When a patient finds themselves in need of new teeth, the process can be daunting and scary for even people who don’t mind going to the dentist. There are many options available to those that require full mouth treatments, but one of the best options a patient may be ready to consider is a full mouth restoration or reconstruction.
Taking the steps necessary to replace all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth may be a bit overwhelming, but the process can be broken down into many layers in order to make it as easy and stress-free on the patient as possible.
What is a Full Mouth Restoration?
As you can probably guess, full mouth restoration refers to the process of rebuilding and/or replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. This is done by simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower parts of the patient’s jaws. These procedures are typically done by general or restorative dentists, along with the incorporation of other dental specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists.
There are various reasons why one may need full mouth restoration. They tend to vary by patient, and each has a different set of requirements. With each requirement comes a new set of challenges and procedures that the patient may inevitably need to face.
If a patient has lost some of their teeth to decay or trauma to the tooth, they may find a need for reconstruction. It may also be necessary if the teeth have been harmed from force or hurt in some way. Patients who tend to have highly acidic diets that lead to severe wearing of the teeth over a long period (due to acid erosion) or heavy teeth grinding may be suitable for this option also.
There are also situations in which a patient may need full mouth restoration to solve ongoing jaw, muscle, and headache pains that require adjustments to the bite.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
When all of the teeth are affected, it is considered a full mouth reconstruction. The treatment process for this procedure will vary depending on the severity and need of the patient. The treatment process for this procedure will vary depending on the severity and need of the patient.
Typically, dentists will explore two options for full mouth reconstruction. The first option is called an Implant Overdenture. These are dental implants that snap and lock into place. The Overdenture is almost exactly as it sounds; a denture that snaps over the implant and can be easily taken out and put in by the patient.
Another option is the Hybrid Implant Denture. These are similar to the Overdenture but do not need to be taken out often. They are typically only removed by the dentist for regular cleanings and are fixed in place any other time.
There are a few other options available as well, though they are not so widely used. For example, there may be a need to replace more than just missing teeth in patients with oral cancer. In these cases, restoring actual structures of missing oral cavities may also be necessary. This is a more unique situation, but it is another possibility patients may face.
How Much to Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost?
Since most full mouth restoration cases involve all of the teeth (though patient cases to vary), the cost can be high. Typically, this minimum cost will fall around $800 to $1,500 per tooth.
This cost does not include any possible charges for oral surgeries, crown lengthening, periodontal treatments, and other work that may need to be done. Estimates for a full-mouth restoration will cost around $30,000 to $45,000.
If the patient has dental insurance, some of these costs will likely be covered. However, this does depend on the diagnosis and plan of care provided by the dentist and the insurance provider. There are always third-party financing options available through most dental offices to make monthly payments for reconstruction affordable. Either way, the dentist will be able to walk through those options before making any set-in-stone plans with the patient.