Sometimes the mouth and teeth can break down and seriously need care. Full-mouth reconstruction uses multiple dental treatments to re-create a proper relationship between gums, bone, muscles, and teeth. Without a proper bite, several issues can occur, including:
- Impaired chewing
- Worn teeth
- Neck and jaw pain
- Migraine headaches
Full-mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation can restore all of your teeth and rebuild a natural-looking smile. If you have lost some or all of your teeth due to decay or trauma, injured or fractured teeth, severely worn teeth, or ongoing complaints of your jaw and its positioning, full-mouth reconstruction can resolve the issues.
A full-mouth reconstruction involves a level of complex dentistry that requires advanced training beyond dental school. Dr. LeSage was mentored by Dr. Frank Spear and was taught by Dr. Peter E. Dawson—international leaders in post-graduate dental education. Dr. LeSage is also on the faculty of the Implant Continuum at UCLA where he teaches advanced restorative dentistry in post-graduate courses to other dentists.
Full-Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Options
Dental bonding, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and teeth whitening are all potential treatments you might receive in full-mouth reconstruction. The result is worth it—a perfect smile! You will have a comfortable bite and less tension in your jaw and neck. You’ll have relief, improved function, and better oral health, not to mention more confidence about your pearly whites. Most of these procedures are covered on other pages in this website. Here are some additional services that could be part of a full-mouth reconstruction:
Conventional Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a removable oral appliance for the seamless replacement of missing natural teeth. The replacement teeth are attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is held in by metal framework that clasps onto your adjacent natural teeth. Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw when some natural teeth are remaining.
Precision Attachment Dentures
Precision attachment dentures lock onto your remaining teeth. This method secures dentures and helps you socialize and smile with confidence. The dentures are not visible; they are rigid and feel stable.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are an option when all of your upper or lower natural teeth are missing or removed—by disease, trauma, or choice. As a dental prosthesis, they do not function as well as real teeth. Complete dentures also replace missing soft tissue and bone. The dentures rely on remaining bone and soft tissue (gums) for support and retention.
Implant Overdentures
Dr. LeSage recommends using implants in conjunction with dentures. An implant-supported denture has several benefits:
- Stimulates bone and slows the progression of bone loss
- Provides solid support for your prosthesis
- Feels more comfortable and more like your natural teeth than removable complete dentures
- Makes it easier to speak and eat
- Won’t come loose and embarrass you
- Looks more natural than removable dentures
Read our implant overdentures page for details on how this treatment can enhance full-mouth reconstruction. Or read our dental implants page for information on replacing individual teeth.
Call us to schedule an appointment or complete our Request an Appointment form.