Dental Reconstruction Surgery: Is It Right For You?

Dental reconstruction surgery is a comprehensive approach to rebuild teeth, bite, and facial support after severe tooth loss, decay, or trauma. This article explains what dental reconstruction surgery is, who may benefit, how the process works, expected outcomes, costs and timelines, and the questions to ask at a consult. If you’re considering dental reconstruction surgery in Mesa, AZ or nearby, this guide will help you decide whether it fits your goals and health.

What is dental reconstruction surgery?

Dental reconstruction surgery refers to full-mouth implant rehabilitation and related procedures that restore function and appearance. It can include implant-supported crowns, bridges, or full-arch prostheses versus traditional removable dentures. The main goals are to replace failing or missing teeth, restore chewing and speech, and rebuild facial structure lost from bone resorption.

Who may benefit from dental reconstruction surgery?

Common patient goals

Patients often seek dental reconstruction surgery to stop recurring dental problems, replace many failing teeth at once, improve chewing, speak clearly, and regain a natural facial profile. People unhappy with loose dentures or frequent repairs often prefer fixed, implant-supported solutions.

Medical and oral health factors that affect candidacy

Good candidacy depends on sufficient jawbone volume, healthy gums, and overall medical stability. Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or severe periodontal disease can affect healing. Realistic expectations about timelines, possible grafts, and maintenance are essential for success.

What the dental reconstruction surgery process looks like

Evaluation and digital planning

Modern planning uses CBCT 3D imaging and digital impressions to map bone anatomy and plan implant positions precisely. Smile simulation tools show likely esthetic outcomes so the team can design prosthetics that fit functionally and visually.

Surgery and prosthesis delivery

Surgeries may use guided-surgery workflows with printed surgical guides. Some patients can receive immediate-load provisional prostheses the same day; others follow a delayed-loading protocol depending on bone quality and treatment complexity. In-house labs often speed up provisional and final prosthesis fabrication.

Recovery, risks, and aftercare

Healing typically takes weeks to months. Common short-term effects include swelling, mild pain, and temporary dietary limits. Risks include infection, implant failure, or prosthetic issues; good oral hygiene, follow-up visits, and possible smoking cessation greatly improve outcomes.

Benefits and realistic outcomes

When successful, dental reconstruction surgery restores long-term chewing function, improves speech, supports facial tissues, and often looks more natural than traditional dentures. Expect improved quality of life, but plan for lifelong maintenance and routine care.

Costs, timelines, and financing basics

Costs vary by complexity: number of implants, bone grafts, and prosthetic materials. Timelines range from a single surgical visit with immediate provisional restorations to staged treatments over several months. Many practices offer financing, third-party medical credit, or phased treatment options.

Is dental reconstruction surgery right for you?

Ask about clinical experience, complication rates, clear treatment timelines, and what happens if an implant fails. Red flags include vague pricing, pressure for immediate decisions, or lack of 3D imaging and digital planning.

Why choose a specialized implant center for dental reconstruction surgery?

Choosing a center focused on implants brings continuity of care, on-site planning, and faster turnaround. Dr. Alyssa Mencini, DMD, at Restore Denture and Implant Center offers extensive implant training and hundreds of full-mouth cases yearly. Key technologies that improve safety and outcomes include CBCT 3D imaging, an in-house CAD/CAM lab and Einstein 3D printer, guided-surgery workflows, PreVu® smile simulation, and sedation options. On-site planning and fabrication reduce visits, speed recovery, and improve fit and esthetics. If you’re considering dental reconstruction surgery in Mesa, AZ, schedule a consultation to review your scans, goals, and a personalized plan.