FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION STEPS

Full Mouth Reconstruction Steps

Full mouth reconstruction combines multiple dental and surgical disciplines into a single coordinated treatment plan, and while the specific procedures involved vary from patient to patient, the overall sequence of steps stays remarkably consistent. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery in Huntersville (Charlotte metro), Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II works alongside restorative dentists and specialists to guide patients through each phase of care, often incorporating dental implants to replace missing teeth along the way.

In short, the steps involved in any full mouth reconstruction are:

1. Assessment and logistics
2. "Putting out fires"
3. Creating a stable foundation
4. Reconstructing and reinforcing existing teeth
5. Replacing missing teeth
6. Aligning the bite
7. Finishing touches

Following this order allows your dental team to restore the appearance, function, and comfort of your teeth while relying on the right specialist at the right moment, whether that is an oral surgeon, periodontist, or endodontist.

Step 1: Assessment and Logistics

Every successful plan starts with thorough research. During your initial assessment, your dentist reviews your complete medical and dental history and examines your mouth and teeth visually and manually, using x-rays and clinical expertise to pinpoint issues with the teeth, jaw, gums, or bite. Your dentist will also discuss your goals and preferences: some patients pursue full mouth reconstruction primarily to eat comfortably again, while others are more focused on appearance. Both the methods used and the final outcome can be adjusted based on what matters most to you.

Step 2: "Putting Out Fires"

Existing health concerns must be addressed before any reconstruction can move forward, since a healthy mouth is the foundation everything else is built on. Infection, decay, gum disease, or damaged teeth are handled individually and may require visits to specialists such as a periodontist or endodontist to resolve these various oral health issues first.

Step 3: Creating a Stable Foundation

Once oral health is stabilized, attention turns to the health and vitality of the gums and supporting bone. This can mean continued management of gum disease, but it can also mean bone grafts, tissue grafts, or other periodontal procedures designed to rebuild damaged tissue so it can properly support future dental implants. Any preparatory grafts are placed at this stage and given time to fully heal before reconstruction proceeds.

Step 4: Reconstructing and Reinforcing Existing Teeth

Smaller issues with individual teeth are typically treated next. This may involve placing fillings or onlays, or addressing infection with root canal therapy and a dental crown, so that every natural tooth being retained is as strong and healthy as possible before the rest of the plan proceeds.

Step 5: Replacing Missing Teeth

With a stable foundation in place, the focus shifts to restoring full function and a balanced, comfortable bite. This step might involve correcting gaps or misalignments with crowns, onlays, or bridges, or replacing individual or multiple missing teeth with dentures, bridges, dental implants, or a combination of these treatments. Orthodontic treatment is sometimes included at this stage as well, particularly when shifting or crowded teeth are contributing to the overall problem.

Step 6: Aligning the Bite

As each restoration is placed, your dental team continually checks the comfort and balance of your bite. Final adjustments are made throughout this process to ensure the restorations work together properly, protecting the longevity of the work and optimizing both comfort and appearance.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Procedures involved in a full mouth reconstruction run the gamut from surgically implanted bridges to topical whitening treatments, including crowns, root canals, grafts, orthodontics, and fillings — sometimes nearly everything in between. Finishing touches, such as polishing, minor cosmetic refinements, and a final bite check, complete the plan and give you a smile that functions and looks the way you envisioned from the start.

How Long Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?

Timelines vary widely depending on how many of the seven steps a given patient needs. A case limited mostly to reconstructing existing teeth might wrap up in a matter of weeks, while a case that requires bone grafting, multiple implants, and orthodontic movement can take a year or longer from first visit to final polish. Dr. Haigney and your restorative dentist will lay out a realistic timeline during your assessment so you know what to expect at each stage, rather than being surprised by how long any one step takes.

Careful planning and treatment with an experienced dental and surgical team gives your full mouth reconstruction the best chance of lasting success. Call Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery in Huntersville at (704) 987-3132 to get started with your own full mouth reconstruction plan.

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