We support the health of the gums that support your teeth with a range of periodontal therapies
“Perio” is derived from the Greek word for “around.” “Odont” is rooted in the Greek word for “teeth.” Put these two words together, and you get “periodontal,” referring to the supportive tissues surrounding the teeth. Accordingly, a therapy designed for these periodontal tissues restores the healthy attachment between the teeth and gums. Your specialists in oral-systemic health at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, Drs Susan Mazzei, and Kelsey Esposito, have many options to heal diseased gums and to regenerate tissues.
Periodontal health
Generally, healthy gums look pinkish-red, and they snugly hug the teeth. They are not tender and do not bleed when you brush or floss. If you have any of these symptoms, gum disease may be present. A progressive condition, gum disease, can be resolved quickly, and its effects may even be reversed early into the disease process. Gum disease starts as inflammation and gingivitis. Untreated, it moves onto the advanced stage of periodontitis. Gum disease is often detected and staged using specialized instruments or probes to measure the spaces or pockets between the teeth and gums: the bigger the periodontal pocket, the more advanced or severe the disease.
Periodontal therapies
“Staging” informs our treatment recommendations; for instance, earlier-stage inflammation may be addressed with oral hygiene modifications or with a type of deep cleaning known as “scaling and root planing.” SRP involves removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar from underneath the gum line. The roots of the teeth are also smoothed out, which inhibits the formation of tartar as germs are attracted to rough surfaces. SRP is a non-surgical treatment. For many patients, this process may be all that is needed to restore gum health. For those whose gums are not responsive to treatment or with more extensive needs for treatment, surgical procedures may be recommended. Modern dentistry allows for oral tissues to be regenerated.
Contact us without delay
If you are worried about the state of your gums, or if you haven’t visited the dentist in some time, we urge you to call West Suburban Health Care at 630-393-3045 to schedule an appointment. Gum disease and other oral conditions do not go away without intervention. Early-stage treatments are also tissue-preserving and generally more affordable and efficient than procedures to resolve late-stage disease. We are privileged to serve Naperville, Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, North Aurora, and the surrounding area with high-quality, non-judgmental care that is designed around your one-of-a-kind needs.
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.