If you think your mouth is too far gone, we want you to know that all hope is not lost. We offer full mouth restoration for patients who have severely damaged mouths. Full mouth restoration involves restoring the teeth in the mouth, sometimes by replacing them, to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Full reconstruction is ideal for candidates who have experienced a significant amount of wear and tear, whether from genetics or lifestyle choices. 

What is a Full Mouth Restoration?

As the name implies, full mouth restoration refers to rebuilding and/or replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. Full mouth reconstructions combine esthetics with the science of restorative dentistry to improve the health, function, and beauty of the mouth. Full mouth restoration is a customized treatment plan that includes multiple procedures to improve the overall health and look of your mouth. Each reconstruction plan is tailored to the patient’s individual needs, and may include:

• Crowns
• Bridges
• Implants
• Veneers
• Dentures
• Root canal therapy
• Cleanings
• Fillings

Candidates for Full Mouth Restoration

Full mouth restoration is not right for everyone. The best candidates are those who have experienced wear and tear on their teeth due to genetics or lifestyle choices, or who have a large amount of decay and/or missing teeth. Candidates should also have realistic expectations for the outcome of the treatment and be willing to commit to following their dentist’s instructions. Dr. Chris Bockrath may recommend full mouth restoration if your smile is affected by:

• Tooth decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• The loss of one or more teeth
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Infected teeth
• Misshapen teeth

If you think that full mouth restoration is right for you, the best thing you can do is speak with your dentist about your options. Your dentist can determine if full mouth restoration is the best option for you and discuss all of the potential treatments to get you back on track towards a healthier mouth.  

The Treatment Process and What to Expect

Once you decide to move forward with the full mouth restoration process, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan for you. Depending on your particular situation, this may include a combination of treatments such as crowns, bridges, veneers, implants and/or dentures. Your dentist can explain each step of the process in detail and answer any questions you may have.

During the treatment process, it’s important to remember that full mouth restoration can take time. Depending on the treatments required, your dentist may need to space out procedures over several appointments in order to give your mouth time to heal between sessions. Your dentist will also provide instructions for proper care of your teeth and mouth during the healing process, as well as tips on how to maintain good oral health after treatment has been completed.

The treatments can include onlays, crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and/or dentures that will essentially provide not only a “smile makeover”, but improved chewing efficiency for the patient. In some patients, other specialties will also be employed to facilitate the best possible outcome.

After Care

Once the full mouth restoration procedure is complete, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile that looks and feels great. Your dentist may recommend follow-up visits in order to monitor your oral health, as well as regular cleanings and exams at home. These appointments are important for maintaining the health of your mouth after treatment has been completed. Further, you should be practicing proper oral hygiene at home, which includes:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. (Medium or hard bristles can damage your gums and tooth enamel.) When you brush, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. This helps sweep away plaque and bacteria at the gum line. Be sure to brush all teeth surfaces, including the backs and sides.

Floss once daily. 

You can’t reach the spaces between your teeth with brushing alone. To clean these areas, you need dental floss. Take a piece of floss that’s about 18 inches long. Wrap each end around your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between two teeth. Wrap the floss snugly around one tooth in a C shape and clean it using about 10 up and down strokes. Next, wrap the floss around the other tooth and repeat. Continue this process on all of your teeth.

Brush your tongue. 

Your tongue holds bacteria like a sponge. Whenever you brush your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. You can use your toothbrush for this purpose. Or, you can purchase a tongue scraper in the oral health aisle.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day. 

Antibacterial mouthwash helps keep harmful oral bacteria at bay. In addition to washing away food and debris, it also reduces plaque buildup. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free formula to prevent dry mouth.

Visit your dentist regularly. 

Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential for good oral health. Many people do well with six-month visits. But, if you’re prone to cavities, gum disease or other oral health problems, you may need more frequent appointments.

Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. 

Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease and oral cancer. It’s best to avoid these products altogether. If you currently smoke and would like to quit, ask your healthcare provider about treatment options that can help.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you’re ready to explore full mouth restoration treatment, contact Mountain Aire Dentistry. Our talented and experienced staff can provide comprehensive care and guidance throughout the process. We will answer any questions you may have and address any concerns that you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our full mouth restoration treatments!