Full Mouth Reconstruction Specialist

What is a full-mouth reconstruction?

As the name implies, this is a multifaceted approach, but the process usually involves all of the teeth and the soft tissues. Missing teeth are replaced, damaged teeth repaired, alignment of the bite and corresponding jaw joints addressed, gum disease treated, jawbone mass rebuilt, and worn out dental appliances replaced.

Dr. Mahallati performs most of the procedures, but he may bring in specialists such as a periodontist or oral surgeon, if necessary.

Am I a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction?

There isn’t a single threshold or set of problems that calls for a “full-mouth reconstruction,” as every patient is different. But when the damage has progressed past the point of involving just a few teeth, or when the gums are in periodontitis, you need more in-depth treatment to save your teeth.

These are some possible issues that lead to full-mouth reconstruction:

• Multiple teeth that have been lost due to extensive decay or trauma
• Multiple teeth that have been injured or fractured
• Teeth that have been worn down from long-term grinding or acid reflux

You may also be considered a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction if gum disease is threatening the health of your teeth and jaw.

What are full-mouth reconstruction procedures?

Full-mouth reconstruction with the team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry is an involved commitment. After your consultation, the team creates a treatment plan and discusses it with you.  

Full-mouth reconstruction can include any combination of the following procedures:

• Restorative dental treatment: Dental crowns, bridges, fillings, inlays, and onlays
• Implant dentistry: Implants to replace missing teeth, and to provide anchor points for appliances such as bridges
• Cosmetic dentistry: Porcelain veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, gum recontouring
• Bruxism treatment: Measures to end bruxism (tooth grinding)
• Orthodontics: Traditional braces, Invisalign®, spacers, expanders, and retainers, all with the intent of moving the teeth into the proper locations
• Oral surgery: Soft and hard tissue grafting, extractions
• Endodontics: Root Canal Treatments to treat infections in the teeth
• Periodontal treatments: Gum treatment, root planing, and periodontal surgery to address gum disease
• TMJ treatment: Bite alignment is corrected to remove chronic jaw, neck, and face pain

Multiple phases and office visits are necessary. The entire process may require a full year, depending on your situation.

Are the procedures for full-mouth reconstruction painful?

Modern techniques and anesthesia ensure procedures such as root canals, gum treatment, or the placement of implants are pain-free. But you may experience some discomfort during recovery.

Generally, this consists of soreness and aching. The team provides you with the necessary medication to manage your discomfort. Also, if you’re apprehensive about any part of the treatment, the team offers sedation to help with your anxiety.

What can I expect during full-mouth reconstruction recovery?

Due to the wide assortment of procedures that can be included in your full-mouth reconstruction, it’s impossible to say what your recovery will entail. Implants usually involve a three-step process with some gum recovery for a few days. Cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers don’t require any recovery. Root canals have some soreness, but no real recovery. Rest assured the team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry walks you through your recoveries, just like your procedures.

How much does full-mouth reconstruction cost, and is financing available?

As with recovery, there’s no way to tell what your individual full-mouth reconstruction will require, so it’s impossible to estimate the cost. Once the team determines your individual treatment plan, they discuss what the various facets cost.

The Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry offers CareCredit®, LendingClub®, or Citi Health options for dental financing.

When do you need a full-mouth reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction may be recommended to those who have missing teeth due to trauma or decay, injured or fractured teeth, and severely worn teeth due to long-term acid erosion or tooth grinding. If you’re suffering from temporomandibular disease symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches, you may also be a good candidate for a full-mouth reconstruction. You can also benefit from this procedure if you’ve had gum disease or missing teeth that have affected your bite.

Some people have a combination of dental problems, including missing teeth, damaged teeth, faulty bites, and gum damage. Some have dental restorations that are worn out. Others have gum disease and jawbone damage.  

Specific procedures can address each of these problems. However, when multiple problems exist, a full-mouth reconstruction may be the best course of action. 

What can I expect during my consultation?

Dr. Mahallati performs a comprehensive examination of your mouth to identify the severity of the problem and create a treatment plan that addresses your needs. Dr. Mahallati examines the condition of your teeth, gums, temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and bite. Overall aesthetics are also considered. 

What procedures are included in full-mouth reconstruction?

Full-mouth reconstructions typically involve multiple visits to the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry. Depending on your situation, treatments may take more than a year. Your full-mouth reconstruction may involve the following procedures:

• Dental cleaning and periodontal care
• Crown lengthening
• Gum recontouring
• Placement of tooth-colored fillings
• Dental bonding
• Teeth whitening
• Reduction of natural tooth structure to prepare the tooth for the placement of bridges, crowns, or veneers
• Placement of temporary dental restorations to become accustomed to the presence of new teeth
• Placement of permanent dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, or bridges
• Use of traditional metal braces or Invisalign® to move your teeth to their proper positions
• Placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth
• Root canal therapy and tooth extractions
• TMD treatments to correct problems involving the temporomandibular joint
• Bruxism treatments that resolve teeth grinding

With full-mouth reconstruction, the team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry aims to restore oral aesthetics and function to improve your health. To schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online.