A collaborative approach to full mouth rehabilitation

Cemal Ucer explains why successful full mouth rehabilitation requires a collaborative approach combining technical skill and thoughtful planning.

A full mouth restoration is a comprehensive dental treatment plan that aims to improve the overall health, function and appearance of teeth and gingiva. The procedure is often used to treat patients who have complex dental and oral health needs, and may involve a combination of different interventions, including dental implants, crowns, veneers, bridges or dentures.

In cases of severe maxillary and mandibular atrophy, full mouth rehabilitation may also include various surgical techniques, such as soft tissue grafting and advanced implant procedures. Clinicians may work closely with dental laboratories or specialist referral services at different stages of treatment to
optimise outcomes.

Providing appropriate, customised care that addresses both the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient requires not only familiarity with advanced surgical techniques and materials, but also a collaborative approach to care (Su N et al, 2020). Patient involvement in their treatment has been shown to improve outcomes and prevent complications, as well as to enhance clinician satisfaction in daily practice (Krist AH et al, 2021).

Psychosocial wellbeing, together with oral function, orofacial pain and orofacial aesthetics, forms the basis for an assessment of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). To ensure patients’ needs are met in all these areas, clinicians are encouraged to employ methods that are tailored to each individual patient. This helps encourage patient participation in decision-making, adherence to instructions, and understanding of all variables and potential complications, ensuring fully informed consent is obtained (Su N et al, 2020).