Some people don’t need convincing to see their dentist for much-needed smile improvements. On the contrary, they might believe they need treatment so comprehensive that they don’t know where to start. They want a complete overhaul, in other words, but aren’t sure what that might entail.
Fortunately, many dentists offer full mouth reconstruction, a service in which they incorporate several treatments to rebuild or replace all the teeth in a patient’s mouth. For those interested in learning more about full mouth reconstruction in Dallas, here’s a list of its five most common treatment options.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a tooth’s strength and appearance. These caps repair cracked, broken, and decayed teeth and last between 15-20 years with maintenance. They’re well-regarded, too, for saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When a dental crown fuses with a tooth’s surface, it even protects the affected area from bacteria and infections.
Partial and Full Dentures
Dentures are a kind of dental prosthetic used to replace missing teeth.
Dentures typically come in two types: full and partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the mouth’s arch with artificial ones and hold still with natural suction . In contrast, partial dentures perform a partial replacement for those with some natural teeth and hold still with clasps.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a procedure for removing harmful bacteria and pulp from a decaying or infected tooth. Once the dentist has numbed the tooth and gums with a local anesthetic, they will remove the infected or damaged tooth structure with specialized tools. Afterward, they will seal the tooth’s now-empty interior to prevent future infection and its surface will be restored with a dental crown. This treatment saves teeth that would require extraction without it.
Dental Implants
A state-of-the-art method of tooth replacement, dentists often recommend dental implants as a highly effective treatment. The latter aremMade of titanium posts with lifelike restorations, they’re attached directly to the jawbone. Their metal portions beneath the gumline help prevent the loss of surrounding tissue while their upper portions mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Compared to dentures, they have a greater lifespan and allow you to chew and speak more easily.
Tooth Extractions
Typically considered a last resort, tooth extraction is a treatment that removes teeth from the mouth. It’s usually performed when a tooth is infected or damaged from an injury, and the issue can only be resolved via removal.
Tooth extraction comes in two categories: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are for teeth that have broken through the gumline and can be gently removed with dental forceps. Surgical extractions, meanwhile, are only for those teeth that break at the gumline or fail to erupt. In this scenario, the dentist will perform a small incision beforehand to access the tooth.
Hopefully, now that you know some of the treatment options for full mouth reconstruction, you can take your first steps toward a whole new smile!
About the Author
As a top-rated dentist in Dallas, Dr. David Brumbaugh loves using his talent, education, and passion to help patients smile brighter. In his 25 years of experience, he has helped patients with everything from dental crowns and dental implants to veneers and dentures. His goal first and foremost is always to provide you with a smile that is as beautiful as it is functional. He currently practices at his self-titled clinic and can be reached at his website or by phone at (214)-369-5159.
