Full-mouth reconstruction or a “full mouth rehabilitation” refers to a complex, comprehensive restoration procedure that involves replacing all of the teeth — both upper and lower — and may even require reconstruction of the structure of the mouth such as gums and jawbone, in addition to creating new teeth.
The ultimate result of a full mouth reconstruction is that the patient will have a significantly improved appearance and the mouth will function well when eating and speaking. This procedure is considered a necessity rather than an elective cosmetic procedure. Your family dentist usually works with a team of dental health specialists in order to achieve the desired results.
Who needs this type of dental treatment?
- Patients who have had oral cancer.
- Patients who were born with medical conditions that have impacted the oral cavity.
- Patients who have experienced severe tooth decay, and/or those with a number of missing teeth.
- Patients who have experienced a trauma that has fractured most of the teeth.
- Patients who experience chronic pain due to oral health issues.
What is involved in this procedure?
The patient consults with their family dentist, who may then refer the patient to a prosthodontist, or the family dentist may bring several specialists onto the treatment team. The treatment team may include any or all of the following specialists, depending upon the specific issues that affect each patient:
- a periodontist
- an endodontist
- a prosthodontist
- an oral surgeon
- an orthodontist
These dental health professionals will address the issues that may have resulted in the need for a full-mouth reconstruction. The team will also work to ensure that the reconstruction will be aesthetically pleasing and also that the newly reconstructed smile does not create new problems with the bite.
The experts will determine how teeth gums and jaw of the patient may need to be prepared, and this preliminary work must be performed before the rest of the procedure takes place.
After the initial preliminary work is completed, crowns, bridges dental implants, dentures or “onlays” may be constructed to create a permanent, fully functional set of teeth.
After a full-mouth reconstruction, patients experience better oral health, more social confidence and may also experience improved opportunities in the workplace. Some patients also report a significant reduction in the pain they may have experienced on the jaw, back, neck, temple or mouth, prior to the procedure after the full mouth reconstruction is complete.
The staff at Distinctive Dentistry uses state of the art equipment to ensure you have the best treatment options available. Dr. Keith Phillips has nearly 30 years of expertise in advance prosthodontics, an in-house team that constructs implants, crowns and dentures that look absolutely beautiful and natural. Dr. Phillips frequently trains other dentists in advanced dental techniques and procedures, including the intricate work required for Full Mouth Reconstruction.
Distinctive Dentistry is located just off the freeway in Fife, WA, serving patients in the greater Tacoma area including Gig Harbor, Federal Way and Puyallup, WA. We offer the finest dental care available in cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, sedation dentistry and Prosthodontics.