Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a disorder that affects tooth development. People with this condition may have teeth that are weaker than normal, making them prone to premature wear and tear and discoloration. Thankfully, full mouth rehabilitation can help patients with this condition; read on to learn more about this process.

What Is Full Arch Rehabilitation?

Full arch rehabilitation is a process where all your teeth are restored. Full arch rehab is different from a smile makeover. Smile makeovers are elective surgeries that focus on improving aesthetics. While a full rehabilitation may improve aesthetics, its main purpose is to improve the overall function of your teeth, and this procedure may be covered by insurance.

Keep in mind that a full arch rehabilitation doesn't happen in one appointment; it's a process of several appointments that include some or all of the following:

• Prophylactic teeth cleaning
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
• Root canal therapy or extractions
• Crown lengthening/shortening
• Orthodontic treatment
• Placement of crowns, inlays/onlays, bridges, or dentures
• Gum or bone grafts
• Implant surgery
• Jaw surgery

You may not only need to see your family dentist during this process but also visit a number of different specialists, such as periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, etc.

Which Treatment Route Should Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Patients Take?

Only your dentist will know what's best for your situation, as dentinogenesis imperfecta can vary greatly from one person to another. For instance, if a person with this condition had early interventions with a pediatric dentist, they may have already had stainless steel crowns and other restorations placed as an adolescent and may not need as extensive rehab treatments as patients with delayed dental work. Children with this condition may be able to avoid excessive rehab in the future if they visit the dentist more often for fluoride treatments and follow a diet recommended by their doctor.

A report from the General Dentistry journal states that in general, treatment for dentinogenesis imperfecta mainly focuses on protecting affected dentin, improving aesthetics, and improving tooth sensitivity. In milder cases, amalgam and composite materials may be used to protect enamel and reduce sensitivity, while more severe cases may require full-coverage crowns. To improve tooth discoloration, composite veneers may be considered.

If dentinogenesis imperfecta has caused tooth loss, then bridges, overdentures, and implants may be considered. One clinical case found that a patient's dentition was effectively restored with crowns over natural teeth and implants to replace any missing teeth. This patient also had their implants placed in the same appointment as a sinus graft.

Ultimately your dentist will do a thorough examination process before prescribing the treatment route. They will go through your health history, take impressions, take x-rays, and look at any gum/temporomandibular joint issues as well as teeth issues.

Reach out to a dentist today to learn more about full arch rehabilitation.