Restorative Dentistry

Full mouth rehabilitation, also known as full mouth reconstruction, is a set of dental procedures aimed at rebuilding and replacing teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This treatment addresses a number of dental issues, including:

• Alignment and bite
• Aesthetic appearance
• Functional issues like eating and speaking
• Health concerns like toothaches and bad breath

The treatment plan for full mouth rehabilitation may include a combination of the following:

• Dental fillings
• Veneers
• Teeth bonding
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• Gum surgery
• Crown lengthening
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Removable dentures
• Dental implants
• Bone or tissue grafts
• Periodontal therapy
• Orthodontic treatment
• TMJ therapy

Full mouth rehabilitation is typically recommended for individuals who have:

• Severe tooth wear: Extensive wear on teeth due to bruxism, acid erosion, or grinding.
• Multiple tooth loss: Several missing teeth affecting chewing, speaking, and aesthetics.
• Advanced gum disease: Severe periodontal disease causing bone loss and loose teeth.
• TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint pain, clicking, or limited mobility.
• Chronic pain: Persistent headaches, facial pain, or jaw pain related to dental issues.
• Major dental work: Need for multiple crowns, bridges, or implants to restore oral function.
• Dental trauma: Injuries affecting multiple teeth, such as a sports injury or accident.
• Congenital conditions: Genetic disorders affecting tooth development or jaw growth.
• Extreme tooth decay: Widespread tooth decay requiring extensive restorative work.
• Aesthetic concerns: Desire for a complete smile makeover to enhance appearance and confidence.

Moreover, full mouth rehabilitation can significantly help bruxers and clenchers in several ways:

1. Bite correction: Adjusting the bite to its optimal position, reducing strain on the jaw and teeth.
2. Teeth restoration: Restoring damaged teeth with crowns, veneers, or fillings to maintain their shape and function.
3. Relieving pain: Addressing TMJ disorders, headaches, and facial pain associated with bruxism and clenching.
4. Reducing wear: Minimizing tooth wear and tear, preventing further damage to the teeth.
5. Improving jaw function: Enhancing jaw mobility and reducing stiffness.
6. Managing stress: Teaching stress management techniques to reduce clenching and grinding habits.
7. Protecting teeth: Fabricating a nightguard or splint to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep.
8. Improving overall oral health: Treating gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues related to bruxism and clenching.

By addressing these aspects, full mouth rehabilitation can help bruxers and clenchers achieve a healthier, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Smile Design vs. Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Smile designing and full mouth rehabilitation are both dental procedures, but they have different goals and scopes:

Smile Designing:

• Aims to enhance the appearance of your smile
• Focuses on aesthetics, shape, color, and alignment of teeth
• Typically involves cosmetic treatments like veneers, bonding, whitening, and minor orthodontics
• Usually addresses issues like discoloration, gaps, chips, or slight misalignment

Full Mouth Rehabilitation:

• Aims to restore oral function, health, and aesthetics
• Addresses broader issues like tooth wear, gum disease, TMJ disorders, and multiple tooth loss
• Involves a comprehensive treatment plan, including restorative, prosthetic, and surgical procedures
• May include crowns, bridges, implants, gum surgery, and orthodontics

Key differences:

• Scope: Smile designing focuses on aesthetics, while full mouth rehabilitation addresses functional and health issues.
• Goals: Smile designing enhances appearance, while full mouth rehabilitation restores overall oral health and function.
• Treatments: Smile designing typically involves cosmetic procedures, while full mouth rehabilitation involves a broader range of restorative and surgical treatments.

The number of sittings required for full mouth rehabilitation (FMR) can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the dentist's approach, and the individual's needs. However, here is a general outline of the typical stages and sittings involved in FMR:

• Initial consultation: 1-2 sittings
• Diagnosis and treatment planning: 1-2 sittings
• Pre-prosthetic preparations (e.g., teeth preparation, gum treatment): 2-4 sittings
• Prosthetic procedures (e.g., crowns, bridges, implants): 4-8 sittings
• Restorative procedures (e.g., fillings, veneers): 2-4 sittings
• Bite adjustment and refinement: 1-2 sittings
• Final delivery and adjustments: 1-2 sittings

Overall, full mouth rehabilitation can require anywhere from 8 to 20 sittings, spread over several months. However, this can vary significantly depending on the individual case.