When you hear the term dental reconstruction, it actually comprises several different procedures ranging from fairly simple to more complex. Reconstruction can cover the entire re-building of the jawbone due to an accident or decay from disease to having a crown placed on a broken tooth. Since there is a such a wide range of procedures dental reconstruction covers, here are a few that this term covers.

Restorative Procedures

When you have a broken tooth or decay in the gums or teeth, then you will most likely need some form of restorative procedure. These can include crowns, bridges, fillings, and inlays. Restorative procedures can also include implant dentistry such as implants to replace missing or pulled teeth and also replacement of teeth via dentures.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can help restore a patient's self-esteem with helping them look their best. These procedures can include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and even gum contouring. For broken teeth, instead of a crown, a resin filling can be used instead to make the teeth look natural and whole again. It is also possible to re-shape jagged or elongated teeth to better match the mouth for a better appearance.

Bite Correction and Jaw Treatments

When a patient's bite affects how they eat and speak or how their mouth looks while resting, then treatments such as Neuromuscular dentistry might be in order. This is the treatment and correction of the temporomandibular joints and how a patient bites. This may also include treatment for TMJ or lockjaw.

Another form of jaw and bite treatment might include Bruxism treatments to stop a patient from grinding their teeth and the symptoms associated with it. It may also include orthodontics to correct overbite problems with treatments including Invisalign, braces, retainers, or spacers.

Surgery and Periodontal Treatments

Other procedures that can be included in dental reconstruction treatments include oral surgery such as root canal therapy, tissue grafting – both soft and hard tissue and tooth extractions. This is also where reconstruction surgery of a jawbone fits in should that be a necessary procedure. If a patient has tooth or gum disease, then periodontal treatments become a necessity. Treatments such as scaling, root planing, and surgery also fit under the dental reconstruction umbrella.

It is possible that if a patient has multiple issues with their teeth and gums, they may be a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction. A dentist will evaluate each patient based on the type of procedures that need to take place and the patient's overall health. Dental reconstruction takes advanced skill from your dentist, so if your traditional dentist does not have the education in these areas, ask for a referral to a specialist.