If your oral health is in poor condition, your dentist may recommend that you undergo full mouth reconstruction. This is a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that has the goal of restoring your smile’s health, function, and appearance to the greatest extent possible. But what exactly does full mouth reconstruction involve? This blog post explains five treatments that are often part of the process.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a dangerous infection that attacks the tissue that supports your teeth. It needs to be well-managed before you can move forward with other procedures. If you have mild gum disease, oral hygiene changes or a deep dental cleaning (known as scaling and root planing) may be able to stop the infection. You might also need laser periodontal treatment, which trims away damaged tissues so the mouth can heal.
New Restorations for Damaged Teeth
If your teeth are often in pain, they may have cavities, cracks, or significant wear and tear. Such issues can cause sensitivity, toothaches, and more. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and determine if they can be preserved. Some of them might need root canal therapy, fillings, and/or crowns. Teeth that are badly damaged may need to be removed altogether.
Replacement of Old Restorations
Do you have old restorations that are no longer serving you well? Perhaps you have old metal crowns that look out of place or that cause significant dental sensitivity. Full mouth reconstruction often involves replacing old restorations with new, lifelike alternatives. These tooth-colored crowns and fillings blend in with the surrounding dentition, look beautiful, and provide better support for oral and overall health.
Tooth Replacement
Tooth loss is very common, especially among older individuals. If you have gaps in your smile, your dentist will propose a plan to fill those spaces. Dental implants are the strongest option; they rebuild lost teeth from the roots up and have the potential to last a lifetime. Or, you might choose to get traditional dentures or a fixed bridge. Each treatment comes with its own pros, cons, and cost.
Cosmetic Care
Of course, you want your smile to look its best! To put the finishing touches on your new look, you might choose to get your teeth whitened. Or, you may get veneers to hide chipped or discolored teeth, or to disguise minor misalignment. While cosmetic treatments are usually not necessary in full mouth reconstruction, they do have the potential to make you feel like a brand new person.
Full mouth reconstruction is different for each patient. Talk to your dentist to find out what they recommend for you.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ahn Vo is a highly accomplished practitioner who is on-track to become a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Under his leadership, our team offers a wide variety of full mouth reconstruction services. If you are ready to improve your oral health and optimize your smile’s potential, schedule a consultation by contacting our Grand Prairie office at 469-890-1199.