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

◆ New Main Email Address Too:office@drstevenkusnick.com

Please add this to your computer's address book, to ensure you continue to receive all future email communications from us.

◆ We're Going Green! -- Digital patient records, easy insurance claims and patient statements, clear treatment plans, a more paper-free practice, the path to expanding the latest digital dental equipment into our practice -- just some of the benefits of the new computer software and systems we are adding to our practice to enable us to better serve our patients with advanced technology.

Enjoy this newsletter, and please pass it on to a friend or family member who may be interested in reading up on the latest dental health news too.

Thank you for your continuing confidence and trust in us.

All the best,

Dr. Steven Kusnick and Team

Take the First Step:See us for a check-up

The last thing you want is a dental problem to disrupt your enjoyment of the occasion. Plan a check-up, especially if you will be traveling to a remote location or be away for any length of time.

Our thorough check-up will reveal any emerging cavities to stop them in their tracks, bite problems that can lead to mouth pain, loosening crowns or ill-fitting dentures that need stabilizing, and more.

Be ready for your special occasion with confidence in your dental health.

For a Photo-Ready Smile!

Special occasions mean lots of photos to remember the fun! Be ready with a bright, healthy smile that reflects the happy event.

Schedule a personal cosmetic consultation with us and explore your aesthetic options to create your ideal smile:

◆ Whitening - to erase stains and discoloration, using in-office or take-home whitening techniques.

◆ White fillings - to replace silver-colored ones.

◆ Porcelain veneers or bonding - to conceal severe stains and chips, overlapping or uneven teeth.

Click on "Recommend This Page" for an easy way to refer friends and family to our practice. We welcome all new patients.

And we hope you will "Like Us" on Facebook!

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

Spring 2013

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2013! We hope you enjoy this dental update.

We've started this new year with several new enhancements to our dental practice to better serve you and your family:

◆ New Website at www.drstevenkusnick.com. Many of you have already visited our new site -- thank you for your compliments!

We invite you to browse the site to see the many resources available to you: links to dental organizations packed with information on any dental-related question you may have, our new patient and medical history forms, a comprehensive description of all the dental services and solutions our practice provides.

It's Springtime!

With the rejuvenation that Spring brings in nature, and often in our outlook as well, our thoughts turn to exciting plans for the upcoming months. If you have an important event coming up - a family vacation or wedding, for example - please talk to us about ways to prepare for a problem-free, healthy, and sparkling smile for the happy occasion!

◆ Crowns - to repair and strengthen damaged teeth and fit over the tooth to restore and improve its function, shape and color.

◆ Implants - replace lost teeth with natural-looking implants that can also strengthen under-lying bone.

No more hiding your smile, trying not to smile in front of

others, or avoiding that camera!What would you like to change

about your smile?

If You're Traveling . . .

Some reminders for keeping up your good oral health:

◆ If you're traveling abroad, brush your teeth with bottled water to avoid micro-organisms in foreign water supplies that could make you sick.

◆ Store your toothbrush in a travel container with air holes so bristles can dry.

◆ Eat a balanced diet, minimize eating sticky, sugary snacks and beverages, and brush right away after eating them. If you can't brush, rinse your mouth with water or chewing gum.

◆ Carry our office phone number with you.

And have a great trip!

Pre-Medication No Longer Needed In Most Cases

Good news for healthy patients with artificial hip or other joint replacements! A new clinical practice guideline issued by the American Dental Association jointly with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons finds insufficient evidence to recommend routine antibiotic use before undergoing dental treatment. Pre-medication is still suggested for those with health problems. Consult Dr. Kusnick for his recommendation.

Denture Wearers -- Feel Healthier and Safer

If your dentures are more than 3 years old, it's time to have them -- and your oral health -- checked.

Over time, dentures can become worn, misshapen or loose as the shape of your mouth changes or your gums shrink slightly. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain, difficulty eating, or clicking noises from your dentures, this may indicate issues which could contribute to painful problems in the future.

Today's dental technology provides dentures that are now lighter, more natural looking and more effective than ever before. We will be happy to explain your options, from modifying your dentures to designing new implant-secured dentures for you.

DON'T BRUSH! -- too soon after eating acidic foods and beverages, such as sports and energy drinks, citrus fruits, wine, and tomatoes. Brushing in effect pushes the acid into your teeth, eroding the enamel, rather than getting rid of it. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, or eat cheese, after consuming these foods, then wait 30 minutes before brushing your pearly whites!

H E A L T H T I P S

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

Fun Fact:

Kids laugh roughly 400 times a day -- adults evidently can only muster about

15 times a day.

So go ahead and laugh often during the day! It's good for you, your mood, and those

around you!

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

3531 N. Pine Island RoadSunrise, FL 33351

Phone: 954.741.0707Fax: 954.741.4611

Email: office@drstevenkusnick.comWebsite: www.drstevenkusnick.com

Our Extended Office Hours:

Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pmTuesday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pmThursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pmFriday: 8:00 am - 12:00 noon

Same Day Emergency Treatment Available

Office Information

Staff News

In January, the entire staff participated in an all-day seminar by a leading expert in the field of dental practice management.

All staff also attended a CPR class to update our lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness.

Dr. Kusnick participated in a Health Fair organized by our next-door pharmacy neighbor and held at our Pine Island Plaza location.

Alyssa has received a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of her completing 5 years as a Certified Dental Assistant.

Tiffany passed her State Board examinations and is now licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist, as well as a Certified Dental Assistant.

Jenette completed her 41st lifetime half marathon, and looks forward to participating in more runs before the end of the season.

How time keeps flying! The Kusnick sons are now juniors in their schools -- Mike at the University of Florida studying in the field of biotechnology, and Brian in the international baccalaureate program at Plantation HS. We're proud to say they're both doing well!

And to help you laugh with a big beautiful smile . . .

We now offer Poladay Whitening, an in-office whitening system

that results in a beautiful, whiter smile.

It's quick and comfortable, with less sensitivity.

The results are excellent!

Chicken Pesto Pizza

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pesto1 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust1 cup shredded mozzarella or pizza-blend

cheese1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced1 6-oz. jar of roasted red bell peppers,

drained, sliced in strips1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheeseOlive oil for brushing

Preheat oven to broil. Lightly brush one side of pizza crust with olive oil. Broil pizza crust, olive oil side up, for 2 to 4 minutes until light golden brown. Remove crust from oven. Turn oven down to 400 degrees.

Spread pesto sauce on broiled side of crust. Top with the mozzarella cheese, chicken and red bell papper strips. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return to oven, bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or as specified on package for baking.

To Make the Pesto:

2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves3 cloves garlic, minced1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts1/2 tsp. salt1/2 - 3/4 cup olive oil1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Place basil, garlic, nuts and salt in a blender or food processor. With the blender on, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Fold in the Parmesan cheese. If not used right away, pesto can be frozen or stored in the refrigerator covered by a thin layer of olive oil to prevent the surface from turning brown. If frozen, thaw completely before use; do not heat.

Healthy Diet: Healthy Smile

You know the old saying "We are what we eat." Here's another delicious recipe made with lots of good tooth and bone healthy ingredients -- cheese, nuts, garlic, chicken -- in a fun food for everyone to enjoy! Serves 8.

What's tart, refreshing and another food good for your teeth?

Cranberry juice!

Because it stops the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease from clinging to your teeth. So enjoy!