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Reconstruct Your Bite, Teeth, and Oral Health
When multiple dental problems affect most or all of your teeth, simple fixes no longer suffice. Years of wear, trauma, decay, or gum disease can leave you with a mouth full of compromised teeth that impact not just your appearance but your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. The complexity of these combined issues might feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to even begin your journey back to oral health.
South Hills Dental Arts specializes in comprehensive restorative dentistry that addresses all aspects of your oral health simultaneously. Our 35 years of experience in full mouth reconstruction, combined with our ability to provide all treatments under one roof, means you won’t need referrals to multiple specialists. Using advanced Digital Smile Design and 3D imaging technology, we create a detailed roadmap for your reconstruction that prioritizes both function and aesthetics.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction, also known as full mouth rehabilitation, involves rebuilding or restoring all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This comprehensive approach goes beyond cosmetic improvements to address functional problems, including bite alignment, jaw joint health, and gum disease. Each reconstruction is completely customized based on your specific oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle factors.
Unlike a smile makeover that focuses primarily on appearance, full mouth reconstruction prioritizes restoring proper function while also creating a beautiful smile. The process may combine multiple procedures, including dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, veneers, orthodontics, periodontal therapy, and TMJ treatment. Our global approach ensures all elements work together harmoniously for long-lasting results.
Candidates for Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction benefits patients with extensive dental damage from various causes. Common candidates include those with teeth worn down from grinding or acid erosion, multiple missing teeth affecting bite and function, numerous large fillings that are failing or breaking, severe decay affecting most teeth, advanced gum disease with bone loss, or congenital conditions affecting tooth development.
Trauma victims who’ve experienced facial injuries often need reconstruction to restore both function and appearance. Patients who’ve avoided dental care for years due to fear or circumstances frequently require comprehensive reconstruction to address accumulated problems. Cancer patients who’ve undergone radiation therapy affecting their oral tissues may also benefit from reconstructive procedures to restore quality of life.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Your reconstruction journey begins with the most thorough dental evaluation you’ve ever experienced. Using our 3D X-ray technology, we capture detailed images of your teeth, jaw bones, and joints. Our intraoral cameras document the current condition of each tooth, while Tekscan digital bite analysis reveals how your teeth come together and distribute biting forces.
We also evaluate your jaw joints for signs of TMJ disorders, assess your gum and bone health for periodontal disease, and review your medical history for conditions affecting treatment. This comprehensive data collection allows us to understand not just what needs repair but why problems developed initially. Understanding root causes helps us create solutions that last rather than temporary fixes.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Planning and Sequencing
Creating your reconstruction plan requires careful consideration of multiple factors. We must establish a stable foundation by treating any active gum disease first, as healthy gums and adequate bone support are essential for long-term success. Next, we address urgent issues, such as infections or teeth that cannot be saved. The sequence of restorative procedures is carefully planned to achieve optimal results efficiently.
Using Digital Smile Design technology, we create a virtual blueprint of your final results before beginning treatment. This allows you to see your new smile and provide input on aesthetics. We can adjust tooth shape, size, and color in the digital design until you’re completely satisfied. This blueprint then guides every procedure, ensuring all treatments work toward the same goal.
Restorative Treatment Options
The building blocks of reconstruction include various restorative options selected based on your specific needs. Dental crowns restore severely damaged teeth, providing strength and a natural appearance. When teeth are missing, dental implants provide the most stable and long-lasting replacement option. Our same-day CEREC crowns and in-house 3D printing capabilities often allow us to complete restorations faster than traditional methods.
For patients missing all teeth in an arch, All-on-4 dental implants provide a fixed, permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. Partial dentures or bridges may be appropriate for some situations. When teeth are salvageable but misaligned, clear aligners can reposition them before final restorations. Each element is carefully selected and crafted to work harmoniously with the others.
Managing Complex Full Mouth Reconstruction Cases
Complex reconstructions often require addressing multiple issues simultaneously. Patients with severe wear from grinding need not just restored teeth but also treatment for the underlying bruxism. This might involve creating a new bite position that’s more comfortable for the jaw joints, followed by a protective night guard to prevent future damage.
When bone loss from periodontal disease or long-term tooth loss complicates treatment, we may recommend bone grafting to rebuild support for implants. Our use of plasma-rich growth factors accelerates healing and improves outcomes for these procedures. TMJ disorders often accompany complex dental problems, so we integrate TMJ therapy into the reconstruction plan when needed.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Timeline and Phases
Full mouth reconstruction rarely happens overnight. Depending on complexity, treatment may span several months to over a year. We typically divide treatment into phases, allowing healing between major procedures and spreading costs over time if needed. The phases may include initial disease control and stabilization, surgical procedures, such as extractions and implant placement, orthodontic alignment if necessary, and final restorative work.
Throughout the process, we ensure you never go without teeth. Temporary restorations maintain your appearance and function during treatment. These temporaries also serve as a “test drive” for your new bite position and aesthetics, allowing adjustments before creating final restorations. Our goal is to minimize disruption to your daily life while achieving comprehensive restoration.
Understanding the Investment and Value of Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction represents a significant investment in your health, function, and quality of life. While costs vary based on the necessary procedures, we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and offer financing options through our forms and financing page. Consider that reconstruction not only addresses current problems but also prevents future complications that could prove even more costly.
The value extends beyond financial considerations. Patients consistently report life-changing improvements, including the ability to eat their favorite foods again, improved speech and confidence, the elimination of chronic pain, better overall health through proper nutrition, and enhanced professional and social opportunities. The comprehensive nature of reconstruction means you’re investing in a long-term solution rather than repeated patch-up treatments.
Transform Your Life and Smile at South Hills Dental Arts
At South Hills Dental Arts, we understand deciding to undergo full mouth reconstruction is a major decision. Our team supports you throughout the journey with compassionate care and clear communication. We celebrate each milestone with you, from the relief of being pain-free to the joy of seeing your new smile for the first time.
Don’t let complex dental problems diminish your quality of life any longer. Start with our free virtual consultation to explore your reconstruction options without any pressure. Contact us today at (412) 668-5468 to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and discover how full mouth reconstruction can restore your smile, confidence, and health, or fill out our contact form to learn more about our commitment to providing complete dental solutions that transform lives throughout the Pittsburgh area.
