Dental Reconstruction 101

So, what does dental reconstruction actually involve? And, what is it exactly? To answer the first question, we need to tackle the second one. Essentially, dental reconstruction is the ideal way to preserve and restore the looks and functions of natural teeth.

Reconstruction is heavily recommended for many patients with damaged teeth, and it can also be necessary for some who have suffered dental trauma. It involves several different procedure options and treatment plans. These treatment plans are, of course, customized to the patient’s specific needs by their chosen dentist.

And, if you’re also looking for a dentist to opt for and happen to be located in Hickory Hills, IL, the perfect place to get your dental reconstruction is Signature Dental Care. Additionally, along with reconstructive procedures, Signature Dental Care will also help you with wisdom teeth removal, be there for you in case of emergency, and much more. Now, let’s learn more about dental reconstruction and everything it includes.

Treatments Included in Dental Reconstruction

There are several different treatment plans relating to dental reconstruction, and depending on your specific needs, your dentist will suggest the ideal one for you. So, let’s go through the available treatment options down below.

Dentures

While being in a situation where you’re missing all of your natural teeth can be pretty hard, the good news is that there are several treatment options for this type of situation. One such treatment option, which is highly praised, is dentures. Traditional dentures can restore life quality by making speaking and eating easy again, and also making sure you can smile again with no worries.

Additionally, for patients who do still have some of their natural teeth, partial dentures are a great option. Similar to traditional full dentures, partial dentures are made out of identical materials. However, unlike full dentures, they are attached and held in place by your remaining natural teeth. And, just like complete dentures, partial ones are removable as well.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer versatility and heightened aesthetic appeal. They’re one of the best options when it comes to dental reconstructions, and tend to be recommended in a large variety of cases.

The dental implant process involves surgery that serves to embed the implants into the jawbone. With this, a strong foundation is ensured for dental implants, which makes it possible for them to function as your actual teeth.

Additionally, once this is done, implants can support extra restoration procedures such as dental crowns and bridges, just like natural teeth would do in a different situation. And, unlike typical dental crowns, dental implants don’t require you to have an actual tooth that can be used as a base. This makes them a solid choice for both heavily damaged and missing teeth.

Lastly, tooth implants are also able to support full-arch replacements. In these cases, four dental implants are used to support the arches of the teeth. These treatment options are in a way similar to traditional dentures since they create a strong foundation that restores bite strength. However, with traditional dentures, problems such as slipping are swiftly eliminated.

Damaged Teeth Reconstruction: Additional Options

As we’ve already mentioned, dental reconstruction can be done on a complete scale, and also with individual teeth. However, this can get a tiny bit more complicated. When it comes to individual teeth that might be damaged or decayed, additional treatments or even extractions might also be part of the process.

Individual teeth reconstruction may require other reconstructive procedures such as dental crowns and bridges, which might require a root canal. A root canal is often needed in cases of infection. In such cases, the pulp tissue is removed from within in order to prepare the tooth so that it can be filled and made into a stable base for a dental crown.

Cosmetic procedures are also an option in some cases. Bonding using composite resin can be used to fix damaged teeth that might be chipped, cracked, or malformed. Composite resin is fixed using UV light, and when it’s all done the shape of the tooth is perfectly restored. Lastly, dental veneers are also an option for cases where the damage is purely cosmetic.

Causes for Dental Reconstruction

There are four main types of causes for dental reconstruction, and these include the following:

• Dental trauma – Strong blows or injuries can cause dental trauma, but so can conditions such as teeth grinding.
• Age – With age, gum tissue, and teeth tend to wear down, so many older people find themselves in need of dentures or dental implants.
• Periodontitis – Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, causes gum inflammation, which eventually leads to teeth falling out.
• Various pathologies – Diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, osteomyelitis, and autoimmune disease can also be factors for dental reconstruction.

When Dental Reconstruction Is Necessary

There are various cases in which dental reconstruction can become a necessity. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you’re ensuring that you get the appropriate treatment option presented to you at the appropriate time.

While there are many comprehensive causes for reconstruction, such as the ones mentioned in the section above, tooth decay shouldn’t be disregarded. In fact, patients with severe tooth decay are also likely to be candidates for tooth reconstruction. Extraction of decayed teeth, and their replacement with dental implants, can improve your dental health, protect your remaining teeth, and restore the functionality and beauty of your smile.

Dental Reconstruction Costs

Cost is a main concern for dental reconstructions. This definitely rings true when it comes to dental implants, especially when you go all-out and decided to get full-mouth implants.

While a single-tooth implant can cost anywhere between $3,100 to $5,800, getting a full mouth of dental implants can range from $60,000 to $90,000. Additionally, All-on-4 implants can range from $24,000 to $50,000 in price.

On another note, while ranking lower in quality, traditional dentures are much more affordable. Without insurance, they tend to cost from around $1,000 to $3,000 per arch. And, partial dentures cost around $1,400 to $1,800 per set.