If you have several dental problems, you may not know where to begin. You could be dealing with missing teeth, old fillings, decay, cracked or worn teeth, gum problems, or concerns about the appearance of your smile. The good news is that needing extensive dental work does not necessarily mean everything has to be treated at once.
The first step is understanding what needs to be treated, what can wait, and which treatments may work together as part of a comprehensive plan. Austin cosmetic dentist Dr. John Schmid provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services and can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your oral health, functional needs, and smile goals.
If you need a lot of dental work, these steps can help you get moving in the right direction.
How Do I Find the Right Dentist for Extensive Dental Work?
It matters who provides your dental care, particularly when you have multiple dental concerns that may need to be addressed together. Dr. John Schmid has more than 30 years of experience and has completed advanced training through the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), including training in comprehensive aesthetic reconstruction and full mouth reconstruction.
When choosing a dentist for extensive dental work, look for someone who takes the time to evaluate your overall oral health, explain your treatment options, and develop a plan based on your individual needs.
Learn more about the LVI difference.
Can Before-and-After Photos Help Me Choose a Dentist?
When you need extensive dental work, you may be thinking about more than just repairing damaged teeth. You may also want a smile that looks natural, feels comfortable, and allows you to speak and chew with confidence.
Before-and-after photos can give you an idea of the types of results that may be possible for cases similar to your own. They can also help you understand a dentist’s approach to cosmetic and restorative treatment.
Should I Schedule a Consultation Before Committing to Treatment?
Yes. A consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, evaluate your oral health, and begin understanding which treatments may be appropriate for you. Dr. Schmid can discuss your goals and concerns, explain your treatment options, and help you understand how different procedures may fit together. He can also discuss the recommended sequence of treatment and what you can expect throughout the process.
Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry offers complimentary consultations, so you can explore your options before committing to treatment.
Do I Need to Treat Oral Health Issues Before Cosmetic Work?
You may have so many dental concerns that you do not know where to begin. In many cases, underlying oral health concerns need to be addressed before cosmetic treatment. Problems such as gum disease, active decay, or other dental issues may need to be treated first so you can establish a healthy foundation for additional restorative or cosmetic work.
Your treatment plan will depend on your individual needs. Addressing the most urgent problems first can help create a logical path toward your longer-term dental goals.
What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive approach to rebuilding or restoring many of the teeth in the mouth. Rather than being a single procedure, it may involve several treatments planned together based on your oral health, bite, function, and goals. Depending on your needs, treatment may include procedures such as porcelain crowns, dental implants, bridges, fillings, or other restorative treatments.
Not everyone who needs extensive dental work needs a full mouth reconstruction. The appropriate approach depends on the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine which treatments are appropriate for your situation.
How Can I Pay for Extensive Dental Work?
The cost of extensive dental treatment depends on the procedures involved and the number of teeth being treated. Some services may be partially covered by dental insurance, depending on your plan and the treatment provided. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry also offers flexible financing options that may help you manage the remaining cost of treatment.
Discussing your treatment plan and financial options with the dental team can help you understand your choices before beginning care.
Frequently Asked Questions
If many of your teeth have significant damage, decay, wear, or are missing, you may benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan. However, needing several dental procedures does not automatically mean you need full mouth reconstruction.
A consultation and comprehensive evaluation are the best ways to determine which treatments may be appropriate for your situation.
No. Depending on your individual needs, extensive dental treatment may be completed in phases.
Your dentist may prioritize urgent oral health concerns first and then address restorative, functional, or cosmetic goals as appropriate. Breaking treatment into phases can also make a comprehensive treatment plan easier to manage.
Coverage depends on your specific dental insurance plan and the treatments involved. Some procedures may be partially covered, while cosmetic treatments may not be covered.
Our dental team can help you understand your estimated costs and discuss available financing options for any remaining expenses.
There is no reason to feel embarrassed about needing a lot of dental work. Dental problems can happen for many reasons, and putting off care can sometimes make those problems more complicated. What matters is taking the first step toward getting the care you need.
Dr. Schmid and his team understand that patients may feel nervous or self-conscious about the condition of their teeth. A consultation is a judgment-free opportunity to discuss your concerns, learn about your options, and create a plan for moving forward. You do not have to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.
During a consultation, Dr. Schmid can discuss your concerns and goals and evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall smile. Depending on your situation, additional diagnostic information may be needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
You can use the consultation to ask questions, learn about your treatment options, and understand what the next steps may look like.
Get a Personalized Plan for Your Dental Needs in Austin
If you need extensive dental work, you do not have to figure out where to start on your own. Dr. John Schmid can evaluate your teeth and gums, discuss your concerns and goals, and help you understand your treatment options.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Schmid at Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry. We proudly serve Austin, West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and surrounding communities in Texas.