You Can't Put a Price on a Great Smile: The Complete Guide to Full Mouth Reconstruction

The U.S. has more than 3,500 practicing prosthodontists: doctors who help repair smiles through methods like full mouth reconstruction.

Are you planning to book an appointment with a prosthodontist? If your dentist suggests that you need full mouth rehabilitation, this is your next step. However, the prospect of something called "full mouth reconstruction" might leave you feeling intimidated.

There's nothing to be scared of: a full restoration can help you get back the smile you love. We're here to clear up your worries with this complete guide. Keep reading to find out what to expect from a full mouth reconstruction!

Full mouth restoration or reconstruction brings the full mouth into proper working order, fixing a number of problems along the way.

In this procedure, any lost teeth will get replaced, while damaged teeth can be repaired. The goal is both form and function. After this procedure, you'll have a better-looking smile and a mouth that functions well.

The procedure can actually involve a number of different techniques to get results. You might get dental implants for your missing teeth, and crowns or dental bridges on the existing ones that need repair. Veneers are also a possibility. In addition to fixing your teeth, you'll also get gum issues and other problems addressed in this procedure.

Why might your dentist recommend this procedure?

There are a number of different problems that can lead to a need for this solution. For example, certain disorders that people are born with can seriously impact oral health, so restoration is necessary. These include dentinogenesis imperfecta, amelogenesis imperfecta, and ectodermal dysplasia.

Other reasons for a restoration involve events that happened later in life. Trauma can lead to damage to the mouth and teeth. Disease can also damage these areas, including periodontal disease and oral cancer.

If your teeth are severely damaged, and especially if some are missing, a full mouth restoration might be right for you.

Now, let's take a closer look at the actual process.

1. Consultation

The process begins when you have a consultation with a professional.

Your dentist can help you decide if full mouth reconstruction is right for you. You may also want to have a consultation with a prosthodontist before you decide to move forward, to make sure they're the best person for the job.

2. Dental Exam

You'll need a complete dental exam to give a clear picture of what kinds of treatments you need.

This exam might involve x-rays and other types of imaging, as well as creating models of the inside of your mouth.

3. Treatment Plan

Your prosthodontist will come up with a treatment plan to address your unique needs.

This might include the procedures listed above, like crowns and implants, and anything else your mouth may need. For example, if you have gum issues or sensitivity, you might need soft tissue grafts.

4. Medical History Review

Before you move forward with the treatments, it's important to let the doctor know about your medical history.

They'll need to know of any allergies you have, treatments you've had done before, medications you take, other conditions you have, and so on. This information will help them keep you safe during the reconstruction.

5. Scheduling

The procedures can't all be done at once, so your next step will be working out the best schedule with your prosthodontist.

The process typically takes months, but it will be shorter or longer depending on how many procedures you need and how invasive they are. For example, you may need time to recover after one procedure before the next one can start.

6. Actual Treatment

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow, such as what you can eat, drink and do before and after each procedure. You'll need to make sure to follow their rules for your safety, and for the best results.

7. Recovery

After the last treatment, you can turn your focus to recovering and maintaining your results.

Your doctor will tell you what you should do to keep your newly restored mouth healthy -- make sure you follow these guidelines, too. You'll also need to attend some checkup visits to make sure things are still going well.

The cost of full mouth rehabilitation varies depending on exactly which procedures you get. The cost tends to be high, because these procedures can be both invasive and delicate, and you may need a lot of them. However, the cost of not getting your oral problems fixed will be still higher.

A prosthodontist can come up with a cost estimate after they've determined which procedures you're going to need.

Many offices will accept a payment plan, so you can pay the full cost in installments over time. If you have insurance, that will also help offset the costs. These procedures are usually considered essential for your dental health, making it easier to get insurance to help pay for them.

Sometimes, if the cost exceeds the dental benefits you have with your insurance plan, you might be able to book appointments across two different years. That way, you have two years' worth of benefits to apply to your treatments, instead of just one.

In rare cases, medical rather than dental insurance might help you pay for this treatment. For example, if you need the treatment due to a disorder, a trauma, or a disease like cancer, your medical insurance could help.

If you suffer from issues with your oral health, a full mouth reconstruction can change your life. You'll look better, feel better, eat better, and enjoy all the other benefits of a healthy mouth.

However, it's important to choose the best possible provider for your full mouth rehabilitation. Are you in the Potomac Falls area? We can help -- contact us today to book a consultation.