Full Mouth Reconstruction Process: From Consultation to Completion

Undergoing full mouth reconstruction can feel like a daunting process. Rebuilding your entire smile is a big commitment that requires careful planning, assessment, and execution.

However, when performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, full mouth reconstruction can completely rejuvenate your smile and boost your confidence. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the full mouth reconstruction timeline, from initial consultation to your final reveal.

What Are The Steps of a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

The full mouth reconstruction process generally follows these key steps:

Consultation – This initial appointment is crucial for understanding your unique smile goals, assessing your oral health, and developing a customized treatment plan. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and jaw positioning. They’ll also discuss options like dental implants, crowns, veneers, and bridgework.

Treatment planning – Next, your dentist will use digital imaging, models, and wax-ups to map out your new smile in detail. A diagnostic wax-up can give you a sneak preview of how your reconstructed teeth will look. Your treatment plan will outline the timeline and phases of treatment.

Preparatory procedures – Many patients need preparatory treatments before restorations can be placed. For example, you may need fillings, deep cleanings, or extractions if certain teeth are non-restorable. Orthodontics may also be recommended to align teeth prior to additional work.

Restorations – The reconstructive phase involves placing veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants to completely rebuild your smile. Your dentist will match the shape, size, and shade of restorations to create a natural, cohesive look.

Follow-up visits – Expect several follow-up appointments to check your bite, oral health, and adjust restorations as needed. You’ll also work with your dentist to optimize your oral hygiene routine for your new smile.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for a Full Mouth Restoration?

You may be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction if you have:

• Severely damaged, decayed, or missing teeth
• Fractured or broken teeth
• Worn or unevenly sized teeth
• Jaw misalignment or temporomandibular joint disorders
• A “gummy smile” with excess gum tissue
• Discolored or stained teeth that don’t respond to professional whitening
• A desire to make major improvements to your smile’s aesthetics

It’s important to be clear, you don’t need a reason to want to improve your smile. If you’re unhappy and want to undergo full mouth reconstruction, that’s your choice. We’ll work with you to get you exactly what you’re looking for.

Not everyone who comes to see us for full mouth restoration has bad oral hygiene. Some people are just unhappy with the appearance of their smile. If we recommend against full mouth reconstruction, we’ll suggest one of our other dental services.

How Painful is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Pain and discomfort levels can vary significantly depending on your specific procedures. However, today’s advanced techniques and anesthesia options allow full mouth reconstruction to be performed comfortably. Here are some tips to ease pain:

• Local anesthesia is used during preparatory and restorative appointments to numb treatment areas.
• Sedation such as oral sedatives or IV sedation can produce deep relaxation.
• Your dentist may prescribe medication to manage post-treatment discomfort.
• Ice packs can relieve swelling and soreness.
• Stick to soft foods during initial healing until you adjust to your restorations.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection and sensitivity.

We’ll be there every step of the way to manage your pain and ensure you experience little to no discomfort the entire time.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Full Dental Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction is a series of treatments tailored to your unique needs, so recovery times vary. Here’s what to expect:

• After preparatory procedures like teeth extractions, recovery typically takes 3-7 days.
• When veneers, crowns, bridges, or dental implants are placed, you may experience some minor discomfort for a few days.
• Initial healing is usually complete within 2-4 weeks, but full adaptation takes around 2-3 months.
• Your gums and jawbone need time to stabilize around dental implants during osseointegration, which takes 3-6 months.
• Extensive reconstructive treatment plans with multiple phases can take over a year from start to finish.
• Ongoing follow-up appointments may be needed periodically to check your bite and oral health.

Understanding Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost

According to the American Dental Association, the average cost per tooth for a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is $500-$1,500. A single dental implant with crown placement can range from $3,000-$4,500. Veneers typically cost $925-$2,500 per tooth.

In our experience, these costs are relatively average but everything varies based on the amount of work needed.

Final Thoughts

Although it’s a marathon process, full mouth reconstruction offers tremendous benefits for your health, function, and smile aesthetics. No matter what, we want to help you improve your smile and your confidence. Contact us today for more information on the full mouth reconstruction process.