Full-Mouth Reconstruction Specialist

What is full-mouth reconstruction?

For dental patients who have never required more than a cavity filling, full-mouth reconstruction may seem like a daunting prospect. But it’s often the best solution when one has multiple, significant dental problems, including:

• Missing or excessively decayed teeth
• Cracked, broken, or severely worn teeth
• Advanced gum disease
• Jaw-related structural problems   

The main goal of a full-mouth reconstruction plan is to renew the health of your entire mouth, including your teeth, gums, and bite.

The comprehensive scope of the procedure requires careful attention and planning, and is best accomplished under the care of a prosthodontist, or a dentist who has special training in the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function.

What are common dental prosthetic replacements?

A large part of the work that prosthodontists do in full-mouth reconstruction involves replacing lost teeth or restoring full function to damaged teeth. Dr. Cottrill frequently uses the following dental prosthetics:

Crowns

Porcelain crowns, or caps, are used to restore strength or appearance to a tooth that’s severely worn, cracked, weak, or discolored. Crowns are custom-made in a dental lab so that they match your natural teeth.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a restorative solution that fills the space created by a few lost teeth. The bridge itself may be made up of one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using your natural teeth on either side for support, thereby “bridging” the gap.

Implants

These custom-made bionic tooth roots made of medical-grade titanium that are surgically anchored to your jawbone, much like a real tooth root. They’re capped off with an artificial tooth, or porcelain crown.

Dentures

This removable dental appliance replaces missing teeth. Dentures are sometimes the best option for people who’ve lost all or most of their teeth. Complete dentures replace a full set of top or bottom teeth, while partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth.

What else might full-mouth reconstruction involve?

In addition to addressing missing or deficient teeth, a full-mouth reconstruction plan also considers any other oral or maxillofacial issues needing treatment. This may include correcting insufficient jawbone structure, or providing periodontal treatment to stop the progression of gum disease.   

Dr. Cottrill can replace part of an upper or lower jaw lost to an accident or cancer; he may also use his reconstruction expertise to help post-stroke patients regain the ability to speak normally.

Although some prosthodontists limit themselves to just a few areas of treatment, Dr. Cottrill has extensive experience in all aspects of prosthodontics.