If you haven’t been to the dentist in years or if you have always had trouble getting effective treatment for your dental issues, reconstructive dentistry services are designed to treat multiple issues related to the teeth, gums and smile comprehensively.
There are many general dentists in Phoenix, however, our dentists are among those few that are LVI-trained. LVI, or The Las Vegas Institute, offers advanced postgraduate dental training using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. LeSueur, an LVI fellow, and Drs. Dodaro and LeSuer, LVI trained, received training in all areas of dentistry, including reconstructive methods.
What Is Reconstructive Dentistry/full Mouth Restoration?
Reconstructive dentistry is the area in which we restore the natural beauty, function, and overall health of the smile that has deteriorated severely. The extensive breakdown of teeth, tooth loss, or other dental damage causes pain in the mouth. A degraded smile is a smile that looks older. Finally, the misalignment that may occur as a result of trying to chew on one side of the mouth or due to shifting teeth can be a contributing factor in the development of ongoing jaw, head, and neck pain.
Full mouth restoration meets the broader needs of each patient, giving them back the degree of comfort, chewing function, and attractiveness they deserve.
What Can Reconstructive Dentistry Correct?
Reconstructive dentistry restores the appearance, health, and function of your teeth, gums, and your entire oral cavity. Full mouth restoration is more than a smile makeover. The advantage of this type of dentistry is that it treats all of the oral, dental, and cosmetic problems you are experiencing at once. The same treatment plan can eliminate tooth pain and bite discomfort; alleviate head, neck and jaw pain related to TMJ symptoms; and improve the appearance and beauty of your smile. This rebuilding process, which may take place over several months if necessary, corrects the positioning of the jaw and much more. Common problems that can be successfully addressed with reconstructive dentistry include:
- Jaw and head pain (TMJ)
- Broken and worn-down teeth
- Poor jaw alignment
- Tooth loss
- Chronic dental pain
- Gum infection
- Changes to facial contours caused by missing teeth
When your bite is properly aligned and your teeth are strong and healthy, you will experience better function and comfort when you speak and chew. Our LVI trained dentists have the training and experience necessary to determine your ideal bite position, and then to use the right restorative treatments to achieve that bite.
Reconstructing your teeth also has a cosmetic component. We want you to be proud to show your smile, and we can present you with a range of cosmetic dentistry options to include in your reconstructive treatment plan.
What Dental Procedures Are Considered Reconstructive?
Full mouth restoration and reconstruction is a highly personalized process through which we address cosmetic and functional concerns using modern dental techniques. Several treatments may be involved in a single case. These may include:
- Endodontic therapy. Deep infection can only be resolved by removing diseased tissue. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective procedure that accomplishes the goal of eliminating infection and the pain that has resulted from it.
- Dental crowns. After root canal therapy or as a protective measure, lifelike dental crowns are affixed as needed to badly damaged teeth. A crown covers the visible portion of the tooth so that chewing surfaces meet appropriately and the chance of further damage is reduced.
- Dental bridges. A bridge is a restorative structure that is often affixed to one or more natural teeth using dental crowns. In the central area of the bridge is a pontic, or artificial tooth which rests on the gums and can withstand the pressure of chewing.
- Dental implants. Dental implants have become integral in the tooth-replacement process. An implant may secure a dental crown, bridge, or full-arch denture in place to optimize comfort and chewing stability. An additional benefit of dental implants is that the bone tissue in the jaw continues to absorb the stimulation necessary to retain proper height and density.
- TMJ treatment is also a common aspect of reconstructive dentistry. When teeth are severely damaged and not lining up, the temporomandibular joints may not function properly. The unusual stress placed on these critical structures leads to chronic pain in the face and head. When TMJ dysfunction is identified, proper care includes finding the jaw’s natural resting position and building restorations to accommodate that.
Who Is A Candidate For Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is appropriate for any person who has endured an ongoing battle with dental disease. Prime candidates for comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation include individuals who have lost natural teeth or are living with failing teeth, whose teeth have become shorter due to excessive wear, who are tired of the discomfort of cavities and oral infection, and who want to feel better about their smile.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Reconstructive Dentistry?
Because reconstructive dentistry is used in most cases to relieve oral pain or restore function of the teeth or mouth and are not simply for cosmetic purposes, most dental insurance plans allow patient eligibility for full or partial coverage for their reconstructive dentistry plan.
If you are interested in other payment options, such as payment plans, contact us today. Our team is happy to discuss payment options that can best suit your needs as well as your treatment.
How Long Will The Results of My Reconstructive Dentistry Last?
The duration of your dental reconstruction results will depend on the kind of treatment you are getting. For example, most dental fillings can last up to fifteen years before needing to be restored. However, the average lifespan of a dental implant can last anywhere from ten to 30 years.
If you need restoration or reconstruction before then or if your dental treatment somehow gets damaged along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our office to figure out which corrective treatment is right for you.
Why Is It Important to Consider Reconstructive Dentistry?
The mouth is a matrix of interconnected parts. If one part is not working well, problems tend to occur elsewhere. Some of these extraneous problems are localized in the mouth. For example, a bad bite prevents teeth from meeting when we chew. As a result, some teeth sustain more pressure during mastication. These teeth may wear down to the point of fracture. This same problem of misaligned teeth also causes the jaw to move in abnormal pathways to get teeth to meet as they should. The excessive stress on the jaw may be a precursor to chronic headaches.
In many situations of severe tooth decay, we also discover gum disease. The presence of these two infections in the mouth has been identified as a primary risk factor in the decline of general health. The bacteria that attack the teeth and gums also threaten organs outside of the mouth. For instance, people with chronically poor oral health have a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease and respiratory conditions.
Disease in the mouth also affects emotional well-being. In today’s society, the smile is revered as one of our greatest physical assets. Worn down, fractured, stained, and missing teeth downgrade the smile and, along with it, one’s sense of confidence in their appearance.
Reconstructive dentistry is a process that we can schedule around your needs and preferences. The gradual rebuilding of your smile can give you back the self-esteem, comfort, and optimal health you deserve.
Schedule A Consultation
While there are many cosmetic dentists in Phoenix & Mesa, Arizona, Dr. LeSueur, Dr. Glenn LeSueur, and Dr. Dodaro are among the few who have trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the world’s premier post-graduate dental school. Find out if you are a good candidate for full mouth reconstruction by scheduling your consultation in our Mesa, AZ office.
Dr. Scott LeSueur, Dr. Glenn LeSueur, and Dr. Charles Dodaro are Mesa dentists, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic and neuromuscular dental care.
Visit our before and after gallery to see the results we are able to achieve for our patients. Please contact or call 480.834.6991 to schedule a consultation at Drs of Smiles.