Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction is a process where all of your teeth are treated to provide better function, esthetics, alignment and a more appropriate TMJ position. Extensive training and knowledge beyond the requirements of dental school is required for adequate understanding of the complexity associated with full mouth reconstruction cases. Dr. Saleh has extensive training in TMJ and Occlusion “bite relation”.
Is full mouth reconstruction for you? Full mouth reconstruction can be performed for several reasons:
1- Achieving a more comfortable TMJ position. TMJ disorders can be of various types and severity causing ongoing chronic pain and discomfort for some patients. Wearing a removable appliance such as a night guard at night may not provide sufficient relief for some TMJ patients. In order to provide permanent relief, the TMJ must be re-positioned in the accurate position permanently. This can be achieved with full mouth reconstruction.
2- Opening the bite. Chronic grinding of teeth can lead to severe tooth wear. The more wear the teeth sustain the more distance is created between upper and lower jaws. Naturally we tend to over-close to compensate for the tooth wear. This can lead to inadequate TMJ position and subsequently to chronic jaw pain and headaches. Full mouth reconstruction can restore the bite and the TMJ to the original position eliminating pain and further deterioration
3- Generalized tooth loss. Severe gum disease, generalized decay and facial trauma can all lead to generalized tooth loss. When the majority of teeth are lost, the original bite changes and therefore the TMJ position changes to an inadequate position causing TMJ pain, discomfort and headaches. Full mouth reconstruction can compensate for tooth wear and restore the bite to more favorable position.
4- Advance cosmetic dental treatment. Some patients do not show enough of their teeth upon smiling. Opening up the bite will help us reveal more teeth allowing a more beautiful and natural smile..
5- Teeth misalignment where orthodontic treatment is not possible can also be a situation were full mouth reconstruction is indicated.
The Process of full mouth reconstruction
Phase I: “Data Collection and Treatment Planning”
Full mouth x-rays and photographs are taken along with a CT scan of the TMJ position. Extra-oral photographs of the smile and profile position will be taken. Initial impressions are taken to evaluate your bite through a set of models that are a duplicate of your teeth. Dr Saleh will utilize this information to customize a treatment plan to fulfill your particular needs.
Phase II: “TENS and determining the correct bite position”.
Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation also known as TENS is the process of utilizing ultra-low electrical frequency to gently stimulate and relax the muscles involved in chewing and jaw movement. This will help achieve optimal jaw and bite position. Please feel free to read more about TENS under TMJ/TMD link.
Phase III: “Preparation of teeth and Placement of prefabricated temporary restorations”
Under local anesthesia and/or deep sedation Dr Saleh will prepare all of your teeth for porcelain restorations and place custom lab pre-fabricated temporary restorations. You will continue to wear your temporaries for 1-2 months to ensure the adequate bite position, jaw position, long term comfort and pain relief
Phase IV: “Placement of final restorations”
The final restorations will be bonded to your teeth after the temporary restorations have been in place for 1-2 months
The phases of treatment can take 2-3 months to complete. The outcome for most patients is dramatic, life changing and very rewarding in terms of self esteem and facial esthetics. Regardless of whom you choose as your dentist to perform this complex treatment, make sure that he or she has extensive training, knowledge and experience in Occlusion, TMJ and full mouth reconstruction.
Many patients come to us for a second opinion. We invite you to call us for a complimentary consultation to explore your options and discuss your particular case.