Full Mouth Reconstruction Steps
Full mouth reconstruction typically means general dentists, oral surgeons, or restorative dentists provide treatments such as crowns, veneers, bridges, or implants to rebuild or restore all the teeth in your upper and lower jaws.
What are some reasons you might decide you need full mouth reconstruction? You may have missing teeth or badly decayed teeth, be unable to wear dentures, or have a speech impediment that could be improved through dental restoration.
As described below, your full mouth reconstruction will be completed in several steps, typically requiring multiple office visits over a period of 12 months or more. The entire full mouth reconstruction process will require your patience. Healing will take time.
Initial Evaluation
Full mouth reconstruction usually requires a number of surgical procedures, beginning with an initial evaluation:
- A comprehensive oral exam will include X-rays and thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- Your dentist will make models of your teeth to ensure that your restoration will be compatible with your gums, lips, mouth, and face.
- Discussion of your case will include any health conditions you might have, medications you are taking, and anesthesia options for your various procedures.
- Your dentist might also refer you to dental specialists, such as a maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist.
The Surgery Process
Your dentist or oral surgeon will complete the following steps for full mouth reconstruction, and will only proceed to the next step when you are sufficiently healed:
- Remove existing damaged teeth.
- Prepare your jawbone for dental surgery, which can include bone grafting, or adding a small amount of bone to strengthen your jawbone.
- If you need bone grafting, the healing process is typically another four to six months.
- Once your jawbone is fully healed, your dentist will place the restorative devices—crowns, veneers, bridges, or implants—into your gumline.
After Surgery
Discomfort, swelling of the gums or face, and minor bleeding are to be expected as you progress through each phase of your full mouth reconstruction. If any of these symptoms worsen in the days following your surgery, contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. You might have a complication that will need to be addressed.
To help you heal after each phase of your surgery, your dental provider will instruct you to eat soft foods for a short period of time. You can apply ice packs to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Follow your provider’s instructions for keeping your teeth and mouth clean. Most importantly, avoid using tobacco products.
Remember—full mouth reconstruction requires time, and especially your patience. Also, dental surgery, as with any medical procedure, has potential risks. While complications are rare, infection and nerve damage are possible. Consult with your dental provider on the risks of oral surgery to address any concerns you may have before you undergo any treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
If you think you might be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction, see your dentist for a comprehensive examination. Then discuss your treatment options and procedures that might be required for your case and under what circumstances. Only your dentist and the team of specialists working on your full mouth reconstruction can determine what is best for you individually.
Most full mouth reconstruction cases involve multiple stages and office visits. You should expect treatment to require 12 months or more, depending on your specific needs.
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