Required homework for a first-class smile: daily care, regular dental visits.
“Dr. Fatmi is the best dentist I’ve ever had, and I’ve happily referred friends to him.” – Dr. Varsalona
In 2005, when Jack Varsalona, EdD, stepped in as the third president of Wilmington College, the private, nonprofit, doctoral research institute was still in its infancy. That place of higher learning grew in a hurry under his direction.
During his first two years in office, Dr. Varsalona orchestrated the transition of the small New Castle, Delaware, academy into Wilmington University. He then watched as the campus expanded and its enrollment doubled to more than 20,000 students.
The expansion of the school was the highlight of Dr. Varsalona’s career in education, which came to an end when he retired and moved to Delray Beach a little more than four years ago.
At the time of his move, Dr. Varsalona harbored dental concerns, specifically the status of two crowns that a dentist told him were in need of replacement. His arrival in Florida was followed almost immediately by a search for a new dentist.
His choice, based on referrals from friends and associates in the area, was Naved Fatmi, DMD, the founder of Health and Wellness Dentistry, which has locations in Boynton Beach (Town Square Dentistry), Boca Raton (Regency Court Dentistry) and Lake Worth (Lake Worth Dentistry).
It didn’t take long for Dr. Varsalona to learn why Dr. Fatmi came so highly recommended.
“I first went to see Dr. Fatmi because I was concerned about the two crowns,” Dr. Varsalona explains, “but he told me the crowns were fine.
“That was four years ago, and since then, I have not had any problems with those crowns, and I’ve come to realize Dr. Fatmi really has his patient’s best interest at heart. He’s not looking to do additional work on anyone. He does what’s best for his patients.”
New And Improved
In terms of his dental care, Dr. Varsalona has long done what’s best for him. He visits Dr. Fatmi every three or four months for routine cleanings and maintenance, and those regular visits, Dr. Fatmi says, are the primary reason Jack continues to maintain a healthy smile.
“Since I’ve been treating him at least, Jack has never needed a lot of dental work because he does a great job of taking care of his teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene all on his own,” Dr. Fatmi reports. “Those are actually very easy things to do.
“It starts, of course, with the basics, which are flossing at least once a day and brushing twice a day. By making those things part of your regular morning and evening routines, it’s easy to get into the good habit of doing that.”
For those who can, Dr. Fatmi further recommends the use of electronic water flossing devices and toothbrushes. He says they simply do a better job of cleaning the teeth and gums than anyone can do manually.
“There are places in our mouth that manual dexterity just doesn’t allow us to get to with a regular toothbrush,” Dr. Fatmi confirms. “An electric toothbrush not only allows us to get to those hard-to-reach areas, it also allows us to clean those areas properly.
“In addition, I recommend that people visit the dentist regularly. And just like Dr. Varsalona, visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and checkups once every three or four months is the best way to do that. It’s very important for your general health as well.”
Studies show that among people 65 and older, there is a direct link between routine Qdental visits and mortality. Researchers learned that people who retain their natural teeth, wear dentures, brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly had a 46 percent lower mortality rate than those who did none of those things.
Simply put, the more people take care of their oral health, the longer they can expect to live.
One reason is that regular dental visits allow the dentist to keep track of periodontal disease, which is present in about 70 percent of all people and can lead to tooth decay, bone loss and eventually tooth loss if not corrected.
Dr. Fatmi says that for people who have suffered bone loss from periodontal disease, regular visits to the dentist are mandatory. The reason is there is no way to restore the lost bone, but the bone that remains needs to be maintained.
More Than Teeth
Visitors to Health and Wellness Dentistry can receive more than routine dental care. Also available are cosmetic dental services such as teeth whitening and straightening, and aesthetic treatments such as JUVÉDERM® and BOTOX® Cosmetic.
“Aesthetic services are becoming more readily available at many dental offices as additional treatment options,” Dr. Fatmi explains. “After all, who knows your facial structure better than your dentist?
“The aesthetic part of dentistry provides positive change for patients, sometimes in just one day. For someone who may be more introverted or shy about their appearance, this is a huge boost to their self-esteem.”
Dr. Varsalona needs no boost to his self-esteem. He has a healthy smile, and while he has a significant role in that, he also recognizes the part Dr. Fatmi and his staff have played.
“Dr. Fatmi is the best dentist I’ve ever had, and I’ve happily referred friends to him,” Dr. Varsalona says. “The service is amazing. He’s surrounded himself with incredible people who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
“Even when it comes to something like insurance or making sure you’re going to be there on time. they’re on top of it. And when you get there, they make you feel so at ease that it makes it easier to go to the dentist, which is important.”
© FHCN article by Roy Cummings. Photo by Jordan Pysz. mkb
