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What is a Full Mouth Rehabilitation?

Full Mouth Rehabilitation, full mouth reconstruction and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

What is the need for full mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction?

The need for full mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction may result from:

• Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma.
• Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
• Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
• Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion).

What processes are involved in Full Mouth Rehabilitation?

The process of full mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction begins with dental consultation and comprehensive examination by the dentist.
The dentist will examine the mouth as detailed below to determine the extent of the problem and take a note of them :

• Teeth: The dentist will make note of any cavities and decay, tooth wear, cracks, short/long teeth, root canal issues and any tooth movement.
• Periodontal (gum) tissues: The dentist will look for deep pockets, excessive or insufficient gum tissue, periodontal disease and bone density irregularities.
• Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and occlusion: A stable bite – one in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and one that does not cause wear or destruction of your teeth – is important to your overall oral health. Occlusal changes need to be taken into consideration when your dentist plans your restorations.
• Esthetics: The color, shape, size and proportion of the teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.

The examination process may be supplemented with dental X-rays and photographs, impressions of upper and lower teeth, construction of models of teeth and bite.
Once the dentist has obtained all relevant information, he or she will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in the mouth and complete the full mouth reconstruction.

What Procedures Are Needed for Full Mouth Restoration?

Only the dentist and his / her team of specialists can determine the procedures required as they are case specific. Most full mouth reconstructions involve multiple phases and office visits. It is not unreasonable to expect treatment to take months, depending on the situation.
The following procedures may be involved, depending on the needs:

• Prophylactic teeth cleaning.
• Crown lengthening to expose healthy, sound tooth structure for possible crowns or bridges.
• Contouring of the gum tissue to create balance and harmony in the smile.
• Preparation (reduction) of natural tooth structure so crowns, bridges or veneers can be placed.
• Placement of temporary restorations so that the patient can become accustomed to the new teeth and feel of new mouth or bite alignment.
• Placement of permanent restorations, such as crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays or bridges, made from ceramic, ceramic supported by metal or a combination of both.
• Orthodontics (braces) in order to move the teeth into the optimal position for reconstruction.
• Implant placement and restoration to replace missing teeth and/or anchor bridge restorations.
• Bone or soft tissue grafting to enhance the stability of teeth, proposed implants and/or other restorations.

FAQs on Full Mouth Rehabilitation