Full mouth reconstruction is a restorative dentistry service that is customized to each patient who undergoes it. It can consist of numerous treatments, ranging from minor tooth repair to extensive procedures. If you are thinking about getting full mouth reconstruction, it is understandable if you are curious about what your recovery will be like. Below, we discuss what you can expect as you heal from some treatments that are commonly included in a full mouth reconstruction plan.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a multi-stage tooth replacement treatment that involves at least one surgery. After your initial procedure, you can expect some swelling, soreness, and bleeding, all of which should subside in a matter of days. However, you may have to be careful about what you eat for several months so you do not disturb your surgical sites or interfere with your osseointegration (the process that allows your implants to bond with your jawbone).
Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges
Fillings and crowns can renew the strength and function of decayed or damaged teeth. After you receive a filling, your tooth might be a little sensitive for a few days, but that is the only side effect that most people experience. There will be no downtime, bleeding, or food restrictions.
Placing a crown or bridge is a more complex process, so you may notice significant sensitivity after your dentist prepares your tooth (or teeth) for your restoration. However, most people are back to feeling normal quite quickly.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is often able to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. It has a bad reputation, but do not let popular media fool you. The procedure itself is quite comfortable. Afterward, some temporary sensitivity, swelling, and inflammation are normal.
Cosmetic Treatments
Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding are often used to put the finishing touches on a patient’s renewed smile. Whitening may cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity, and a bit of soreness is normal after the teeth are prepared for veneers. Bonding is generally a very comfortable process with minimal side effects.
Keys to a Comfortable Recovery
Your dental team will provide you with instructions to help you enjoy a smooth, comfortable recovery. Many patients find that getting plenty of rest, taking over the counter pain relievers, and temporarily avoiding hard, hot, cold, spicy, and acidic foods is helpful. You might also need to temporarily abstain from alcohol.
Post-treatment complications are rare during the full mouth reconstruction process, but if you ever find that you are in severe pain or you have other reasons to believe that you are not healing as you should, contact your dentist right away.
Many patients are surprised by how easy full mouth reconstruction recovery is. To learn more about what you might experience on your journey toward a renewed smile, get in touch with your dentist.
Meet the Practice
All Dental of Westborough features a team of experienced, highly skilled general dentists and specialists. Full mouth reconstruction is one of the many services we offer. If you believe you could benefit from it, we would be pleased to consult with you. Give us a call at 508-217-7265.