Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation and full mouth restoration are
terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously
restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Full mouth reconstruction
can help restore oral health and functionality.

Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists
(performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate dental
specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists
(specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the
tooth pulp).

The need for full mouth reconstruction may result from:

• Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma.
• Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
• Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion
  (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
• Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to
  the bite (occlusion).

How the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Begins
If you think you need full mouth restoration or reconstruction, see your dentist for a
comprehensive examination. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the extent
of the problem and the treatment options that can be used to correct it. In particular,
he or she will examine the condition of your:

• Teeth: The condition of your teeth will determine what restorative
  procedures may be needed, such as porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns,
  inlays or onlays, bridges or implants restored with a crown. In particular,
  your dentist will make note of any cavities and decay, tooth wear, cracks,
  short/long teeth, root canal issues and any tooth movement.
• Periodontal (gum) tissues: If your gums are not healthy, you will most
  likely need scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. You may require
  more intensive treatments from a periodontist to ensure that your newly reconstructed
  teeth will have a solid foundation. Such treatments could involve soft tissue or
  bone grafts to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone. Your dentist will look
  for deep pockets, excessive or insufficient gum tissue, periodontal disease and bone
  density irregularities.
• Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and occlusion: A stable bite — one
  in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and one that does not
  cause wear or destruction of your teeth — is important to your overall oral health.
  Occlusal changes need to be taken into consideration when your dentist plans your
  restorations. In fact, you may require orthodontics (dental braces) or some other
  type of treatment (night guard or bite reprogramming orthotic) to correct occlusion
  before additional restorative procedures can be performed.
• Esthetics: The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how
  they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also
  important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.

The examination process requires records of your mouth, such as X-rays and photographs,
impressions of your upper and lower teeth, models of your teeth that are made from the
impressions and a model of your bite. Your dentist may also refer you to specialists
(periodontist, orthodontist, oral surgeon) for a consultation in order to develop a
treatment plan that is best for you.

Once your dentist has obtained all information relevant to your case, he or she will
develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in
your mouth and complete your full mouth reconstruction. If you do not understand the
procedure being described to you, ask for a detailed written description of the proposed
treatment plan so you can review it. This can be helpful if you want to get a second
opinion. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of the recommended procedures
and treatments.