If you have multiple missing teeth, suffer from teeth grinding, or experience other serious oral health problems, a full mouth rebuild, also called full mouth reconstruction, might be an option. It’s something to consider if a simple fix won’t give you the desired results.
A good oral health strategy can safeguard against many problems. Despite this, oral diseases negatively impact billions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization Global Oral Health Status Report, in fact, estimates that oral diseases impact nearly 3.5 billion people globally, and 75% of those people live in middle-income nations.
If you have severe oral health problems, seeing a dentist is the first step toward a successful resolution. Full mouth reconstruction might be the right option for your dental health situation.
Continue reading to see six signs that a full mouth rebuild might be worth considering.
- You’re Missing More Than One Tooth
You’ll want to consider a full mouth rebuild if you are missing multiple teeth. It’s one thing if a dentist must replace a single tooth. You can get that done relatively fast. But it’s another thing if a dentist must replace more than one tooth. When you select full mouth reconstruction, a dentist will replace teeth as needed. Do you need to replace all of your upper-jaw teeth or lower-jaw teeth? Do you need to replace clusters of teeth or missing teeth in different areas of your upper and lower jaw? A full mouth rebuild will offer aesthetic appeal and proper functionality.
- Your Teeth Are Worn Down
A full mouth rebuild also makes sense is if your teeth are worn down. Tooth enamel, while tougher than steel, is also brittle. So, while enamel is one of the strongest biological materials, it can wear down over long periods. That’s one reason it’s best not to use toothbrushes with hard bristles — they can cause excessive wear that damages your enamel and leads to more problems. Things like teeth clenching, teeth grinding, acid reflux, and overall diet can also contribute to enamel breakdown. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing every day, using soft-bristled toothbrushes, and using toothpaste with fluoride will help protect your enamel.
If you have excessively worn-down teeth, your teeth are more likely to chip or crack. And you might have biting or chewing issues that compound the issue. In such cases, a full mouth rebuild can work wonders.
- You Have Broken or Damaged Teeth
Medically consulted injuries in car accidents tallied 5.4 million in 2021 — resulting in total injury costs of an estimated $498.3 billion. Unfortunately, some people involved in vehicle accidents suffer injuries that include broken or damaged teeth that require a full mouth rebuild. A dental surgeon can perform full mouth reconstruction using bridges, implants, veneers, crowns, fillings, and more. If you’re missing teeth or your teeth are out of alignment, a full mouth rebuild can help.
- You’re Struggling With Jaw Discomfort
Yet another reason to consider full mouth reconstruction is if you experience chronic or regular jaw discomfort. First, ensure you get the problem diagnosed by a medical professional. If the temporomandibular joint is the source of the discomfort, a full mouth rebuild can help. When that joint is in a degenerative or inflammatory state, issues can result. For instance, it can wreak havoc with your bite and cause other problems that make eating or talking painful. But full mouth reconstruction can fix temporomandibular joint problems and get your bite back on track.
- You Have Signs of Gum Disease
You can prevent gum disease with good oral health practices. Brushing and flossing your teeth, using mouthwash, and booking dentist appointments at regular intervals will work wonders.
Even so, many U.S. adults either have gum disease or are on the verge of getting it. It begins with bacteria gathered between the teeth. By the time someone reaches retirement age, the problem can become more pronounced due to a less efficient immune system and potentially decades of poor oral health hygiene.
If the problem isn’t nipped in the bud, the teeth can loosen, shift out of alignment, and get crooked. As gum disease develops, gum recession will expose the roots of your teeth, which can accelerate decay. In addition to discomfort, you’ll have trouble eating normally.
A dentist might recommend removing teeth in the affected area to treat the gum disease, and full mouth reconstruction might be suitable afterward.
- You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile
According to one study, almost seven in 10 Americans are self-conscious about their teeth. The reasons? Discolored teeth, cracked teeth, misaligned teeth, gapped teeth, and missing teeth are among the most commonly cited. The study adds that 45% of these people plan to get their dental problems corrected, while around 42% don’t plan to seek help from a dentist. The main reason for those not planning to get their dental issues fixed is cost, while some say they aren’t bothered enough by the problems to correct them.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems above and want to do something about it, the best bet is to see a dentist to explore your options. The dentist can perform a dental exam so you have an accurate and up-to-date picture of your oral health. You can then explore options. Depending on the state of your teeth, one option might be a full mouth rebuild. It can help you regain that killer smile you used to have, get a new lease on life, and never feel self-conscious about your teeth.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having all your teeth. Yes, it’ll be great aesthetically. But it’ll also help with eating, talking, and other things. So, full mouth reconstruction can be worth it.
Are you experiencing any of these six problems? The good news is you don’t have to settle for the status quo since help is available. Consult a dentist to see what they recommend. There’s a chance that a full mouth rebuild can restore order and help you get back to normal.
