Get the answers to your questions and concerns about full mouth reconstruction at Tomasik Family Dental.

Beginning a treatment plan for full mouth reconstruction is a major step forward for patients who dream of a youthful, beautiful, and healthy smile. Many patients who come to Tomasik Family Dental haven’t experienced extensive restorative dental care, leaving many excited but also with plenty of questions.

For patients, like you, who find themselves interested in reconstruction, here are the answers to some of the most common questions our dentists hear.

What is a full mouth reconstruction? Is it a smile makeover?

Full mouth reconstruction is a restorative dentistry service that rebuilds the structure of a person’s smile by replacing missing teeth, restoring damaged teeth, and adjusting bite alignment. You might also hear this called a full mouth restoration.

Smile makeovers share some similarities in that they change the entirety of a person’s smile. However, the key difference is a smile makeover focuses mostly on cosmetic changes rather than function.

What procedures are involved in reconstruction?

Each full mouth reconstruction is unique, but most treatment plans share similar restorative dentistry procedures.

Dental implants are a very popular choice for permanently replacing missing teeth, a common reason for reconstruction. Not only can dental implants replace individual teeth, but they can also be used to form structures for implant-supported dentures, partial dentures, and dental bridges. Dental crowns, onlays, dental bridges, and even porcelain veneers can all be used in reconstruction to achieve full function and beauty in a person’s smile.

Additional treatments may also be necessary, such as root canal therapy, oral surgery, TMJ therapy, gum contouring, and more.

How do I know if full mouth reconstruction is right for me?

If you are ready to change your smile and reclaim your oral health, full mouth reconstruction may be a great choice. Patients who have experienced extensive tooth loss, tooth damage, or feel chronic pain from unhealthy teeth will benefit from reconstruction.

Your dentist will determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure during your initial consultation. The average healthy adult can proceed with full mouth reconstruction. Adults in poor health or who are currently in treatment for a medical condition may need to postpone their reconstruction. In the meantime, our dentists will do everything they can to keep your smile healthy and strong until then.

I can’t sit long in a dentist’s chair. Am I still a candidate?

There are many medical reasons that make sitting in a dentist’s chair uncomfortable for patients. Back injuries, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and limited physical motion are all common examples. A patient’s mental state can also play a role, especially in cases of special needs, dementia, or severe dental anxiety. In these cases, Tomasik Family Dental offers sedation dentistry to help patients relax and feel as comfortable as possible during their full mouth reconstruction.

Is my reconstruction going to be painful?

You won’t feel any pain during your full mouth reconstruction. Before starting your dentist will ensure you’re completely numb and that you’re also feeling relaxed. If you do feel a little nervous, we can help you feel more comfortable with light sedation, such as nitrous oxide.

Will my new smile look natural? Can people tell?

Our goal for every full mouth reconstruction is for the patient to be happy with their new smile. We focus first on restoring complete function to your smile, but we also keep a keen eye on the design or appearance of your restorative and cosmetic work. Your smile will look realistic, beautiful, and polished.

Although family, friends, and coworkers will naturally notice your new smile, you can rest assured that new acquaintances won’t know you’ve had a full mouth reconstruction.

How much will full mouth reconstruction cost? Will insurance help?

Because of the customized nature of reconstruction, there is no one-size-fits-all cost. During your consultation, your dentist will be able to provide an accurate estimation of how much your procedure will cost. This estimation is based on the extent of work involved and which restorative or cosmetic dental care services will be needed.

Many dental insurance plans will offer coverage on restorative dental care necessary for a healthy, functional smile. In regards to reconstruction, this might mean coverage on dental crowns or even dental implants, but cosmetic veneers may not be included. Our office staff will find out what your insurance covers as part of your estimate.

We also offer the Tomasik Dental Membership Plan for patients who don’t have insurance or whose insurance isn’t affordable.

How long will it take to complete my reconstruction?

From start to finish, a full mouth reconstruction can take a few months to a year or more. The reason for this is often due to the necessary healing time for dental implants and/or the number of procedures involved in the treatment plans. Dental implants require a few months of healing between steps, which can extend the treatment time.

I don’t know if I’m ready and I still have questions. What should I do?

If you’re not sure if you’re ready for full mouth reconstruction, there is absolutely no pressure or rush to make your decision. We want our patients to be comfortable, confident, and eager to move forward at their own pace.

In these situations, we warmly welcome patients to book a consultation so they have a chance to speak with their dentist, ask as many questions as they’d like, or simply air their apprehension about reconstruction. You can also read this wonderful post we’ve shared on what patients can expect during their consultation.

Book your full mouth reconstruction consultation with Tomasik Family Dental today.

Scheduling a time to speak with a dentist about your full mouth reconstruction only takes a few minutes. You can either call our Bee Cave office directly or fill out this quick online form.

Remember, even if you’re not quite sure you’re ready to start a treatment plan, a consultation will give you a chance to ask questions and hear more about how reconstruction can benefit your smile.