What is Restorative Dentistry & Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
Restorative Dentistry and full arch or full mouth rehabilitation, reconstruction or restoration are all terms used to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring many or all of the teeth in both upper and lower jaws. This is often required if extensive breakdown has occurred due to teeth that have been lost to decay or trauma, numerous fractures, and severe wear as a result of long-term acid erosion (from foods, beverages, or acid reflux) or tooth grinding. This is especially important in patients who are missing multiple teeth, have a lot of broken down dental work, or tooth wear that has caused a bite to collapse vertically, especially when jaw pain or muscle and headaches occur as a result of misaligned bite (occlusion).
Patients requiring or looking to restore all or most of their teeth involve more extensive workup and diagnostic protocols due to the complexity and challenges each individual case brings. In order to ensure that treatment provides a beautiful and healthy restorative outcome, as well as a predictable plan for each individual step of the process, we involve a detailed diagnostic process as follows:
1. Initial Exam the first step to a successful Restorative case is a full and comprehensive exam, which includes photos, x-rays, measurements, occlusal analysis, tooth vitality testing, periodontal assessment, and cancer screen. In addition, we may refer you to have a CBCT scan if TMJ is in question.
2. Neuromuscular Analysis for patients who suffer from TMJ related issues, headaches, migraines, muscle pain around their head and neck, or those with severe wear or jaw misalignment, this step is invaluable to providing Dr. Bis a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in order to stabilize and resolve these issues along with restoring your teeth. This involves numerous diagnostic tools and for more information, see Complex Bite & Occlusal Analysis section.
3. Photos are taken and analyzed in order to allow Dr. Bis to evaluate and resolve any soft tissue (gums) challenges, tooth shape and size, tooth position and angulation, as well as your particular desires for shade and aesthetics.
4. Smile Assessment is key to an optimal outcome, and following smile design rules as well as aligning the smile to suit your face is Dr. Bis’s focus because it provides each patient with a customized and natural look to their smile when finished.
5. Patient Education on home care and follow up is the reason for long-term stability and success in Restorative cases. Keeping your gums and new teeth in optimal health prolongs the lifetime of your new restorations and your beautiful new smile.