Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery: What to Expect
Are you interested in restoring your smile through full mouth reconstruction, but you’re wondering what full mouth reconstruction recovery looks like? The Smile Center in Virginia Beach, VA, is here to fill you in.
Full mouth reconstruction is a completely customized treatment plan designed to address multiple oral health concerns at a time. If you’re dealing with more than one issue like broken teeth, tooth decay, or gum disease at once, it’s likely a great option for you.
What Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery Look Like?
It’s important to understand just how personalized full mouth reconstruction truly is. Each treatment plan is unique to the patient and can include any combination of specialized services, so naturally, recovery looks different for everyone.
Full mouth reconstruction treatments are planned in stages, so the best way to think about full mouth reconstruction recovery is to think about recovery for each of the procedures most commonly included in treatment plans. They are:
1. Dental Fillings
- How They Work: Fillings restore the chewing surfaces of teeth after treatment for cavities or decay. They can be made from metals or tooth-colored composite resin. Having a filling placed is quick and virtually painless.
- What Recovery Is Like: Fillings are one of the simplest procedures in dentistry, and there is no associated recovery time. While you may notice a little sensitivity around the treatment site in the first 24 hours, it should be manageable with over-the-counter medication, if needed.
2. Dental Crowns
- How They Work: Dental crowns are ceramic caps that fit over teeth. They can be used to add strength and protection against further damage or decay.
- What Recovery Is Like: Initial dental crown recovery typically lasts one or two days. During this time, mild inflammation and sensitivity are to be expected, but it won’t interfere with your daily life.
3. Gum Disease Treatment
- How It Works: There are different treatment methodologies for different degrees of gum disease. Gingivitis can be treated with a deep cleaning, but advanced periodontitis may require a gum graft.
- What Recovery Is Like: Recovery from scaling and root planing usually takes less than a week. While soreness is likely, you won’t have to take time off from work or school. For gum grafts, healing usually takes less than two weeks. It’s best to take a day or two off immediately afterwards and stick with soft foods until fully healed.
4. Dental Implants
- How They Work: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They are surgically embedded in the jaw and fuse with it over four to six months. This allows them to provide stable support for replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- What Recovery Is Like: Dental implant placement is surgery, so plan to take a day or two off afterwards and follow a soft-food diet during this time. After about a week, symptoms like pain and swelling will subside, so it’s okay to start eating harder foods again. However, it’s best to use the opposite side of your mouth to chew for a few weeks as the implants begin to fuse with your jaw.
Want to Learn More? Request an Appointment Today
Would you like more details about any of these full mouth reconstruction procedures? Are you considering adding a procedure to your full mouth reconstruction that we haven’t covered here? We’d love to speak with you about your smile restoration options and exactly what to expect from each of them—all you have to do is reach out to The Smile Center in Virginia Beach. You can send us a message online or give our office a call. We can’t wait to hear from you!