Full-Mouth Reconstruction in Denver, CO

When most people think about visiting the dentist, they imagine fixing a single problem, like a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a denture that no longer fits quite right. But for some, oral health concerns involve more than one area. Maybe several teeth have worn down over time, or you’ve struggled with discomfort that affects how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Facing several challenges at once can seem overwhelming, but it’s far more common than many realize. Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive process that involves evaluating the condition of your teeth, gums, and bite to create a personalized plan for complete restoration. Step by step, Dr. Rice rebuilds your oral foundation, addressing both health and function to help your mouth work as it should again.

Full-Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover: How Are They Different?

If you picture a Venn diagram, one circle represents cosmetic dentistry, and the other represents restorative dentistry. Where they overlap is where many patients find themselves—interested in improving both the appearance and function of their smile. Cosmetic work enhances appearance, while restorative treatment rebuilds structure and health. Depending on your dental needs, your treatment plan may fall closer to one side or sit right in the middle.

A smile makeover focuses primarily on the aesthetic side of that diagram. It refines what’s already healthy, using treatments like teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or minor alignments to enhance shape, color, and balance. The goal is to enhance the visual harmony of your smile, so patients who pursue this typically have good oral health but want to refine details that impact their appearance.

A full mouth reconstruction, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach. Here, the emphasis shifts from enhancement to restoration. This type of treatment addresses significant issues, such as missing teeth, bite misalignment, decay, or damage, that affect your ability to chew and speak. It often involves procedures like dental implants, crowns, bridges, or periodontal therapy to rebuild stability and function. While the end result is often a more attractive smile, the true purpose is to restore health, comfort, and strength to the foundation of your mouth.

The Stages of Full Mouth Reconstruction: What To Expect

Full mouth reconstruction is often divided into stages to create a more controlled and comfortable experience for the patient. Each person’s oral health needs are different, and this phased approach allows Dr. Rice to focus on one area at a time.

Breaking the process into steps also supports proper healing and recovery. Some procedures require time for the gums and bone to respond before the next phase can begin. This timeline helps ensure that each part of the treatment builds on a solid foundation. It also gives patients time to adjust to changes, plan for future visits, and stay actively involved in their care.

Step 1: Consultation and Planning

The consultation and planning stage marks the beginning of your full mouth reconstruction. In this first step, Dr. Rice performs a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. This allows him to understand the current state of your oral health. He uses advanced tools like 3D imaging and dental impressions to gather detailed information. These tools help identify issues such as gum disease, bone loss, or bite misalignment that may not be visible during a standard exam.

You’ll have time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. Dr. Rice will explain your treatment options, the purpose of each procedure, and any available alternatives. Based on your needs, he will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the recommended steps, projected timeline, and estimated cost. This plan helps you clearly understand what to expect and ensures that nothing important is overlooked before treatment begins.

Step 2: Preparation

The preparation stage is essential to creating the right conditions for long-term success. Before moving forward with any restorative work, Dr. Rice focuses on treating infections, stabilizing the gums, and correcting issues that could interfere with your results. This step ensures your mouth is healthy and ready to support the following treatments like dental implants, crowns, or bridges.

When teeth are missing or need to be removed, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink or weaken over time. Without enough bone, implants may not stay in place, may fail, or may appear unnatural. To correct this, Dr. Rice may perform a bone graft to rebuild the area and provide the support needed for a secure implant. In the upper jaw, especially toward the back, a sinus lift may be necessary to increase bone height. These procedures not only enhance the stability and lifespan of your implant but also help restore the natural shape of your jaw and gums, resulting in a better overall appearance and function.

Other treatments in this stage may include removing teeth that can’t be saved, deep cleaning to treat gum disease, or addressing any infections.

Step 3: Restoration

The restoration phase is when Dr. Rice begins rebuilding your smile. Once your oral health has been restored through preliminary treatments, he moves forward with placing your custom restorations. These restorations are carefully planned to restore balance, comfort, and function while blending naturally with your existing teeth. Depending on your needs, this may involve crowns, bridges, dentures, or implant-supported options.

For example, if you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant with a crown can fill that space. When several teeth are missing, a bridge or an implant-supported bridge may be used to reestablish your bite and appearance. For patients who need to replace a full arch of teeth, Dr. Rice may recommend a traditional denture or a fixed restoration supported by dental implants for added stability.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that Dr. Rice places into the jawbone. These posts bond with the bone over time, creating a stable base for your new teeth. This stability allows your restoration to function more like natural teeth.

We also provide mini dental implants, which are less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Mini implants are approximately half the size of conventional implants. They are especially valuable during full mouth reconstruction. Mini dental implants are less invasive and require less bone density. As a result, Dr. Rice can place them more efficiently than traditional implants. Their smaller size makes them an excellent solution for patients who have experienced bone loss or have a narrow jaw, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. This approach shortens the overall treatment process, reduces recovery time, and minimizes discomfort.

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Cosmetic Treatments

The final stage of your full mouth reconstruction focuses on perfecting your results. After placing your restorations, Dr. Rice checks the fit, bite, and overall comfort. That way, he can make sure everything feels natural and functions properly. He makes any needed adjustments and ensures your bite is balanced and stable.

Follow-up visits are an important part of this phase. Dr. Rice uses these appointments to monitor your healing, check the condition of your restorations, and confirm that your oral health remains on track. This continued care supports long-term success and helps catch any concerns early.

In some cases, this final step may include cosmetic enhancements. Once your primary dental work is complete, Dr. Rice may recommend additional treatments, such as teeth whitening or veneers, to further refine the appearance of your smile.

Start Your Full Mouth Reconstruction Journey With Dr. Rice

Dr. Rice provides full mouth reconstruction with a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that prioritizes your comfort, health, and long-term success. If you’re managing multiple dental concerns, know that there is a structured path forward. That path begins with a plan tailored to your specific needs. To learn more about your options and restore your oral health, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions