Full mouth reconstruction is a treatment provided to our patients in need of rebuilding their smiles. It consists of reconstructing either all of the upper teeth or all the lower teeth. In extreme cases, it can involve reconstructing every single tooth in the mouth. Years of breakdown, decay, and wear can result in joint pain and the inability to chew. It can also lead a patient to become self-conscious about the way they look and hide their smile. Though many dentists are able to provide treatments like crowns and bridges, not all dentists are trained to provide full mouth reconstruction. This is often confusing because full mouth reconstruction can mean the patient needs many crowns and bridges.
Successful and predictable full mouth reconstruction requires advanced training beyond the training and education received in dental school. Dr. Rath takes this very seriously and is a regular attendee at the Kois Center in Seattle, WA, one of the highest regarded continuing education centers for Dentistry in the United States. There are a few simple questions you can ask your dentist in order to know if they are able to provide full mouth reconstruction.
1. Do you have advanced training in full mouth reconstruction?
If the answer to this question is ‘yes’, then this dentist will be able to tell you when, where, and how frequently they receive this training. Again, personal experience and dental school education are insufficient to provide this treatment.
2. Can you show me some cases you have completed to give me an idea of what this entails?
Any dentist who is serious about full mouth reconstruction will take pictures of the cases they have completed. This will tell you if they have experience. It will also help in the design and treatment planning of your individual case.
3. Do you take photographs of your cosmetic cases?
“Photography is one of the best ways I grow as a dentist. It helps me critique each case and see where I can improve and where my laboratory can improve. I’m never 100% satisfied with any of my cases. I actually believe my best case is the one I’m about to do. We are always striving for excellence here.” – Dr. Rath
You can know if your dentist is serious about cosmetics and full mouth dentistry if they keep photo records of their cases. Below is a photo of a case we recently completed.
Oftentimes people think they need full mouth reconstruction when they actually don’t. We strive to be as conservative as possible to lower the risk of each tooth in your mouth. Sometimes treating all the teeth in the mouth with crowns and bridges actually increases the patient’s risk for disease. We work with a team of specialists, including orthodontists, oral surgeons, and periodontists in order to work out a treatment plan that will leave you at a lower risk of disease for years down the road.
How much does full mouth reconstruction cost?
The short answer is anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. No two cases are the same and there is no way of knowing exactly what it will cost without a thorough exam and complete diagnosis. Dr. Rath is more than happy to provide a free consultation for full mouth reconstruction so you can know exactly what it will cost you. The last thing we want is for our patients to leave our office not knowing what treatment they are going to receive and how much that treatment is going to cost.
How long does full mouth reconstruction take?
Many patients are scared they will have all of their teeth prepared for crowns in one day, having to come up with the money for treatment all at once. Although it is possible to do full mouth reconstruction in just a few visits, it is also possible to segment and sequence treatment over many years. This can make treatment more affordable and much more comfortable for the patient.
If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment or feel that you are a candidate for full mouth reconstruction, call us and schedule a free consultation. After this consultation, you’ll feel empowered to make your own decision. You’ll feel a difference here.
Who needs a full mouth reconstruction?
Those who need a full mouth reconstruction usually have several severe dental complications. A simple cavity or having a few crooked teeth can be fixed with much smaller measures. Reconstructions are necessary when the majority of your teeth have problems — be it cavities, chipping, decay, severe crookedness, severe gum disease, a severe accident or trauma to the face and mouth, etc. The absence of many teeth is also might be what causes you to need a reconstruction. Missing teeth are not only unsightly but they can cause you to lose important bone structure in your mouth and lots of shifting around of your remaining teeth.
There are also certain medical conditions including Ectodermal Dysplasia (missing permanent teeth or teeth that grow peg-shaped or pointed), Amelogenesis (defective tooth enamel), and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (abnormal dentin formation) that might cause you to need a reconstruction.
People who receive full mouth reconstruction have usually spent months or even years in pain due to their dental problems. Their ability to eat or speak is often limited or diminished by their teeth. This is why out of all the services we offer, restorative work is so rewarding for us here at Taylor General & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Who is a candidate for full mouth reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction will require multiple appointments and procedures. Anesthesia will most likely be required at different stages of the reconstruction. Smoking may cause complications with certain procedures and other health conditions like heart disease also need special consideration with a reconstruction. For example, if you take blood-thinning drugs you could have excessive bleeding during an oral procedure, or if your take high blood pressure medication it can affect your gums. All of these things will be addressed during a consultation between your dental professional and oftentimes, your family physician.
Advantages of a full mouth reconstruction overdentures
While reconstruction may require more time and money upfront, many patients opt for it over dentures because of the long-lasting freedom and benefits of having your own teeth. Denture wearers deal with problems including discomfort, gum irritation, halitosis, slippage, and chewing issues. Dentures can also be hard to keep clean and can affect the individual’s confidence when eating and speaking. Speak with Dr. Rath to discuss whether or not full mouth reconstruction will be a beneficial treatment plan for yourself.