Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ

There are certain times when an entire upper or lower jaw has experienced trauma, infection, or significant wear, and several teeth — or even every tooth — must be restored, extracted, or replaced. This procedure is known as full mouth reconstruction, and it can involve everything from mini dental implants, fixed dental bridges, crowns, veneers, and more.

Full mouth reconstruction may seem like an overwhelming procedure to endure, but with the help of modern technology and advanced dental techniques, we’re now able to greatly reduce the pain, discomfort, and recovery time involved in this significant procedure.

Dr. Seerat Mann, Dr. Todd Shatkin, and the team at Mini Dental Implants of America at Scottsdale offer full mouth reconstruction services to all of our clients looking to restore an entire row of teeth and improve their quality of life. 

We can walk you through the entire process and help you to feel a sense of comfort and confidence in the procedure so that it can go as smoothly as possible. If you’d like to know more about full mouth reconstruction, read on or reach out to us today, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction really isn’t just one thing. It’s the name dentist’s use to describe a situation in which a patient requires multiple different dental procedures on an entire row of teeth at once. That can mean surgical procedures, dental restorations, cosmetic procedures, and more.

The term “full mouth reconstruction” can apply to someone who has lost all or most of their teeth and requires dental implants or dentures, but there are various other reasons why someone may need this procedure.

Perhaps the most common reason is significant dental trauma, in which each tooth has sustained a different level or different type of damage.

When Might You Need Full Mouth Reconstruction?

The chances are that if you’re in need of full mouth reconstruction, you already know it, but it’s still important to look at the different reasons for this complicated procedure. We’ve listed them below, along with some significant details:

Tooth or Gum Infection

Infection of the teeth and gums is a fairly common reason for full mouth reconstruction. 

One single cavity or a case of gingivitis is simple to manage. Still, if several cavities are allowed to develop, or the gingivitis turns into gum disease, then the problem can become significantly worse. It won’t be long before several different treatments are necessary to restore each tooth’s appearance and function.

An estimated 3 million cases of gum disease occur in America every year. This condition is very common, particularly in the older members of our population, and although it is treatable, it can become quite serious if ignored. 

Symptoms of gum disease include gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Once the gum disease is allowed to advance to a certain point, then full mouth reconstruction may be the only option to save the affected row of teeth.

Dental Trauma

Frequently, the reason why a patient might need multiple different dental procedures at once is that they’ve been involved in an accident where they sustained significant trauma to a number of teeth. Full mouth reconstruction can help.  

Accidents are unpredictable, and so is the damage that ensues, so there may be a variety of different restorations, cosmetic procedures, and more required to get the entire row of teeth looking, feeling, and functioning like it once did.

If you’ve sustained significant dental trauma due to an accident, time is of the essence, and you should act fast to repair the damage to your teeth. 

Broken or damaged teeth are more susceptible to decay and other oral health issues, which means that your situation may become worse over time if you don’t receive full mouth reconstruction as soon as possible.

Aging and Long-Term Wear

Genetics can play a big role in how our teeth fare over time. Some of us can go most of our lives without dealing with any major dental issues, while others seem to be visiting their dentist every other month for a new procedure after a certain age. 

While it is unfortunate to be in the latter category, at least there’s full mouth reconstruction for when things become dire.

Your teeth can become worn down for a variety of reasons, including teeth grinding (bruxism), consuming acidic or sugary food or drink, and other issues such as acid reflux. 

In time, these issues can lead to significant damage to the teeth, particularly in those who don’t practice proper oral hygiene. While early intervention can help prevent the need for full mouth reconstruction, reconstruction can sometimes be the best option for saving worn-down teeth.

Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures

There are several different procedures that may be performed during a full mouth reconstruction. If you’re in need of this treatment, then you’re probably wondering what to expect. Read on for a brief description of the most common methods of restoring your teeth to their former state:

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth cap that can be placed over a natural tooth that has been significantly damaged but still retains a healthy root. Crowns are generally made from ceramic or a metal alloy, and they’re designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic dental fixture designed to replace a missing tooth. The bridge consists of two crowns that are fixed to the natural teeth adjacent to the toothless gap with one or more artificial teeth between them. The crowns provide the strength and support necessary to help the artificial teeth function properly. A fixed dental bridge is commonly used for full mouth reconstruction because we are able to secure an entire upper and lower arch with mini dental implants. 

Dentures

Dentures are a row of artificial teeth that are made to replace multiple missing teeth. While a dental bridge is fixed into place and cannot be removed, most dentures can be taken out. Dentures get their support from the gum tissue in the mouth, which means that they don’t quite have the bite power of some other prosthetic dental devices. However, with mini dental implants, we can provide a fix-on-six snap-on denture that snaps securely onto your jaw and can support an entire upper and lower denture with a single pain-free procedure. 

Veneers

Dental veneers are cosmetic dental devices intended to enhance the appearance of front-facing teeth that are broken, damaged, or uneven. 

They’re thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin, which are designed to match the look of the remaining natural teeth. Dental veneers are not a suitable treatment for front-facing teeth that have sustained significant damage or decay but with mini dental implants, this can be possible. 

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a method of replacing a tooth or multiple teeth that are beyond repair or entirely missing. The process involves the fusion of a small screw to the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. 

Osseointegration ensures that the replacement tooth has as much support as possible, and it allows for almost as much bite power as a natural tooth. With mini dental implants, 

Root Canal

The root canal procedure is designed to treat a tooth that has become infected. It involves the removal of the infected dental pulp and the cleaning of the various tiny canals throughout the inside of the tooth. After the infection has been removed, the inside of the tooth is filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material known as gutta-percha.

Extraction

When a tooth is beyond repair, extraction is often the only option. It involves the removal of the remaining tooth and is typically followed by some sort of tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge, a denture, or a dental implant.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you or someone you love is looking to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile, schedule a free consultation today. We serve patients in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and throughout the State of Arizona.