Do you have several cavities? Are you dealing with chipped teeth or missing ones? Do you long for a healthy, beautiful smile that allows you to feel comfortable and confident? If you answered “yes,” it’s time to consider how a dentist in your area can help you achieve your smile goals. Although you may feel as if your situation is “too far gone,” full mouth reconstruction in Moses Lake can change all that. In this article, we’ll explain why patients like yourself seek this type of treatment and what you can expect while in recovery.
Why Full Mouth Reconstructions Are Necessary
While many people may only have one or two cavities, others may have multiple missing teeth, severe staining, a bite alignment issue, and several chipped or cracked teeth. If you fall into the latter category, it is best for your dentist to combine various restorative and cosmetic dental treatments into one personalized plan. Not only will this guarantee that you achieve a complete and beautiful smile again, but it also allows your dentist to improve how your upper and lower teeth work together to ensure optimal functionality.
What is the Recovery Like for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Undergoing a full mouth reconstruction will look different for every patient. To help you better understand the expectations of each method of treatment, below is a list of every service offered as part of a full mouth reconstruction:
- Dental Crowns & Bridges: On average, you can receive a dental crown or bridge in two visits. While sensitivity is normal after your procedure, it is possible to resume normal activity the same day you receive your customized restoration.
- Dental Fillings: Using composite resin to fill your cavity, this process is completed in one visit and does not require much time recovering other than allowing the anesthesia to wear off, which can take 1-2 hours for most people.
- Porcelain Veneers: Once you receive your veneers, which require two appointments, it is possible to resume normal activity the same day.
- Dental Implants: It is required that you spend anywhere from 4-6 months recovering after receiving dental implants. For several weeks, you will need to be diligent in following your dentist’s instruction to ensure immediate healing; however, osseointegration must successfully occur to create a firm foundation for the restoration when placed.
- Root Canal Therapy: A more extensive form of treatment to combat an infection inside the innermost layer of a tooth, this type of treatment requires a few days of rest to allow any swelling, sensitivity, or discomfort to diminish.
- Tooth Extractions: There are two types of extraction: simple and surgical. The recovery times differ for each, but the average amount is about one week. Although it will take months for your underlying bone to completely heal and return to normal.
- Periodontal Therapy: The recovery time for periodontal therapy depends on the severity of your gum disease, the type of treatment received, and your overall health. If a soft tissue laser is used, you can expect a much quicker recovery time, allowing you to return to normal activity much sooner than if you were to undergo general gum surgery with scalpels and sutures.
- Dental Bonding: Because this type of cosmetic treatment is quick and easy to perform, requiring only one dental appointment, there is essentially no downtime required after completion. However, it is best to avoid smoking or consuming dark-colored beverages and foods in the 1-2 days after your treatment to avoid the potential for stains. You’ll also want to avoid hard, crunchy foods for at least one full day to allow the bonding agent to set.
- Orthodontics: Much like periodontal therapy, the expectation for orthodontics varies based on the type of treatment you receive and the severity of your particular problem. Traditional braces can take 2-3 years to produce results while clear aligners can take much less time. No matter the type of orthodontic treatment you choose, some slight discomfort is normal but can be remedied with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder is a trusted Moses Lake dentist with more than 20 years of experience. Believing no smile is too far gone, he and his team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry can deliver beautiful results with the help of a full mouth reconstruction or smile makeover in Moses Lake. By combining multiple restorative and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Harder can personalize any treatment plan to ensure your smile goals are met. If you have many oral health problems that need to be addressed, contact us at (509) 765-4351.