The mouth consists of both soft and hard tissue, bone, teeth, and the moist mucous membrane that covers the skin of the inner cheeks, tongue, and lips. A healthy mouth requires that all of its parts be in optimal working order, as these various systems all work together when we chew and speak.

When dental issues go beyond simple cavities or tooth cleanings, a reconstructive dentist may be necessary to perform more complex procedures to restore oral health to the patient. What is reconstructive dentistry and what procedures are being referred to when we discuss this specialized field of dentistry? If you find yourself suffering from damaged or missing teeth,  reconstructive dentistry of Dr. Dan Chu can help bring your mouth back to a healthy state.

What is Reconstructive Dentistry?

The meaning of the word reconstructive generally refers to the act of bringing something that has been damaged back to its original state. Therefore, reconstructive dentistry refers to procedures that repair damage sustained to the oral cavity in an attempt to bring it back to a condition as close to its original state as possible. These procedures could include the following:

  • Replacing missing teeth
  • Repairing damaged teeth
  • Treating bite alignment or tooth spacing issues
  • Treating an improperly aligned jaw
  • Treating diseases of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis
  • Addressing loss of bone mass or damage to the gums

While this is not an all-encompassing list, these procedures cover the overwhelming majority of work done in restorative dental care.

 

What types of Dentists Perform Reconstructive Dental Procedures?

Choosing the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important part of the success of your treatment. Some dentists are trained and experienced in many facets of dentistry and others have a more specialized area of expertise.

As an example of how dental expertise can vary across practices, most general dentists are capable of performing routine cleanings, plaque removal, root canal therapy, fillings of cavities, and other routine aspects of oral care. Not all dentists are trained and experienced with reconstructive procedures such as inlays and onlays, dental implants, and bridges. It is therefore important to find out your dentist’s qualifications and experience with the procedures that you are considering undergoing.

As a general rule, oral surgeons and prosthodontists have a great deal of experience dealing with all manner of reconstructive dental procedures. Dr. Dan Chu offers superior experience with reconstructive dentistry Houston that covers a wide range of patient needs.

What Common Issues Require Reconstructive Dentistry?

There are many things that can go wrong within the mouth that would require reconstructive procedures to be performed. Some of the most common conditions or circumstances requiring treatment are listed below.

  • Acute loss of teeth due to sports injuries or accidents
    Injuries and accidents are a very common way for individuals to experience the loss of their permanent teeth. Missing teeth are not only unsightly, but they can also create huge problems with chewing, biting, eating, and speaking. Missing teeth can be corrected with various reconstructive procedures such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
  • Bruxism and TMJ syndrome treatments
    Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, is a fairly common condition that can create joint problems, pain in and around the mouth, and an uneven wearing of the surface of the teeth. TMJ is an inflammatory condition of the jaw joints that leads to stiffness, pain, and swelling. These conditions often coincide, as the clenching of the teeth can sometimes promote the development of TMJ syndrome. Reconstructive dentistry offers several treatment options that can correct these issues and relieve the discomfort associated with them.
  • Cosmetic dental procedures
    Reconstructive dentistry Houston can also provide a multitude of cosmetic dental procedures. Cosmetic procedures can include tooth whitening, veneers, straightening of the teeth, correction of spacing issues with teeth, and contouring of the gumline to name a few. Cosmetic procedures can provide an important boost in self-confidence when an individual is suffering due to unsightly dental issues.

What Should you Consider before Undergoing Reconstructive Dentistry?

While the idea of getting unsightly cosmetic issues repaired or tending to significant damage within the mouth is appealing, there are some things you should keep in mind before undergoing such procedures.

First of all, you will need to ensure that you are in good overall health. Most adults without serious existing medical issues will find that they are healthy enough to undergo reconstructive dental procedures. Secondly, you will want to research dental practices in your area to find a good fit for your specific needs. The office of Dr, Dan Chu in Houston can provide you with a complete evaluation to determine the best treatment options for your specific dental issues.

In general, the younger and healthier you are, the more quickly you will recover from the procedures you undergo. You will also want to consider the downtime involved in the healing and recovery process, as well as the overall cost of treatment. All of this information will be explained to you at your initial consultation, as we lay out a specific treatment plan that is best suited for your unique needs.

We understand that life can be unpredictable at times. Caring for your mouth and restoring it to a healthy condition should rank high on the priority list. Contact our office today to find out how we can assist you with all of your restorative dental needs.