What to Expect During a Full Mouth Reconstruction

August 21, 2023

You should be able to feel confident in your smile. Click here to find out what you should expect during a full mouth reconstruction.

Full mouth reconstruction is a phrase that sounds daunting and intensive. Yet, for many, it's the bridge to a radiant, confident smile they've longed for. As we face the day-to-day grind, our teeth often take the brunt of it all.

Chips, decay, and damage accumulate, sometimes reaching a point where isolated fixes won't suffice. But what exactly is involved in this comprehensive dental undertaking? And more importantly, how does it bring about a transformative shift in your oral health?

Hang tight, because we're about to unravel the intricacies and immense benefits of a full mouth reconstruction.

What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction sounds like a big deal, and it is, but for all the right reasons. It's like a makeover but for your teeth.

If you think about your favorite room in your house, imagine if parts of it started wearing down. A broken chair here, a faded curtain there. You wouldn't just replace the chair or repaint a wall; you'd want to refurbish the whole room to make it look and feel new again.

That's what a full mouth reconstruction does for your teeth. Over time, due to various reasons like accidents, decay, or just natural wear and tear, our teeth can suffer.

Sometimes, the damage isn't limited to one or two teeth but spreads across the mouth. When that happens, a simple filling or a lone crown won't do the trick. You'd need a more comprehensive solution, and that's where this treatment comes in.

Now, dental care has come a long way. Dentists today don't just focus on fixing problems; they ensure you're comfortable and understand what's going on. In Arlington, TX, where high-quality dental health is a standard, professionals like those at Heather E. Martinson, DDS, aim to provide the best treatments.

Full mouth reconstruction isn't just a series of dental procedures. It's a tailored approach that looks at the unique needs of your oral health and crafts a plan to address every single one of them.

A dentist begins by examining your mouth to get the full picture--figuring out which teeth need repair, which ones might need replacement, and which ones are just fine. After this detailed assessment, they'll craft a plan, which could be a mix of various treatments, all aimed at one goal: restoring the look and function of your teeth.

The Process of Full Mouth Reconstruction

When someone says "full mouth reconstruction", what exactly do they mean? It's a step-by-step process that focuses on bringing your mouth back to its best health.

Each person's mouth is unique, so the steps for one person might be different from another. Here's a general idea of how it works.

First, it all starts with a visit to a dentist. The dentist will greet you and begin with a complete check-up of your teeth. They'll look for any signs of damage, decay, or other problems that need fixing.

Once they've got a clear picture of your mouth's state, they'll chat with you about the findings. They'll explain what they see and discuss potential treatments.

Some teeth might just need a small filling, while others might need more attention. Some might even need to be replaced. Don't worry; your dentist will guide you through all of this.

Now, the actual treatments can vary. If there are gaps from missing teeth, implants or bridges might be recommended. For teeth that are damaged but can be saved, crowns or veneers might be the answer.

And if gum health is a concern, treatments to fix that will also be part of the plan.

The beauty of a full mouth reconstruction is that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. It's tailored to what you need. Plus, with advances in dental health technology, many of these procedures are more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

Benefits of Full Mouth Reconstruction

So, you've learned what full mouth reconstruction is and how the process works. Now, let's talk about the perks. Why should someone consider this procedure?

Well, there's more to it than just getting a lovely smile, though that's a big part!

First, let's think about comfort. Have you ever had a small pebble in your shoe? It's tiny, but it can make walking a real pain.

Damaged or misaligned teeth can be like that pebble but for your mouth. They can make talking, chewing, or even just smiling uncomfortable.

Full mouth reconstruction can take that discomfort away. It ensures that every tooth, every part of your mouth, fits together just right. No more rough edges or painful bites!

Next, there's health. Good oral care is a cornerstone of overall health. Teeth that are decayed or gums that are sick can lead to bigger health problems.

Infections can spread. Pain can become chronic. By getting a full mouth reconstruction, you're not just fixing your teeth; you're taking a big step towards better overall health.

Then, of course, there's confidence. A smile is often the first thing people notice. It's how we greet the world.

If you're self-conscious about your teeth, you might hold back that smile. After a full mouth reconstruction, there's no holding back. You can laugh, grin, and beam with confidence, knowing your teeth look and feel great.

And let's not forget function. Teeth have a job to do. They help us speak clearly and eat all our favorite foods.

When they're damaged or missing, it can throw things off. Speaking might become harder. Eating can turn into a challenge.

Full mouth reconstruction restores that function. It gives teeth back their strength and purpose.

Your Path to Dental Excellence in Arlington TX

Dental care isn't one size fits all. A procedure as detailed and tailored as a full mouth reconstruction demands expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-first approach.

At Heather E. Martinson, DDS, our commitment echoes these very principles. With a wealth of experience and an unyielding drive to ensure every patient leaves with a smile brighter than they came in with, we've established ourselves as the go-to dentist in Arlington TX.

Ready for a transformation? Book your appointment today and experience the difference in personalized dental care.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.