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Digital Smile Design for Predictable Results
When multiple dental problems affect most or all of your teeth, simple fixes no longer suffice. Years of wear, trauma, decay, or gum disease can leave you with a mouth full of compromised teeth that impact not just your appearance but your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. The complexity of these combined issues might feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to even begin your journey back to oral health.
South Hills Dental Arts’ Ingram / Crafton location specializes in comprehensive restorative dentistry that addresses all aspects of your oral health simultaneously. Our 35 years of experience in full mouth reconstruction, combined with our ability to provide all treatments under one roof at 2725 Center St, means you won’t need referrals to multiple specialists. Using advanced Digital Smile Design and 3D imaging technology, we create a detailed roadmap for your reconstruction that prioritizes both function and aesthetics.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction, also known as full mouth rehabilitation, involves rebuilding or restoring all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This comprehensive approach goes beyond cosmetic improvements to address functional problems, including bite alignment, jaw joint health, and gum disease. Each reconstruction is tailored to your specific oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle factors.
Unlike a smile makeover that focuses primarily on appearance, full mouth reconstruction prioritizes restoring proper function while also creating a beautiful smile. The process may combine multiple procedures, including dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, veneers, orthodontics, periodontal therapy, and TMJ treatment. Our comprehensive approach ensures all elements work together harmoniously for long-lasting results.
The complexity of full mouth reconstruction requires exceptional planning and coordination. Every aspect must be carefully considered, from the position of each tooth to the overall bite relationship. Our comprehensive capabilities at our Ingram/Crafton office mean we can manage every phase of your reconstruction without sending you to outside specialists.
Candidates for Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction benefits patients with extensive dental damage from various causes. Common candidates include those with teeth worn down from grinding or acid erosion, multiple missing teeth affecting bite and function, numerous large fillings that are failing or breaking, severe decay affecting most teeth, advanced gum disease with bone loss, or congenital conditions affecting tooth development.
Trauma victims who’ve experienced facial injuries often need reconstruction to restore both function and appearance. Patients who’ve avoided dental care for years due to fear or circumstances frequently require comprehensive reconstruction to address accumulated problems. Cancer patients who’ve undergone radiation therapy affecting their oral tissues may also benefit from reconstructive procedures to restore quality of life.
Age alone doesn’t determine candidacy for reconstruction. We’ve successfully treated patients from their 30s to their 80s. What matters most is your overall health, commitment to the process, and desire to improve your oral condition. During your consultation at our 2725 Center St location, we’ll evaluate whether reconstruction is appropriate for your situation.
Trauma victims who’ve experienced facial injuries often need reconstruction to restore both function and appearance. Patients who’ve avoided dental care for years due to fear or circumstances frequently require comprehensive reconstruction to address accumulated problems. Cancer patients who’ve undergone radiation therapy affecting their oral tissues may also benefit from reconstructive procedures to restore quality of life.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Your reconstruction journey begins with the most thorough dental evaluation you’ve ever experienced. Using our 3D X-ray technology, we capture detailed images of your teeth, jaw bones, and joints. Our intraoral cameras document the current condition of each tooth, while Tekscan digital bite analysis reveals how your teeth come together and distribute biting forces.
We also evaluate your jaw joints for signs of TMJ disorders, assess your gum and bone health for periodontal disease, and review your medical history for conditions affecting treatment. This comprehensive data collection allows us to understand not just what needs repair but why problems developed initially. Understanding root causes helps us create solutions that last rather than temporary fixes.
During this evaluation, we also discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. Some patients prioritize function and comfort, while others have specific aesthetic goals. Understanding your priorities helps us create a treatment plan that delivers the outcomes most important to you. We’ll also discuss your timeline and budget considerations to develop a realistic plan.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Planning and Sequencing
Creating your reconstruction plan requires careful consideration of multiple factors. We must establish a stable foundation by treating any active gum disease first, as healthy gums and adequate bone support are essential for long-term success. Next, we address urgent issues, such as infections or teeth that cannot be saved. The sequence of restorative procedures is carefully planned to achieve optimal results efficiently.
Using Digital Smile Design technology, we create a virtual blueprint of your final results before beginning treatment. This allows you to see your new smile and provide input on aesthetics. We can adjust tooth shape, size, and color in the digital design until you’re completely satisfied. This blueprint then guides every procedure, ensuring all treatments work toward the same goal.
The treatment plan also considers practical factors, such as minimizing the number of appointments, coordinating procedures for efficiency, and ensuring you always have functional teeth throughout the treatment. We may create detailed temporary restorations that serve as a “test drive” for your final reconstruction, allowing adjustments before creating permanent restorations.
Restorative Treatment Options
The building blocks of reconstruction at our Ingram / Crafton office include various restorative options selected based on your specific needs. Dental crowns restore severely damaged teeth, providing strength and a natural appearance. When teeth are missing, dental implants offer the most stable, long-lasting replacement option. Our same-day CEREC crowns and in-house 3D printing capabilities often allow us to complete restorations faster than traditional methods.
For patients missing all teeth in an arch, All-on-4 dental implants provide a fixed, permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. This innovative approach uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of teeth, reducing surgery and healing time. Partial dentures or bridges may be appropriate for some situations where implants aren’t suitable.
When teeth are salvageable but misaligned, clear aligners can reposition them before final restorations. This orthodontic phase improves both function and aesthetics while potentially reducing the amount of tooth preparation needed for restorations. Each element is carefully selected and crafted to work harmoniously with the others.
Managing Complex Full Mouth Reconstruction Cases
Complex reconstructions often require addressing multiple issues simultaneously. Patients with severe wear from grinding need not just restored teeth but also treatment for the underlying bruxism. This might involve creating a new bite position that’s more comfortable for the jaw joints, followed by a protective night guard to prevent future damage. Our comprehensive approach addresses both symptoms and causes.
When bone loss from periodontal disease or long-term tooth loss complicates treatment, we may recommend bone grafting to rebuild support for implants. Our use of plasma-rich growth factors accelerates healing and improves outcomes for these procedures. TMJ disorders often accompany complex dental problems, so we integrate TMJ therapy into the reconstruction plan when needed.
Some patients require a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments. We coordinate all phases of treatment at our 2725 Center St location, ensuring continuity of care and consistent results. Our ability to provide everything from extractions to implants to final restorations means better communication between treatment phases and superior outcomes.
Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction Worth the Investment?
Full mouth reconstruction represents a significant investment in your health, function, and quality of life. While costs vary depending on the necessary procedures, we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and offer financing options through our office. Consider that reconstruction not only addresses current problems but also prevents future complications that could prove even more costly.
The value extends beyond financial considerations. Patients consistently report life-changing improvements, including the ability to eat their favorite foods again, improved speech and confidence, the elimination of chronic pain, better overall health from proper nutrition, and enhanced professional and social opportunities. The comprehensive nature of reconstruction means you’re investing in a long-term solution rather than repeated patch-up treatments.
According to research, people with healthy, attractive smiles are perceived as more successful, intelligent, and trustworthy. The impact on career advancement and social relationships can be substantial. When considering the years of benefits from reconstruction, the investment often proves to be one of the best decisions patients make for their overall well-being.
Begin Your Reconstruction Journey With South Hills Dental Arts
Your journey toward a complete smile transformation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At South Hills Dental Arts’ Ingram / Crafton location, we understand that full mouth reconstruction is a significant decision, which is why we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your unique situation and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses all your dental concerns. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your oral health is considered and optimized.
Getting started is easier than you might expect with our pressure-free virtual consultation process. Simply share photos and details about your dental concerns, and our experienced treatment coordinators will respond with a detailed video outlining the reconstruction approaches best suited for your needs. Contact us today at 412-922-9292 to schedule your comprehensive evaluation, or fill out our contact form to learn more about how South Hills Dental Arts transforms smiles and lives throughout the Pittsburgh area.
