subject: Full Mouth Restoration [print this page] Contrary to what you might think, cosmetic dentistry treatment is not just a vanity service. Many dental problems affect both appearance as well as jaw and oral structure. When you need treatment for serious conditions as these, one care plan your cosmetic dentist is likely to consider is a full mouth restoration.
Special Training for Full Mouth Restoration
When we think of general dentistry what comes to mind most often are caries and fillings, root canals and crowns, and, of course, teeth cleanings. But the skills and training needed for more extensive treatments, such as a full mouth restoration or reconstructive dentistry demands far more training the average general dentistry programs provide.
Cosmetic dentists complete advanced training to provide treatment that corrects appearance problems as well as neuromuscular diseases, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). They have received training in neuromuscular dentistry as well as orthodontics, in addition to general dentistry. Such specialized training gives them a complete array of diagnostics and treatments to identify and plan corrective measures for your needs, completely.
Problems Treated by Full Mouth Restoration
Some problems that are thought of as cosmetic, such as crooked teeth or overbites, give orthodontics a reputation for being a cosmetic-only treatment. But these and other orthodontic problems can eventually lead to bite problems, TMD, worn or broken teeth, and ultimately to serious dental and other health problems. TMD, for example, can interfere with speech or eating, cause one's jaws to lock, and can cause serious pain in addition to jaw painheadaches, neck aches and backaches. Other symptoms that indicate a possible need for full mouth reconstruction are:
TMD Jaw pain, popping, clicking, locking
Headaches Loose teeth with no apparent cause
Chipped, cracked, broken or worn teeth
Cracked, chipped or broken dental restorations
Tooth pain, non-specific location
Vertigo, unexplained dizziness
Plugged sensation in ears
Finger or arm numbness
It may seem like a far stretch that some of these symptoms are caused by TMD or any oral problem, but that is exactly why they persist, undiagnosed and untreated, as chronic pains or complications for so many people.
What Full Mouth Reconstruction Involves
Full mouth restoration can include a variety of cosmetic and general dentistry treatments. They correct imperfections in jaw alignment, bite, and tooth alignment both within each arch and in relation to those in the opposing arch. Some of these might include:
Tooth implants
Dental Bridges
Dentures
Porcelain Veneers
Dental Crowns
Inlays or onlays
Filling replacement
Orthodontic appliances
Jaw therapy
Laser therapy
Oral surgery
Dental bonding
Other treatments might include using a TENS unit to treat muscles by helping them to relax with or without pain medications and relaxation exercises. Orthotics might be used to help reposition your jaw and bite.
