Seeing a Dentist for Reconstruction

This article focuses on the dentist that is called for reconstruction of the oral cavity. It explains what the dentist does for treatment.

A reconstructive dentist is a dental professional who tries to rebuild the oral cavity or some part of it. The process of trying to return both form and function to the different areas of the mouth falls on this professional. Damage to the mouth usually happens through trauma because of an accident or the result of being born this way. Slight anomalies might occur when a person practices poor oral hygiene but these can be readily treated and may not need the services of this kind of dental professional.

Work and Treatment

The scope of the dentist who handles reconstructive surgery for the oral cavity is actually wide. One of the more common issues that may need some form of reconstruction is the lack of teeth. Missing teeth can be unappealing to look at and can be a cause of concern for many people. This is especially true for the ones in front which can be seen when smiling or conversing. Dentures are used to replace the missing ones but there are times when implants are more suitable. The dental professional can assess the person's mouth and bite and recommend the use of either dentures or implants. In many instances, implants may be recommended because these are stronger and more realistic than dentures. Other recommendations for missing, broken or chipped teeth may be bridges, crowns and veneers.

The dentist will give the patient options regarding the alternatives that are open to him. He will also explain the maintenance and the cost of each option. Only the implants can be considered as surgery because they are invasive. All the rest mentioned above are like appliances that help to improve form and function of the mouth.
Other procedures that involve reconstruction of the bones and jaws are also included in this professional's roster of treatments and work. Putting in plates to reconstruct the jaws or metal to support the bones and teeth are procedures that he or she can do very well. Full mouth reconstruction is a procedure that is extensive and quite pricey because there is an overall assessment of the oral cavity. What improvement and change that can be done will be done in order to return a full set of teeth to the patient.

More serious reconstructive endeavors are usually met when there has been trauma or damage to the oral cavity. The surgeon who does these is a specialist who has studied techniques under cranial reconstruction and dentistry. He can be called a dentist but likely he is a surgeon who does some work with the mouth and teeth. He also employs techniques that are used for dentistry. A harelip is one of the main causes for this kind of practitioner to be called. The extent of the damage will dictate the extent of the procedure. It is usually an operation that is done while the individual is still young in order for the tissues and bones to develop well. It is an entirely different field that connects to dentistry because of the location of the trauma.

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