Oral Reconstruction, Reconstructive Oral Surgery and Dental Reconstruction

Oral Reconstruction, Reconstructive Oral Surgery and Dental Reconstruction
2006
American College of Prosthodontists

rosthodontic Oral Reconstruction Case 1

When Victoria G. began suffering broken and cracking teeth, her needs outgrew the care of her local general dentist. Two years ago, Victoria - recommended by her daughter, a dental hygienist - applied for an oral restoration procedure at the University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry.

Before her intensive procedure, Victoria underwent extensive evaluation and planning in order to ensure that she was provided only the best care and results. Accordingly, to rebuild her mouth she had implants, crowns and bridges completed through the work of prosthodontic resident Dr. Hai Zhang, who is now an assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Victoria had nothing but the highest regard for her dental caretakers and mentioned how much more at ease and joyful they made the experience.

"It was expensive, but well worth it," she said. "If you can afford it, absolutely do it."

Victoria also commented on how much better her reconstructed mouth is than relying on dentures or no teeth - a fate she will not have to suffer, but to which she has personally borne witness. In her quietly packed-away town in North Carolina, many elderly denizens have not had the good fortune of VictoriaÌs dental work and cannot boast her lovely smile. Her neighbor, who happens to be a retired dentist, has noted the wonderful work.

"All the dentists who have seen my mouth have commented how beautiful it is," she said. "I never regret it. I would recommend it to anyone."

-Daniel OÌDonnell, for the ACP

Patient: Victoria G.

Procedure: Implants, crowns, and bridges.

Procedural Location: University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry.

Prosthodontist: Dr. Hai Zhang, DMD, Ph.D.

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Before:

Oral Reconstruction Case 1 - Before
Oral Reconstruction Case 1 - Before

After:

Oral Reconstruction Case 1 - After
Oral Reconstruction Case 1 - After

* Click on the images to enlarge.

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Prosthodontic Oral Reconstruction Case 2

Appearances are often the first impressions made. A smile greets the world with a positive attitude, but when hindered by poor oral health, a person loses a facet of their personality that is integral to nonverbal communication. Gail suffered this self-consciousness, but her prosthodontic work helped vivify her smile and life. "There arenÌt enough superlatives in the English language for me to describe my gratefulness for the prosthodontic restoration that was accomplished for me," she delighted. "Restoring my physical dental health, along with beauty and self-confidence was a miraculous accomplishment."

The work of Dr. Richard E. Jones began as Gail was referred to his private practice, an environment that would prove to be far superior to the high-volume, somewhat crude general dentist by whom she previously had oral work done. As a result of botched crowns, Dr. Jones worked with Gail to essentially reconstruct her entire mouth, to rebuild it better than ever before. She reiterated how important her need was for confidence in a Îfive-yearÌ restoration treatment plan, not only in the monetary investment, but the fact that she felt out of other favorable options when she arrived at the Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics office for evaluation.

GailÌs medical treatment provided unparalleled personal attention. "The appointment time that was scheduled for me was truly and totally devoted to my treatment only," she noted. "From my forty-plus years of previous dental treatment, this is a unique philosophy and practice." With meticulous preparation for her surgery, Dr. Jones looked at bite records, TMJ factors, impressions, and Articulation. All of these processes led to two implants, twelve crowns on the upper jaw and seven on the bottom. "It was always a pleasant, relaxing, reassuring experience to arrive at the clinic for my scheduled appointment, and enter a calm, peaceful environment."

GailÌs fortitude strengthened as her treatment progressed and results began to unfold. "I realized just how fortunate I was to be able to chew my food properly, rest my jaw comfortably with lessened clenching and grinding, and ultimately, smile and speak with complete confidence," she said, underscoring the everyday qualities of life that people often take for granted.

-Daniel OÌDonnell, for the ACP

Patient: Gail S.

Procedure: Complete oral reconstruction.

Procedural Location: Private Practice, Dr. Richard E. Jones: Prosthodontic and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Munster, IN

Prosthodontist: Dr. Richard Jones, D.D.S., M.S.D.

Current Position: Private Practice

Prosthodontic Oral Reconstruction Case 2

Appearances are often the first impressions made. A smile greets the world with a positive attitude, but when hindered by poor oral health, a person loses a facet of their personality that is integral to nonverbal communication. Gail suffered this self-consciousness, but her prosthodontic work helped vivify her smile and life. "There arenÌt enough superlatives in the English language for me to describe my gratefulness for the prosthodontic restoration that was accomplished for me," she delighted. "Restoring my physical dental health, along with beauty and self-confidence was a miraculous accomplishment."

The work of Dr. Richard E. Jones began as Gail was referred to his private practice, an environment that would prove to be far superior to the high-volume, somewhat crude general dentist by whom she previously had oral work done. As a result of botched crowns, Dr. Jones worked with Gail to essentially reconstruct her entire mouth, to rebuild it better than ever before. She reiterated how important her need was for confidence in a Îfive-yearÌ restoration treatment plan, not only in the monetary investment, but the fact that she felt out of other favorable options when she arrived at the Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics office for evaluation.

GailÌs medical treatment provided unparalleled personal attention. "The appointment time that was scheduled for me was truly and totally devoted to my treatment only," she noted. "From my forty-plus years of previous dental treatment, this is a unique philosophy and practice." With meticulous preparation for her surgery, Dr. Jones looked at bite records, TMJ factors, impressions, and Articulation. All of these processes led to two implants, twelve crowns on the upper jaw and seven on the bottom. "It was always a pleasant, relaxing, reassuring experience to arrive at the clinic for my scheduled appointment, and enter a calm, peaceful environment."

GailÌs fortitude strengthened as her treatment progressed and results began to unfold. "I realized just how fortunate I was to be able to chew my food properly, rest my jaw comfortably with lessened clenching and grinding, and ultimately, smile and speak with complete confidence," she said, underscoring the everyday qualities of life that people often take for granted.

-Daniel OÌDonnell, for the ACP

Patient: Gail S.

Procedure: Complete oral reconstruction.

Procedural Location: Private Practice, Dr. Richard E. Jones: Prosthodontic and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Munster, IN

Prosthodontist: Dr. Richard Jones, D.D.S., M.S.D.

Current Position: Private Practice