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, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen, 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, West Suburban Oral Health Care
Dr. Kelsey Esposito, West Suburban Oral Health Care
Dr. Marco Fajardo, West Suburban Oral Health Care
Dr. Ashley Nguyen, West Suburban Oral Health Care

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.