What is Full-Mouth Reconstruction?
As its name implies, full-mouth reconstruction refers to several procedures in a patient’s mouth to rebuild, restore, or rehabilitate the functionality of the mouth. However, many misconceptions surround full-mouth reconstructions and smile makeovers. Moreover, patients are often unsure how to pick the best dentist for this procedure or decide if they are a good candidate for it.
North Pointe Dental Associates is home to some of the best dentists in Tampa. For more than 30 years, we have been helping our patients regain their confidence, restore oral health, and ensure they are proud of their pearly whites. Today, we are providing you with an overview of full-mouth reconstruction and what it entails.
What is full-mouth reconstruction?
Full-mouth reconstruction often requires both cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry procedures. However, the term “full” does not mean that every part of your mouth will be treated. The term is used loosely to refer to multiple procedures that can restore the function of your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Some Tampa dentists use the words “smile makeover” and “full-mouth reconstruction” interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two procedures. Reconstruction combines two or more restorative procedures or treatments to restore optimal dental function. Conversely, a smile makeover is performed to restore your smile’s beauty.
What sorts of procedures are involved?
Full-mouth reconstruction can repair fractured or worn teeth, replace missing teeth, correct a crooked bite, and rehabilitate diseased/receding gums. To achieve this, your dentist can use any of the following procedures.
Your dentist might use dental implants to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. If the tooth is not missing but is weak or worn, your dentist might place a dental crown on it to strengthen it. A crown is essentially a cap for a damaged tooth that is made from a variety of materials, including metal or porcelain. Here at North Pointe Dental Associates, we use porcelain crowns and veneers.
In addition to implants and crowns, we sometimes use dental bridges to close gaps left by missing teeth. In other cases, we might use orthodontics to adjust the teeth’ position. Some full-mouth reconstruction treatment plans might include surgical components as well, but reconstructions require it.
The procedures above are just a sample of what your treatment plan might include. However, it is vital to remember that each patient is unique and your needs alone will dictate what your treatment plan consists of.
Schedule your appointment today!
If you are unsure about what your treatment plan will entail, or you have a question that was not covered in this post, give us a call at (813) 961-1727 and our personnel will be more than happy to help you.
