Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scottsdale
When years of damage, decay, or wear have compromised your entire mouth, full mouth reconstruction rebuilds everything — function, comfort, and appearance — from the ground up.
Full mouth reconstruction is for patients who have reached a tipping point — multiple missing teeth, severely worn or cracked teeth, widespread decay, failing old dental work, or a combination of issues that makes it impossible to eat comfortably or smile with confidence. When the problems are too extensive for individual treatments to address piece by piece, reconstruction takes a comprehensive, whole-mouth approach.
Unlike a smile makeover, which is primarily cosmetic, full mouth reconstruction is medically driven. The goal is to restore proper bite function, eliminate pain and infection, replace missing or failing teeth, and rebuild a stable foundation that will last for decades. The cosmetic result is exceptional — but it starts with function.
At Summit Ridge Dental, full mouth reconstruction is performed exclusively by Dr. Sarah Chen, DDS, FAGD at our Scottsdale office. Dr. Chen completed an Advanced Prosthodontics Fellowship at NYU Langone — one of the most competitive programs in the country — where she trained specifically in complex rehabilitative cases. She has placed over 3,000 dental implants and has spent 15 years rebuilding smiles that other dentists said could not be saved.
Who Needs Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is recommended for patients with multiple missing teeth, severely worn or eroded dentition, widespread decay or infection, failing dental restorations, significant bite problems, or teeth damaged by trauma.
You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:
Multiple missing teeth: Several teeth are gone, and the remaining teeth cannot adequately support chewing. Bridges alone are no longer practical, and a coordinated implant and crown plan is needed.
Severe wear or erosion: Years of grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, or aggressive brushing have worn your teeth down to the point where they are short, flat, and sensitive. The bite has collapsed and your face may look aged.
Widespread decay: Decay has affected most or all of your teeth and cannot be addressed with individual fillings alone. Many teeth need crowns, root canals, or extraction.
Failing restorations: Old crowns, bridges, or fillings are breaking down, leaking, or causing recurring problems. Rather than replacing them one at a time, reconstruction addresses everything in a coordinated plan.
Bite problems: TMJ pain, jaw clicking, headaches, and uneven tooth wear caused by a misaligned bite. Reconstruction restores proper occlusion (how your teeth come together).
Trauma: Accident or injury that damaged multiple teeth and the supporting bone structure.
What Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Involve?
Full mouth reconstruction is not a single procedure — it is a carefully sequenced series of treatments coordinated into one master plan. The specific treatments depend on your situation, but may include:
Dental implants to replace missing teeth and provide anchor points for bridges or prostheses. Dr. Chen uses 3D CT-guided surgery for precise placement.
Dental crowns to restore teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or worn. CEREC same-day crowns are available for select cases at our Scottsdale office.
Porcelain veneers for front teeth that need cosmetic improvement as part of the overall plan.
Root canal therapy to save infected teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
Tooth extraction for teeth that cannot be saved.
Bone grafting to rebuild jawbone that has been lost due to missing teeth or periodontal disease.
Periodontal treatment to stabilize gum health before restorative work begins.
All-on-4 implants for patients who need full-arch replacement.
Occlusal (bite) adjustment to ensure your new teeth come together properly, eliminating TMJ pain and uneven wear.
What Does the Reconstruction Process Look Like?
Full mouth reconstruction at Summit Ridge Dental follows a phased approach: comprehensive diagnosis and 3D planning, foundational work (extractions, grafting, infection control), implant placement, restorative work (crowns, veneers), and final bite calibration.
Phase 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Chen conducts a full clinical exam, takes a complete set of digital X-rays and a 3D CBCT scan, evaluates your bite with mounted study models, and reviews your medical history. This evaluation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and forms the foundation for your entire treatment plan.
Phase 2: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Based on the evaluation data, Dr. Chen designs a phased treatment plan that addresses every tooth, every gap, and your bite alignment. She presents the plan visually using 3D models and digital previews, walks you through each phase, and provides a complete timeline and cost estimate. You discuss options, ask questions, and make decisions together.
Phase 3: Foundation Work
Before building anything new, we stabilize your mouth. This may include extracting teeth that cannot be saved, treating active infections, performing periodontal therapy to restore gum health, and placing bone grafts where needed. This phase ensures a solid foundation for everything that follows.
Phase 4: Implant Placement
If implants are part of your plan, they are placed during this phase and given time to integrate with your jawbone (typically three to six months). Temporary restorations keep you functional and looking good during the healing period.
Phase 5: Restorative Work
Crowns, veneers, bridges, and permanent prostheses are fabricated and placed. Dr. Chen works with a master ceramics lab to ensure every restoration matches in color, translucency, and natural appearance. Multiple try-in appointments ensure fit and aesthetics before final cementation.
Phase 6: Bite Calibration and Final Review
Once all restorations are in place, Dr. Chen fine-tunes your bite to ensure your teeth come together evenly and comfortably. This step is critical for the long-term success of the reconstruction and for preventing TMJ issues, headaches, and uneven wear.
How Much Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?
Full mouth reconstruction costs depend on the specific procedures required. Simpler cases may start around $20,000 while complex cases with multiple implants, crowns, and veneers can range from $40,000 to $80,000 or more.
Because every reconstruction is unique, we cannot provide a cost without a thorough evaluation. During your consultation, Dr. Chen presents a detailed cost breakdown organized by phase, so you see exactly what each component costs and can make informed decisions about the scope of treatment.
We maximize your dental insurance benefits, spreading restorative components across benefit years when possible. CareCredit and Lending Club financing help cover the balance with monthly payment plans. Our Summit Savings Plan provides 15% off all treatments for uninsured patients.
Dr. Sarah Chen, DDS, FAGD
Full mouth reconstruction requires a rare combination of surgical skill, restorative expertise, and aesthetic vision. Dr. Chen trained specifically for this at NYU Langone's Advanced Prosthodontics Fellowship — a program dedicated to complex rehabilitative cases involving implants, crowns, occlusion, and full-arch prosthetics.
With more than 3,000 implants placed and 15 years of practice, she has the experience to manage even the most complex cases. At Summit Ridge Dental, she handles every phase of your reconstruction personally — from diagnosis through final calibration. One doctor, one plan, one relationship.
Available at our Scottsdale office.
View Dr. Chen's Full Bio
Dr. Sarah Chen
DDS, FAGD · NYU Langone Prosthodontics Fellow
3,000+ implants · 15+ years · Fellow, AGD · AACD & ADA Member
"After years of putting off dental work, my mouth was in terrible shape — broken teeth, infections, and a bite so off I had constant jaw pain. Dr. Chen laid out a plan that seemed overwhelming at first, but she walked me through every step. Over ten months, she rebuilt my entire mouth. I can eat normally, I have no more pain, and my smile looks better than it ever has. This woman changed my life."
— Robert H. · Paradise Valley, AZ · Full Mouth Reconstruction Patient
Full Mouth Reconstruction FAQs
Costs vary based on the procedures required. Simple cases may start around $20,000, while complex reconstructions with implants, crowns, and veneers can range from $40,000 to $80,000+. Dr. Chen provides a detailed, phased cost breakdown during your consultation.
A smile makeover is primarily cosmetic — improving the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth. Full mouth reconstruction is medically necessary — rebuilding teeth, bite function, and oral health that have been compromised by decay, trauma, or disease. Reconstruction always prioritizes function first.
Typically 6 to 18 months depending on the procedures involved. Cases with implants and bone grafting require healing time between phases. Crown-based reconstructions can be completed more quickly. Dr. Chen provides a complete timeline during your planning appointment.
Each procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for every appointment. Recovery between phases varies. Dr. Chen sequences treatments to manage discomfort and downtime. Most patients report that the process is far more manageable than they expected.
Patients with multiple missing teeth, severe wear or erosion, widespread decay, failing dental work, significant bite problems, or trauma-related damage. A comprehensive evaluation with 3D imaging determines whether reconstruction is the right approach.
Insurance typically covers restorative components (crowns, extractions, some implant work) up to your annual maximum. Cosmetic components are usually not covered. We maximize your benefits, spread treatment across benefit years when possible, and offer CareCredit financing for the balance.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Consultation with Dr. Chen
Take the first step toward rebuilding your smile. Dr. Chen will evaluate your situation, design a treatment plan, and give you a clear path forward.