Dr. Waldee participated in two days of training earlier this year in the use of Botox and Juvederm, a facial filler. Both of these treatment modalities are being used more frequently now by the dental profession as part of a comprehensive approach to overall facial aesthetics. Dr. Hohimer has been using these treatments and others for several years now and has taken advanced courses in facial aesthetics.

Many women today as well as a few men are frequently being diagnosed with osteoporosis. This is a condition in which the bones become brittle due to mineral loss. The decrease in bone density can lead to increased risk of fractures of hips and other areas. To help prevent this loss of bone density a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates, ie fosamax, where developed which reduce or prevent the loss of bone as we age. These drugs work by affecting how our bodies break down bone. An unwanted side effect of these drugs occurs in the bones of the jaws known as osteonecrosis. This occurs in patients who have trauma to the bones of the jaws such as tooth extraction and fractures. In patients who take bisphosphonates the ability of their jaw bones to heal is modified and lead to serious bone destruction in some patients. As simple blood test can be used to determine a patients risk of BRONJ before any tooth extractions are performed. Your dentist should be informed on any and all drugs taken by the patient to prevent any unwanted complications during and after treatment.

Technology is changing the was in which dentistry is performed everyday. One example is how lasers are being used in dentistry from everything from preparing teeth for fillings, surgical treatments on soft tissue, and treatment of periodontal disease. Lasers create energy in the form of light, this energy can be very highly controlled which allows for cutting tissue with minimal tissue damage, bleeding, pain, and post operative complications. Often laser procedures can be performed without anesthesia. Laser treated tissues heal quickly and patients enjoy not having to be numb for most procedures. As technology improves lasers will find even more applications in dentistry that improve the lives of patients and doctors.

The practice of Leff, Weiss, Waldee & Associates is pleased to announce they are now
offering Botox and dermal filler (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) therapy to their patients.
Botox has several applications in dentistry, most significantly in the treatment of TMJ
problems and migraine headaches (associated with TMD and teeth grinding). Botox is
also used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm are used to fill in moderate to deep lines around the mouth and for lip augmentation.
The major advantage of having these procedures performed in our office is that we provide complete local anesthesia of the treatment areas for the dermal fillers rather than using a topical numbing cream on the skin. The use of local anesthesia provides for a virtually painless procedure. We also understand the importance of proper lip and face contours,eliminating the risk that your appearance will look “over done”. All of these products are safe and FDA approved.
The doctors at Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates are trained to provide the best quality treatment for the most successfully outcomes. If you have any questions regarding these or any other treatments provided by our office, please don’t hesitate to call. Someone will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.
Call for your appointment today! 954-424-6500

Our office will be exploring a new service to our patients that will relieve
the discomfort and gagging that many experience when a dental impression
is taken. With this new digital impression system, your dentist can take
a highly accurate 3-D impression for your crown or bridge area, completely
eliminating the previously old uncomfortable tray and putty impression.
An accurate impression is essential to a successful outcome in dentistry.
Digital impression procedures provide consistent and superior results.
A perfect fit is practically guaranteed, resulting in less time spent in the
dental office.
The offices of Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates is constantly incorporating
new and innovative dental technology in order to make our patients dental visits
more relaxing and less traumatic and time consuming.

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Per the American Dental Association, there has not yet been much research
regarding the use of bottled water and caries (tooth decay) risk. However,
lack of exposure to fluoride does increase an individuals’s risk for caries.
Most communities have fluoridated tap water whereas the majority of bottled
waters on the market do not contain optimal levels of fluoride. Individuals
who drink bottled water as their primary source of water could be missing
the decay-preventive benefit of optimally flouridated tap water.
More information on this subject can be obtained at www.ada.org/goto/bottledwater.
At the offices of Drs. Weiss, Waldee and Associates, we care about
our patients and keep them up-to-date with any information we come across
that can personally assist them with their dental care. The doctors and staff
routinely attend continuing education courses, seminars and review dental
periodicals.
We can be reached at 954-424-6500 sleepdentists@comcast.net.

Researchers in Portugal and the U.S. followed 507 children who received silver fillings, called amalgams. After a seven year period, the children’s rates of neurological symptoms showed no difference when compared to those who received resin based fillings.
Why Silver Fillings Were Considered Dangerous
Silver fillings are made of a combination of metals including mercury. Over time small amounts of mercury vapor are released. With mercury poisoning being known to damage the central nervous system and kidneys, consumer groups have been against using silver fillings to treat cavities for years.
While the possibility of neurological symptoms including tremors, vision problems, hearing deficits and coordination problems have caused consumer groups, dentists and lawmakers to call for a ban on silver fillings, an advisory panel to the United States government recently said that silver fillings are generally safe and more studies are needed into certain unanswered questions. The American Dental Association continues to maintain that the fillings are safe and should be an option for patients.

Your Choice For Treating Fillings

While silver fillings may be the best choice for treating some common dental problems such as cavities located on molars, Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates continue to use the latest techniques and new materials as they become available.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Dental Association, February 13, 2008.

Are your gums putting you at risk for heart disease?
One study conducted at the University of Minnesota concluded that 85 percent of heart attack patients had suffered from periodontal disease.1
Are you at risk?
The mouth is not only a porthole to the body but it is the body’s best indicator of overall health. The gums (periodontal disease) when inflamed have been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory problems. Researchers believed the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can come loose and move throughout the body due to tasks as common as brushing, flossing or chewing. It was found that the worse the infection a patient has, the more likely the bacterial are to become loose from these tasks and enter the bloodstream.
If the bacteria enters the bloodstream it can travel to your arteries and irritate them just as it affects your gums. This could cause arterial plaque to build up and result in hardening and affect blood flow. This plaque can also come loose and travel to other parts of the body such as the brain.

What you can do to protect yourself?

You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, limiting between meal snacks and visiting your dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist may even give you a special rinse before having a dental procedure to help neutralize any bacteria and maintain a healthy mouth.

Contact Drs. Leff, Weiss and Waldee today to protect your overall health at 954-424-6500.

There are many steps that the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and
Associates take to prevent the spread of infection. We follow the
guidelines for infection-control issued by the Center of Disease Control
and Prevention.
Handwashing & Using Gloves – The doctors, dental assistants and dental
hygienists wash their hands and put on fresh gloves before starting
all treatments.
Protective Clothing – The doctors, dental assistants and dental hygienists
wear protective clothing such as face shields, eye goggles, masks and
lab jackets while they provide treatment.

Dental Hand Pieces – All dental hand pieces and instruments are disinfected
and heat sterilized after each use.
Disposable Items – Many of our dental materials such as gloves, masks, wipes,
suction/water tube tips, needles and scalpel blades are used only once
and then disposed of in order to maintain a clean and safe office.
Waste Materials – Needles and other sharp items are disposed of in special
puncture-proof containers. Other contaminated waste is disposed of in
special bags.
All patients should take notice of the above precautions we take at the office
of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associate when they come in for their
dental appointments!

Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population has some type of disability,
with approximately 12 percent of the population considered severely
disabled. The provision of dental care to such patients requires
consideration beyond routine approaches.
At the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates we have
established a relaxing treatment environment that can be used to
accommodate special-needs patients in the general dental practice as
opposed to referring them for dental treatment in the hospital.
Special-care dentistry is the delivery of dental care tailored to the
individual needs of patients who have disabling medical conditions
or mental or psychological limitations that require consideration
beyond routine approaches.
Care for special-needs patients requires dental skills that are up to date.
The doctors and staff at the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and
Associates regularly enroll in and attend continuing education classes
and seminars throughout the year.
Please call our office 954-424-6500 if we can be of assistance to someone
who is entrusted with the care and well being of a special-needs patient.