Too! TimesTimely News for Our Patients From the Desk of Dr. Steven Kusnick

The Facts About Dental Implants

Our goal always is to try to save your natural teeth. But if you have missing teeth, dental implants are the best solution

to maintain your smile and mouth function, and prevent bone loss that ultimately can severely affect your appearance.

Steven J. Kusnick, DDS, PAFellow, Academy of General Dentistry

3531 N. Pine Island RoadSunrise,FL 33351

Phone: 954.741.0707Fax: 954.741.4611

dr.stevenkusnick@yahoo.comwww.drstevenkusnick.com

Our Extended Office Hours

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pmThursday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pmFriday: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon

Emergency Treatment Available the Same Day

Office Information

Spring 2011

Our Pat ient -Or iented Pract ice - - Where We Care About Excel lence!

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to replace missing natural teeth in your jaw and to stabilize dentures. Very natural-looking, implants offer many advantages over the more traditional treatments such as dentures and bridges:

• Theyʼre stable – they donʼt slip or move when eating or speaking• They promote self-confidence – speech and appearance are often improved• They help with proper chewing – enjoy your favorite foods again!• They provide a permanent solution to missing teeth.• They help prevent bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth – keeping the bone of

your jaw strong and healthy and preventing the collapse of facial contours that can drastically alter your appearance.

• With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

As shown here, a complete implant to replace a tooth is actually made up of 3 components: (1) a screw-like piece made of human-safe titanium that is “planted” in

the bone, replacing the root of your original tooth; (2) an abutment placed on top of it to hold the final crown; and (3) the final crown itself.

Two or more implants securely anchor dentures.

The Implant Process

Dental implantation is a common surgical procedure performed by a dental implant specialist, such as a periodontist or oral surgeon, followed by restoration by a qualified general dentist. During the process, you will be provided with a temporary tooth to fill the gap, enabling you to eat normally.

There are 4 steps in the placement of implants:

(1) A thorough evaluation of the jaw area to determine if enough bone is available to anchor the implant. There are new procedures available, such as bone grafts, to allow placement of implants even into jaws with minimal bone.

(2) The surgical phase where the implant is gently placed into the needed area by a dental surgeon. The procedure is totally pain free with the use of modern anesthesia

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Serving Our Community - Educational Outreach

For the last several months, I have been periodically giving educational talks to clubs and organizations in our area.

The purpose of these talks is to educate the public about the proven links between dental disease and general health. Studies are showing that dental disease, such as periodontitis, can lead to or worsen conditions such as heart and circulatory disease, diabetes, oral cancer, low birth weight and pre-term babies, and dementia.

If you are a member of a club or group that would be interested in learning more about this public health issue, in a PowerPoint presentation, please call me to set up a date and time.

- Dr. Kusnick

Staff NewsDr. Kusnick is taking an ongoing continuing dental education course in Orthodontics at Broward College. The small class size and interactive format allow for lively discussion and learning. He also continues to coach baseball for the Plantation Athletic League.

Son Mike was home recently from UF to spend his spring break with family and friends. He enjoys being a college freshman at UF, and is doing well.

Brian continues to excel in high school and participates in advanced placement courses. His passions outside of school are baseball, band and taking piano and guitar lessons.

Jenette recently completed a continuing education course where she learned how to incorporate the latest development in oral health research into daily practice. This information will result in better dental outcomes for our patients.

She is taking a break from coaching runners and walkers to do fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Jenette has coached the last three years and helped many reach their goal of crossing the finish line to help find a cure for Crohn's Disease.

Alyssa is taking her last science course at Broward College in preparation for application to the Dental Hygiene Program. She finds microbiology challenging, but is doing well and enjoying the course.

Her spare time is spent with two-year-old yellow Lab, Dewey, who loves going to the dog park.

Kim and her family have new adventures ahead -- which means we have to say a sad goodbye! Her husband is being transferred in July to Cherry Point, NC, with the Marines. Her son, Alex, will be starting as a freshman at USF in the Fall. Kim is looking forward to the move, but will miss all her friends and patients at Dr. Kusnick's. We wish her all the best!

Take Advantage of Balanced Billing

Dr. Kusnick is now offering a Dental Care Plan intended for those patients who do not have dental insurance or a discount plan through their employer. This plan allows you to pay for necessary periodic cleanings, exams, bitewing x-rays and fluoride treatment on a monthly basis. Your payments are spread over 12 months with no interest. There is also an additional savings on all other dental services during the term of the agreement.

Dr. Kusnick recognizes the hard choices patients must make in today's economy, so being able to budget for dental services on a monthly basis can positively affect cash

flow. This option enables you to continue receiving the very best dental care you deserve.

Thank you for your confidence in our services!

- Alyssa Moore, CDA/Office Manager

The best compliment a patient can give is a referral of a friend or relative.

IMPLANTS (continued)

techniques. Post-operative pain is minimal; many patients need only a non-prescription pain reliever after the procedure.

(3) The healing phase when we wait for the bone to heal around the implant. Modern implants allow much faster healing, typically 2 to 4 months.

(4) The restorative phase when the implant is finished with the abutment and final crown. Your implant-trained general dentist creates and attaches the final crown, matched in color and shape to the adjacent teeth.

The result is a beautiful, natural-looking new tooth!

Choose Only Quality Implants

I am often asked why there is such a wide range of fees for implants, some as low as $600.00 (which may be for the first stage of the process only). What you must remember is that (1) there are the 3 components of a finished implant, plus a bone graft if needed, each with their attendant costs; and (2) there are literally a hundred implants available, some of questionable origin and quality. Fewer than ten companies are considered leaders due to their research and long-term documentation of the safety and effectiveness of their implants. I work only with implant surgeons who I know have the specialized training and skill in implant procedures and use only the quality implants I believe in.

Complimentary Evaluation

I have been restoring implants for over 20 years with great results. Among my most appreciative patients are those who, after suffering for years with loose, ill-fitting, painful dentures, are able to live a normal life again by choosing implants for their dentures.

If you are missing teeth or are unhappy with your dentures, I can help. I would be delighted to see you or someone you care about for a complimentary initial evaluation.

- Dr. Kusnick

CARING FOR YOUR IMPLANTS

Once your dental implants are placed, it is important to keep them clean and free of bacteria. To preserve your dental implants, we recommend you:

• Brush twice daily with a soft or extra soft toothbrush and use dental floss at least once per day to protect your implants and the health of the gum tissue.

• Use antimicrobial toothpastes and mouth rinses that can significantly reduce oral bacteria for up to 12 hours.

• Use tongue cleaners to remove build-up of bacteria and biofilm hidden in the tiny grooves on the tongueʼs surface.

• Use end tuft brushes, go-between proxabrushes and soft-picks for effective plaque removal around and under bridges and crowns placed over implants.

• Use a rubber tip stimulator for gum massage and to remove plaque and food debris.

• Have your implants professionally cleaned three to four times per year.

• Use a specially-designed denture brush for implant-anchored dentures, which enables you to clean both surfaces of the appliance. Complete the cleansing process by using an antimicrobial denture soak on a daily basis.

With thorough daily attention to cleaning your implants and having regularly scheduled dental exams and professional cleanings, you can expect your implants to last a lifetime!

- Jenette DozoretzRegistered Dental Hygienist

Fun Facts

600 -- The number of cans of soda consumed yearly by the average American.Over 3 million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year!