruction From an Oral Surgeon

For patients who have suffered extensive tooth decay or facial trauma, a full mouth reconstruction from an oral surgeon may be necessary to restore the appearance of their smile. The surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the damage with a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. In this article, you will learn about full mouth reconstruction and what to expect.

What is full mouth reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction is the process of remaking, rehabilitating and reshaping a patient’s teeth, jaw, mouth and other structures of the oral cavity for functionality and aesthetic appeal. It usually combines different dental procedures to achieve a new smile that the patient can confidently show off. Generally, full mouth reconstruction from an oral surgeon entails replacing or repairing a damaged or lost tooth with a new, stable prosthesis.

The surgeon will create a treatment plan that addresses all the oral concerns of the patient while staying within the limits of their budget and schedule. Many patients confuse smile makeovers with full mouth reconstruction. Although they are similar, smile makeovers mostly focus on the cosmetic flaws affecting a healthy smile. Full mouth reconstruction, on the other hand, may include cosmetic procedures, but they are vital to correct severe and complicated oral health issues.

What to expect during full mouth reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction depends on the patient. Some patients require more extensive procedures than others. The following are a few of the processes to expect.

First, the cosmetic dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and gums. They will check for signs of decay and ascertain the condition of the gums. If the gums are unhealthy, the surgeon may recommend using LANAP, which uses PerioLase to eliminate bacterial infection and promote tissue regeneration. They may also recommend a gum graft, where tissues will be transferred from another area of the mouth to the part of the gum with deficient tissues. 

When examining the teeth, the dentist will consider a few factors. They might opt to save most of the natural teeth and protect them with dental crowns. The alternative is to have every damaged tooth extracted and replaced with dental implants. In some situations, it could be a combination of these treatments.

The dentist will examine the jaw and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They will check the patient’s bite for misalignment. Malocclusions or TMJ disorders can be corrected with a dental appliance or in complex cases, surgery.

If the oral surgeon recommends dental implants to replace teeth, they will also check jawbone density. The jawbone must be thick and strong enough to hold the implants. Without sufficient jawbone, the patient can still get dental implants if they undergo bone graft surgery.

Point to note

Patients need to understand that full mouth reconstruction takes time and happens in different stages. The procedure can take up to a year or longer depending on the procedures included in the treatment plan. By the end of the procedure, the patient will have a beautiful and fully functional smile. The oral surgeon will walk you through the entire process and ensure that you get the smile you desire.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.