In the past, getting a denture was the only solution to restore someone's mouth when they were missing several teeth, both in appearance and functionality. Nevertheless, advances in dental practice and technology have made full mouth reconstruction possible, addressing and restoring the entire mouth's function, health, and appearance in a single treatment.
Moreover, thanks to technologies like Yomi, which allow precise robot-assisted implant placement, the process of getting a full mouth reconstruction has become easier, safer, and much faster. We created this guide to help you understand what this process entails and its benefits.
What Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Also known as full-mouth rehabilitation or restoration, full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment that combines restorative, cosmetic, and neuromuscular dentistry procedures to design a harmonious and functional smile.
Dental implants are the secret to this procedure's effectiveness. During a full mouth reconstruction, an entire arch of upper or lower teeth can be replaced with a new set of fixed prosthetic teeth attached to dental implants.
The Structure of a Dental Implant
To understand why implants are so important in a full mouth reconstruction, it’s important to understand the structure of a standard one:
- The portion of the implant that is surgically inserted into the mandible is called the implant fixture or implant body. It is made of titanium, a biocompatible substance that can integrate with the bone tissue.
- The component that connects to the implant fixture and extends past the gum line is called the abutment. Usually composed of zirconia or titanium, it supports the crown or prosthesis.
- The crown or final prosthesis is the visible portion of the implant that resembles a natural tooth in appearance and functionality. It is made specifically to match the color, shape, and size of your other teeth and can be made of porcelain or ceramic.
The tiny metal screws of an implant are inserted into the jawbone, replacing the original tooth roots. This acts as a solid support mechanism for the full arch, allowing patients to recover their entire smile in both function and appearance.
Who Needs a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Often, dental problems don’t come alone. Issues like extensive decay, muscle pain, and tooth loss stem from an inability to go to the dentist regularly, which allows the decay and damage to pile up until they become irreversible.
In these circumstances, only a procedure like a full mouth reconstruction, which aims to restore your entire smile, can help. The goal is to solve various dental issues simultaneously while creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing new smile for the patient.
This is typically recommended for individuals with the following concerns:
- Severe damage or decay to the teeth
- Several missing teeth
- Malocclusion or bite problems
- Chronic jaw pain or TMD
- Advanced gingivitis
Full mouth reconstructions allow us to solve all of these issues with comprehensive treatment, restoring an individual's oral health needs and letting them considerably improve their quality of life.
Benefits of Getting a Full Mouth Restoration
A denture or partial used to be the go-to solution for those who needed to restore an entire arch of teeth. Nowadays, a full mouth restoration is a better replacement option, and there are several reasons why. Some of the benefits this treatment offers over dentures are:
- Healthy restorative solution: Dental implants are a healthy way to replace lost teeth because they promote the development of new bone and gum tissue and stop neighboring healthy teeth from moving.
- Recover the functionality of your teeth: With a full mouth restoration, you can talk, taste, and enjoy the foods you love without hesitation.
- Enjoy a sturdy restoration: Dental implants are strong and stable because they’re connected to the jawbone, offering a solid foundation for your new smile.
- Natural-looking appearance: The new full-arch of teeth is custom-made to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance without damaging your oral health.
- Replace dentures: Dentures have been a reliable solution for years, but they come with a series of challenges. With an implant-supported full arch of teeth, you can forget about partials or dentures slipping out. Dental implants are fixed in place and will organically blend in with your jawbone.
- Built to last: Dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for over time.
The Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Full Mouth Reconstruction
The process for getting a full mouth reconstruction can look very different depending on your unique situation and needs. However, here is a general idea of what to expect during your treatment.
1. Consultation
Like any extensive treatment, the process starts with a thorough consultation. We will examine the state of your mouth, look at your medical history, and take dental X-rays to assess the condition of your jawbone.
Certain problems, like gum disease, need to be solved before surgery can be considered. Additionally, you may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure if the density of your jawbone is insufficient to withstand an implant.
2. Treatment Plan
Once you’re approved for the surgery, we will design a custom treatment plan to address your unique needs. This might include crowns, implants, and anything else your mouth may need.
With 3D imaging, we will develop a personalized surgical plan that will later guide us during the implant procedure and help us create a digital simulation of what your smile will look like. The result is a less invasive, efficient, and accurate surgery.
3. Scheduling
Full mouth reconstructions tend to involve the placement of several implants, which, in some cases, can't all be done at once. So, once the treatments you need have been ruled out, we will work out the best schedule together.
The length of the procedure will vary based on the number of procedures you require and their level of invasiveness, but it usually takes months. For example, if you still have one or two teeth that need extraction, the procedure times will change.
4. Surgery Day
Following the designed plan, we will insert a series of precisely located implants into your jawbone. Yomi’s robotic assistance allows us to achieve a more accurate implant placement, which helps shorten surgery times, requires smaller incisions, and results in no sutures.
Moreover, Yomi allows for dynamic adjustments per the dentist’s clinical expertise, making it possible for us to make necessary changes during surgery while ensuring it’s the right call.
How Long Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?
The complexity of the case and the particular treatments required determine the time it takes to complete a full mouth reconstruction. The timetable will be established during the initial consultation and treatment planning stage, and it may vary from a few weeks to several months.
Get the Full Mouth Reconstruction You Need
A full mouth reconstruction is an effective and reliable solution for patients missing several teeth. It eliminates the inconvenience of removable dentures and allows people to fully restore their dental health, solving several problems with a single treatment.
With Yomi, the surgery becomes even more effective and faster, reducing recovery times. If you are interested in learning more about what this process looks like at Smoler Smiles, reach out!