Do you have many dental problems and worry about visiting multiple specialists?
Full mouth reconstruction repairs extensive damage to your teeth, gums, and bite to restore your dental health. 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 over 20 years of experience and advanced training in 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. We’ll address any dental issues that may compromise long-term results to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dr. Hess will work with you personally to address your dental needs, cosmetic goals, and budget.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Options
Patients often need full mouth reconstruction to effectively treat serious issues like gum disease, bite problems, and missing teeth. Do not assume you need a specific procedure without talking with your dentist about it first.
- Periodontal therapy: Healthy gums are the foundation for strong teeth. Dr. Hess will ensure your gums are healthy as part of your full mouth reconstruction.
- Restorative dentistry: We may use various restorative procedures, including dental crowns, veneers, implants, or bridges. We will offer the appropriate procedure, depending on your unique issues.
- Orthodontics: We may recommend traditional braces or invisible aligners to realign the bite and straighten teeth. Clear aligners are best for mildly to moderately crooked teeth.
- Oral surgery: We may suggest treatments like bone grafts or gum surgery to restore your dental health and give you a strong, functional smile.
Dr. Hess often uses a combination of treatments, spaced over several visits, to achieve the best results. Most full-mouth reconstructions occur in our dentist’s office.
Benefits of Full Mouth Reconstruction
If you have multiple dental problems, full mouth reconstruction can improve your oral health and daily life. It repairs damage from decay, gum disease, injury, or wear, giving you a stronger, more attractive smile.
Restored function is one of the most significant benefits of full mouth reconstruction. Broken, missing, or misaligned teeth make it 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 fixes your bite, so you can eat comfortably and enjoy all your favorite foods again.
Another significant benefit is pain relief. Many people who need full mouth reconstruction live with constant pain from tooth infections, TMJ issues, or an uneven bite. 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 fixes all your dental problems at once. This creates a healthier foundation for your smile and helps prevent future issues.
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. We plan your full mouth reconstruction around your specific needs, so you can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for years to come. 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. Since these procedures restore your dental health, insurance covers many of them as medically necessary. 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. This involves steps, 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 integrate. 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. Patients often need full mouth reconstruction to restore their dental health after serious injury, disease, or damage. 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 make treatment affordable by helping you use your HSA and offering flexible payment plans 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.