Not too happy with your smile? An oral surgeon might be able to help. A full mouth reconstruction could be just the ticket to boost your self esteem with the smile you’ve always dreamed about. It’s like a makeover for your mouth. But the results can affect your whole outlook on life. Boost self confidence, feel better speaking to large groups, discover a whole new you.
A full mouth reconstruction looks at the color, size, shape, and position of your teeth and asks what could be made better. It’s the perfect solution for a mouth that’s been left to rot and decay, issues you may have had since birth, or if you just want a whole new look to your smile. The process can involve dental implants to replace teeth, veneers, caps, and bridges — pretty much any procedure that can fix missing teeth or improve the appearance of existing teeth.
But as full mouth reconstruction dentists, we’ll be honest with you — full mouth reconstructions don’t come cheap. You can spend anywhere from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on the approach and the extensiveness of the procedure.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to replace all of your teeth or just a few?
- Would you prefer to keep your existing teeth and just modify them?
- What are your end goals for the full mouth reconstruction?
- Is dental implant surgery something you’d consider?
There are many variables involved, as well as money on the line. This is a decision you need to make carefully. Dr. Puckett is happy to discuss all the options available to you. But it’s best to first research the possibilities of full mouth reconstruction yourself before you come in and see us. That way you can ask questions from an educated position — informed and empowered to make decisions regarding your dental health.
What’s Your Goal for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
The first step is to determine what you’re looking for out of the procedure. Why are you having a full mouth reconstruction, exactly? This is an important question to discuss with your full mouth reconstruction dentist as you prepare for the procedure.
Is your goal functional, like eating properly, jaw reclamation from missing teeth, a desire to stop wearing dentures? Are you trying to fix an over or underbite?
Are you considering this approach because you’re not happy with your appearance? It’s fine if you’re not happy with your smile. A maxillofacial surgeon can help. Maybe it’s even prevented you from getting a job or advancing in your career. Perhaps it’s impacted your success at dating or relationships. Maybe your teeth are mismatched due to numerous dental restorations over the years that leave your smile feeling “patchy.” Improving your appearance is a perfectly legitimate reason to get a smile makeover.
Perhaps you’ve lost your teeth to periodontal disease or an accident. Maybe you’re ready for a brand new smile that looks every bit as natural — except for the fact that it’s absolutely perfect! That’s the beauty of dental implants. They look and function much like your natural teeth.
Maybe you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction — a condition where the temporomandibular joint (where the jaw connects with the temple) creates a bad bite.
There’s no right answer for why you’re thinking about full mouth reconstruction. The exact needs and situation are different for everybody. But it’s worth considering what you’re looking to get out of it. That will guide your approach to this treatment as you and your oral surgeon decide what’s best for you.
Is Full Mouth Reconstruction a Want or an Absolute Need?
Like we said, full mouth reconstruction is an expensive and invasive procedure. There are amazing benefits, but the repercussions are irreversible. Once your teeth are extracted and replaced, you can’t go back — unless you have a time machine.
There may be less extensive and expensive alternatives to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Perhaps braces are a more affordable solution for crooked teeth. Maybe a dental bridge would help you with any missing teeth issues — and for less money. Perhaps a veneer is a more affordable alternative than a dental implant.
Not that dental needs are the only justifications for full mouth reconstruction. A beautiful smile is reason enough. But know what you are getting into. Are you truly committed to this procedure? If you actually know what you really want, you’ll know the best path forward.
Is Your Body Ready for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction requires extensive and invasive oral surgery. Are you healthy enough or even the right candidate? Talk with a dentist who specializes in full mouth reconstruction. They can assess your condition and make the best recommendation.
First, consider if braces might be a better answer. Most crooked teeth can be fixed with braces, no matter your age. Second, consider if fillings or crowns on just some of your teeth would suffice. We can do wonders just by restoring part of your mouth without redoing all your teeth.
If you’re considering numerous dental implants for your full mouth reconstruction, do you have the jawbone for it? We need enough jaw material to properly anchor your new teeth in place. This requires a firm jaw bone foundation to place the dental implants. We can usually do a dental bone graft to add to your jaw bone. Some cases of advanced periodontal disease — or if you’ve been missing teeth for too long — might make full mouth reconstruction a difficult if not impossible option.
Do you suffer from osteoporosis? This may make full mouth reconstruction challenging, but it depends on how your mouth has been affected.
Are you a smoker? Smoking can make it more difficult for your mouth to heal from the surgery required by full mouth reconstruction. If you really want to do this procedure, you should probably quit.
Have you had cancer treatment in the last 6 months? We may need to give your body a break.
We don’t want to shatter your hopes for full mouth reconstruction. Sometimes it is your best ticket for a beautiful smile. But you should know what you’re getting into. Be prepared that dental implant surgery is probably necessary, and this may require numerous dental bone grafts. This is a decision you’ll need to make carefully. Fully research all your options. Talk it over with a dentist or oral surgeon who specializes in full mouth reconstruction. Know what you are getting into.
