Nearly everyone gets a cavity or sustains minor tooth damage at some point. These problems can usually be treated in one or two dental appointments.
But what happens if you have multiple problems simultaneously affecting your oral health and function? You may need full mouth reconstruction with Dr. Gordon Bell of The Center for Dental Excellence. Full mouth reconstruction describes the more involved process of repairing, replacing or rebuilding multiple teeth and possibly treating issues affecting the gums and/or jaw joint, too.
Here, Dr. Bell reveals signs that suggest you could benefit from full mouth reconstruction.
You are missing multiple teeth.
Although tooth loss is common, replacing multiple teeth is much more complex than placing a single implant or dental bridge. With full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Bell can replace clusters of missing teeth or even all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw using dental implants, dental bridges and/or dentures.
Dental trauma led to multiple broken or damaged teeth.
Another clue that you may need full mouth reconstruction is that you have experienced an accident or trauma that damaged multiple teeth at a time. Implants, bridges, fillings, crowns and/or orthodontics may be used during full mouth reconstruction to repair teeth that are badly chipped, cracked, knocked-out or forced out of the proper alignment due to the trauma or accident.
Your teeth are extremely worn down.
Tooth enamel is strong but not indestructible. It can wear down over time due to diet, acid reflux, eating disorders or teeth grinding/clenching. When the teeth are excessively worn, they are more susceptible to breaking or cracking; they also put you at risk of bite problems that could necessitate full mouth reconstruction.
You are experiencing unrelenting jaw pain or fatigue.
Constant jaw pain or fatigue can suggest problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If the TMJ has degenerated or developed inflammation or irritation, it may throw off your bite completely, leading to other problems with your teeth. Full mouth reconstruction can resolve the TMJ problems and rebuild your bite.
Experiencing Dental Issues? Call Us Today
If you are experiencing dental issues that affect the appearance or function of your teeth, Dr. Bell and the team at The Center for Dental Excellence can help.
Before recommending full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Bell will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth and take X-rays to assess the condition of your teeth, gums and jaw. The dentist will identify the particular dental problems that must be addressed, and then explain the available treatment options. Together, the two of you will decide the best way to proceed with your full mouth reconstruction.
To request an evaluation with Dr. Bell, please contact The Center for Dental Excellence today.