Full mouth restoration is a broad term that can include various procedures, depending on the precise nature of a particular case. If you are currently anticipating full mouth restoration to restore form and function to your teeth, you are likely to undergo more than one of the following procedures:
Dental Fillings
Fillings are a way to address relatively minor instances of tooth decay. They use a metal or tooth-colored material to fill in cavities and prevent the decay from spreading.
Dental Bonding
Bonding can address minor tooth damage and cosmetic issues by using a composite resin material to restore appearance.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays are restorations that address damage to the biting surface of a molar, while onlays target the cusps of the molar.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are prosthetic caps fitted onto heavily damaged or decayed teeth with intact roots. The caps are designed to look, feel, and function like real teeth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement device that consists of a row of one or more prosthetic teeth with a dental crown on either end. The crowns are attached to the teeth on either side of a toothless gap to strengthen and support the prosthetics.
Dentures
Dentures are a simple way to replace several missing teeth at once. They can be installed and supported with adhesives or with the help of more permanent dental implants.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most popular method of tooth replacement. They use a titanium post that is fused with the jawbone to provide unmatched support for strong, natural-looking prosthetic teeth.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that can improve the appearance of front-facing teeth that have minor damage or cosmetic issues. They are most often made from porcelain but can also be molded from other materials, such as composite resin and ceramic.
Teeth Whitening
Once you have had your smile restored, you will likely want it to be as bright and healthy as it can be. That is why teeth whitening treatment is often employed as the final step in full mouth restoration.
Other Common Procedures
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may require additional treatments during your full mouth restoration, some of which do not involve any kind of reconstruction or cosmetic dentistry. For example, full mouth restoration can also involve:
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal gum therapy
- Bone or gum grafts
- Crown lengthening
- Orthodontic treatment
- Treatment for TMJ issues
- Corrective jaw surgery
Again, your circumstances will determine which of these treatments you may need. For example, if you are receiving a full mouth restoration due to gum disease, your oral surgeon will likely prescribe scaling, root planing, and gum therapy. Likewise, if you need the procedure due to issues with grinding and clenching your teeth, your oral surgeon may recommend TMJ treatment.
Know Before You Go
Learning the types of procedures you are likely to undergo can help you feel more at ease about your upcoming full mouth restoration. Check out the Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery blog for a more detailed look at full mouth restoration and the types of techniques and operations it can entail.