Comprehensive Dental Services

Reconstruction

At Smile Sarasota, it’s our firm belief that everyone deserves to have a smile that will keep them feeling healthy and confident.  That’s why we offer our comprehensive dental services at the high standards of quality that our practice is known for by the families in Sarasota and the surrounding communities.  From general & cosmetic dentistry to full mouth reconstruction, we make sure our patients get exactly what they need to have that healthy smile.

What?

Full mouth reconstruction

Why?

Issues I may have

How?

Where to start

What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This is usually reserved for the more advanced cases that would need a large amount of work to ensure a perfect, healthy smile.  Reconstructions are also mainly for restorative purposes to ensure health, instead of purely cosmetic.

Full mouth reconstruction typically involves performing procedures like crowns, bridges, implants and veneers, and can incorporate dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in root canals).

Why Would I Need A Full Dental Reconstruction?

Since every case is different, below are some issues that would generally require a dental restoration in order to achieve a healthy smile.

  • Teeth that have been lost due to decay, trauma or periodontal disease.
  • Teeth that have been injured or fractured or have loosened due to bone and gum loss.
  • Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
  • Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion).

If you have any of these issues, but are still not sure if a full mouth restoration would be right for you, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Still or our experienced dental team here at Smile Sarasota, and we’ll ensure that you get the information you need.  You can even schedule your appointment with us for an evaluation.

How the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Begins

When you schedule a comprehensive examination with Dr. Still, he will examine your mouth to determine the extent of your case and the treatment options available. The examination process requires records of your mouth, such as X-rays and photographs, impressions of your upper and lower teeth to construct models of your teeth to evaluate your bite. The doctor may also refer you to a specialist (periodontist, orthodontist, oral surgeon) for a consultation in order to develop a treatment plan that is best for you. In particular, he will examine the condition of the following key areas:

The 4 Key Areas

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Teeth

The condition of your teeth will determine what restorative procedures may be needed, such as porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns, or onlays, bridges or implants restored with a crown. In particular,  the doctor will make note of any decay, tooth wear, cracks, short/long teeth, root canal issues  or any tooth movement.

Periodontal (Gum) Tissues

If your gums are not healthy, you will most likely need scaling and root planing performed by one of our hygienists to treat periodontal disease. You may require more extensive treatments from a periodontist to ensure that your newly reconstructed teeth will have a solid foundation. Such treatments could involve soft tissue or bone grafts to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone. The doctor will look for deep pockets, excessive or insufficient gum tissue, bleeding and bone density irregularities.

Temporomandibular Joints, Jaw Muscles & Occlusion

A stable bite – one in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and one that does not cause wear or destruction of your teeth – is important to your overall oral health. Occlusal changes need to be taken into consideration when we plan your restorations. In fact, you may require orthodontics or some other type of treatment to correct occlusion (your bite)  before additional restorative procedures can be performed.

Esthetics

The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.

What Procedures Are Needed for Full Mouth Restoration?

Once we have obtained all information relevant to your case, the doctor will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in your mouth and complete your full mouth reconstruction. We will also provide a detailed written description of the proposed treatment plan, along with the cost, so you can review it.

Only Dr. Still and and his team of specialists working on your full mouth reconstruction can determine what procedures are needed for your specific case. Other treatments may also be available, so ask the doctor about all possible options available to you.

Most full mouth reconstructions involve multiple phases and office visits. It is not unreasonable to expect treatment to take 12 months or more, depending on your situation. The following procedures may be involved, depending on your needs:

  • Prophylactic teeth cleaning and periodontal care.
  • Crown lengthening to expose healthy, sound tooth structure for possible crowns or bridges.
  • Contouring of the gum tissue to create balance and harmony in your smile.
  • Preparation (reduction) of your natural tooth structure so crowns, bridges or veneers can be placed.
  • Placement of provisional restorations during healing from surgical procedures.
  • Placement of permanent restorations, such as crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays or bridges, made from ceramic, ceramic supported by metal or a combination of both.
  • Orthodontics (braces) in order to move your teeth into the optimal position for reconstruction.
  • Implant placement and restoration to replace missing teeth and/or anchor bridge restorations.
  • Bone or soft tissue grafting to enhance the stability of your teeth, proposed implants and/or other restorations.

Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover

How does full mouth reconstruction differ from smile makeover? A smile makeover is something that you elect to have performed, while a full mouth reconstruction is something that you need.

With advances in dental technologies and procedures, it is becoming hard to draw a line between purely “cosmetic” (such as elective) dentistry and “restorative” (necessary) dentistry. For example, it is now possible for your dentist to treat tooth decay with a tooth-like filling material that looks natural, thus restoring the tooth for a healthier mouth, while also having the cosmetic benefits. If you need full mouth reconstruction, the materials available today make it possible for the doctor to provide you with durable, functional and clinically sound treatments that also look natural.

It is also important to note that a smile makeover – though performed primarily to improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile – requires the use of clinically proven dental materials and treatment techniques, as well as exceptional knowledge, training and skill on the part of the dentist. Many of the same techniques and equipment used for full mouth reconstruction are also used to ensure the success and long-term stability of smile makeover treatments.That’s why no matter what kind of procedure you’re getting, make sure that you schedule your appointment with an experienced dentist like Dr. Still.

Contact Smile Sarasota Today!

If you think that you need a full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Still and his dental team will make sure that you get everything you need so you can have a healthy smile that will not only help keep your body healthy for years to come, but also looks and feels completely natural, so you can show it off with pride.  We proudly offer our services and bring smiles to the communities of Sarasota, St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to get more information about full mouth restoration, or to schedule your appointment with us!