What to Know Before Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures
Full mouth reconstruction is a personalized treatment plan that involves a series of procedures that treat different dental problems.
The type and number of procedures that an individual needs will depend on the state of their teeth, gums, and jaws. For example, severe oral health issues usually require time and several treatments to resolve. In contrast, a person with cosmetic-level issues only needs a few minimally invasive procedures.
Full mouth restoration needs an investment of time, energy, and finances on your part. So, learning all you can about full mouth reconstruction makes sense before taking the leap.
How full-mouth reconstruction resolves oral health issues
No two full-mouth reconstruction treatment plans are the same because no two patients have the same needs. That said, there are commonalities among most treatment plans. The procedures that dentists use for full-mouth reconstruction fall into the following broad categories:
- Use of dental restorations like fillings and crowns to repair teeth
- Periodontal treatment to control and reverse gum disease
- Orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite
- Corrective jaw surgery to treat jaw deformities
- Oral surgeries to install dental implants and bone grafts for patients with missing teeth
- Use of cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of the teeth and mouth
Full Mouth Reconstruction Candidacy
People with severe teeth, jaws, or face damage can opt for a full mouth reconstruction. However, while full mouth reconstructions can help many people, they are not right for everyone. For example, patients who smoke, take certain medications, or have poor oral hygiene are not good candidates for full mouth reconstruction.
Good candidates must meet a certain baseline of health. People with health issues, such as infection, must resolve them before seeking treatment. It is also essential for candidates to attend all their appointments and follow our instructions. Our team will evaluate each patient to determine whether they are a good candidate.
Suppose that patient is dealing with tooth decay and missing teeth because of gum disease. A dentist will craft a treatment plan that treats tooth decay as a matter of urgency. This preserves the remaining teeth as the patient undergoes treatment for gum disease.
Once the dentist controls the periodontal disease, they will replace the missing teeth. Then, they will conclude treatment by removing surface-level imperfections in the remaining natural teeth.
Different stages of full-mouth reconstruction
The road to full mouth restoration starts with an evaluation via a visual exam. The dentist will evaluate the patient's teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. They will then compare their observations to the patient's dental records. The dentist will also request X-rays and other types of medical imaging if needed.
Next, the dentist will use the information that they gathered to craft a custom treatment plan. The plan will comprise a series of procedures that the dentist schedules over a period of time. This plan will have allowances for recovery time.
Where possible, the dentist will arrange for two procedures simultaneously. For example, this happens in scenarios where an oral surgeon combines a bone graft and dental implant surgery into a single procedure.
The final phase of full mouth reconstruction is the monitoring phase, where the dentist keeps tabs on their patient's oral health. This phase takes the form of routine dental visits that happen twice a year.
Preparation
Each procedure has its own requirements when it comes to preparation, but there are standard measures that patients need to take.
Sometimes, an individual has to start or discontinue certain medications in the days leading up to the procedure. The person must also arrange time off to recover, including completing chores and errands.
People with kids need to make childcare arrangements if they expect to undergo an intensive procedure. They also have to arrange for transport to and from the dentist's office. Lastly, patients should stock up on medication, cold packs, and soft foods for recovery.
Aftercare and recovery
Recovery involves rest, pain management, diet modifications, and good oral hygiene in broad strokes. In addition, dentists can advise patients on aftercare depending on their unique circumstances.
A dentist will also detail a list of symptoms that point to a postoperative complication. Finally, they will advise their patient to seek immediate help if they experience any symptoms.
Make a healthy smile your new reality
Our team has expertise across different dentistry specialties, enabling us to craft effective custom treatment plans. If you want to improve your smile dramatically, a full mouth reconstruction may be the right option. Get in touch with us to talk with a staff member and book a consultation with the dentist.
Please request an appointment here: https://jonesfamilydentists.com or call Jones Family Dental at (281) 377-6651 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Full Mouth Reconstruction in Houston, TX.
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