The American Dental Association estimates that over one-third of Americans will suffer from dental disease or complications, such as tooth loss, bone loss, broken teeth, and gum disease. So, how do you know if you are a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction?
Uneven Tooth Wear
It is an inevitable part of aging. Your teeth wear down over years of use. However, excessive wear is not normal and neither is experiencing pain when chewing. Both can be signs of premature tooth wear caused by tooth grinding or misalignment. In extreme cases, the tooth wears down so much that the patient’s tooth appears to be the size of small numbs.
To recover from this level of damage, a custom crown must be placed on each affected tooth, according to an orthodontist in Washington DC. Mouthguards are often recommended for people with bruxism. Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping can prevent damage to your teeth and new dental restorations if you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep.
Dental Trauma
Accidents and injuries will occur. Consequences of dental trauma include chipped or cracked teeth or flaking of teeth. This is a clinical term used to pop teeth out of their sockets. Missing or cracked teeth can be repaired with cosmetic treatments such as dental bonding and veneers.
Crowns can prevent complete loss and restore function and beauty to teeth for more extensive damage. On the other hand, Bridges and implants are options for replacing teeth that are too far apart to store and need to be extracted.
Periodontitis
This is the late stage of periodontal disease. If you have moderate to severe periodontal disease, it can cause permanent damage to your oral health. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and even increase the risk of chronic health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Some dental treatments offer a comprehensive periodontal treatment plan to treat periodontal disease and prevent further damage. Periodontal disease must be effectively managed before cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentists can repair each affected tooth if the periodontal disease affects your smile.
Severe Tooth Decay in Multiple Teeth
Full mouth reconstruction is a good choice if you have multiple teeth affected by tooth decay. Tooth decay can spread rapidly and damage teeth beyond repair. An infected tooth is an emergency that should be treated promptly so that the infection does not spread to the surrounding areas of your mouth and other teeth.
A full mouth reconstruction process would begin with an exam, x-rays, and taking an impression of your smile. Your dentist will then discuss treatment options with you and create a customized treatment plan before starting any work on your smile. Once you are comfortable with your treatment plan, your dentist will begin to restore your smile.
Oral Cancer
This disease has many warning signs, but most people will not seek dental treatment with regular contact, such as eating and talking, unless they experience pain. Common oral cancer symptoms include a lump or sore on your gums or tongue or bleeding around your mouth. You should take your symptoms seriously, so call your dentist if you think you have an oral cancer symptom.
Worn Enamel
The enamel is the hardest substance in your teeth and it forms the protective layer that provides strength for your teeth. It also provides a smooth surface that allows easy movement of teeth. However, some people will wear down their enamel to a level that makes it more susceptible to cavities, cracks, and even tooth loss. If you are concerned about this issue, ask your dentist about preventative measures available to you.
While your teeth are a valuable and important part of your smile, they can also require more time and money to maintain than you may realize, especially if they have suffered extensive damage. For example, if you have only a few teeth that have survived extensive damage, they may not be able to support dental restorations properly. In this case, full-mouth reconstruction would restore the support of all your teeth in one treatment.
There are many preventative measures, such as brushing and flossing daily. Dental services like check-ups and cleaning can also help prevent decay. However, if you have suffered from tooth decay or have experienced other forms of dental damage, you may need additional support like full-mouth reconstruction to preserve the health of your smile and teeth.
