Do you feel like your teeth are not looking or functioning at their best? Your mouth is a vital and delicate place, and any damage to your teeth, jaw, gums, palate, or even sinuses can affect everything from your appearance to your ability to chew and speak. Whether these oral pathologies were injury-, illness- or genetics-related, it’s not nice to live with a dysfunctional, unsightly mouth.
The good news is, there are a variety of restorative methods for complex orofacial problems, and you may be a candidate for this kind of full-mouth reconstruction. Full-mouth reconstruction is an ever-evolving field of dentistry that involves restoring and optimizing the health, form and function of your mouth.
And because rebuilding damaged oral structures can require several different treatment approaches, full-mouth reconstructions are often comprised of interdisciplinary treatments, which means there is an option for everyone. From straightening crooked teeth to improving poor bite alignment, grafting damaged jaw bone or replacing missing teeth—full-mouth restoration provides comprehensive oral care that can result in stunning aesthetic results with lasting function, durability and comfort.
Understanding Full-Mouth Reconstruction
Experiencing facial trauma or pathology can cause a loss of bone and soft tissue in the mouth. Having this type of damage to the mouth structures can also result in respiratory and digestive system issues. When the damage is more than a simple lost tooth, reconstructive methods must be applied to ensure that repairing the injured/diseased area protects the rest of your mouth as well.
Whole-mouth reconstruction includes both bone and soft tissue restoration via bone and gum grafting techniques. Dental implants are frequently used within these procedures to complete the reconstruction and stabilize the repaired jaw.
Multi-phase procedures like this require an oral and maxillofacial surgeon that specializes in diagnosing oral pathologies as well as repairing maxillofacial damage. They are trained in understanding the intricate structures of the mouth and jaw.
Benefits of Comprehensive Mouth Restoration
Apart from a boost in confidence, full-mouth reconstruction offers benefits such as:
- Improved bite and chewing
- Reduced risk of tooth decay
- Improved gum health
- Clearer speech
- Facial and lip support
- Reduced risk of infections/abscesses
What Does the Process of Repairing a Damaged Mouth Look Like?
Depending on the problem areas you want to address, the full-mouth reconstruction can take anywhere from a few months and up to a year or more. The initial evaluative and preparation steps can include:
- Initial consultation
- Taking impressions and x-rays
- Formulating a treatment plan with your oral surgeon
- Removing old dentistry
- Removal of all decayed/damaged tissues
- Treatment preparation
- Teeth impressions
These steps are followed by the reconstruction phase, which can include things like placement of new dental implants, grafting missing gum tissue, releasing the TMJ, as well as any other custom restorations.
Who is a Candidate for Full-Mouth Reconstruction?
The best candidates for this type of reconstructive surgery are those with extensive and/or multiple dental problems. Conditions that might make for this reconstruction are:
- Large amounts of wear and tear on teeth (cracked, broken, ground down)
- Gum disease
- Missing teeth
- Severe acid reflux
- Misaligned bite
- TMJ pain
- Severe decay
- Loss of jawbone density
The treatment program you and your oral surgeon will design will ensure your complete oral reconstruction is based on the root causes of pain and decay for the individual patient – you! No matter what challenges you are facing with your smile and mouth, choosing to have an oral surgeon reconstruct oral damage offers you a variety of solutions that can help you attain the look and function you desire.
Full-mouth reconstructions require a team approach from a staff that will understand and embrace each patient’s needs and desired outcome. With an emphasis on patient-focused care and restorative dentistry, Dr. Puckett and Wilmington Oral Surgery can get you on the right path toward a healthier, more functional smile today.
