Understanding the Advantage of Two Specialists Under One Roof
When replacing a full arch of missing or failing teeth, understanding your treatment options can help you make a more informed decision about your dental health, comfort, and long-term results.
Full-mouth dental implants involve more than placing implants. They require careful surgical planning, restoration design, and attention to how your new teeth will look, feel, and function. That is why having both an oral surgeon and prosthodontist involved in your care can be an important advantage.
Surgical Expertise
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon focuses on the surgical foundation needed to support your new teeth. This may include evaluating your bone, placing dental implants, performing extractions, and addressing bone loss.
For patients with more complex needs, surgical planning may also include advanced options such as:
- Full-arch dental implants
- Bone grafting
- Advanced implant placement
- Zygomatic implants for certain patients with severe bone loss
- Sedation and anesthesia management
At Facial Designs, board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Roderick VanSurksum brings more than 35 years of experience to complex surgical care.
Restorative Expertise
Once the surgical foundation is established, the prosthodontist focuses on the teeth that will be attached to the implants.
Prosthodontists are specially trained in restoring and replacing teeth. Their work may include:
- Designing your new teeth
- Creating a natural-looking smile
- Balancing your bite
- Restoring function
- Planning for long-term comfort and maintenance
At Facial Designs, Dr. Zane Clark-Gold is a certified prosthodontist with advanced training in implant restoration and complex restorative care.
Why Having Both Specialists Matters
Having an oral surgeon and prosthodontist under one roof can simplify treatment by reducing communication between separate offices. At Facial Designs, Dr. VanSurksum and Dr. Clark-Gold communicate directly throughout treatment and make decisions together about the surgical foundation and final restoration.
Rather than treating implants and teeth as separate steps, the team can consider the complete result from the beginning.
Your Treatment Plan Is Built Around You
Full-mouth dental implants are not one-size-fits-all. Your treatment may depend on your bone structure, oral health, existing teeth, bite, aesthetic goals, and overall health. Advanced imaging and digital technology can help evaluate your anatomy and plan treatment.
For some patients, major implant surgery can be completed in a single day through Facial Designs’ Total Design!™ Teeth for Life approach, with temporary teeth provided during healing. Patients typically return for a two-week follow-up, followed by development of their final teeth about two to three months later. Other patients may require a different timeline based on their individual needs.
Working Together for Long-Term Care
Your general dentist remains an important part of your dental team. Facial Designs works with more than 175 referring dentists across Minnesota, providing specialized surgical and restorative care while maintaining the relationship patients have with their dental home.
When considering full-mouth dental implants, look beyond the procedure itself. Consider who will plan your surgery, design your teeth, coordinate treatment, use advanced technology, and provide long-term support.
At Facial Designs, Dr. VanSurksum and Dr. Clark-Gold work together as the “Dr. Duo,” combining oral surgery and prosthodontic expertise under one roof. For patients considering full-mouth dental implants, that collaboration can provide an added level of coordination and confidence throughout treatment.
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