Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction is typically recommended for patients who have multiple oral health problems affecting their teeth, mouth, gums, and/or jaw.  These usually include a combination of two or more of the following issues:

• Missing teeth
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Numerous teeth with large fillings or decay
• Severe tooth decay
• Teeth that are badly worn due to grinding or acid erosion
• Misaligned teeth
• Gum disease or receding gums
• Badly discoloured teeth
• An irregular bite (malocclusion)
• TMJ and other jaw problems
• Congenital dental deformities

Full mouth reconstruction procedures are highly customized depending on the dental issues of individual patients.  In some cases, orthodontic tooth movement may be required prior to treatment to achieve a desirable outcome.  In more complicated cases, a referral to a prosthodontist may be necessary.


Treatment may include any combination of the following cosmetic and restorative procedures:

• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Dental implants
• Porcelain veneers
• Full or partial dentures
• Gum treatment
• Orthodontic tooth straightening
• Jaw surgery
  

To ensure that a full mouth reconstruction will be successful, it is essential to analyze the patient’s occlusion, or “bite”, prior to starting any dental procedures. 


This allows us to determine if the bite is unstable and helps us identify whether any occlusal changes are required prior to starting the procedure.  Some signs and symptoms of an unbalanced or unstable bite may include:

• TMJ joint pain and clicking
• Loose teeth
• Excessive wear on teeth
• Movement of teeth
• Supporting structures that are unstable

If a bite issue is suspected or if full mouth reconstruction is anticipated, it is common to take impressions of your teeth and make plaster models to mount on a device called an articulator.  The mounted models, along with our visual analysis, allow us to analyze your bite and make a plan for its long term stabilization and comfort. In some cases, it may be possible to complete part or all of this process digitally using a 3D scanner eliminating the need for impressions.


If occlusal issues are identified, it may be necessary to wear a dental appliance and “balance the bite” before the full mouth reconstruction begins.