Too! TimTimely News for Our Patients From the Desk of Dr. Steven Kusnick Spring 2012 Our Patient-Oriented Practice -- Where Excellence is an Everyday Occurrence! Dear Friends: I asked Dr. Kusnick if I could write this personal narrative to you; I can assure you he did not solicit it. But my experience with the Kusnick Team has made such a difference in my life, that I thought it might help others. And with one research study after another showing the direct link between dental disease and a myriad of other physical diseases, I've come to learn how vital a healthy mouth is to our overall health. And of course, we all want to look as attractive as we can! For all of you who already have come to appreciate Dr. K., you will nod your head in full agreement. For those of you who have qualms about "going to the dentist,” I hope my story will reassure you. Respectfully, Carole Smith A little background: I have been to many dentists in my lifetime, including 2 others in our area. My dental health was less than good, to put it mildly – like many people, I would put off making even a routine cleaning appointment, for any number of reasons/ excuses: wasnʼt having a problem, didnʼt like it, didnʼt want to spend the money. And my smile certainly didn't impress, needless to say. As a result, Iʼve been through the excruciating pain of infected teeth due to my procrastination, of teeth turning gray from tetracycline prescribed for a skin condition (that no one told me was a side effect), having a mouth full of fillings and lost teeth, and paying the higher cost for the more complex fixes ultimately needed. None of my previous dentists gave me a realistic, whole-mouth, long-term solution to my dental situation, only a patchwork quilt of treatment to deal with immediate problems. What brought me to Dr. Kusnick: I had a crown come off. My dentist at the time said he couldnʼt securely reattach it; he allowed me to walk out of his office with an unprotected hole in my jaw. My mother and my husband were patients of Dr. K., so I called his office. They got me right in. My first impression – nice! After assessing my situation, Dr. K. easily cemented my crown back in place, where it stayed. My second impression – Iʼve found my dentist. That small act, the skill and experience shown, the non- judgmental and compassionate caring, gave me a comfort and confidence never before felt. So I turned my mouth over to Dr. K.ʼs care. His comprehensive evaluation of my dental situation revealed a daunting need for rehabilitation of my teeth. He gave me 3 options for treatment, for my decision. Tired of stop-gap measures, I opted for a complete make- over. There followed a year-long program of getting me back to dental health – and a more attractive appearance – involving implants, crowns, and other work. To be honest, it was sometimes tiring, but manageable, knowing I was moving in the right direction. Actually, I think it was more grueling for Dr. K. than for me – I would just lie back in the dental chair and let him and his staff work their magic, no pain, yes some minor discomfort when taking impressions, but nothing that should stop anyone from taking advantage of todayʼs extraordinary dentistry in the hands of a dedicated practitioner. And was it worth it! Just look at my before and after photos – I got my smile back! Before, I would hardly open my mouth, now I have no hesitation to wear a big grin on my face. Have received so many compliments - on the quality of work and my new natural look! Do you have a story you'd like to share? I hope you will share my story with family, friends, colleagues, anyone who is seeking a dentist of trust, integrity and exceptional ability. Thank you, Dr. Kusnick, Alyssa, Jenette, and all of your caring staff. A Message From a Fellow Patient Before After
Transcript
Too! TimesTimely News for Our Patients From the Desk of Dr. Steven Kusnick
Spring 2012
Our Pat ient-Oriented Pract ice - - Where Excel lence i s an Everyday Occurrence!
Dear Friends: I asked Dr. Kusnick if I could write this personal narrative to you; I can assure you he did not solicit it. But my experience with the Kusnick Team has made such a difference in my life, that I thought it might help others. And with one
research study after another showing the direct link between dental disease and a myriad of other physical diseases, I've come to learn how vital a healthy mouth is to our overall health. And of course, we all want to look as attractive as we can! For all of you who already have come to appreciate Dr. K., you will nod your head in full agreement. For those of you who have qualms about
"going to the dentist,” I hope my story will reassure you. Respectfully, Carole Smith
A little background: I have been to many dentists in my lifetime, including 2 others in our area. My dental health was less than good, to put it mildly – like many people, I would put off making even a routine cleaning appointment, for any number of reasons/excuses: wasnʼt having a problem, didnʼt like it, didnʼt want to spend the money. And my smile certainly didn't impress, needless to say.
As a result, Iʼve been through the excruciating pain of infected teeth due to my procrastination, of teeth turning gray from tetracycline prescribed for a skin condition (that no one told me was a side effect), having a mouth full of fillings and lost teeth, and paying the higher cost for the more complex fixes ultimately needed. None of my previous dentists gave me a realistic, whole-mouth, long-term solution to my dental situation, only a patchwork quilt of treatment to deal with immediate problems.
What brought me to Dr. Kusnick: I had a crown come off. My dentist at the time said he couldnʼt securely reattach it; he allowed me to walk out of his office with an unprotected hole in my jaw. My mother and my husband were patients of Dr. K., so I called his office. They got me right in. My first impression – nice! After assessing my situation, Dr. K. easily cemented my crown back in place, where it stayed. My second impression – Iʼve found my dentist. That small act, the skill and experience shown, the non-judgmental and compassionate caring, gave me a comfort and confidence never before felt.
So I turned my mouth over to Dr. K.ʼs care. His comprehensive evaluation of my dental situation revealed a daunting need for rehabilitation of my teeth. He gave me 3 options for treatment, for my decision. Tired of stop-gap measures, I opted for a complete make-over. There followed a year-long program of getting me back to dental health – and a more attractive appearance – involving implants, crowns, and other work. To be honest, it was sometimes tiring, but manageable, knowing I was moving in the right direction.
Actually, I think it was more grueling for Dr. K. than for me – I would just lie back in the dental chair and let him and his staff work their magic, no pain, yes some minor discomfort when taking impressions, but nothing that should stop anyone from taking advantage of todayʼs extraordinary dentistry in the hands of a dedicated practitioner.
And was it worth it! Just look at my before and after photos – I got my smile back! Before, I would hardly open my
mouth, now I have no hesitation to
wear a big grin on my face.
Have received so many compliments - on the quality of work and my new natural look!
Do you have a story you'd like to share?
I hope you will share my story with family, friends, colleagues, anyone who is seeking a dentist of trust, integrity and exceptional ability. Thank you, Dr. Kusnick, Alyssa, Jenette, and all of your caring staff.
A Message From a Fellow Patient
Before After
The best compliment a patient can give is the referral of a friend or relative. Thank you!
Fun Facts
Contrary to popular lore, George Washington's dentures were not made of wood, but of gold and ivory, as would
befit a man of his station.
Guess who was not only a master silversmith, copper plate engraver, and
American Revolution patriot -- and also a dentist? Paul Revere!
H E A L T H T I P S News From Dr. Kusnick
Steven J. Kusnick, DDS, PAFellow, Academy of General Dentistry
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
Onion Pie
If you prefer your onion cooked, here's a delicious version of onion pie. Great for a brunch and as accompaniment to meat dishes. Good with or without the bacon; substitute ground nutmeg for caraway seed if preferred. Serves 6.
Ingredients
3 lbs yellow or sweet onions, sliced4 slices bacon1 cup sour cream2 eggs1-2 tbsp. all purpose flour¼ tsp. salt½ tsp. caraway seed1 recipe pastry for a 9-inch single crust pie(ready-made pie crusts work great!)
Preheat oven to 400°. Line a pie plate with the pastry; sprinkle caraway seeds (or nutmeg) across the pastry and press into the crust.
Cook bacon in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to paper towels, and drain most of the fat from the skillet. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until onions are translucent and soft (do not brown). Remove onions to a large mixing bowl. Chop bacon into small pieces and add to onions, mixing.
To the onion/bacon mix, add sour cream. Lightly beat eggs, then add to onion mixture. Add flour and salt and mix well. Pour into pie plate.
Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 350°. Continue baking about 15-20 minutes or until pie is set (remember those eggs!) and top is golden-brown.
Tooth Healthy Food:Would you Believe Onions?
Many of the foods that help to keep our bodies healthy work to keep our teeth healthy too. We have written previously about the benefits of green tea and cheese to your dental health.
We all know the benefits of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and eating healthy snacks like crunchy celery, carrots, cucumbers and apples.
But here's one vegetable you probably wouldn't have guessed -- onions!
Because they contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds that kill various types of bacteria, onions are considered very helpful in preventing tooth decay.
Research shows that onions are most effective when eaten freshly peeled and raw. Try combining red onions with tomatoes and cucumbers, toss with fresh chopped cilantro and a little lime juice, for a healthy, tasty salad that accompanies most any entree.
The dental benefits:• Vitamin A and Calcium from the onions• The crunchiness of the cucumber helps
stimulate the gums and boost saliva flow to wash away harmful sugars.
• Vitamins A, C and K, many tooth-healthy minerals from the fresh tomatoes.
Eat well and strengthen your teeth at the same time with flavorful, good-for-you foods.
Community Wellness. I recently participated in a community wellness event at Plantation General Hospital, providing free oral cancer screenings to adults. Oral cancer is the only major cancer whose death rates are not declining. Early detection is the best treatment.
The Dental Vibe has been a huge success with our patients. They report less discomfort and less anxiety. They are at ease and find the slight vibration to be an effective distraction from the (needle) injection. We would be happy to show you the equipment without injecting you!
Ask Us --
About fluoride varnish as an
alternative way to treat your
sensitive teeth and to fight decay
-- no tray (no gagging!), no foam
or gel, easily and quickly applied,
and no waiting before
you can eat or drink!
On the Home Front --
Brian recently participated in a Student Launch Initiative at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. It is a prestigious program, and only 15 high schools from around the country were selected to participate. Plantation High School qualified and flew 2 rockets. As a NASA project, the students build and launch rockets with a scientific payload for the purpose of scientific investigation.
Mike will be coming home this summer after a successful sophomore year at the University of Florida, where he is majoring in Biology. In the fall, he will have a fascinating part-time job on campus, collecting data and information on house flies. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
