Appropriate for all ages, dental sealants safely “seal out” germs from decay-prone back teeth

At West Suburban Oral Health Care, we are privileged to be your oral-systemic specialists in Naperville, Illinois. Our practice is designed on a solid foundation of individualized plans, personalized to each patient’s unique needs. These plans are mainly proactive and maintain, protect, and sustain oral health, promoting systemic health and overall well-being. 

One of the best things our patients, regardless of age, can do for their smiles is to get dental sealants. This professional preventive service is only available at the dentist’s office. Our dentists, Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen look forward to quickly and cost-effectively protecting decay-prone back teeth with these safe and convenient coatings. 

The basics about sealants

As their name suggests, sealants are designed to “seal out” all substances that promote tooth decay and gum disease. The sealant material itself is placed on premolars and molars. These back teeth are more vulnerable to damage. They are harder to reach. They also feature pits and grooves. These uneven surfaces collect harmful bacteria, plaque, tartar, and food particles. 

Sealants are often associated with pediatric patients; however, they are not merely limited to the treatment of children. We encourage proactive treatment with sealants for children because the first molars generally develop around 6. By placing these coatings as soon as the teeth come in, there is no opportunity for food to become trapped, which creates an environment for plaque to form. Lingering food mixes with harmful bacteria to produce sticky plaque that hardens into stubborn tartar. 

Teens and adults alike can benefit from sealants, especially if they have risk factors or have encountered new challenges to their excellent dental health over time. Commonly, patients may develop chronic conditions that put them at increased risk of oral diseases like infections or periodontal disease. Sealants help to build your mouth’s defenses and the ability to prevent the decay that threatens teeth or to stop the progression of early-stage enamel erosion or decay. 

What to expect

Sealants are easy to apply. They can be applied fast, during the same check-up where we examine and clean your teeth and gums. These protective coverings are placed as a liquid on clean and dry teeth. A solution is also applied to strengthen the bond between the sealant and the tooth. Lastly, a curing light is used to harden the material. That’s it! The whole process can be completed in minutes. We encourage you to contact us at West Suburban Oral Health today to schedule your appointment. Proudly serving Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, and North Aurora, you can reach our Naperville office at 630-393-3045.

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.