Replace many teeth or a mouthful of teeth with dentures that look and function like the “real thing”
A full set of teeth supports comfortable and efficient chewing, proper nutrition, clear speech, self-confidence, and attractively-proportioned facial structure and contours. So, our team at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, works closely as oral-systemic health specialists to preserve each patient’s natural teeth. If extractions are on the horizon, it is essential to replace those teeth promptly. The loss of even a single tooth can give rise to bone resorption, a destructive loss of bone height and thickness in the jaw. Fortunately, there are many different types of tooth replacement available to today’s patients, including dentures for those who have lost groups of teeth or all of the teeth in the upper or lower arches of the jaws.
Basics
Drs Susan Mazzei, and Kelsey Esposito may recommend the extraction of several teeth among those individuals with damage to teeth that cannot be resolved with procedures such as nonsurgical root canal therapy. Dentures may be recommended to restore oral health, healthy function, and an attractive appearance in those cases.
In general, dentures may be designed to replace groups of teeth or all of the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws. The latter type of denture is called a complete or full denture, whereas the former system is characterized as a partial. Complete dentures are designed to replicate both the structure and appearance of the gummy tissue and the teeth. With partials, the prosthetic teeth sit on a gum-colored framework. The partial then attaches to the remaining teeth with connector pieces. There are many nuances about materials and attachments used to make dentures. We are happy to discuss those options with you, knowing that we use only the highest-quality materials and take great care to match any prosthetic tissues to surrounding natural tissues and other facial characteristics. So, these dentures do not look fake, like “false teeth.” They should be indistinguishable from the natural structure in form (aesthetics), feel, and function.
Modern technologies
We can now place dentures immediately following extractions thanks to advanced technology and techniques. So, our patients never have to go without teeth! These immediate dentures involve placing a provisional denture as soon as the teeth have been removed. Once the tissues have healed, the permanent denture is placed. Partly, this process allows patients to adjust quickly to eating and speaking with dentures.
Also, dentures have traditionally been held in place with suction or the use of products such as denture adhesive. Implant-supported dentures (overdentures) are held in place by dental implants or cylindrical-shaped posts positioned in the jawbone. Once these implants integrate with the surrounding bone, they function like tooth roots to hold the denture in place.
We look forward to discussing your options for treatment. Please call 630-393-3045 to schedule your appointment at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, serving Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, North Aurora, and the surrounding area.
Dr. Susan Mazzei is committed to delivering compassionate and effective care to patients of all ages and backgrounds in Naperville, Illinois. She is a highly skilled dentist who earned her Certification in Prosthodontics after graduating from Northwestern University Dental School.
After finishing her studies, she enrolled in the Northwestern University Dental School faculty as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Mazzei believes that optimal dental health begins with education and preventative care and educates patients at West Suburban Oral Healthcare on how to take more control of their oral health, which promotes optimal systemic health.
Dr. Mazzei is dedicated to upgrading her education and being up to date on the newest breakthroughs in oral health and dentistry, ensuring that her patients receive the finest care possible.
Dr. Kelsey Esposito joined West Suburban Oral Health Care as an Associate General Dentist in 2017 after meeting Dr. Mazzei, with whom she shared a belief in providing comprehensive, personalized dental care.
She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from Kalamazoo College and a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University. Before entering dentistry, she worked in healthcare advertising and communications for a large ad company and a small non-profit cancer research organization. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois, Chicago.
Dr. Esposito is a member of several leading professional associations, like the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. Paying attention to detail and offering quality care that makes patients satisfied with their oral health and smiles are her goals.