Full mouth restoration, also called full mouth reconstruction, is a customized series of dental procedures to rebuild, restore and replace most (or all) of the teeth. Many people with severe dental decay, multiple missing teeth, functional problems and oral health issues can qualify for full mouth restoration.
Our dentists at Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas in Huntersville can provide a beautiful and functional smile with full mouth restoration. Dr. Tyler Wurmlinger recently joined our team and became a proud owner. He continues to contribute to the excellent reputation of our practice with innovative treatments and comprehensive, world-class dental care. Dr. Ross Nash founded our dental practice in 1980 and has grown our reach in the last few decades with his wife, Dr. Debra Engelhardt, a dental practice management expert.
What Does Full Mouth Restoration Entail?
The details of your full mouth restoration will depend on the severity of tooth, gum and bone loss as well as other oral health concerns. The procedural plan is created based on the number of remaining healthy teeth, the state of the gum tissue, bite alignment and the condition and appearance of the teeth. Our dentists will review your dental records and take digital X-ray scans and impressions of your bite to understand your oral health and specific needs. We use an intraoral scanner to reveal problems underneath the oral tissues that are otherwise difficult to detect.
Full mouth restoration treatment plans may include the following restorative dentistry options:
- Tooth extraction: Safe removal of teeth that are too damaged or decayed to be saved.
- Dental implants: Implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that restore strength and function.
- Dental bridges or partial dentures: Custom restorations to fill gaps and restore chewing ability.
- Root canal therapy: Treatment to save infected teeth and relieve pain while preserving the structure. A crown then reinforces the treated tooth.
- Dental crowns or porcelain crowns: Durable restorations that protect and rebuild damaged teeth. We offer same-day crowns in our office.
- Bite correction (orthodontics): Adjustments to the bite that improve alignment and reduce strain on your jaw. Invisalign® allows for bite correction without metal braces.
- Periodontal treatment: Treatments to disinfect gums, promote healing, and control gum disease.
- Bone or tissue grafts: Procedures that rebuild lost bone or gum tissue to support restorations like dental implants.
- Implant-supported dentures: Stable, secure dentures anchored by a group of dental implants.
- Inlays and onlays: Conservative restorations that repair moderate tooth damage when a filling isn’t large enough.
- Tooth-colored composite fillings: Natural-looking fillings that your dentist matches to the color of your tooth.
Candidates for Full Mouth Restoration
The primary goal of full mouth restoration is to provide a complete set of teeth and healthy structures (including the tooth roots, gum tissue and jawbone) for a functional and aesthetically appealing smile. People missing several teeth or with severely damaged or decayed teeth may qualify for full mouth restoration. This combination of dental procedures is often necessary after a mouth injury caused by a car accident or contact sport. Long-term poor dental hygiene, untreated gum disease and chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) may also lead to severe tooth damage.
Some congenital medical conditions may require full mouth restoration, such as ectodermal dysplasia (tooth malformation that causes several missing teeth) or dentinogenesis imperfecta (translucent, yellowish-brown or blueish-gray teeth that are weak and prone to damage).
Full Mouth Restoration Stages
Full mouth restoration is a multi-step process designed to rebuild both function and appearance. Every treatment plan is personalized, but generally follows these key stages:
- Assessment and planning: A detailed exam, imaging, and consultation to identify your unique needs and goals.
- Stabilization: Treating urgent issues first, such as infections, decay, or gum disease.
- Structural restoration: Rebuilding the foundation of your smile with treatments like implants, crowns, or grafts.
- Bite alignment: Orthodontics or adjustments to correct how your teeth fit together.
- Cosmetic finishing: Whitening, veneers, or other enhancements to create a natural, beautiful result.
- Maintenance: Ongoing care to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong for years.
How Long Does Full Mouth Restoration Take?
Restoring a healthy mouth depends on the procedures involved in the full mouth restoration treatment plan. Some restorative treatments only require a single visit, such as tooth-colored fillings, while other dental treatments may take two or more visits, such as dental crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays. That’s because the dental restoration must be custom fabricated to your specific needs and tooth dimensions.
Some patients may require dental implants, gum grafts or bone grafts for significant repair, and the mouth needs time to heal after these procedures before moving on to the next step. Periodontal treatment for advanced gum disease, or orthodontic treatment, may also be necessary to achieve the desired bite alignment.
One patient’s timeline could be six months, while another’s plan is a year or longer. Our dentists will develop a strategic plan to restore a healthy mouth and outline the estimated timeline to completion. That starts with a detailed consultation and dental exam.
Combining Cosmetic and Restorative Full Mouth Treatments
Restoring your smile isn’t just about function, it’s also about appearance. That’s why cosmetic and restorative dentistry often go hand-in-hand. For example, a patient may need dental implants to replace missing teeth, but porcelain veneers or whitening can complete the transformation by creating a seamless, attractive smile.
At Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas, we balance health and beauty so you can enjoy teeth that both look and feel amazing.
Why Choose Us for Full Mouth Restoration
At Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas, we understand that restoring your smile is about more than just repairing teeth. It’s about giving you back your confidence, health, and quality of life.
Located in Charlotte, NC, and serving patients throughout Huntersville and the surrounding areas, our practice combines advanced technology with a warm, personalized approach.
Dr. Tyler Wurmlinger, our practice owner, and Dr. Ross Nash, our founder with more than 40 years of experience, are dedicated to patient-focused care in a welcoming environment. Whether you need a single restoration or a complete smile transformation, you can trust our team to deliver results that feel natural and last.
FAQs
Will I be able to eat normally after full mouth restoration?
Yes. Once healing is complete, your restorations are designed to restore full chewing ability, letting you eat comfortably again.
Is full mouth restoration permanent?
With proper care, many restorations can last for decades. While some may eventually need maintenance, the results are long-lasting.
How do I maintain the results long-term?
Regular dental checkups, good home care, and following your dentist’s recommendations will help protect your investment.
Are the results natural-looking?
Absolutely. We use advanced materials and techniques so your restorations blend seamlessly with your smile.
Does dental insurance cover full mouth restoration?
Coverage depends on your plan. Some restorative treatments may be included, while cosmetic procedures are often not.
Are payment plans or financing available for full mouth restoration?
Yes. Many patients use financing companies that specialize in healthcare to make treatment more manageable. Our team can help guide you toward flexible options that fit your budget.
Can I return to work the next day?
Many patients can resume normal activities quickly, though recovery time depends on the complexity of the procedures.
Am I too old for full mouth restoration?
Age isn’t a barrier at Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas. As long as you are healthy enough for dental treatment, full mouth restoration can benefit you.
What if I have dental anxiety?
We understand that many patients feel nervous. Our team offers a calm, supportive environment and sedation options to help you feel comfortable.
Schedule a Consultation in Huntersville
If you struggle with severe dental problems, contact Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas in Huntersville, North Carolina. Schedule a dental exam and consultation with Dr. Wurmlinger or Dr. Nash by calling (704) 895-7660 or request a virtual consultation online.