Full Mouth Rehabilitation - A Smile Makeover

Patients with extensive dental problems require more than a single treatment. A full mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called a smile makeover) improves the appearance of your teeth and gums, relieves jaw pain, and enhances chewing and biting functions.

Whether you need Tooth-colored fillings, Dental crowns, or Dental bridges, or would like to learn more about the All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day implants, Dr. Gudger will create a custom treatment plan to suit your needs.

Tooth-colored fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are popular because they are a cosmetically appealing option to repair decayed teeth. They are also durable and provide long-term benefits. They are made from a tooth-colored composite resin that is bonded to the surface of your tooth. The procedure is simple and can be completed in a single appointment. The dentist will numb the area before beginning treatment. Once the tooth is isolated from saliva, an etchant and bonding agent are applied to prepare the area for composite resin. The composite resin is then placed in multiple layers and cured with a special light for less than a minute.

Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings do not contain mercury or other harmful materials. They are safe to use and can help prevent bacterial leakage that can damage adjacent teeth and lead to tooth infection. These fillings are durable and can last for seven to ten years with proper care. They can withstand high and low temperatures, and they are not prone to chipping like traditional amalgam fillings.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged teeth to return their size, strength and appearance. They also strengthen and protect teeth that have had root canal therapy. They can be used to replace cracked or broken teeth, or to support a dental bridge or hold a dental implant. They can also be used to close spaces between teeth, or to reshape and/or rotate damaged teeth.

Before fitting a crown, the dentist or prosthodontist will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of its surface. This is usually done using a local anesthetic. They will then take a digital scan or impression of the tooth, which they will use to make a model. They will then create a full mouth restoration Raleigh NC for the tooth on the model, including a core filling.

The crown may be made out of resin composite or monolithic ceramics (which are colour matched to the patient’s natural teeth). The latter is most commonly fabricated in the dental surgery on a CAD/CAM machine.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge is a replacement for missing teeth, and it can restore both your chewing ability and the appearance of your smile. Bridges are also more comfortable and affordable than partial dentures.

The type of bridge you receive depends on your specific needs and your dentist’s recommendation. Traditional bridges consist of a fake tooth bonded to the natural teeth on either side. These teeth are called abutment teeth. Your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them and taking dental impressions. A temporary bridge will be placed until your permanent one is ready.

Once the bridge is cemented, it should feel like your natural teeth. It’s important to keep your bridge clean and free of plaque and bacteria. You should avoid eating hard foods that could damage or dislodge the bridge. Also, it may take some time to get used to chewing with your new bridge. Careful chewing can help you adjust to it quickly.

Dental implants

When many or all of a patient’s teeth are missing, dental implants offer the best replacement option. They look and feel like real teeth, providing better chewing, speech, and overall oral health. They are also more comfortable than traditional dentures, and they require less care.

To place a dental implant, your surgeon will first use medication to numb the gums. This will prevent pain during the procedure, but some discomfort and swelling is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage this.

The most important requirement for dental implant treatment is a healthy jawbone. Patients who don’t have enough bone for an implant may need to undergo a bone graft. If this happens, it can take several months for the new bone to heal and the implant to be ready for a crown or bridge. This is why it’s important to consult an oral surgeon for full mouth full mouth restoration Raleigh NC before starting this process. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of full mouth reconstruction and provide a detailed treatment plan that is right for you.