Dentures and Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Gone are the days when dentures were the only means of full mouth rehabilitation. Today we try to save each tooth in the mouth if it can serve the purpose of anchorage and support of alveolar bone. In combination with implants and ball attachments we can make comfortable appliances for you, which will help you, smile more confidently and function more efficiently.

Who Needs Full Mouth Rehabilitation?

Full mouth rehabilitation is needed in cases of extreme tooth loss on account of age, disease, or some accident. When several teeth are lost and the damage is so severe that they cannot be restored satisfactorily independent of other teeth, the dentist may suggest full mouth rehabilitation using implants as the only solution.

Dentures and their Disadvantages

Prior to full mouth rehabilitation procedure, dentures were used to restore several missing teeth. But denture treatment has several drawbacks, listed below:

• They disrupt the integrity of facial features.
• They speed up the aging process, as exposed to general view, by deranging facial structure.
• Use of dentures is associated with pain, denture breath, and sore spots in the mouth.
• They need adhesives.
• Dentures need to be relined as the bone melts away with age.
• They make it hard to eat certain kinds of food.
• Dentures sometimes slip and fall out of mouth, causing embarrassment.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Also called reconstruction or rejuvenation, full mouth rehabilitation is the procedure in which each tooth is individually recreated. It is needed when:

• Several teeth are broken, worn down, or missing
• The patient experiences pain in the jaw joint, facial pain, back pain, headaches, tenderness of muscles, and clicking/popping or grating of the jaw
• Apparently unexplained numbness in arms and fingers
• Congestion or stuffiness felt in ears
• Dizziness

Benefits of Full Mouth Rehabilitation

The several benefits of choosing full mouth rehabilitation can be epitomized as:

• It stops bone loss or deterioration to a great extent.
• It keeps the facial structure integrated.
• It improves the appearance of facial features by restoring lost lip support and minimizing wrinkles on the face.
• It is comfort able.
• It restores the capacity of natural biting and chewing.

The Process of Full Mouth Rehabilitation

First of all, the dentist discusses the method of full mouth reconstruction with the patient. If he or she is satisfied with the work and chooses to go for the treatment, the following stages come in completing the procedure.

• Precision diagnostic impression modelling and diagnostic wax ups are implemented. These give the required technical data for developing the best treatment plan. These also provide information on the best size, shape, and shade of the new teeth.
• All teeth in the mouth are extracted.
• Tissue grafts are performed, aiming at rehabilitating the weakened areas of the jawbone.
• Bone grafting is done to treat the weak sinus cavity areas of the upper jaw. This helps withstand chewing pressure with new teeth.
• Dental implants are adjusted, requiring up to 6 months of healing time (Osseo integration).
• Mini-implants are adjusted alongside the traditional ones in case of patients who do not want to remain toothless during the healing time.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are the most popular of all restoratives. It is an alloy containing mercury, copper, silver, tin, and a few minor elements. Amalgam fillings can withstand great chewing loads and are also useful in restoring deep fillings below gum line. Some concern has been raised about the mercury content of these fillings but authorities in health (FDA, WHO, and others) have found it to be safe. Their greater popularity rests on several reasons like:

• Durability
• Ease of use
• Greater resistance to wear
• Relatively inexpensive in cost

Gold Alloys

These alloys consist of gold, copper and a few other metals. Together these form a strong and effective filling, crown or a bridge. Their primary use lies in inlays, on lays, crowns and fixed bridges. Gold alloys are known for:

• High resistance to corrosion and tarnishing
• High strength and toughness against wear and fracture
• Requiring the removal of minimum amount of healthy tooth structure
• Feeling gentle to opposing teeth
• A drawback to gold fillings is that their colour does not look like natural teeth.

Base Metal Alloys

These are high strength and toughness, non-noble metal alloys having a silver appearance. They show high resistance to corrosion, tarnishing, fracture, and wear. Some people may have allergic sensitivity to base metals. Also, some initial discomfort may be encountered from hot and cold.

Ceramic Materials

Ceramic fillings require a minimum of two visits. These include porcelain, ceramic or glasslike fillings and crowns. These are highly resistant to wear but prone to fracture under stress and on impact.

Indirect Composites

These filling materials are similar to those of direct restoration fillings. Their colour is like those of teeth. These fillings do not excessively wear opposing teeth. They show less strength and durability than porcelain or metal restorations. In addition, they wear and discolour relatively easily.