Full Mouth Rehabilitation

FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION

What is a full mouth rehabilitation?

A full mouth rehabilitation is also called a full mouth reconstruction. It is a customized dental treatment plan with the goal of treating oral health issues that affect the teeth, gums, jaws and mouth function. Full mouth reconstruction is the most holistic form of dental treatment presently available. This treatment is carried out by a prosthodontist due to the complex nature of the procedure. A full mouth rehabilitation can vastly improve appearance, functionality and overall comfort. Some of the common issues that need to be addressed with the help of full mouth rehabilitation are as follows:

Teeth that are damaged, cracked or broken due to bruxism or acid erosion.
Functions such as chewing and speaking can be affected due to missing teeth. Full mouth rehabilitation is a good option in such cases.
Jaw pain caused due to bite alignment problems.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or chronic dental pain.
Periodontal issues or advanced gum disease.
Dental damage due to accidents.
The aim of full mouth rehabilitation is to restore dental function and at the same time enhance aesthetics and oral health. It is a very good choice for those who want to reclaim a bright and confident smile.

What are the signs that you require full mouth rehabilitation?

Continuous tooth pain and sensitivity.
Difficulty in performing basic activities such as chewing and speaking.
Stiffness of the jaw, clicking.
Shortening, chipping and wearing down of teeth.
Recession and bleeding of gums.
Shifting and loosening of teeth.
Headaches and facial pain.

What are the commonly used dental restorations in full mouth rehabilitation?

Veneers and bridges, fillings, crowns, inlays/onlays.
Crowns and bridges supported by implants.
Dentures supported by implants. Both complete and partial.

How long does it take to complete the process of full mouth rehabilitation?

A full mouth rehabilitation is carried out keeping in mind the requirements of the patient. The treatment process is comprised of a number of steps.

The first step of the process involves the prosthodontist developing a customized treatment plan that is suitable for your oral health condition. Cost of the treatment is also taken into account. The required treatment procedures are carried out and the patient returns for follow-up consultation during the maintenance phase.

The total treatment time for full mouth rehabilitation varies depending on the oral health condition of the patient involved.

It is quite possible that a large number of dental appointments are required during the course of full mouth rehabilitation. Full mouth reconstruction can take a good amount of time. But the dental appointments can be scheduled in such a way that they don’t come in the way of your schedule.

How long do dental restorations last?

The longevity of a dental restoration depends on several factors. The first factor is the type of restoration employed. The oral health condition of the patient at the time of treatment is another important factor. Once the procedure is complete, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene in order to bear the fruits of full mouth rehabilitation.

What is the cost of full mouth reconstruction?

The cost of full mouth rehabilitation depends on a number of factors. It depends on the goals of the treatment, type of restoration and number of restorations. The cost of treatment can also be affected by other procedures that may be required. Root canal fillings, dental surgery will alter the cost of full mouth reconstruction. A customized plan is made for full mouth rehabilitation at the planning stage. A treatment cost estimate can be requested before the actual procedure is started.

What are the disadvantages of full mouth rehabilitation?

Full mouth reconstruction comes with its own set of cons just like other dental procedures. The oral health of the patient and treatment procedure selected are factors that affect the risk associated with full mouth reconstruction. Some of the common disadvantages are:
Complications arising out of the treatment procedure.
High cost of treatment.
Extended period of time for treatment.
An informed decision can be made before the start of the treatment procedure by learning about the risks and disadvantages associated with full mouth rehabilitation.

Who are the specialists that perform full mouth rehabilitation?

Tooth restoration and tooth replacement are areas of specialty of prosthodontists. Hence prosthodontists are the most qualified specialists who perform full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth rehabilitation involves a variety of procedures and is an inter-disciplinary treatment. Other dental specialists such as surgeons, endodontists, orthodontists and oral medicine experts may also be required during treatment.

What are the procedures involved in full mouth restoration?

Depending on the nature of the case, the procedures involved in full mouth rehabilitation may vary. Here is a list of common procedures:
Dental Fillings: Minor tooth decay can be addressed with the help of dental fillings. The decay is prevented from spreading by using a metal or tooth-coloured material to fill cavities.
Dental Bonding: Minimal tooth damage and cosmetic issues can be addressed with the help of dental bonding. A resin material is used for this purpose.
Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are predominantly used to treat molars. Damage to the biting surface of the molar can be addressed with the help of inlays while onlays are used to target the cusps of the molar.
Dental Crowns: Teeth with intact roots that are heavily damaged or decayed are fitted with crowns which are in essence prosthetic caps. The caps are designed in such a way that they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Dental Bridges: A row of one or more prosthetic teeth with a dental crown on either end is known as a dental bridge. It is a tooth replacement device. The prosthetics are installed in the toothless gap and crowns are attached at either end for strength and support.
Dentures: Dentures are predominantly used when several teeth are missing. Adhesives or more permanent dental implants are used for the support and installation of dentures.
Dental Implants: The most popular method of tooth replacement is the use of dental implants. These implants provide excellent support for prosthetic teeth. A titanium post is fused to the jaw bone in order to provide support.
Dental Veneers: The appearance of front-facing teeth that have minor damage or cosmetic issues can be improved with the help of veneers which are like thin shells. Porcelain is the most common material used for making veneers. Composite resin and ceramic are other materials that can also be used.
Teeth Whitening: This is generally the final step in full mouth rehabilitation. Whitening of teeth makes your smile bright and improves your self-confidence.

Additional treatments that do not involve reconstruction or cosmetic dentistry may be required depending on the nature of the case. Full mouth rehabilitation may also include:

Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal Gum Therapy
Bone or Gum Grafts
Crown Lengthening
Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment for TMJ issues
Corrective Jaw Surgery

Maintaining the results of full mouth rehabilitation

Avoid stressful activities for at least 24 hours after the process of full mouth reconstruction. Taking rest by lying down will help you to return to normalcy quickly.

An icepack can be used to control the swelling and soreness. The icepack can be used 4-5 times a day. If the swelling doesn’t subside within a week, you should call your doctor.

The treatment site is very sensitive after the procedure. Hence it is important not to brush too vigorously or floss in the treated area. Gentle brushing is recommended.

Using a mouthwash is a good method to maintain oral hygiene. But it is not advisable to use a mouthwash immediately after treatment because the chemical may be too harsh for the treated site. This should be followed especially when the jawbone is exposed after tooth extraction.