If you’re considering a full mouth rehabilitation, it’s only reasonable to wonder just how long this kind of procedure can take. The length of time usually depends on any current oral health issues you have and the cosmetic dental appearance you want to improve.
It all starts with diagnosis and planning for treatment. Exactly which procedures will be involved depends on you, as well as your dentist’s personal recommendations based on your needs, budget, and cosmetic and restorative goals.
While a full mouth restoration can be a significant procedure, it’s worth the time and effort - the benefits will last a lifetime!
Reasons for a Full Mouth Reconstruction
Let’s start with a look at why you might want or need a full mouth reconstruction. These include:
- Damaged or severely crooked teeth
- Severe tooth decay or loss
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Overall tooth structure
- Bite stability
- Improving gum and bone density
- Improving appearance and self-image
- Being unable to eat a well-balanced diet
Many people experience damaged teeth, severe decay, or tooth loss. But there are solutions for each of these problems. Why suffer with unattractive or missing teeth? Whether you’re unable to eat certain healthy foods such as apples or carrots, uncomfortable with the look of your smile, or experiencing poor bite stability, repairing your oral health through a complete mouth rehabilitation is the solution.
Mouth Rehabilitation Process
While the length of time it takes to achieve a full mouth reconstruction can vary, it all starts with a consultation with your dentist. Consulting with your dentist begins the process of discussing and understanding available treatments, as well as what they may entail in terms of time. Your dental team may share stories of other patients’ experience and explain costs, benefits, and answer any concerns you might have.
Determining Mouth Rehabilitation Procedure Length
Because everyone’s dental rehabilitation needs are different, the length of time a full mouth restoration can take will vary. Here’s what determines procedure length:
- Your overall health including oral health
- Factors that determine the procedure length
- Type of reconstruction, such as implants or crowns
- How much time you have to allow for treatment
Some options for rehabilitation will take longer than others.
Dental Implants
A full set of implants can be a time-consuming process that takes several hours each visit. Overall, implants can take up to six months to complete, including the surgical implantation of the metal posts, and any necessary bone grafts you may need prior to implantation, due to the condition of your jawbone. The result is permanent, both strong and durable. Implants stabilize, eliminate, or prevent any bone or gum loss.
Crowns and Veneers
Used to restore color, shape, and tooth size, crowns fit completely over a tooth, while veneers attach to the front of a tooth only. Both work well to restore smiles and improve your ability to chew and bite. A single crown can be placed in a single visit, but patients requiring multiple crowns may need to plan on multiple visits and a more lengthy amount of time. Veneers are more simply and easily applied. Porcelain, composite resin, or instant veneers are all available.
Other Mouth Restoration Techniques
Using restorative inlays or onlays, dentures, or bridges are other techniques that can be employed for a successful and attractive mouth restoration.
Final Results
While a full mouth restoration can be a long process, the final result is an attractive look and healthy mouth. The brand-new smile you end up with can be easily maintained with twice daily brushing and flossing, as well as regularly scheduled, twice-yearly visits to your dentist for cleaning and checkups. So, if you’re ready to fix missing or damaged teeth, we’re ready to help you decide the best path toward rehabilitation.
Ready to Learn More About Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
If you’d like to learn more about mouth rehabilitation, have any questions we can answer, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, reach out to us today! Dr. Massiah and our entire dental team is ready to help.