I'm Dr. Quintero here from HQ Dontics Miami. A lot of people are asking questions about what is a full mouth reconstruction. So today, we're going to dedicate a few minutes to answering some of those most common questions.
What is a full mouth reconstruction?
This is a question that we get very often. Full mouth reconstruction is completely rehabilitating a mouth, which means actually covering all the teeth to be able to bring back the chewing ability and the cosmetics of all.
Who would be a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction?
Basically, there are three reasons why somebody would need a full mouth reconstruction. One of them is severe wear of their teeth. The wear can happen because of grinding or because of acid erosion. Those are the main two guilty for the mouth. A good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction is a patient who has severe wear of their teeth, either because of grinding or because of acid erosion. Their teeth get diminished to the point that the whole lower face can be transformed into an older-looking person. We want to rebuild not just the teeth but also reveal the height, so that would be a good reason for a full mouth reconstruction. Many missing teeth or all missing teeth are also a good reason for a full mouth reconstruction.
What are the treatment options for a full mouth reconstruction?
There are many different treatment options when a full mouth reconstruction is needed. We can do it with crowns, inlays, implants, a denture, or bridges. The important thing is that either the upper and the lower are restored all at the same time, which makes it complex, or one of the arches needs to be restored at one time. This is very important to keep control of the case. Technically, the only one that is qualified to do a full mouth reconstruction is a prosthodontist that has had proper training. A general dentist with a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience over years can eventually learn how to do a full mouth reconstruction without having to redo things, but again, you want to go to a specialist for this type of procedure.
What is the process of a full mouth reconstruction?
The process of going through with a full mouth reconstruction can be very lengthy depending on what treatment is actually needed. If implants are involved, if surgery is involved, usually it will delay the treatment time. So, anywhere from six months to one year could be the time to complete a full mouth reconstruction, considering that all the things are done in order to plan it. A lot of time needs to be used in properly planning a full mouth reconstruction, and this is like an architect building a house. They need to spend a lot of time creating those plans and creating how everything is going to look and work even before they actually start doing anything. This is where the knowledge and training come in. Every case is different. A full mouth reconstruction, as I said, can go from surgery to implants, and there is a gamut of treatments that can be used in order to do a full mouth reconstruction. The important thing is that everybody is different; it can take one year, one and a half years, sometimes even two to three years to complete a full mouth reconstruction. The easier cases are usually going to be completed in three to six months.
How long does it take to heal or recover from a full mouth reconstruction?
Typically, if there is no surgery, there is not going to be any pain in the post-op after you go home. It will take about two to three hours to prepare one arch and then two to three hours to prepare the other arch in a separate visit. The recovery is usually very easy and fast.
What care is needed after a full mouth reconstruction?
The basic thing is using a night guard. You want to protect your investment by wearing a night guard to avoid breaking something at night if you clench or grind. The other important thing is taking your regular x-rays. Sometimes with a full mouth reconstruction, we are covering the whole of the tooth, and we need to have x-rays to be able to see beyond that. So, your regular checkups, your regular hygiene, and then your x-rays and your night guard are essential.
What is a full mouth reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction, like the word says, is basically recovering and rehabilitating the whole dentition, the upper and the lower dentition together, to actually bring back the chewing ability and not just the cosmetics of it. If you are missing multiple teeth, if you have been grinding for a long time and you're noticing your teeth getting shorter and shorter, you might be a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction. You can ask me any questions anytime; just send us a message or call us at the office. We're here for you.
Does dental insurance cover full mouth reconstruction?
Unfortunately, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction is quite an expensive kind of treatment, and it involves a lot of time and effort, and insurance usually will not cover even one crown.
Will a full mouth reconstruction last for the rest of my life?
A question that is often asked is if a full mouth reconstruction is going to last for the rest of my life. The answer is no; nothing lasts forever. Everything needs maintenance, and you can extend the life of your restorations by coming regularly and finding things ahead of time so you can get them fixed, but nothing will last forever. Typically, a crown will last about 10 years. 10 to 15 years is the number that we like to give to a crown. A full mouth reconstruction can typically last 15 to 20 years.
Comprehensive Dental Restoration in Miami
Full mouth reconstruction at HQ Dontics is a transformative dental treatment designed to fully restore or rebuild all the teeth in both your upper and lower jaws. Our expert team addresses a variety of dental concerns, including decay, trauma, erosion, abrasion, and wear, through a customized plan that may include crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the function and health of your mouth but also revitalizes your smile’s aesthetics.
At HQ Dontics, we understand that each patient’s needs are unique. Whether your teeth have been affected by long-term damage, injury, or other dental conditions, our full mouth reconstruction services in HQ Dontics offer a complete solution for achieving a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile. Trust our experienced team to guide you through this life-changing process, ensuring results that restore both your confidence and oral health.