By Dr. Leyli Shirvani, owner and dentist at My Dentist San Francisco.
Full mouth reconstruction refers to the process of completely restoring all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. It typically involves several dental procedures, customized to cater to a patient's unique needs. Here are 12 procedures that could be a part of a full mouth reconstruction.
1. Dental Implants
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a primary choice for replacing missing teeth due to their durability and natural appearance. The implant, made from titanium, acts as a root for the crown, ensuring a secure fit.
Ensuring Longevity
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a longtime, making them an ideal part of a full mouth reconstruction.
2. Dental Crowns
Restoring Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, and function of severely damaged teeth. They are custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Ensuring Durability
Made from high-strength materials like porcelain, zirconia, or ceramics, crowns are incredibly durable and can withstand the forces of biting and chewing for many years.
3. Bridges
Filling Gaps
When a few teeth are missing in a row, dental bridges can be used to fill the gap. A bridge is anchored to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Customization
Bridges are customized to match the shape and color of the surrounding teeth, providing a natural-looking solution.
4. Dentures
Full or Partial Solution
For patients missing several or all of their teeth, dentures could be a part of their full mouth reconstruction. Dentures can be full (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth).
Function and Aesthetics
Modern dentures are designed to look natural and fit comfortably, allowing for normal speech and eating.
5. Veneers
Masking Imperfections
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are ideal for masking imperfections such as chips, cracks, discoloration, or minor misalignments.
Durable and Natural-Looking
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and durable, and they reflect light similarly to natural teeth, making them a great choice for a smile makeover.
6. Dental Bonding
Quick Fixes
For minor chips, cracks, or discolorations, dental bonding can be a fast and cost-effective solution. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected tooth.
Versatility
Dental bonding is versatile and can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, seamlessly blending with the rest of the smile.
7. Inlays and Onlays
Treating Decay
In cases of tooth decay or damage that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown, inlays or onlays are used. These are custom-made fillings, made from ceramics or composite resin.
Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure
Inlays and onlays require less tooth reduction than crowns, allowing for more of the natural tooth structure to be preserved.
8. Root Canal Therapy
Treating Infections
If a tooth's pulp is infected, a root canal therapy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth, and filling it with a biocompatible material.
Saving Natural Teeth
By eliminating the infection, root canal therapy can save the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and replacement.
9. Orthodontics
Straightening Teeth
Orthodontics is often part of full mouth reconstruction, especially in cases where teeth are crowded or misaligned. This could involve traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or other orthodontic appliances.
Improving Bite
Orthodontics not only improves the appearance of the smile but also the function, by correcting bite issues that can cause wear and tear or discomfort.
10. Periodontal Treatments
Treating Gum Disease
Healthy gums are crucial for a successful full mouth reconstruction. Periodontal treatments, ranging from deep cleaning to more advanced procedures, may be necessary to treat gum disease before other restorative procedures are carried out.
Maintaining Oral Health
Maintaining gum health is important to ensure the longevity of the full mouth reconstruction, as untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
11. Jaw Surgery
Correcting Jaw Alignment
In some cases, if the jaw is not properly aligned, surgery may be required to correct the issue. This ensures that the bite is functional and that the restorative procedures will be successful.
Improving Facial Structure
Apart from improving the function of the mouth, jaw surgery can also enhance facial aesthetics by providing a balanced and harmonious facial structure.
12. Teeth Whitening
Enhancing Smile Aesthetics
To complement the restorative procedures, teeth whitening can be used to enhance the overall aesthetics of the smile. Professional teeth whitening provides dramatic results, brightening the teeth by several shades.
Increasing Confidence
A whiter smile not only improves the appearance but can also boost confidence and self-esteem, rounding off a successful full mouth reconstruction.
In conclusion, a full mouth reconstruction in San Francisco involves a comprehensive approach to restoring a patient's oral health and function. It can involve various procedures, depending on the unique needs of each patient. At My Dentist San Francisco, we provide customized treatment plans to ensure that each patient achieves a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
