Full Mouth Reconstruction in Kendall, FL

What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Generally, a full mouth reconstruction refers to a combination of dental procedures that will address all areas of tooth loss, deep decay, and damage. Restorative treatment options can include: 

• Dentures
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Dental implants
• Cosmetic dentistry treatments

Each patient has a unique oral health situation and will be provided with a customized treatment plan for full mouth restoration based on his or her individual needs.

Reasons Why I May Need Full Mouth Reconstruction

Often, patients have advanced dental issues due to dental anxiety or a lack of dental insurance. When fear and finances prevent patients from visiting the dentist for preventative cleanings, fillings, and other routine treatments, the result is often advanced tooth decay. Others may not practice adequate at-home care, which can also lead to widespread issues throughout the mouth.

Aside from proper dental hygiene and routine care, some diseases can affect the teeth, and genetics may also play a role in the condition of a patient’s mouth. While many factors result in damage over a long period of time, injury to the mouth can instantly affect the teeth and cause tooth fracture, tooth loss, or other traumatic injuries. In some cases, a patient’s older dental work may have failed around the same time, leading to the immediate need for multiple dental fixes.

Techniques for Full Mouth Reconstruction

The focus of restorative dentistry is repairing and replacing the permanent structures in the mouth, the adult teeth. There are various treatment options that offer different levels of reconstruction. 

Some patients are only concerned with the appearance of their teeth, while others seek to also replace the tooth root structures to prevent resorption of the jawbone. A full mouth restoration might require a combination of different procedures and restoration techniques, which may include: 

Root Canal

When a patient’s tooth root structure has been affected, a root canal may be necessary to save the natural tooth and avoid extraction and replacement. Deep cavities, dental braces, or trauma to the tooth can affect a tooth’s root and cause decay.

During a root canal procedure, Dr. Gaertner removes the live tissue (pulp) from inside the tooth and root and replaces it with synthetic materials. Natural teeth are very strong and are preserved whenever possible using this method.

Dental Crown

Crowns are often combined with root canal therapy but can be performed as a standalone dental procedure in certain cases. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gumline.

When the natural tooth is severely decayed, the affected material is removed from the tooth and an artificial tooth is placed over the top of the natural material. Sometimes crowns are called a cover or a cap. This fix restores the look of the tooth and allows the patient to bite and chew normally.

Dental Bridge

When a patient has lost one or more teeth, a dental bridge is affixed to each tooth on either side of the gap in the mouth to fill in the area with an artificial tooth or teeth. The adjacent teeth are modified and crowned to create the bridge. Patients can regain full chewing functions through the placement of dental bridges.

Porcelain Veneers

When teeth are fractured, discolored, or have been reduced during other procedures, dental patients may be candidates for veneers Kendall. Made of ultra-strong porcelain, these thin shells can be bonded to the front side of the teeth to restore or improve the appearance of the teeth. Porcelain Veneers Kendall may be placed to correct unwanted changes in the teeth, or to create better aesthetics for a patient’s natural teeth.

Dental Implants

Of all the options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are regarded as the gold standard. This is because the root structure is replaced during a minor surgical procedure, completely replacing the natural tooth. A screw is secured into the jaw bone and an artificial crown is attached to the screw above the bone. When the jaw bone no longer contains the roots of teeth, area resorption occurs. The screw replaces the root and can reverse bone loss and provide anchoring for the replacement tooth.

Teeth Whitening

A great way to improve one’s smile is through teeth whitening. Bliss Dental offers customized at-home whitening trays and in-office treatments. Dr. Gaertner can also recommend a safe whitening toothpaste for regular use and gradual bleaching.

In more complicated cases, like when a patient experiences tooth discoloration due to infected tooth pulp or decay, Dr. Gaertner may suggest other solutions, like a crown, veneer, or internal bleaching.

How Long Does The Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure Take?

Individual cases will vary in complexity, but most patients should expect that a mouth reconstruction can take several months to two years to complete.

Dr. Gaertner partners with labs that specialize in creating crowns that appear natural with a patient’s own dentition. This process is lengthy because it requires precision. Dr. Gaertner may be able to place temporary crowns until the lab has finalized the process for the artificial teeth. The same process is also typical for dental bridges, which often contain three or more crowns and crowns for root canals.

During the tooth modification process for porcelain veneers Kendall FL , some of the enamel is removed from the teeth. Dr. Gaertner will then take an impression of the teeth with these changes so a lab can design the ideal set of veneers for the individual’s mouth. Temporary veneers are placed, but the full process can often take weeks to months to complete.

Dental implant screws are first implanted into the jaw bone, and it can be 3-6 months before the material has properly integrated with the patient’s jaw. After this, a crown is affixed above the gums. If a patient is undergoing the placement of numerous implants, treatment times may be extended. Dr. Gaertner might opt to focus on one part of the mouth during each visit which helps the patient tolerate the surgeries and allows the mouth to continue functioning normally.

How Much Will Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?

Patients interested in dental reconstruction should schedule an appointment at Dr. Gaertner’s office to receive a custom treatment plan. The office can contact the patient’s dental insurance company with an estimate for the treatment and provide the patient with their expected cost. Bliss Dental of South Miami provides a number of payment options, including:

• Cash
• Check
• Credit cards
• Financing

The average cost per tooth is around $800-$2,000. With extended treatment times, most patients are able to budget for their care or find alternate payment solutions. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by dental insurance companies.