Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Right For You?

Have you ever hidden your smile in photos or struggled to enjoy your favorite foods because of dental problems? A smile makeover might be the comprehensive solution you're looking for. More than 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth, while 120 million are missing at least one tooth. These are problems that full mouth reconstruction can effectively address through personalized treatment plans that combine various restorative dental procedures. 

Unlike simple cosmetic procedures, full mouth reconstruction goes deeper to fix structural issues, relieve chronic dental pain, replace missing teeth, and restore proper chewing function. It's not just about having a beautiful smile, though that's certainly a welcome benefit. It's about reclaiming your dental health and the confidence that comes with it.

Read on to learn more about this transformative treatment, including whether it’s right for you and where to find the best dentist for full mouth reconstruction in Los Angeles.

What is Involved in a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

A full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental treatment plan that addresses multiple issues affecting the entire mouth. It typically involves a combination of restorative dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns and bridges, veneers, and sometimes orthodontic treatments, to rebuild or replace damaged teeth. 

The process begins with a thorough dental exam that includes detailed dental imaging to assess structural problems. This is followed by creating a customized treatment plan that addresses tooth restoration, bite alignment, jaw function, gum health, and smile aesthetics. 

Treatment often occurs in phases over several months and usually requires multiple appointments with potentially several specialists, including prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons. The goal is to restore both the function of the mouth and the appearance of the smile to achieve optimal oral health, proper chewing ability, and an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Who is a Good Candidate for Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction is ideal for people facing complex dental cases that can't be resolved with single, isolated treatments. This includes: 

• Those with extensive tooth loss from decay or gum disease, where the remaining teeth are insufficient for proper chewing or speaking. 
• Individuals who have experienced severe dental trauma, such as accidents or sports injuries that have damaged multiple teeth, also benefit from this comprehensive approach. 
• People with severe tooth erosion from acid reflux or grinding, also known as bruxism, which can wear down tooth enamel over time. 

Additionally, those born with congenital conditions like defective enamel formation, weak or discolored teeth, underdeveloped teeth, or cleft palate may require full mouth reconstruction to achieve normal function and appearance. 

The best candidates are also committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular follow-up appointments, as these reconstructions represent a significant investment in long-term oral health.

How Long Does the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Take?

Depending on your unique dental situation, the full-mouth reconstruction journey typically lasts several months to over a year. Here are some general timelines based on typical cases. These may vary depending on your specific needs: 

• The initial consultation phase usually takes two to four weeks and includes comprehensive exams, various dental imaging, and the creation of a customized treatment plan. 

• Preliminary procedures like extractions, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting might add three to six months of healing time before major work begins. 
• The main reconstruction phase, including implant placement, crown preparation, and other restorative work, generally requires six to 12 months, with healing periods between procedures. 
• Implants specifically need three to six months to integrate with your jawbone before receiving permanent restorations. 

• For patients requiring orthodontics as part of their plan, add six to 18 months to the timeline. 

While the process requires patience, this methodical approach ensures lasting success and prevents overwhelming your mouth with too many changes at once.

Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction Painful?

During all of the procedures included in your reconstruction, your dentist will use appropriate anesthesia and dental sedation methods to keep you comfortable. Some types of anesthesia you may experience are: 

• Local anesthesia for minor work like dental fillings, crowns, and bridges 
• Conscious sedation for longer or more extensive dental treatments, like root canals, gum disease treatments, or tooth extractions
• General anesthesia for the most extensive dental surgeries, such as bone grafts

After some of your procedures, some soreness, swelling, or tooth sensitivity is normal, particularly following implant placement or bone grafting. This discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen. Cold compresses can also help to reduce swelling, while soft food diets minimize pressure on healing areas. 

Advanced dental clinics now incorporate advanced techniques like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy to accelerate healing and reduce post-procedure discomfort. Your dental team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your comfort level and adjust pain management strategies as needed. 

What are the Benefits and Risks of Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction offers life-changing benefits, including restoring the ability to:

• Eat comfortably
• Speak clearly 
• Eliminate chronic pain
• Prevent further tooth loss
• Improve overall oral and physical health 
• Reduce the risks of related health conditions like heart disease and diabetes

Additionally, a natural-looking, harmonious smile will dramatically boost self-confidence and social comfort. However, as with any medical treatment, full mouth reconstruction does carry some potential risks: 

• Surgical procedures involve standard surgical risks like infection, though these are minimized with proper sterilization and antibiotics when necessary. 
• Some patients experience temporary nerve sensitivity or prolonged healing times. 
• Implants have a small failure rate, about 5%, particularly in patients who smoke or have uncontrolled diabetes. 
• Restorations like crowns may chip or break over time, requiring repairs. 

It’s important to understand that your dental team will mitigate these risks through careful planning, precise execution, thorough aftercare instructions, and regular follow-up appointments to catch and address any complications early. The vast majority of patients find that the benefits far outweigh these manageable risks.

Find the Go-To Dental Specialists and Oral Surgeons in Los Angeles for Full Mouth Reconstruction

At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Group, we’re dedicated to transforming oral and maxillofacial care in Los Angeles through a rare combination of technical excellence and genuine patient connection. Our practice pairs cutting-edge surgical techniques with state-of-the-art technology while maintaining the human element often missing in specialized care.

With our surgical team’s dual credentials in both dental and medical disciplines, we provide comprehensive expertise that addresses aesthetic concerns alongside functional outcomes, along with a high commitment to minimizing recovery times through precise, trauma-reducing approaches and personalized follow-up. Here, Dr. Sapna Lohiya, Dr. Abraham J. Estess, and Dr. Jeffrey Donlevy are steadfast in making complex procedures manageable with a seamless combination of surgical skills and compassionate care. 

Ready to restore the form and function of your mouth with the best maxillofacial surgeons in Los Angeles?