Dental reconstruction may sound like a daunting term, but its meaning is straightforward and, for many patients, a relief. Dental reconstruction covers a variety of treatments designed to significantly repair or alter a smile.
For those dealing with issues like missing teeth, dental trauma, or disease, dental reconstruction provides a way for patients to reclaim the appearance and functionality of their smile.
If you’re struggling with any of these issues, learning more about dental reconstruction may help you discover the solution you are looking for.
What Treatments Does Dental Reconstruction Include?
Every reconstruction treatment plan will be catered to the specific needs of the individual patient. The nature and extent of dental issues can vary widely, so you’ll need to have a consultation with your dentist to find out which treatment options are right for you.
Dentures
Patients who are missing all of their teeth can benefit from several different treatment options. This includes traditional dentures that provide a full smile and can greatly improve your quality of life when it comes to eating and speaking.
Partial dentures are also an option for anyone missing several, but not all, of their teeth. These appliances are made of similar materials to full dentures but attach to remaining natural teeth for support. They’re removable, just like full dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best options for dental reconstruction in a wide variety of cases. They can provide replacement teeth for individuals missing one, several, or all of their teeth. The dental implant treatment process involves implant surgery to embed the implants into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation.
The dental implants can then support restorations, such as crowns and bridges, in the same way that natural teeth would otherwise. Unlike conventional crowns, dental implant crowns don’t require an existing tooth to serve as a base, making them a great option for replacing a tooth that is missing entirely rather than just heavily damaged.
Dental implants can also support full-arch replacements, generally using four dental implants to support each arch of teeth. This option is similar to traditional dentures in some ways but provides a strong foundation that improves bite strength and eliminates the slipping that often accompanies traditional dentures.
Reconstructing Damaged Teeth
Your dental reconstruction could also involve addressing individual damaged teeth. If you have dental implants, crowns, or bridges placed, you could require additional treatment to prepare or to save remaining natural teeth. Extraction may be necessary as well, such as removing several remaining teeth to allow for full-arch replacement.
A root canal treatment is often required before applying crowns or bridges. If a tooth has become infected, root canal treatment is used to remove pulp tissue from within. The tooth is then filled to provide a strong and lasting base for the dental crown.
Other treatment options could include more cosmetic options. Bonding applies a composite resin to chipped, cracked, or otherwise malformed teeth. The resin is then cured using UV light, restoring the tooth to a healthy and beautiful shape. Veneers are another common choice, especially when damage is mostly cosmetic.
When Is Dental Reconstruction Necessary?
There are a variety of cases in which you could benefit from dental reconstruction. When you visit your dentist for a specific concern or issue, they may bring up that a more comprehensive treatment plan is in order to resolve your dental problems.
Reconstruction is often needed after dental trauma or injury. If you have lost or broken teeth following an injury, dental reconstruction can help save natural teeth when possible and provide replacements when not. Cracked or broken teeth may require root canal treatment and a crown to prevent infection or options like dental bonding.
Patients who have serious decay are also likely candidates for dental reconstruction. Extracting teeth that are too far gone and providing dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can restore your smile.
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, you stand to improve your quality of life considerably with full-mouth reconstruction. Your dentist can determine whether dentures or dental implants are best for your individual needs. You can enjoy a full and functional smile once again.
Find Out More About Your Dental Reconstruction Options
If you have damaged or missing teeth, no matter the cause, you should reach out to Dr. Brett Langston and the team at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta to find out what your options are.
We provide a full range of dental reconstruction treatments and can develop a custom treatment plan to restore your smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.