Full Mouth Reconstruction
Restoring Beauty & Dental Health
Whether it was due to neglect or from fear of the dentist, we know that not all patients have perfect oral care. However, we also know that having a healthy mouth will only benefit you in the future, and that starts by caring for the instruments in you mouth: your teeth. Damage and decay can be fixed right here in our office with a full mouth reconstruction plan, thanks to the experience of your Jackson, MS Dentists – Drs. Tharp and Klaus.
What is Occlusal Disease?
Of all the oral health issues we’ve seen, such as tooth decay or periodontitis, occlusal disease is one of the most damaging. The cause of this is when misaligned teeth impact with such force that they grind teeth together, expose the teeth to decay, or even shorten the length of the tooth as the enamel disappears.
Other symptoms include loosening teeth, temperature sensitivity, pain or soreness when biting or chewing, fractured or cracked teeth, or pain in the jawbone joint socket. If left untreated, your issues will worsen over time, and lead to more serious conditions such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, also more commonly known as cavities, is caused by a bad combination of bacteria and poor oral health care. A common misconception is that sugar is directly responsible for the condition, but it’s only a part of the equation. When you eat, bacteria consume the leftover food particles and expel acid waste in the form of plaque. So long as you brush your teeth and have healthy saliva production, these bacteria will do little to damage your teeth. But neglect to brush and floss, and the plaque buildup can start eating away at the enamel on the surface of your teeth. As the decay progresses, it can intrude onto the other, more sensitive layers of the tooth with the potential to permanently damage it.
Reconstructive Dental Treatments Available
Take a look below at the treatments that are typically considered for a full mouth reconstruction treatment plan.
Root Canals
If tooth decay has damaged the center pulp of the tooth, this substance often cannot be recovered or repaired. Instead, a root canal may be recommended, which can save the structure of the tooth while also getting rid of the diseased tissues. The canal is then filled in with a resin and a crown is typically placed on top to protect it.
Dental Fillings
While root canals are reserved for situations where damage and decay have spread to the inner cavity of the tooth, regular fillings can get rid of decay on the surface level. With fillings we can clean up the area and cover up the stark contrast of decay, so that your tooth looks whole again.
Crowns
Crowns are artificial tooth “caps” that are shaped to resemble the tooth they are replacing. While the original tooth is typically not removed, the crown caps over the tooth to protect it from further damage. Dental crowns have been used to cap existing damaged teeth, root canals, dental implants and more.
Dental Implants
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants are one of the best solutions available to fill in the spaces. These artificial teeth are constructed from titanium and porcelain, and undergo osseointegration with the surrounding jawbone to remain secure and durable. These implants also last for many years, and have become preferable to dentures or partials.
Prettau Bridge
Bridges are the combination of three or more crowns, wherein the center crown actually fills in the space of a missing teeth. The crowns on either side of the center one are placed over the neighboring teeth of the gap, so that your smile has a seamless look. Prettau® is a specialized type of bridge made with more durable material and an unparalleled realism.
Overdentures
At Tharp & Klaus Dental Clinic we utilize milled bar overdentures as a new solution for those who dislike the often unreliable removable dentures. These dentures are secured to a metal bar, held in place with a few implants: it combines the advantages of dental implants and a full arch overdenture. Patients have told us how much they have preferred this to regular dentures.