If you have several things going on with your smile, your dentist might recommend that you undergo full mouth reconstructions. This might sound dramatic, but it just means that you will undergo a combination of different restorative procedures to work toward a healthier smile. This process is typically more conservative than having several standalone procedures, but there is still a recovery period to keep in mind. Here is what you can expect from a variety of common treatments.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. In most cases, fillings can be completed during a single visit to the dental office. After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities immediately. It might take an hour or so for the local anesthetic to wear off, but once it does, you should feel just like your normal self again.
Dental Crowns
Traditionally, restorations like dental crowns and veneers would take two visits to complete. Today, with CEREC technology, you can receive your restoration in a single appointment. Using advanced digital scanning and in-office milling technology, your dentist can create customized dental crowns, onlays, and veneers with exceptional precision and natural aesthetics in a fraction of the time. You may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but this should be mild and temporary.
Tooth Extractions
Extractions are never your dentist’s first option, but sometimes they are needed to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. After your extraction, it can take a few days for the gum tissue to close back up over the socket where your tooth used to be. Most patients are able to return to their normal schedule after three to five days. You should take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medications as directed by your dentist and get plenty of rest.
Dental Implants
This tooth replacement option can last upwards of three decades or even the rest of your life if you care for them. During this procedure, the implants are placed directly into the jawbone. Once they heal, they are able to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Since the bone tissue needs to fuse to the dental implant, it can take four to six months to complete the process. However, you should be able to return to your normal activities after just a few days.
By carefully following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, your smile will be good as new in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Alberto J. Lamberti earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Additionally, he successfully completed a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry at Tufts in 2011. Prior to his arrival in the United States, he completed a Post-graduate Specialist in Prosthodontics program at the Central University of Venezuela. Today, his career spans well over two decades. To learn more about full mouth reconstruction or to schedule an appointment at his office in Boca Raton, visit his website or call (561) 338-7535.