Do you have many dental problems and worry about visiting multiple specialists?
Full mouth reconstruction, also known as full-mouth rehabilitation, describes restoring dental health by addressing extensive tooth damage, gum disease, and complex bite problems. This process combines general dental services, restorative dental services, and cosmetic dentistry. We can use a complete smile makeover to give patients a healthy, functioning, and, most of all, beautiful smile.
Charlotte dentist Dr. Leonard Hess has extensive training in dentistry and over 20 years of experience treating complex dental problems. After a thorough dental exam, he will design a customized treatment plan to restore oral health. We first focus on underlying dental problems and then attack cosmetic dental issues. Any dental issues that may compromise long-term results will be addressed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dr. Hess will work with each patient individually to promptly address their dental health problems, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Options
Periodontal disease, occlusal disease, and missing teeth are common dental problems that may require full mouth reconstruction to be treated effectively. Do not assume you need a specific procedure without talking with your dentist about it first.
- Periodontal therapy: Dr. Hess may need to restore gum health as part of a full mouth reconstruction to give the teeth a strong foundation.
- Restorative dentistry: Various restorative procedures may be used, including dental crowns, veneers, implants, or bridges. We will offer the appropriate procedure, depending on your unique issues.
- Orthodontics: Traditional braces or invisible aligners may be recommended to realign the bite and straighten teeth. Clear aligners are best for mildly to moderately crooked teeth.
- Oral surgery: When necessary, bone grafting, gum surgery, and jaw surgery may be part of the treatment plan for restoring dental health and a functional smile.
In many cases, Dr. Hess incorporates a variety of treatments he phases over several visits to accomplish the desired outcome. Most full-mouth reconstructions occur in our dentist’s office.
Benefits of Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction offers a wide range of benefits for people with multiple dental issues, helping to restore not just oral health but also quality of life. Whether your teeth have been damaged by decay, gum disease, injury, or wear over time, a full mouth reconstruction can provide a fresh start for your smile, both functionally and aesthetically.
One of the most significant benefits of full mouth reconstruction is restored function. When teeth are broken, missing, or misaligned, it becomes difficult to chew properly. You may avoid certain foods or favor one side of your mouth. Over time, this can lead to further dental problems and even digestive issues. Full mouth reconstruction helps rebuild your bite, allowing you to eat comfortably and enjoy a wider variety of foods again.
Another significant benefit is pain relief. Many people who need full mouth reconstruction suffer from chronic discomfort due to issues like tooth infections, TMJ disorders, or bite imbalances. These conditions can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and sensitivity that affect daily life. Reconstructing the mouth often involves correcting the bite and treating damaged teeth, which can greatly reduce or eliminate pain.
The procedure also greatly improves oral health. When dental problems are widespread, they tend to feed into each other. For example, gum disease can cause tooth loss, and misaligned teeth can trap plaque, leading to cavities. Full mouth reconstruction allows your dentist to address all issues simultaneously, creating a healthier foundation and lowering your risk of future complications.
Confidence and self-esteem also improve dramatically. Many patients feel embarrassed about their smiles, avoiding social situations or hiding their teeth in photos. A full mouth reconstruction creates a natural-looking, attractive smile that makes people proud to show it off. This boost in confidence can enhance personal relationships and professional opportunities.
Additionally, long-term stability is a significant benefit. Because full mouth reconstruction is carefully planned and tailored to your specific needs, the results are designed to be durable and sustainable. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, the improvements can last for many years.
Full Mouth Reconstruction FAQs
Full mouth reconstruction can give you the functional, beautiful smile of your dreams. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Does my insurance cover full mouth reconstruction?
Some insurance providers cover most or all of the treatments that are part of your full mouth reconstruction treatment plan. Most treatments that are part of a full mouth reconstruction are deemed necessary by dental insurance plans because they are restorative. Contact your specific dental insurance carrier for specific coverage information.
Can you complete a full mouth reconstruction in a single visit?
No, full mouth reconstruction can involve multiple procedures that are dependent on one another. For example, we can’t place a dental implant before prepping or removing an affected tooth. Steps are involved, so we must spread these procedures over time to properly complete a full mouth rehabilitation. Fortunately, it does not have to take that long. Depending on your dental needs, full mouth reconstruction plans can range from a few days to a few months.
Will I need to visit multiple offices to complete a full mouth reconstruction?
No, we perform most full-mouth reconstructions in our dentist office. In rare cases, we may refer you to an oral surgeon. We will be with you through every step of your full-mouth reconstruction.
How painful is full mouth reconstruction?
We take every measure to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedures. We use a local anesthetic to numb any areas we will be working on. You shouldn’t feel pain after the procedures, either. Some soreness and discomfort are common; you can treat them with over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does it take to recover from full mouth reconstruction?
It depends on the services that we perform. The longest recovery time is after dental implants. When we place the implants in your jaw, they take 3-6 months to fully osseointegrate. You must give them time to heal and fuse with the jawbone before we can complete the restoration.
Does full mouth reconstruction relieve jaw pain?
It can, yes. When we perform a full mouth reconstruction, we aim to fix your oral health problems. We want you to have a functional smile free of pain. This includes TMJ treatment if necessary. Often, if we fix your bite alignment, correcting jaw pain will follow.
Affordable Dentistry in Monroe, NC
Note the difference between a full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover. A full mouth reconstruction is typically a necessary treatment plan to restore dental health when significant trauma, disease, or damage occurs. A smile makeover is an elective treatment to address cosmetic concerns that are not affecting oral health.
When reviewing your treatment plan, Dr. Hess will present you with costs and help you make financial arrangements. We can often phase treatment to accommodate a patient’s budget. We can assist with planning for the use of HSA dollars and also offer payment plans to qualified patients through CareCredit. Please inquire at our front desk for additional payment options. We will also file your insurance claims on your behalf and send you reimbursement directly.