The phrase “full mouth reconstruction” sounds intense. It brings to mind months of appointments, a lot of unknowns, and probably some anxiety about what the whole process actually looks like.
That’s fair. It’s a big undertaking. But here’s what patients at AH Smiles often tell us after going through it. The reality is much less scary than the imagination. And knowing what to expect, step by step, makes all the difference.
So let’s walk through it together.
Step One: The Deep Dive Conversation
Every full mouth reconstruction starts with a conversation. Not an exam with tools in your mouth while you try to answer questions. An actual sit-down talk with Dr. Brent Engelberg.
He’ll ask what’s bothering you. What have you noticed changing? What you wish your smile could do or look like. He’ll review your health history and talk about any medications you take. Some medical conditions and prescriptions affect dental treatment, so this matters.
Then comes the examination. X-rays. Photos. A close look at each tooth, your gum tissue, and how your jaw moves. Dr. Engelberg is looking for the full picture, not just what’s broken, but why.
Step Two: Building the Blueprint
Here’s where the real planning happens. Based on everything learned in step one, Dr. Engelberg creates a treatment plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s a custom roadmap for your specific mouth.
That plan might include a mix of services. Crowns here. Implants there. Gum treatment in some areas. Maybe orthodontics to move teeth into better positions before anything else happens.
You’ll see the plan broken down by phase. Phase one might be getting your gums healthy. Phase two could be restoring damaged teeth. Then phase three might focus on replacing missing teeth. You’ll also see the timeline and the cost, so there are no surprises.
Step Three: Getting the Foundation Right
Before any cosmetic work happens, the foundation needs to be solid. That means treating active disease first. Gum infections. Cavities. Any infection or inflammation that could cause new work to fail.
This part isn’t glamorous, but it’s the most important step. Building a beautiful smile on top of unhealthy gums or decayed teeth is like building a house on sand. It won’t last.
Step Four: The Restorative Work
Now things start to look different. This is where Dr. Engelberg places crowns, bridges, implants, or veneers. Depending on your plan, this phase might take several appointments.
Each restoration is custom-made to fit your mouth. For implants in Arlington Heights, there’s a healing period between placing the post and attaching the crown. For crowns and bridges, temporary restorations protect your teeth while the permanent ones are being fabricated.
Throughout this phase, you’ll start to see progress. Those gaps often close. That chipped tooth could get covered. That worn-down surface may get built back up.
Step Five: Fine-Tuning and Follow-Up
The last step is the one patients appreciate most. Dr. Engelberg checks everything. Does your bite feel comfortable? Do the restorations look natural? Are your gums responding well?
Small adjustments happen here. A tiny polish here. A slight reshaping there. These details make the difference between a reconstruction that works and one that feels like part of you.
Start Your Smile Reconstruction Today
Full mouth reconstruction isn’t a single appointment. It’s a process. But for patients who have been living with broken teeth, pain, or a smile they hide, the process often leads somewhere worth going.
If you’re curious whether reconstruction might be right for you, Dr. Engelberg and our team at AH Smiles serve patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, and Northbrook. One conversation is all it takes to start the journey.