Unlike cosmetic dentistry, where the purpose is primarily aesthetic, a full mouth reconstruction is often done for functionality with the overall aim of improving the patient’s oral health.

A full mouth reconstruction is an option for those who require an outcome that restores or replaces all or nearly all teeth.. Undergoing the process of a full mouth reconstruction can be a lengthy process, and it can sometimes take a year or longer for the full treatment to be completed. Some of the patients we see might need a full mouth reconstruction for several reasons. These include but are not limited to:

• Injury or trauma to the mouth
• Serious decay or erosion of the teeth
• Significant wearing down of the teeth
• Illness or aggressive health treatments

A reconstruction is designed to recover lost function and compromised cosmetic appearance. It should improve quality of life and psychological well being. A renewed smile can also improve a patient’s general health. 

Speaking to a Prosthodontist

Those who require a full mouth reconstruction, such as those who have suffered injury or trauma, may want to achieve the outcomes as quickly as possible as they remember what their smile was like before the injury or incident that affected their smile. However, a full mouth reconstruction is a complex process that requires a specialist dentist, known as a prosthodontist, as opposed to the general dentist who has a special interest in prosthodontics.

Although the patient’s main focus is to achieve their optimal function and cosmetic appearance, it is important that the decision to undertake a full mouth restoration takes into full consideration the length of treatment to allow necessary recovery. This may sometimes include referral to other specialist dentists. When comparing your options, make sure you choose a prosthodontist who:

• Has experience with full mouth reconstructions and all the procedures therein.
• Has a good relationship and works alongside other specialists such as orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists and endodontists.
• Has an excellent track record and portfolio of success stories.
• Understands your concerns as a patient and is able to overcome any objections or hesitations you have.
• Is ethical in their approach to your treatment and is only offering a treatment plan you actually need.

Preparing for a Full Mouth Reconstruction

A prosthodontist will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaws. Any immediate oral health issues or required treatments required by other dental specialists will be highlighted by your prosthodontist. They will address those first before beginning the first stage of reconstruction. Some issues that may need to be addressed initially may include gum disease, broken teeth, or jaw alignment.

On an initial assessment of the patient’s mouth, some periodontal treatments or bone tissue-related treatments may be required to best prepare the mouth for the first stages of a full mouth reconstruction. A strong foundation is required to help any new teeth.

After any initial treatments have been completed, your prosthodontist will conduct a further assessment to prepare you for the reconstruction. This includes things like X-rays, scans, and moulds.

Every patient who opts for a full mouth reconstruction is going through a procedure that is unique to their own needs. There is no such thing as an average procedure for a full mouth reconstruction. Each patient requires something different, and each person’s treatment plan will differ in both procedures and timescale. For this reason, patients are encouraged to ask as many questions as they have. This will help you prepare for the unique treatment ahead of you.

How Long Does a Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?

Timing varies greatly depending on the treatments you need. Dr Bradley Shepherd will discuss with you the procedures required and expectations regarding your treatment plan before scheduling your first procedure.

Generally, though, each visit will incorporate as many procedures as possible to help decrease the number of appointments overall. During each visit and procedure, we will make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.

Conditions that Can Be Corrected by a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Severe decay: In the early stages of decay, fillings can be used to save teeth, but if the decay is left untreated, the teeth may be so badly damaged and discoloured that they need to be removed. After removing several teeth, a patient may be keen to fill the missing gaps. They have several options available for prosthetic teeth.

Tooth loss: A tooth may have fallen out due to gum disease, poor dental hygiene leading to decay, or the dentist may have needed to remove a damaged tooth. For many people, the gap reduces their self-confidence. Depending on which tooth/teeth are missing, their chewing function may also be impacted.

Injury: A serious injury such as a car accident or on the sporting field can cause the loss of several otherwise healthy teeth in a split second. Prosthetics may be needed to restore a person’s smile and confidence and allow them to return to a normal diet.

Teeth Grinding: A significant portion of the population grinds their teeth, but thankfully, few of us grind our teeth so hard that it wears them down excessively. A night guard can reduce the damage but those people who have been grinding their teeth for years without a guard may need a makeover to save and restore the teeth affected by tooth surface loss.

Poor bite: Malocclusion—whether it’s an overbite, underbite, or crossbite—can impact the shape of a person’s face as well as the appearance of their mouth. If orthodontic treatment isn’t an option or not wanted, prosthodontics can help. A prosthodontist can provide patients with options for improving the appearance of their smile or their functional arrangement.

Acid erosion: Once enamel has been stripped from teeth, it doesn’t rejuvenate like most other parts of the body. Our diet plays a big part in the erosion of our enamel, but erosion also occurs naturally with age. Even thin enamel exposes the tooth’s dentin, which isn’t as white as enamel, so teeth look discoloured. Some people choose to restore all of their teeth’s damaged enamel through a makeover.

Depending on the condition of the mouth, a prosthodontist will recommend one or more treatments to give you the best outcome for a restored smile. A mouth restoration may include being referred to other specialists, such as an orthodontist, endodontist, or oral surgeon for additional treatment.

Recovery & Risks

The associated risks and recovery period from a full mouth reconstruction will vary from patient to patient. Several procedures may be needed that are spaced out over a period of time to allow for recovery in between. Younger patients will be able to deal with fewer risks and recover more quickly.

Maintaining a good level of oral health after the reconstruction is vital to maintain results and prevent a relapse of bad habits. The results will not last if the patient does not get into the habit of maintaining their oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing twice daily.

Second Opinion

It’s important to first ask if the proposed treatments you are looking at getting a second opinion on are being done by a specialist dentist or a general dentist with a specialist interest.

Many of our patients come to Western Prosthodontic Centre for a second opinion after having been told they need certain treatments as part of a full mouth reconstruction, which can come at a great cost and may be unnecessary. There may be other options or dental treatments available, and Dr Bradley Shepherd has helped many consider all the alternatives, saving them money and unnecessary discomfort.

Specialist dentistry can be complex, and there is rarely only one choice of treatment available. If you are confused about a diagnosis or a treatment proposal you have been presented and would like a second opinion from a specialist dentist, we are here to provide clarification and alternative treatment options that may suit your circumstances better or give you the confidence to return to your normal provider.