
Mar
A missing tooth can have a profound effect on a person’s self-confidence. With gaps in our smile, it’s a challenge to feel comfortable during some of life’s major events. This can include a wedding, dating, or even a job interview. Besides affecting how we see our smiles, missing teeth can cause other issues. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers teeth replacement options such as permanent dental implants that can give you back the smile you love.
In the past, replacing a missing tooth would usually involve getting a dental bridge or partial dentures. Today, we can replace your missing tooth with an implant that functions exactly like your natural tooth. Implant restorations are made with a titanium screw that embeds directly into your jawbone, an abutment that goes atop the screw, and a porcelain crown that closely resembles your natural tooth.
Titanium naturally fuses with bone, and the screw essentially becomes a part of your jaw. This marvel was discovered in 1952 by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a surgeon in Sweden. That year, the doctor was doing a study on blood flow and discovered that titanium bonds with bone. Brånemark gave this phenomenon a name: osseointegration. While this doctor discovered osseointegration accidentally, it has become the cornerstone of modern dental implant technology.
A dental implant can replace just one tooth or several teeth. It can even support dentures for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. Besides a single-tooth implant, there are other ways to maximize implant dentistry.
The best part about implants is that they’re a good solution for almost everyone with tooth loss. If you’ve lost a lot of bone in your jaw, the dentist may need to do a bone graft before implants can be placed.
While having a gap in your smile because of a missing tooth is concerning, there are other serious issues to consider as well. If you’re missing a tooth, the remaining natural teeth in your mouth can shift and cause crooked teeth and bite problems. Also, a missing tooth increases the risk of gum disease. There is also the effect missing teeth have on your ability to chew efficiently and speak clearly.
There’s no better time than now to replace your missing teeth. Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, Marco Fajardo, and Ashley Nguyen at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, are here to help you restore your naturally beautiful smile. Call us today at 630-393-3045 or request an appointment online.
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.
Connect with Dr. Susan Mazzei on Linkedin
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.