It's no secret that dentists are prepared to handle an array of minor oral health concerns, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but what about more complicated issues that significantly affect your teeth, gums, jaw bone, and even your facial structure? 

At Palmetto Dental Arts, our knowledgeable team is equipped to help you restore the health, function, and aesthetics of your smile through full mouth rehabilitation. Here's everything you should know about how full mouth rehabilitation could help you regain your quality of life before scheduling your free consultation.

What is Full Mouth Rehabilitation?

Full mouth rehabilitation is a broad term that refers to any procedure(s) used to rebuild the tissues of one's mouth, jaw, or face. Along with a person's teeth and gums, this could include the soft tissues of one's cheeks, the palate, the floor of one's mouth, the tongue, the jawbones, and the skin of one's face. All of these are necessary to maintain the healthy function of one's mouth, including speaking, chewing, and swallowing. 

Full mouth rehabilitation can be a simple as having a single dental implant placed or as complex as relocating bone from one area of the body to a damaged area of the person's jaw. Undergoing a full mouth transformation could be recommended or required for a number of reasons, such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Trauma or injury
• Oral cancer 
• Birth Defects
• Aesthetic concerns

Types of Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Reconstructive dentistry encompasses a number of restorative and cosmetic treatments. When multiple restorative or cosmetic dental treatments are required, it's known as full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction could include any combination of the following procedures:

• Periodontal treatments: scaling, root planing, and/or gum grafting
• Oral Surgery: Extractions, root canal treatment, and/or soft and hard tissue grafting
• Implant dentistry: Placing dental implants, including implant, abutment, and dental crown
• Restorative dentistry: Placing composite fillings, inlays, onlays, and bridges
• Cosmetic dentistry: Porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental bonding, professional teeth whitening, and/or gum contouring
• Bite correction: Temporomandibular joints (TMJ/TMD) treatment and/or surgery
• Bruxism treatment: Managing teeth clenching or grinding
• Orthodontics: Metal braces, clear aligners, and retainers
• Facial bone reconstruction: Used to repair fractured hard tissues in the jaw, cheeks, and other parts of the skull

The Benefits of Full Mouth Rehabilitation

At Palmetto Dental Arts, our primary goal is to help our patients regain the best quality of life possible with the help of full mouth rehabilitation. Whether you are in need of a simple oral procedure or more extensive treatments, we are here to make your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile as convenient and comfortable as possible. Reconstructive dentistry offers many benefits, including:

• Improving the appearance of one's teeth, mouth, and face
• Boosting self-esteem
• Restoring the normal function of one's mouth, including speaking, chewing, and swallowing
• Alleviating pain and discomfort
• Improving oral health

Sedation Options During Your Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Having dental work performed can make some people feel anxious or overwhelmed, especially if it's extensive. To ensure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your reconstructive dental procedure, we offer several sedation dentistry options, including:

• Nitrous oxide: Also known as "laughing gas," breathing in this gas through a mask provides minimal sedation where you are awake but relaxed during your procedure.
• Oral sedation: After taking this medication orally, you can achieve mild to moderate sedation where you are awake but drowsy during your procedure.
• IV moderate sedation: This medication is given through an IV, allowing the dentist to easily adjust it as needed throughout the procedure while you stay awake but relaxed.
• General anesthesia: This provides deep sedation where you are asleep during your procedure, so you don't feel or remember any of it. 

It's important to talk with your dentist about your medical history and any current medications you may be taking before undergoing any form of sedation dentistry. By working closely with your dentist, expressing your concerns, and asking the appropriate questions, you can work together to find a sedation option to ensure your reconstructive dental procedure goes as smoothly as possible if needed.

Recovering from Reconstructive Dental Procedures

Your recovery from reconstructive dental treatments will depend on the condition of your mouth and the procedures you have performed. While many treatments can be performed as an outpatient appointment and require little recovery time, such as having a cavity filled, tooth extracted, or a dental crown placed, some can involve a recovery period in the hospital.

Regardless of what treatments and procedures you may need, our trusted team will be available to help monitor your recovery, provide any necessary rehabilitation, and ensure that you are on the right path to restoring the normal function and appearance of your mouth.

Tips for a Successful Reconstructive Dental Treatments

Every reconstructive dental treatment plan will be unique. While this is true, there are steps that every patient can take to ensure that their experience with reconstructive dentistry goes well from beginning to end. These include:

• Finding the right dentist: Look for one with experience, credentials, a good reputation, and someone you feel comfortable with
• Be open with your dentist: Ask lots of questions, explain your goals, and be upfront about your medical history
• Practice good oral hygiene habits, especially during your recovery, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams
• Follow the dentist's instructions prior to and after your dental procedures, including taking necessary medications, avoiding particular foods, and special hygienic instructions

Palmetto Dental Arts: The Best Choice for Full Mouth Rehabilitation

If your mouth, jaw, or face is in need of extensive treatment to restore its appearance, comfort, or function, the experienced dental team at Palmetto Dental Arts is here to help. We are proud to use progressive dental techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and materials, and compassionate care in a relaxed setting to ensure that each of our patients receives the best professional dental experience possible.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation today. We look forward to showing you how simple and convenient improving your overall quality of life can be with reconstructive dental treatments.