Most dentists share the same basic goal: to help their patients preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible. In some situations, however, this simply is not attainable. Whether due to extreme tooth decay or untreated periodontal disease, teeth can reach a point where they cannot be salvaged. Sometimes they may actually fall out on their own; in other cases, they will require extraction.
At State Street Dental, we offer a service known as full mouth rehabilitation, which is specifically for patients who have encountered significant tooth loss. Consider this a full reset for your entire mouth. We can pull any remaining problematic teeth, then replace them with artificial teeth that look and feel completely natural. In essence, full mouth rehabilitation gives you a whole new set of teeth, restoring your smile functionally as well as aesthetically.
We are pleased to offer full mouth rehabilitation to patients in the community. Learn more by scheduling an appointment here at State Street Dental.
Why Do Teeth Require Extraction?
There are a number of reasons why teeth may reach the point where they can no longer be restored and instead must be extracted and replaced. Some of the most common reasons for tooth failure include:
- The teeth are irreparably damaged due to tooth decay.
- The teeth and gums have been damaged by severe periodontal disease.
- Teeth have become broken or badly chipped following a traumatic accident.
- There are significant alignment issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontia.
Jennifer’s Story
Am I a Good Candidate for a Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
The best way to determine your own qualifications for a safe and successful procedure is to make an appointment with Dr. Mee. Following a careful physical examination, Dr. Mee will let you know whether this procedure is right for you.
Generally speaking, the best candidates for full mouth rehabilitation:
- Have either lost a significant number of teeth or need to have a significant number of teeth extracted.
- Do not have any untreated tooth decay or periodontal disease.
- Have talked with their dentist and have reasonable expectations about the procedure.
To learn more about your eligibility for a full mouth rehabilitation, we welcome you to contact State Street Dental.
What Does Full Mouth Rehabilitation Involve?
The specific steps in the process can vary from patient to patient, depending on their needs and expectations. Here is a general road map outlining the typical trajectory of a full mouth rehabilitation at State Street Dental.
The Consultation
The critical first step is meeting with Dr. Mee to discuss your needs and goals. He will perform a physical evaluation of your teeth and gums, answer any questions you may have, and outline different options for treatment. Keep in mind that our full mouth rehabilitation services are individualized to meet each patient’s specific needs.
Preparation
Before you can have your teeth replaced, there may be a few preparatory steps that Dr. Mee will need to take. In some cases, you may have teeth that need to be pulled. In other instances, there may be underlying tooth or gum disease that must be treated before artificial teeth can be placed. And, our dental lab will make models of your natural teeth to ensure the replacement teeth look and fit just right.
Tooth Replacement
Usually, full mouth rehabilitation involves the use of dental implants, which are effectively artificial tooth roots. These are implanted in the jaw then given some time to heal. Once the implants have fused to the surrounding bone (a process that will take several weeks), artificial replacement teeth are placed on top in an effort to restore your smile with beautiful and natural-looking results.
Is Full Mouth Rehabilitation Painful?
One thing to keep in mind is that patient comfort is one of our top priorities. As such, we can utilize a range of sedation options to eliminate any pain or pressure you experience during your surgical procedure.
Learn More About Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile. For many patients, a full mouth rehabilitation can make that a reality. To find out more about full mouth rehabilitation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mee at State Street Dental.