Whether you’ve had teeth extracted, lost them due to accidents, or are experiencing age-related tooth loss, an incomplete smile can leave you feeling insecure. Additionally, missing teeth can impact your oral function, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. But, with a full mouth reconstruction, you can restore your smile and alleviate any insecurities you may experience.
While this procedure is a great way to rehabilitate your smile, it can be daunting to prepare for your upcoming appointments. However, by understanding the full mouth reconstruction process, you can go into your appointments feeling more confident. If you’re about to embark on this journey, keep reading to learn more about how to prepare.
What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction is a dental procedure that aims to help you transform the appearance and function of your smile. This procedure is performed on individuals experiencing extreme tooth decay and damage that compromises oral function. Not only does this treatment restore the appearance of your smile, but it also improves facial support and gum health.
This procedure includes a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Some dental treatments you may consider while getting this done include:
Although this procedure is often a time-consuming and complex process, it is a great way to restore your comfort and ensure full oral function. Additionally, it helps dental patients avoid potential bone loss and gum decay that may accompany missing teeth.
How to Prepare for Reconstruction
There are several things you should do before your full mouth reconstruction. To begin this process, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your current oral health and long-term smile goals. They can help you determine if there are any procedures, like root canals and tooth extractions, that you’ll need before continuing the process.
During these appointments, your dentist may also talk to you about dietary changes you’ll need to make. Some dental appliances, like crowns and implants, can be damaged by sticky or hard foods, so you’ll want to avoid those if you intend to get these treatments. You may also want to limit sugar intake if you experience frequent cavities.
The final step in preparing for full mouth reconstruction is talking to your dental team about treatment for dental anxiety. You can discuss sedation dentistry and whether this is the best option for you during treatment. With this under your belt, you should be ready to begin seeking restorative and cosmetic treatments.
How Long Does Reconstruction Take?
The length of treatment for your full mouth reconstruction will vary based on the treatments you’re having done. Dental procedures like implants may take between 3 and 8 months. Your dental team will need to install the posts and allow full healing before you can install the implant, which can be time-consuming.
In some cases, it isn’t uncommon for full mouth reconstructions to take over a year to complete. While this may seem like an endless timeline, it is important that you take adequate time between appointments. Your dental team schedules appointments with large gaps between them to ensure complete healing before moving on to the next step.
While it can be frustrating to wait months on end to see the end result, it is important that you maintain patience throughout your treatment. Trying to rush through this process can be detrimental to your already precarious oral health. If you want the procedure to last, it is best to be patient while waiting for your upcoming appointments.
The Recovery Process
Recovering from a full mouth reconstruction can be a long process, but following the recommended recovery is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of your smile. First, you should remember to maintain good oral hygiene every day. Brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once daily, or more often if necessary.
Immediately following the procedure, it may also be a good idea to avoid hard foods and instead shift to a soft or liquid diet. If you’re experiencing any swelling, you may want to swish with warm saltwater. This salt water can help calm any inflammation and reduce bacteria that may cause oral infections.
You may also want to use a warm or cold compress to help you address swelling. Using an ice bag or cold compress can calm inflammation, while a warm compress is great for drawing blood to the area and improving recovery time. Finally, remember to allow yourself plenty of time to rest following your full mouth reconstruction.
This process is incredibly physically demanding and can come with a great deal of discomfort immediately following treatment. You can focus on recovering from your dental procedures by allowing yourself plenty of rest. This rest will enable you to feel better sooner than if you attempted to jump into activity soon after treatment.
Helping You Achieve Your Dream Smile in Bismarck, ND
No matter what dental procedure you’re preparing for, it is essential that you work with a team of experts, like our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants. Since 2009, our dental team has provided comprehensive dental treatments to patients across Bismarck, ND. With our experience and training, we’re confident that we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Whether you’re interested in teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, or a combination of dental services, you can trust that we have the experience to help you through this process. Don’t settle for just any dental team when making an investment like this in your smile. Instead, contact our team today and experience the difference an expert dental team can make.
