If you have multiple oral health issues that require more than two dental treatments to correct, a full-mouth reconstruction package may be the most affordable, efficient way to achieve your smile goals. Here’s a closer look at four popular procedures you can include in your restoration, and what how long you can expect your recovery to take with each.
Scaling & Root Planing
For best results, your full mouth reconstruction must be performed on a healthy oral cavity. Thus, if you have any current problems like gum disease, they will need to be treated first. In some cases, you may require a deep cleaning to your existing teeth known as scaling and root planing. This is typically performed in two separate appointments: first, the scaling, where your dental team will use a scaler to remove hardened deposits of plaque from above the gumline, and second, the root planing where they are cleared from the pockets of the gums and roots of the teeth.
Because this requires two separate visits, recovery from scaling and root planing can take two to four weeks.
Tooth Extractions
If you have any damaged or badly decayed teeth that cannot be repaired, your dentist will likely recommend extraction. Healing from a pulled tooth typically takes a few days before your tissue stops bleeding and swelling begins to subside. However, it can take several months before your arches are ready to support dentures or dental implants. Ultimately, the exact duration will depend on how well you adhere to your aftercare instructions and your individual health.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom fit to your smile-facing teeth to improve their size, shape, spacing, and color. Your dentist will need to remove small bits of enamel from each tooth to fit them properly and then place temporary veneers until the real ones are delivered from the dental lab. While there is no necessary downtime with this procedure, you may experience some minor sensitivity with your temporary restorations, and it may take a few weeks to get used to speaking with them, since your mouth must adjust to the changes in space.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. The surgical procedure to attach them to the jawbone typically takes a few hours, and most patients are feeling much better within several days to a week post-operative. However, it could take six or more months before your implants have successfully fused with your jawbone via a process known as osseointegration. Once this is completed, you’ll be ready to get your crown, bridge, or implant denture, but in the meantime, you’ll need to wear protective caps on your implant posts. Plan on this treatment taking at least nine months from start to finish, not including any preliminary procedures like bone grafting or tooth extractions.
Remember, a full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment package designed to repair a smile with extensive damage. Although it is understandable that you’re eager to restore your gorgeous, healthy grin as soon as possible, it is important to be patient and follow your aftercare instructions to a tee to ensure your healing happens smoothly. If you ever have any questions or concerns about any aspect of treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance, and soon you’ll have a beautiful, functional smile you can be proud of!
About Dr. Skupny
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny earned his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University and his dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud, active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a regular at Spear Education, the Dawson Academy, and the Misch International Implant Institute, and holds Diplomate status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To schedule a consultation for a full mouth reconstruction at Island Coast Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 239-261-5566.