Are you in need of a significant amount of dental work involving most of your teeth? A full mouth reconstruction is sometimes necessary when all of your teeth need to be replaced or restored. The process may be done in phases and consist of a variety of different restorative procedures, but when complete you will have a whole new smile you can feel confident to show off.
A full mouth reconstruction may consist of any one or a combination of the following dental procedures:
- When tooth decay results in a cavity, it will need to be filled. During a cavity filling the decayed part of the tooth is removed and filled up with a composite material that matches the natural color of your teeth. A special light is used to harden the composite material so that it will remain solid. A filling is a solution for a cavity that is no deeper than the enamel.
- Root Canals.When a cavity is deep enough to have reached the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal will need to be performed. A root canal procedure involves completely removing the pulp from the inside of the tooth and root and replacing it with composite material. This prevents bacteria from getting inside the tooth and causing an infection.
- When a tooth is cracked, broken, or severely decayed, it can sometimes be saved with a crown. If the root can be left in place, the top of the tooth can be covered with a crown that will protect what is left of the tooth. The crown also reshapes the tooth, giving it a better appearance as well as function.
- Inlays and Onlays. This procedure is the middle ground between a filling and a crown. If there is too much decay for the tooth to be saved with a filling, but not enough decay to require a full crown, an inlay or onlay can be used to restore the existing tooth. An inlay is a piece of artificial tooth that is placed on the inside or middle of the tooth. An onlay is a piece of artificial tooth that fits on the cusp or outside edge of the tooth.
- A dental implant is a complete artificial tooth and root system. The artificial root is surgically implanted in the jaw bone with a crown attached to the top. Sometimes additional procedures are required before receiving an implant. A bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary if there is not sufficient jaw bone to support the implant. These procedures involve placing a bone fragment under the gums on top of the jaw bone to strengthen and thicken the bone while encouraging regrowth.
- A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or row of artificial teeth that can connect to healthy, natural teeth or implants. If there are healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, the bridge will attach to them via crowns. If there are not healthy teeth in place to attach the bridge to, implants can be placed to serve as anchors for the bridge. Bridges can also be attached using metal fixtures cemented to the existing teeth. A bridge sits on top of the gums and does not have a root system like an implant does.
- When there are no viable teeth left, dentures are one option for full mouth reconstruction. Removable dentures are held in place using suction and denture adhesives. Implant supported dentures are usually permanent and connect to dental implants placed in the jaw. The implants serve as anchors for the dentures, holding them in place securely.
Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile
When you need a full mouth reconstruction, it may seem daunting. But Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you understand exactly what will be happening from the beginning to the final result. When the process is complete you will have a brand new, fully functional set of teeth that will allow you to live the lifestyle you want.
Call 212-533-6782 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.