Full-mouth rehabilitation in New York City

What it is

Full-mouth rehabilitation means restoring most or all of the teeth in both jaws together, using some combination of crowns, onlays, veneers, bridges, implant-supported teeth or dentures. It is planned as one system because the teeth, the bite and the jaw joints work as one system.

Who it is for

• Teeth that are heavily worn from grinding or acid erosion
• Many failing crowns, fillings or bridges at once
• A bite that has collapsed or shifted after tooth loss
• A combination of missing teeth and damaged remaining teeth

How Dr. Lal plans it

1. Records. Examination, photographs, an intraoral scan of the teeth and bite, and a cone beam CT where bone or implants are involved.
2. Diagnosis. The cause comes first: wear, gum disease, bite changes or failed materials. Each needs a different plan.
3. Design. The final teeth are designed digitally in exocad before treatment, so the shape, length and bite can be reviewed and discussed.
4. Trial and sequence. Treatment is staged in a written plan, often with provisional (temporary) restorations so that appearance and bite can be checked before the final work.
5. Final restorations and maintenance. Restorations are made to the plan, the bite is checked, and a maintenance schedule protects the result.

Questions to ask any provider

• What is causing the damage, and how will the plan address it?
• Which teeth can be kept?
• Will I be able to try the new bite and appearance before the final restorations?
• Who designs the restorations, and where are they made?
• What maintenance will the work need?