If you have multiple dental issues that need to be addressed, your dentist may suggest a full mouth reconstruction, which involves several restorative procedures being combined into one comprehensive treatment plan. In varying degrees, this can be an involved process, so what can you expect when recovering? Continue reading to get the answers from a local dentist.
How a Full Mouth Reconstruction Works
With the full rehabilitation of your mouth, you’re able to achieve functional and aesthetic improvements. This is ideal in situations where there have been severe dental injuries or neglect. The dentist will develop a comprehensive plan that meets all your dental health and cosmetic needs. Because the procedure can range in complexity, it may take months to complete.
Here are some of the possible treatments and their respective recovery times:
- Dental crown – A porcelain restoration, it can be used to strengthen a severely damaged tooth or replace it. It usually takes a few days to recover from the procedure.
- Fixed bridge – This consists of several crowns that are affixed to a single apparatus. Used to replace two to three missing teeth, the recovery process for a fixed bridge is usually a few days.
- Veneers – Made from high-grade ceramics, veneers improve smile aesthetics by masking gapped, crooked, chipped or stained teeth. While the procedure typically takes two visits to complete, there is no recovery time required.
- Removable dentures – It can take several months to design and fabricate a final set of dentures, and it usually takes around 30 days to adjust to them.
- Fixed dentures – Attached to dental implants, fixed dentures provide a lasting and effective replacement solution. It can take several months to complete the process.
- Dental implants – The most reliable method of replacing missing teeth, dental implantation can take several months for insertion, healing and the placement of a restoration.
- Teeth whitening – In a single visit, you can have your teeth brightened by up to eight shades, and there is usually no recovery time needed.
- Periodontal disease treatment – This provides a way to overcome gum (periodontal) disease so that you can move forward with fully restoring your smile. It can sometimes take months to get to a sufficient level of gum health, but there still may be a need for continued treatment after the rehabilitation process is completed.
How Long Will It Take to Recover?
Ultimately, the length of the recovery process will depend on the complexity of your treatment. When you visit for a consultation, a full plan will be mapped out, and the dentist will provide a forecast for how long it will take to complete the entire procedure. As you go along, the dentist will provide details about any specific recovery measures that are needed, and you’ll be given dental care tips to ensure maximum longevity.
You can rest assured that a conservative approach will be taken to each step. Thus, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing that your oral health and smile aesthetics are fully taken care of!
About the Author
Dr. Peter F. Johnson earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He was later awarded a Prosthodontic Certificate from the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and Board-Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Johnson gives his patients reason to smile by performing full mouth reconstructions at San Diego Denture & Implant Specialists. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.
