Hartford Full-Mouth Reconstruction

A full-mouth reconstruction completely rehabilitates your oral health. If you have multiple missing, decayed, or damaged teeth, a full-mouth reconstruction will greatly improve your quality of life.

This level of complex dentistry isn’t taught as part of the general dentistry curriculum in dental schools, but is taught in specialty training and in several post-graduate institutes around the country.

Dental Reconstruction Techniques

If you have severe problems with your bite from either extensive wear or TMJ disorder, you may need a full-mouth reconstruction, which would involve crowns on all your teeth to restore proper vertical dimension or to give you a harmonious bite. A complete restoration of your bite introduces complexities into your treatment that require advanced training on the part of the dentist.

If you are missing teeth, Dr. Michalski can place implants to restore your dental function. An implant can support a single tooth or multiple teeth. Even patients with extensive or total tooth loss can experience normal chewing, speaking, and smiling again with teeth supported by implants. Dr. Michalski has advanced training from The Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study, a leading provider in TMJ treatment education. He has also studied at the Kois Center for Restorative Excellence and with Dr. Frank Spear at the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Study. These and other post-graduate programs have given him the insight and knowledge to care for patients with complex dental needs.

If you have missing teeth, dental implants may be a part of your complete reconstruction. If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to anchor implants, you may need bone grafts to build it up. Dr. Michalski also has advanced training in implantology and can insert these grafts before placing your implants. If you are anxious at the dentist, we understand and can provide oral or IV sedation.

Implants aren’t the only solution for missing teeth. Dr. Michalski can also replace missing teeth with bridges.

Tooth whitening and periodontal care also play a role.

Who Needs Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

You’re a candidate for full-mouth rehabilitation if your teeth are missing, decayed, or very worn. Sometimes teeth become so worn down that your face might look scrunched. This leads to headaches, muscle spasms, and tooth pain.

There are many causes of missing and damaged teeth, such as genetics, decay, and trauma. Dr. Michalski will go over your medical and dental history with you to create a mouth rehabilitation plan that fits your needs.

Repairing TMJ Dysfunction

Because the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is sensitive and fragile, it’s easily injured. Patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction may experience jaw clicking, tinnitus, difficulty opening the mouth, and worn-down teeth. The most common symptom of TMJ is pain—headaches, earaches, jaw pain, and tooth pain. In addition, TMJ dysfunction often interferes with your natural bite pattern, causing malocclusion. That can put extra stress on some teeth, making them wear unevenly and causing sensitivity. Sometimes teeth will become loose.

Often TMJ problems can be relieved by wearing a device in your mouth at night to take stress off the joint. If that hasn’t worked for you, it might be time to consider full-mouth restoration.

Treatment Goals

After full-mouth rehabilitation, you should be free of the pain caused by damaged teeth and TMJ dysfunction.

You should also have:

• Improved oral health, without infected, swollen, or bleeding gums
• A natural, beautiful smile that you enjoy sharing
• Strong teeth, so you can comfortably chew crispy and crunchy foods
• The confidence to talk and laugh without worrying about your teeth

Here are pictures from before and after a full-mouth restoration completed by Dr. Michalski:

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michalski to discuss your oral health needs, please call (860) 563-4544. You may also request an appointment here.