Restorative Dentistry |4 min read

Your Quick Guide on Full Mouth Reconstruction

Last updated November 2, 2023

When you need extensive dental work, it’s best to look at the big picture of everything that needs to be done vs. treating each dental problem one at a time.

This method is called a full mouth reconstruction. Other interchangeable terms are full mouth rehabilitation or full mouth restoration.

Why should you opt for a full mouth reconstruction?

From a wellness standpoint:

It’ll improve your oral and overall health, treat painful dental-related problems, enhance your smile’s appearance, boost your confidence, and more!

From a convenience standpoint:

It’ll likely save you money, eliminate unnecessary treatments, and minimize the overall number of appointments.

What is a full mouth reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction is a complex dental treatment plan that focuses on rebuilding or restoring your teeth and gums.

It can include a combination of general, cosmetic, and/or restorative dentistry procedures.

Full mouth reconstruction is usually performed by a skilled dentist, someone with cosmetic and restorative dentistry experience. Sometimes dental specialists, like a periodontist or oral surgeon, are involved in the process too.

What’s the difference between full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover?

A smile makeover is elective.

Its primary goal is to improve your smile’s aesthetics. Although most skilled cosmetic dentists, like ours, won’t overlook ways to also improve your health and function.

Generally, candidates for smile makeovers don’t have extensive dental problems, like gum disease or bite issues, which may compromise the effectiveness or longevity of the cosmetic dental work, if not appropriately treated first.

Whereas full mouth reconstruction is something you need.

Its primary goal is to improve your smile’s health and function. However, most of the treatments used today, like crowns, improve your smile’s aesthetics simultaneously.

Candidates for full mouth reconstruction often have one or more of the following:

Dental or facial pain, including TMJ
Gum disease
Periodontal disease
Decayed teeth
Missing teeth
Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
Misaligned, spaced, or gapped teeth
Worn-down teeth
Dental trauma
Stained, discolored, or yellowed teeth
Root canal issues
Restorations in need of replacing

What procedures are included in a full mouth rehabilitation?

The types of procedures vary from case to case.

To determine what you need, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth. This may include x-rays, photographs, impressions, and other dental technology.

They’ll likely spend one-on-one time with you to understand your needs, concerns, and goal.

From there, your dentist will provide you with one or more possible treatment plans, which may include a combination of any of the following full mouth reconstruction procedures:

Fillings
Inlays or onlays
Porcelain veneers
Dental bonding
Teeth whitening
Crown lengthening
Crowns
Bridges
Dentures
Dental implants
All-on-4® dental implants
Bone or soft tissue graft
Periodontal gum therapy
Scaling and root planing
Orthodontics
TMJ treatment
Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery)

How long does full mouth reconstruction take?

It depends on the number of treatments, types of treatments, condition of your health, etc.

You may also choose to work with your dentist to spread out treatments in a budget-friendly manner and to maximize dental insurance.

How much does it cost for full mouth reconstruction?

Again, this depends on many factors.

According to this Consumer Guide to Dentistry article, the average cost per tooth may vary between $800 to $1,500 at a minimum.

To find out for certain, we recommend scheduling a consultation with your dentist for a customized quote based on your unique case.

Is it covered by dental insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of restorative dental procedures.

Generally, dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry.

What and how much your insurance covers will depend on your plan, the diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Worried about costs?

Ask your dentist about financing options!

Many dentists who offer full mouth reconstructions don’t expect you to have the full amount readily available, which is why they often offer in-house or third-party financing.