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, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen 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 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.

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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.