Full Mouth Reconstruction: Costs, Goals, and Care Considerations – 2022
Full mouth reconstruction combines cosmetic aesthetics and restorative dentistry to rebuild or replace all the teeth in your mouth. Complete restoration aims to restore your natural oral function and smile. The procedure restores the natural look, feel, and function of your teeth while improving the visual appearance of your smile. But what goes into a full mouth reconstruction?
Learn everything you need to know about a total reconstruction of your mouth. Discover the goals, costs, and care considerations of treatment. And find out if reconstructive oral surgery is the proper treatment for you.
Full Mouth Reconstruction: Costs, Goals, Treatments, & What to Expect
A full mouth reconstruction procedure involves rebuilding or replacing the teeth on your upper or lower jaw. If most or all of your teeth are missing or have severe damage or decay, you might need reconstructive oral surgery to restore your natural ability to speak, eat, and breathe without restriction. A complete reconstruction might include bone grafting if your jawbone has suffered resorption due to tooth loss or root rot. Gum grafting may also be necessary if dental decay results from gum disease.
Costs and Goals of Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth rehabilitation surgery costs vary by each patient’s individual case and needs. For instance, bone and gum grafting incurs additional expenses but is not always necessary. Another factor affecting the cost of a full mouth procedure is how you and your oral surgeon decide to restore your teeth.
Your oral surgeon may recommend a permanent full-mouth denture, dental implant tooth replacements, or a combination of implant-supported bridges and single-tooth restorations. When all is said and done, full mouth reconstruction often costs between $30,000 to $50,000. Luckily, insurance usually covers a portion of procedure costs. Your oral surgeon will consult with your insurance provider to determine the expenses they will cover in your case.
Even though the costs associated with a full mouth rehabilitation procedure are not cheap, it is less than the cost of doing nothing or allowing your oral health to deteriorate further. Inaction often results in higher medical expenses and more severe complications in the future. A complete oral reconstruction procedure aims to eliminate the risk of further health degradation and restore your quality of life.
What treatments are included in a full oral reconstruction procedure?
Your process begins with a consultation with your oral surgeon. During your consultation, your oral surgeon will take scans and create a digital model of your oral structure to help determine an accurate diagnosis and reconstructive treatment plan. Your oral surgeon looks at four main elements of your oral structure:
Periodontal Health (Gum Tissue)
Your oral surgeon will assess your gum health and determine if periodontal treatment is necessary. Scaling and root planning will help to halt the progression of gum disease and ensure a healthy foundation for your dental restorations.
Jaw Health (Occlusion, TMJ, and Jaw Muscles)
Oral surgeons assess the health of your jaw by examining your occlusion, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and muscles around the jaw. Your surgeon might recommend correcting your jaw alignment before restoring your teeth. If tooth loss has caused jawbone resorption, your surgeon might recommend jawbone grafts to ensure your dental restoration has a stable foundation.
Oral Aesthetics
Aesthetic or visual appeal is a forefront consideration at every stage of your reconstructive procedure in the mind of your oral surgeon. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon looks to correct the shape, color, proportions, and size of your teeth. They also consider the relationship of your teeth and smile to your gums, lips, mouth, and facial profile.
Full mouth reconstructive surgery can involve many different treatments to improve the function and aesthetics of your teeth and mouth. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Dental implants
- Dental veneers
- Dental bridges
- Tooth extractions
- Fillings
- Dental crowns
- Permanent dentures
- And many others.
Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover: What’s the difference?
Many patients are confused regarding the difference between total oral reconstructive surgery and a smile makeover. The difference is that a smile makeover is an elective cosmetic procedure performed by a dentist, while a complete mouth reconstruction is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
A full reconstruction includes many elements that will improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile, like dental crowns or veneers. However, it goes beyond aesthetic enhancements to restore and improve your oral functions. Patients often have existing oral health complications that an oral surgeon will correct with reconstructive surgery.
Are you a candidate for full mouth rehabilitation?
If you experience any of the following recurring symptoms, consult with an oral surgeon to determine whether full rehabilitation surgery is right for you:
- Gum disease
- Missing teeth
- Decaying teeth
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)
- Oral trauma
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Root exposure
- Tooth misalignment
- Jaw misalignment
- Worn-down teeth
- Oral prosthetics in need of replacement
We encourage you to consider your goals and the outcomes you desire from your procedure. Your oral surgeon will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs and wishes. Call our office to schedule your full mouth reconstruction consultation and determine the best treatment plan for you.