Do You Need a Full Mouth Restoration?

Full-mouth restorations are a unique form of restorative dental care that solves extensive tooth loss or dental damage in a single smile makeover treatment plan. Full-mouth restorations are sometimes called full-mouth reconstructions, especially when a number of teeth need to be removed and replaced with dental implant options. The entire restoration may take place in one or more appointments, and sedation dentistry is often incorporated to keep patients comfortable and relaxed.

Although the idea of a full-mouth restoration may seem daunting, the temporary discomfort is well worth the long-term oral, physical, and mental health benefits. If you can relate to one or more of these 5 scenarios, it may be time to speak with our dentists about a full-mouth restoration in Ada, Oklahoma.

1. Most or all of your teeth are missing or need extraction.

Full-mouth restorations are ideal for anyone facing complete or near-complete tooth loss. You may have already lost several teeth or just discovered that most of your teeth need to be extracted. Complete loss of teeth is uncommon under the age 65, but it does happen. About 2% of American adults aged 20 to 64 have no natural teeth left and require some form of full-mouth restoration.

Dentures are a common solution, but dental implants are becoming more popular for replacing missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures are more stable than dentures and have a much more natural look and feel. They outlast dentures, and the implant posts can last a lifetime as they fuse with your jawbone.

If you’re a generally healthy adult with no uncontrolled medical conditions or immune disorders, chances are high that you’re a candidate for a full-mouth restoration. Your dentist will be able to confirm your candidacy after a consultation.

2. Extensive damage affects most of your teeth.

Advanced tooth decay can make it unlikely that your dentist will be able to save those teeth, especially if the decay has reached the pulp at the center of your tooth. Similarly, advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, can inflame and infect most or all of an entire arch of teeth, leaving them damaged, loose, and on the verge of falling out. If most or all of your teeth are damaged to this extent, a full-mouth restoration may be the most reasonable solution.

Treating extensive decay or periodontitis is difficult because these oral health issues can spread rapidly, and both conditions dramatically increase your risk of systemic diseases and medical conditions. The quicker diseased, unsavable teeth are removed, and any infection in the gums is treated, the better it is for a person’s oral and overall health.

Your dentist will offer guidance if you find yourself in a situation where a full-mouth restoration may be more beneficial than attempting to save damaged teeth that may not be successfully restored.

3. Jaw pain or a TMJ disorder requires a bite realignment.

TMJ disorders (TMJDs) and malocclusions (bad bites) lead to jaw pain and fatigue. Jaw disorders and poor bite alignment can, at best, lead to bruxism and pain when chewing. At worst, they can make it impossible to sleep or simply live your life without feeling a constant ache in your jaw, mouth, or head.

Orthodontic care is an option for treating a bad bite, but sometimes orthodontics alone isn’t enough to permanently relieve pain. Similarly, TMJD symptoms may not be completely stopped by realigning teeth with Invisalign or braces. Depending on the complexity of the case, a full-mouth restoration may be the best course of action to stop jaw pain and fatigue.

Removing problematic or crowded teeth and replacing them with dental implants is a last-resort option to fix a complicated TMJD or malocclusion. It allows the dentist to rebuild your smile based on your anatomy and solve the issue of misshapen or misaligned teeth inhibiting natural, pain-free jaw mobility.

4. Non-implant restorations have caused jaw weakness and bone loss.

Complete or partial dentures are traditional tooth replacement options. Although dentures are a great choice for most people, they aren’t without their faults. The main downside is that dentures don’t contribute to healthy jawbone density.

The jawbone requires stimulation from teeth, specifically the roots, to remain stable and dense. When teeth are removed, the jawbone will heal, but the bone will continue to be reabsorbed by the body over time. Long-term denture wearers’ faces often change in shape around the jaw, becoming thinner and sunken. Wearing properly fitting dentures will slow this process but won’t stop it entirely.

If you’ve been wearing full or partial dentures and you’re seeing signs of jawbone loss or overall weakness, it’s time to consider upgrading. A full-mouth restoration with bone grafts and dental implants will repair the bone loss, bring fullness to your face shape, and improve your lifestyle and diet.

5. You feel fed up and just want to feel confident in your smile.

Solving one dental problem just for another to take its place is frustrating and disheartening. This cycle commonly occurs alongside long-neglected oral health or situations in which systemic medical conditions have contributed to poor oral health.

If you feel like you’re always chasing problems, performing a full mouth restoration may be more efficient than treating every cavity or dental issue individually. You’ll be able to save time and money by consolidating appointments. Most importantly, wiping the slate clean and starting over with a healthy smile makes maintaining your results easier.

Book your full mouth restoration consultation at Ada Smile Place.

Drs. Edwards and Burton can help you decide if a full-mouth restoration is the right solution for your damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They can also help you decide if it’s time to upgrade old restorations to new dental implant options.

Schedule a consultation online or by phone today.