Full Mouth Rehabilitation in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston, TX

What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction (FMR)?

A Full Mouth Reconstruction, also known as Full Mouth Rehabilitation, is a comprehensive treatment approach that involves multiple dental procedures to restore the function and aesthetics of a patient’s mouth. This treatment is typically recommended for patients who have extensive dental issues such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, or significant wear due to bruxism (teeth grinding), acid reflux, or other conditions.

The process of Full Mouth Reconstruction at Lifeworks Dental begins with taking impressions of your existing teeth and bones. These impressions, along with visual examination, photographs, and possibly X-rays, are used to create a highly accurate wax model of your teeth. This model serves as a blueprint for your treatment plan.

During the planning phase, our dentists, Dr. Tran and Nguyen, will use the wax models, your current photographs, and x-ray images to plan a reconstruction that best suits your aesthetic and functional needs. They will discuss with you the available options and help you decide on the best treatment plan. Important considerations during this phase include the number of missing teeth and their locations, the location of teeth which need fillings, crowns, onlays, inlays, etc., and the alignment, spacing, length, proportions, and uniformity of your existing teeth.

Steps involved in a Full Mouth Reconstruction at Lifeworks Dental:

1. Financial Arrangement Appointment: Before proceeding with the planning, our administrative staff will discuss the cost of the proposed treatment plan, payment options, and insurance coverage if applicable. They will help you understand your financial responsibilities and work with you to make the treatment affordable.
2. Impressions, Photos, and Records: The first step is to take impressions of your existing teeth and bones. This is done along with a visual examination, photographs, and possibly X-rays. A highly accurate wax model of your teeth is then made, which is used to plan your reconstruction and to prepare the prostheses which will be used during the process.
3. Planning: Our dentists, Dr. Tran and Nguyen, will use the wax models of your teeth, along with your current photographs and x-ray images to plan a reconstruction that best suits your aesthetic and functional needs. During this process, they will discuss with you the available options, and help you in deciding on an option that is best for you.
4. Presentation Appointment: This is when Dr. Tran and Nguyen will present the proposed treatment plan to you. They will explain the procedures involved, the expected results, and answer any questions you may have.
5. Treatment: This is the phase where the actual dental procedures take place. Depending on your specific needs, this could include procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, or dentures. In some cases, orthodontic treatment or oral surgery may also be necessary.
6. Rest and Recovery: A suitable recovery period may be required, especially if major surgery was involved. Any discomfort can normally be treated with over-the-counter medication.
7. Additional Visits: Additional visits may become necessary for some patients to ensure proper adjustments and to monitor the success of the treatment.

Remember, each patient’s needs are unique, and the exact steps and procedures involved in a Full Mouth Reconstruction can vary.

Aftercare:

After the treatment, a suitable recovery period may be required, especially if major surgery was involved. Any discomfort can normally be treated with over-the-counter medication. Additional visits may become necessary for some patients to ensure proper adjustments.

The cost of a Full Mouth Reconstruction is not fixed as it depends on the extent of the dental issues and the number of procedures required. Our dentists will provide you with a good estimated cost during a preliminary appointment.

Aftercare is crucial to maintain the results of a Full Mouth Reconstruction. Good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to Lifeworks Dental, are essential. Avoiding abrasive toothpaste and hard brushes, minimizing the use of tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco, and wearing night guards or mouth guards if advised by our dentists, can help extend the life of your reconstruction.

Remember, it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. If you have any concerns or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact Lifeworks Dental at (713) 956-5433.