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TheSouthShoreMagazine.com 46 31 discoloration is accompanied by noticeable wear and tear in the form of chips and cracks. Reduced tooth size or tooth loss can contribute to a gradual collapsing of the bite, as well. If left unattended, a neglected smile with big problems can make the entire face look older and less vibrant. "Advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry, when provided by an exceptionally trained and skilled dentist, can restore a more youthful appearance and healthy white smile so that it reflects how they feel on the inside," notes Dr. Matarazzo. Caring for patients with big issues is tricky, and requires an abundance of patience and listening skills. Dr. Matarazzo is sensitive to the journey many of his patients have been on with regard to their oral health history. Viability of treatments is very dependent on the patient's life circumstances. If not well understood, even the best treatment plans can fail. Having a patient centered practice helps Dr. Matarazzo and his staff to understand where the best chances of success lie. A smile makeover starts with a comprehensive dental evaluation, where the size, shape and alignment of the teeth, along with the facial features are examined. Dental and oral health is also noted. Recommendations are made based on these findings and the patient's financial situation. The process recognizes the uniqueness of each patient's circumstance so that the best cosmetic result is achieved. Dr. Matarazzo practices dentistry guided by the principle of remembering that his patients are more than just a set of teeth. By taking time to get to know them, and being a good listener, he can establish a framework for effective communication. "I am trying to help my patients make the right choices for themselves, so that they have the best potential for a good quality of life and overall health. I can fix their teeth, but I have to connect with them to help them to get healthy." This attention to getting to know the patient is established early in the process. Dr. Matarazzo has been known to personally contact new patients prior to their first visit so he can start to understand his or her story. "If you know your patient, the right treatment decisions are easy." Alysa Rynne from Braintree has been Dr. Matarazzo's patient for over ten years. She was looking for a new dentist and he came highly recommended. In addition to receiving her routine dental care, she also has had cosmetic work done. "When I was in 6th grade I was hit in the face with a softball, injuring one of my front teeth. Over the years, the health of that tooth started to fail and it became obvious that it needed to be removed," says Rynne. Dr. Matarazzo recommended replacing the damaged tooth with a dental implant along with putting veneers on three other adjacent teeth to preserve her youthful smile. "I have anxiety in the dental chair and experience tooth panic. Dr. Matarazzo knows this about me and went to great lengths to inform me of the procedure. He is a great communicator and made sure that I felt comfortable every step of the way," she notes. Rynne appreciates Dr. Matarazzo's dedication to his skill and being on the cutting edge of technology. It is this commitment to his practice that gives her total confidence in his abilities. In addition, Rynne believes that he is one of the nicest people she knows. "I would, and often do, recommend him hands down to anyone needing a dentist." Dr. Matarazzo's dedication to compassionate care extends beyond his Quincy based practice. He provides dental care to cancer patients being treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Having good oral health is an integral part of cancer care. For certain cancers, such as leukemia, it is imperative. The success of bone marrow or stem cell transplants is often linked to dental health - 80% of transplant failures are traced back to dental infections. Dr. Matarazzo makes certain that the patient's dental issues are attended to by filling decayed teeth, performing root canals for infection, and extracting teeth beyond saving. Often times, multiple appointments are necessary for comprehensive care. He works collaboratively with Dana Farber to coordinate care and share diagnostic findings. Dr. Matarazzo has also worked with South Shore Mental Health by caring for patients with mental illness. The compensation he gets from all of the patients under his care is beyond financial. Dr. Matarazzo reflects, "I am genuinely rewarded when someone thanks me for what I have done for them. I am given the opportunity to change someone's life by giving him or her a beautiful and healthy smile. That's incredibly satisfying." For more information about how you can become a patient of Dr. Stephen Matarazzo: Visit the website: www.QuincySmileCenter.com 617-471-8882 / 300 Crown Colony Drive / Quincy Office hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8am - 5pm and Wednesdays 7am to 4pm New patients contact us by calling office Monday - Thursday: 8am - 5pm or email drmatarazzo@yahoo.com