For utmost stability and lifelike, lasting function, consider tooth replacement with dental implants

Dental implants are revolutionizing how dentists replace missing teeth and restore healthy, happy, confident smiles. As specialists in oral and systemic health, the dentists at West Suburban Oral Health Care, Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen, are big advocates for this form of tooth replacement that promotes lasting health, function, and wellbeing.

The implant difference

Historically, patients with gaps in their smiles had one of two options to replace those missing teeth:

• Dental bridges
• Partial and complete or full dentures

Bridges were not appropriate for everyone. Generally, some healthy, neighboring teeth are necessary to support the bridge because the replacement teeth are anchored by their neighbors. This treatment also involves altering otherwise healthy anchor teeth to accommodate the crown placed on top of them. Crowns are needed to provide the maximum support to the new teeth.

Dentures have generally relied on suction or products such as adhesives to hold the appliance in place. They also do not promote maximum lasting bone health. Over time, the bone resorbs because the denture is not attached to the underlying bone. So, the bony tissues do not get the stimulation they need to stay strong. The result is bone loss, which causes the facial structure to change and retreat, and can result in a poor-fitting denture that slips around the mouth and no longer functions as it once did.

Dental implants are different, as they are designed like natural teeth! They do not merely replace the part of the tooth that you can see in the smile: the crown. They also replace the vital component underneath the crown: the root. In fact, the dental implant is a replacement tooth root. It is positioned precisely in the jawbone. The implant made from a biocompatible material naturally fuses with time to the surrounding bone. Once it has completely healed, the implant can then “root” or stabilize the replacement teeth in the mouth. Since part of the tooth remains in the jaw, the bone gets the stimulation it needs to be strong. Patient satisfaction follows; our extended dental family reports exceptional comfort, lifelike function and appearance, unparalleled stability, and no-hassle maintenance. Implant-supported teeth are designed and function like natural teeth. So, no special care or products are necessary to maintain them. They also do not require ongoing adjustments, repairs, relining, and rebasing, as with conventional dentures.

Implants may be used to replace a single tooth, a few teeth, several teeth, or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch for a complete smile makeover. Call West Suburban Oral Health Care at 630-393-3045 to schedule your appointment at our practice in Naperville, which is also privileged to serve members of our community from Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, and North Aurora.

Dr. Susan Mazzei is a skilled dentist specializing in prosthodontics. A graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, she completed a Certification in Prosthodontics before joining the faculty of Northwestern University Dental School as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she served for 12 years and became Assistant Professor Emeritus. Dr. Mazzei believes that excellent oral health begins with education and prevention and is committed to continuing her education. She is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a Charter Fellow in the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and has completed the Bale and Doneen Method Preceptorship Program.

Dr. Kelsey Esposito worked in healthcare advertising and communications before realizing that her passions were dentistry and patient care. She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from Kalamazoo College, a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois Dental Society (IDS), Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and AAOSH.

Dr. Marco Fajardo is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, where he also served as a part-time Assistant Clinical Instructor. He was a member of the University Dental Associates of the University of Chicago too. In 1994, he formed the basis of West Suburban Oral Healthcare with Dr. Mazzei. He is now its Team Leader.

Dr. Ashley Nguyen studied at the University of Buffalo and Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL (dental school). She is a member of the ADA, CDS, IDS, and other local organizations. She continues her education by attending dental conferences and seminars.