If you need multiple treatments to correct a variety of oral health problems, your dentist may recommend a full-mouth reconstruction. This customizable series of procedures will help correct any oral health issues and rebuild your smile, so it looks and functions properly. Here’s what you can expect from this treatment, and why repairing your gorgeous grin may just be easier than you thought!
Tooth Extractions
If you need any teeth extracted due to damage or decay, it’s normal to be a little afraid. The good news is that before beginning any work, your dentist will first numb your mouth. Following the procedure, you may experience some soreness and swelling but should feel much better after three or so days.
To ensure that your mouth heals as quickly as possible, follow your dentist’s after-care instructions. Don’t smoke for at least two weeks, don’t drink from a straw, and avoid strenuous activities during the first three days. If you develop a fever or lose your blood clot over your incision site, or if your pain worsens instead of improving, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Crowns
To receive a dental crown, your dentist must reshape the tooth and remove any damaged enamel. First, he or she will numb the area, remove the enamel, and place a temporary crown. In about two weeks you’ll return for your permanent crown. Your temporary prosthetic will be removed, and the new one will be cemented in place. While you may experience some sensitivity with the temporary crown, most patients find that this goes away when the permanent crown is attached.
Dental Bridges
Much like dental crowns, your dentist will need to remove some tooth enamel to attach your dental bridge. This is because it secures to your mouth via two abutment teeth that must be reshaped to hold the prosthetic in place. While you’re waiting for the bridge to be custom crafted for you at the dental lab, your dentist will place two temporary crowns on your teeth to keep them safe. You may experience some sensitivity during this time, however once the bridge is cemented in place, this should go away. Typically, a dental bridge takes about two weeks to complete.
Dental Implants
Each dental implant treatment will vary depending on the patient. In some cases, you may need some preliminary procedures like bone grafting, tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or a sinus lift, all of which have their own timetable for healing. Once your oral health is restored, you can then undergo your dental implant procedure.
Although placing dental implants can be done relatively quickly, they do require a healing time of up to six months or more. Then, once the implants have fused to your jawbone via osseointegration, you can move on to the abutment placement, which requires another several weeks to recover from. The great news is that when your prosthetics are placed on the abutments, you should be able to use your new implants to eat a full diet with no restrictions that very same day!
Remember, a full mouth reconstruction is not just one procedure, but many important treatments that will restore your oral health and rebuild your beautiful smile. Although each one has its own healing time and aftercare instructions, it is extremely important that you abide by these guidelines to ensure their success. To learn more about the benefits of full mouth reconstruction, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!