Full mouth rehabilitation is a process in which a periodontist replaces or restores all the teeth in a patient’s mouth. Several factors may necessitate full mouth rehabilitation. In any case, full mouth rehabilitation can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth.
Full mouth rehabilitation is available at Montgomery County Periodontal Associates in The Woodlands and the surrounding area. You should never hesitate to restore your oral health. Call us today at 281-404-7548 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
book onlineReasons for Full Mouth Rehabilitation
While full mouth rehabilitation can benefit anyone with comprehensive dental issues, patients requiring full mouth rehabilitation most commonly exhibit…
- Bad restorations
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Bruxism or other habits that badly wear down the teeth
- Gum disease
- Malocclusion
- Multiple missing teeth
- Multiple missing teeth with large failing or decaying teeth
- Orofacial trauma
- Tooth erosion
On top of improving the mouth’s appearance and functioning, full mouth rehabilitation can also restore health. No two cases of full mouth rehabilitation are the same. As such, some patients may require more involved care than others.
Ideal Candidates for Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Patients with severe orofacial trauma (i.e., damage to the face, jaws, or teeth) may want to consider full mouth rehabilitation. However, they must also meet certain criteria to be appropriate candidates for the procedure.
Unfortunately, patients are typically ineligible for full mouth rehabilitation if they smoke, use drugs, or have poor oral hygiene. On the flip side, patients who are in good overall and oral health are ideal candidates. Patients must also adhere to the periodontist’s instructions and attend their appointments vigilantly.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation Treatment Options
As mentioned earlier, no two full mouth rehabilitation processes are the same. This is because each patient has their own unique needs and anatomy. Our team can determine the best possible combination of treatments for each patient during a one-on-one consultation. There are several potential treatment options for full mouth rehabilitation, including dental bridges, dental crowns, dental implants, dental onlays, and dentures.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a pontic, or false tooth, held in place by the natural teeth on either side of the gap. They can be made of various metals, such as gold; however, they are typically made with porcelain to appear more natural in the mouth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns act as caps for damaged teeth. There are several different types of dental crowns, including porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns, metal crowns, composite resin, and more. Crowns that only cover a part of the tooth are known as onlays or ¾ crowns.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgically placed artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone where the teeth are missing. They can support large bridges, single crowns, and dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays fit inside the tooth cusp. They extend onto the back tooth’s chewing surface, and they can replace one or more cusps. They may be made of ceramic-porcelain composite or gold.
Dentures
Dentures can be complete or partial, fixed or removable. Complete dentures are used to replace all teeth, while partial dentures are used to replace some teeth.
Top Mouth and Bottom Mouth Rehabilitation
Sometimes, patients require only top or bottom mouth rehabilitation. In top mouth reconstruction, Dr. Mason reconstructs only the oral structures of the upper jaw. Accordingly, in bottom mouth reconstruction, Dr. Mason reconstructs only the oral structures of the lower jaw. Treatments are similar no matter where the patient requires reconstruction to take place.
Dr. Mason understands how to take any differences between the upper and lower jaws into consideration while performing any reconstructive procedure. Patients with weakened or overly damaged jawbones may require bone grafting, regardless of whether it is in the upper or lower jaw.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Cosmetic Dentistry
Many full mouth rehabilitation options have aesthetic as well as functional benefits. Replacing missing teeth with dental crowns and dentures, for example, may enhance a smile. Furthermore, composite bonding can simultaneously protect teeth from cavities and restore their natural appearance.
According to at least one study, there is a positive correlation between psychosocial well-being and “pleasant smile aesthetics.” In translation, patients with nicer smiles typically experience higher self-esteem than their counterparts. Higher self-esteem is also generally associated with an enhanced overall quality of life.
Call Us Today
Have you suffered severe orofacial trauma or find your overall oral health negatively impacted by the state of your mouth? If so, then full mouth rehabilitation may be for you. We at Montgomery County Periodontal Associates may be able to help. Call us today at 281-404-7548 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete full mouth rehabilitation?
Every full mouth rehabilitation process is different. As such, the answer varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients should expect to spend several months in treatment.
Why should I go to a periodontist for full mouth rehabilitation?
While any dentist who performs restorative dentistry can provide full mouth reconstruction, periodontists are expertly trained in treating inflammation. They also receive specialized training in placing dental implants. These factors make them particularly qualified to perform a full range of full mouth rehabilitation services.
Is there a difference between a full mouth rehabilitation and a smile makeover?
While full mouth rehabilitation may have incidental aesthetic benefits, its main focus remains on rehabilitating the mouth to full health. Smile makeovers are the opposite in that they focus primarily on improving the mouth’s aesthetics, with incidental functional benefits.
Does insurance cover full mouth rehabilitation?
The answer varies depending on your plan, insurer, and why you need full mouth rehabilitation. Many patients can get part or all of their full mouth reconstruction costs covered by their carrier. Speaking directly to your provider is the only way to know what to expect.
Am I too old for full mouth rehabilitation?
No. It is never too late to improve your oral health. However, age may bring about other health issues that may complicate full mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Mason can discuss your best options in a one-on-one consultation, regardless of how old you are.