Fall 2013

HAppy HOLIDAyS FrOM Our DentAL FAMILy tO yOurS. enjOy tHe Fun, FOOD AnD FeStIvItIeS, but DOn’t FOrget tO bruSH, FLOSS AnD rInSe!

Produced to improve your dental health and awareness “We Care About Your Smile”

Dentally SpeakingDentally Speaking......... with Dr. Alan L. Mazer .........

The seasons have rolled around and fall has returned. It makes sense at this time of year to change the batteries in your smoke detectors every time you switch from daylight savings to standard time. Twice a year, just like clockwork. And it makes sense to use a similar system to remind you that it’s time for regular dental maintenance. By writing a reminder in your appointment book or on your calendar, or synchronizing it with changing clocks, you can be sure your dental health stays right on track! Once synchronized, it’s always convenient to book your next appointment right there at our office and by booking well in advance it will ensure that you get the appointment slot you prefer.

Your dental insurance has seasons too. More than 90% of dental plans are based on a calendar year. If you do not use the benefits you are entitled to, they are gone as of December 31st. Your benefits are not carried forward in the next year. If you are thinking about getting dental treatment this year, now is the time. Many treatments can take weeks to complete once treatment options are discussed and insurance considerations are evaluated. That’s why it is especially important to come in for a visit to get things going as soon as possible before this year’s dental insurance expires.

And speaking of seasons, we are coming up to the joyous holiday season. Take advantage of our Autumn whitening special and insure that your teeth will be their whitest and brightest for your holiday celebrations. Or give the gift of a teeth whitening to that special someone in your life. Save $100 on Zoom!®, the in office whitening treatment or $50 on our take home whitening treatment. Call our office for more details.

Pro-active thinking makes for smooth planning, ensuring that regular dental visits are part of your good health routine. It’s as important as brushing and flossing twice a day!

Yours in good dental health,

Alan L. Mazer, DMD

Rejuvenate Your Smile With Implants

For most people, losing a tooth is traumatic, and replacing it imperative, not only for healthy self-esteem, but to avoid facial and speech changes that take place over time, like jawbone recession and the look of collapsed cheeks. Dental implants are the treatment of choice to replace missing teeth for a completely natural-looking smile. These are the reasons why:

• Implants require only normal brushing and flossing for maintenance• Preserve and strengthen the underlying bone just like the roots of natural teeth• Do not alter or compromise adjacent healthy teeth• Can replace the form and function of only one tooth or two, or can replace

teeth in an entire jaw• Can anchor dentures to prevent shifting, or replace partial dentures and bridgework• Are safe and reliable• Look completely natural – no one will know you have them

...unless you tell!

Please donate generously to our Holiday Food drive

Drop off nonperishable food between November 18th and

December 19, 2013

your autumn to-do list: Ensure dental care is on it!

Men, Listen Up!Mouth care is no laughing matter

A recent study shows that North American women are more proactive than men when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. Does this surprise you?

Women are known to have a better understanding of their oral healthcare needs. They are 26% more likely to floss regularly, and they are almost twice as likely to have regular dental checkups and follow recommended treatment.

Why is this significant? Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory gum disease, may not only lead to tooth loss, it has also been directly linked to other serious inflammatory diseases including:l Cancerl Diabetesl Heart diseasel Strokel Respiratory diseasel Rheumatoid arthritis.

Good oral health is essential to your quality of life. Every single tooth plays an important role in speaking, chewing, tooth alignment, and maintaining facial structure. And it’s possible to have periodontal disease without any warning signs, so regular checkups should not be missed.

The research is in: whether you’re a man or a woman (or a boy or a girl), a good dental regimen, paired with regular checkups, can truly go a long way to ensuring your good health. Please, check your recall schedule and call us today to book any outstanding appointments for yourself and your loved ones!

There’s More To Oral HealthThan just brushing

Brushing and flossing are important, but lifestyle choices also play a large part in ensuring good oral health. Here are a few choices that you can make today!

Eat healthy – Proper nutrition and a diet rich in vitamin D, calcium, and

omega 3 will promote strong soft tissues and healthy teeth.

Butt out – Smoking can cause oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Get fit – Those who stay physically active have a lower incidence of severe

gum disease.

Pamper yourself – Lower your stress levels to decrease your body’s

production of the hormone cortisol – a known gum-disease trigger.

Visit us and your doctor regularly – Regular checkups screen for

chronic illnesses, including those associated with periodontal disease.

Live a longer healthier life by embracing good habits, and keep your smile looking its very best!

Boredom Can Shorten Life Engage and thrive!Can you really be bored to death?

The answer is yes! An extensive study found that women are more prone to get ill from the effects of boredom and die at a younger age. But why is boredom so hazardous to your health?

Boredom creates an unhealthy

lifestyle as it’s most often caused by lack of exercise, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of engaging work, loneliness, isolation, and apathy. But there is hope! Getting off the couch and engaging with others can add years to your life! Explore activities that entertain and excite you…

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You deserve to look and feel your best!If damaged, discolored, or missing teeth make you

hide your smile, crowns will bring back your self-confidence. They’re durable, attractive, and ideal for patients of all ages, and they are very easy to care for. Just brush, floss, and have regular checkups with us!

Great options available to suit all needs:l Single Crown – Covers an unattractive or damaged

tooth, improving its strength, function, shape, and color.

l Bridge – Replaces one or more missing teeth with a natural-looking artificial tooth which alleviates bite stress and helps to maintain face shape. l Implant – Replaces individual or multiple teeth, and as it is placed into the jawbone, it arrests bone loss and

provides a very long-lasting attractive non-removable option.

We are here to help you choose the restoration option that is best to improve your oral health and appearance. Call us today to discuss your individual needs. Isn’t it time to start enjoying your favorite foods

again and living life to the fullest, knowing that you look as fantastic as you feel?

Crown Restorations

Boredom Can Shorten Life Engage and thrive!

Enjoy A Decadent Brunch Rich with superfoods

Consider the following menu… Perfectly Poached Eggs

Cinnamon French Toast with warm Blueberry Preserves

Black Tea with a dash of Buckwheat Honey

This sounds like an indulgent brunch, yet all elements contain superfoods – extremely nutrient-rich foods which help prevent disease.

Eggs – Rich in vitamin D (strengthens bones and teeth) and high in essential nutrient choline (aids heart and brain health).

Cinnamon – Anti-inflammatory (may reduce risk of gum disease) and helps control insulin levels.

Blueberries – One of the best antioxidant sources and high vitamin C supports healthy gums.

Black Tea – Helps prevent dementia and lowers cholesterol.

Honey – Anti-microbial properties (helps fight mouth and throat infections).

When combined with a varied and balanced diet, these superfoods can help you live a healthier more-delicious life!

l Take classes to stretch your imagination

l Exercise with friends

l Play sports

l Attend spiritual gatherings

l Take up dancing

l Join a club or volunteer

Begin now... Replace bad habits with healthy ones and start enjoying life! You will live longer and be more fulfilled along the way!

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Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

Contents may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. © PATIENT NEWS (800) 667-0268

Printed with vegetable-based ink.

office informationAlan L. Mazer, DMD, FACD, FICD140 Terryville RoadPort Jefferson Station, NY 11776-1330Office HoursMonday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pmThursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Alternate Fridays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Alternate Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pmContact InformationOffice (631) 473-0666Fax (631) 473-0679Email dralanmazer@gmail.comWebsite www.dralanmazer.comOffice StaffCaryn, Stacey ........................ Dental HygienistsRhonda ......................... Scheduling CoordinatorPat, Kelly ...............................Dental AssistantsLois ................................Practice Administrator

First Dental Visit: Important ... but fun!

Your child’s first trip to the dental office is an important milestone. We like to suggest that they come to us for some very gentle dentistry by the age of two. We can check for early signs of problems, and discuss home care with you while familiarizing your child with the office. Even at this young age, we can determine how your child’s teeth and mouth are developing. Most first visits involve introductions to our staff and a basic checkup. We can show you how to clean your child’s teeth, and recommend ways to prevent such problems as baby bottle tooth decay, pacifier and thumb sucking habits. By making your child’s first ride in the chair a pleasant and interesting experience, we’re building a firm foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. First impressions last!

We find that some patients get confused about the difference between a prophylaxis appointment and a periodontal maintenance appointment. Each is so important in its own way that we’d like to take this opportunity to clarify things.

Your prophylaxis appointment, often called your prophy appointment, is preventative and includes your exam, x-rays, oral cancer check and routine cleaning. It’s very important that we eliminate bacterial plaque from your teeth that has hardened into yellowish calculus or tartar. You can’t remove this at home. A final polish helps your mouth look and feel shiny clean. That’s a great thing.

Often, though, especially if patients are cavity-free, they mistakenly believe that after a prophy appointment they don’t need to worry about their oral health. Not so – that’s where perio maintenance comes in.

Just as prophy cleaning is for the visible areas of your teeth up to 1 mm below the gumline, periodontal maintenance ensures that the area hidden under your gumline remains healthy. Perio maintenance procedures will help prevent the progression of existing gum disease, loss of teeth, supporting ligaments, and jawbone, and prevent the need for more extensive periodontal care. Scientists believe that untreated gum disease may negatively affect your general health as well as your oral health.

To prevent the development of bigger issues it’s always important to see us regularly. Your dental team can help you decide on your best course of treatment and save you time, money, and keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Prophy Cleaning Vs Perio Maintenance: Can You tell the DiFFerenCe?

Congratulations To Our Office

Staff Members:Rhonda: for the birth of her second grandson Christopher John and for the engagement of her daughter Carrie to Tristan.

Pat: for the marriage of her daughter Megan to Steve.

Caryn: for the birth of her daughter, Gianna Bella.

Farewell to Rebecca our Stony Brook University dental assistant who will be graduating from dental school in May.

Welcome to Kelly our new Stony Brook University dental assistant attending her 2nd year in dental school.

Hello & Goodbye

Congrats to... Richard Rosenthal, the winner

of 2 tickets to the PJ Cinemas, for correctly completing our spring word scramble.