Root canal therapy has gotten a bad reputation. If you need a root canal, we have some great news – this negative reputation is very unfair. In fact, root canal therapy typically relieves the pain and dental sensitivity many patients feel prior to receiving this treatment. Root canals are comfortable, and they may just allow our team to save your damaged tooth. In this post, we’ll walk you through just what to expect, during and after your root canal therapy.
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I’ve Heard Horror Stories About Root Canals – What Should I Expect?
April 20, 2018
Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy in 19102?
February 2, 2017
Untreated tooth decay is a significant problem in the United States. It is estimated, over 27% of adults currently have untreated dental caries. When cavities are left untreated, it drastically increases the likeliness a root canal will be needed in the future. There are roughly 15 million root canals performed each year. A large percentage of these procedures could have easily been prevented with regular dental care and treating tooth decay early. As a dentist for root canal therapy in 19102, we treat teeth suffering from significant decay to restore the health and function of the tooth.
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Smile Makeovers and Full-Mouth Reconstruction in Horsham, PA
May 12, 2016
Please don’t ever be discouraged by a smile that has numerous imperfections. At Horsham Dental Elements, we want you to know that there is a solution to every problem. Dr. Henkel is an expert at devising a step-by-step plan to restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile. Either a smile makeover or full-mouth reconstruction in Horsham, PA, will incorporate the exact procedures you need on a schedule and budget you’ll appreciate.
Restorative Dentistry from Horsham Dental Elements
April 27, 2015
If you have a tooth that becomes damaged, then you’ll need a dentist who’s ready and able to help you restore your smile. Dr. Gary Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements is that dentist. With years of experience and hundreds of hours of continuing education, Dr. Henkel and his staff offer the kind of restorative dentistry that people in Horsham, PA, and Philadelphia, PA, count on.
Probably the most common restorative dentistry procedure Dr. Henkel performs is a filling. Tooth decay is something almost everyone experiences at some time in their lives. To repair your tooth, we use mercury-free fillings. These not only eliminate the possible concern of mercury in your mouth, but they also help people with metal sensitivity chew and bite comfortably. In addition, tooth-colored fillings retain your white smile as they restore function to a tooth damaged by decay.
Restorative Dentistry with Dental Implants
While there are several tooth replacement options, there’s likely none more natural looking than a dental implant. With a dental implant, Dr. Henkel replaces both the root and crown of a tooth. A titanium post is surgically implanted in your jawbone where you have a tooth missing. This post fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to create a solid base for the tooth restoration—usually a porcelain crown—that Dr. Henkel attaches once you’ve healed. Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth and serve as anchors for dentures.
Root Canal
When a tooth becomes infected, the need for a root canal cannot be overstated. A root canal can save a tooth from needing to be extracted. During a root canal, Dr. Henkel removes the pulp and infection from the interior of a tooth. Once removed, the pulp chamber and the connected root canals are disinfected and filled with a biocompatible material. Dr. Henkel will then prepare the tooth for a crown that will provide an added measure of protection.
Call our Office Today
To repair a damaged tooth and retain your healthy smile, schedule a restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements. We conveniently serve patients from Horsham, PA, and Philadelphia, PA, as well as the surrounding areas of Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro, as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
Dr. Henkel Creates New Smiles with Full-Mouth Reconstruction
December 16, 2014
Full-mouth reconstruction is reserved for those instances when nearly all of the teeth on the upper and lower arches need replacement. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA, we don’t question why there is a need for full-mouth reconstruction, and we don’t judge. Our job is to help you enjoy the best oral health possible. With this in mind, Dr. Gary Henkel will create a treatment plan for your full-mouth reconstruction that rebuilds your smile as well as your oral health.
Full mouth-reconstruction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including:
- Tooth loss due to decay
- Numerous teeth that are fractured or otherwise injured
- Teeth that are worn because of acids in foods, beverages or from acid reflux
- Uneven and worn teeth from bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Constant jaw, muscle and head pain that requires adjusting the bite
In order to plan for a full-mouth reconstruction, Dr. Henkel will conduct a thorough examination. He will assess the condition of your teeth to determine what procedures may be necessary, including porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, crowns, dental implants or bridges. In addition, Dr. Henkel will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease or root canal issues, which will need attention before your full-mouth reconstruction can begin. Likewise, if you are having jaw pain or headaches, he will examine the function of your temporomandibular joints to determine if correcting your bite needs to be part of the reconstruction plan.
With the information gathered from his examination, along with any necessary x-rays, photographs or impressions, Dr. Henkel will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your full-mouth reconstruction. The plan will proceed in a logical step-by-step process that corrects all of the problems in your mouth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you would like to learn more about full-mouth reconstruction, then call the office of Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, or Horsham, PA. Dr. Henkel also serves patients from Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro, as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Repair and Rejuvenate Your Smile with Dental Implants
July 23, 2014
Over the last decade, dental implants have rapidly taken their rightful place at the apex of the restorative dentistry spectrum. This revolutionary solution has made it possible for countless men and women to regain the full function and aesthetic appeal of their smiles, replacing missing teeth in a way that looks and feels natural. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel performs dental implant placement and restoration, giving his patients a new lease on life and inspiring renewed confidence. One of the restorative solutions we offer involves the use of implant-supported dentures.
How Can Implant-Supported Dentures Help Me?
For many years, edentulous patients – or those who are missing all of their teeth – had essentially one option when it came to tooth replacement: dentures. These removable dental prosthetics effectively allowed the patient to eat a reasonably balanced diet, though many foods were restricted due to the insecure and unstable nature of the dentures themselves. Ill-fitting dentures often caused discomfort and embarrassment, particularly in social settings. Fortunately, dental implants now make it possible to secure custom dentures within the mouth for improved functionality, allowing the patient to enjoy a smile that feels more like natural teeth than ever before.
In order to set the stage for a strong, beautiful smile, Dr. Henkel first surgically places biocompatible dental implants into the bone of the jaw. These will serve as the secure anchors for the patient’s dental restoration. Over time, the bone tissue that comprises the jaw fuses to the implants, a process known as osseointegration. The dentures that are attached to these implants are custom-made to look and feel like natural teeth. You’ll love your new smile and all of the freedom that comes with it.
Schedule Your Visit with Dr. Henkel Today
With the help of dental implants and implant-supported dentures, patients who are missing all of the teeth in one or both arches can finally feel free to enjoy life to the fullest with a smile that they love. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Henkel and our experienced, caring team. We look forward to talking with you about your restorative dentistry options and developing a treatment plan that is just right for you. From our two conveniently located dental offices in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Henkel warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas in Montgomery County and Bucks County, including Springfield, Hatboro, Dresher, and beyond.
Complete Your Smile with Crown and Bridge Restoration at Horsham Dental Elements
March 18, 2014
Are missing teeth keeping you from smiling, eating, and speaking as you’d like? Thanks to the constantly evolving field of restorative dental technology, you have a variety of tooth replacement options available to you. For patients missing one or more teeth in a row, crown and bridge treatment proves an excellent solution that looks and feels natural, restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics. At Horsham Dental Elements in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel and his team help patients just like you reclaim a complete, fully functioning bite with restorative dentistry procedures, including crown and bridge treatment.
How Does Crown and Bridge Treatment Help?
While dental implants are considered a preferred alternative to missing teeth in many cases, this surgical procedure is not ideal for all patients. In cases in which significant bone loss has occurred within the jaw, for example, crown and bridge treatment may be preferred.
The entire crown and bridge placement process is relatively simple. The two teeth that are situated on either end of a gap (where other teeth have been extracted or lost) become what are called abutments. These abutments serve as the anchors for a new bridge of replacement teeth. They will be prepared as necessary to receive brand new crowns, custom-fitted and shaded to match surrounding teeth. Between them, the bridge containing prosthetic teeth will be secured. Within just two to three visits to our warm, welcoming office, your crown and bridge restoration will be complete, allowing you to enjoy all of the benefits of a full set of teeth once again.
Get the Smile and Bite You Deserve
Whether you’ve been missing several teeth for years and are ready to enjoy a complete smile once again, or you’ve recently had extractions performed and need teeth replacement as soon as possible, contact our office and talk to Dr. Henkel today. Our cutting-edge facilities — conveniently located in both Horsham and Philadelphia — also happily welcome patients from surrounding communities throughout Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties, including Hatboro, Springfield, Dresher and beyond. We look forward to seeing your beautiful smile!
Get a Perfect Smile Fast with Porcelain Veneers at Horsham Dental Elements
January 28, 2014
A healthy, beautiful smile is a crucial asset when it comes to expressing yourself confidently on a daily basis. If your teeth are flawed in any way – whether it be in the form of stains, uneven spacing or chips – you may feel less inclined to smile around friends, family and coworkers. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia and Horsham, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel offers the latest in porcelain veneers, allowing patients who are unhappy with the condition of their teeth to once again enjoy a brilliant smile that’s worth showing off to the world.
What are Veneers and How Do They Help?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin layers of porcelain material that are applied directly to the surface of your teeth, custom-fit to cover the many cosmetic imperfections that may cause embarrassment. Teeth that have been stained over the years with wine, coffee or cigarette smoke become instantly lustrous and white. Odd gaps between the teeth disappear, replaced instead by even teeth that align perfectly. Porcelain veneers are a simple solution to a number of common cosmetic problems, including:
- Teeth that are too small or are misshapen
- Crooked teeth
- Staining of all levels and colors
- Gaps between teeth
- Chips and cracks
If you’ve endured years of unhappiness, constantly hiding your smile, take the first step toward beautiful, natural-looking teeth and call us today to schedule your porcelain veneers consultation. In just two office visits, Dr. Henkel can reverse decades of damage, revealing the brilliant, confident smile you deserve. From our two offices in Horsham and Philadelphia, we proudly serve patients from the entire Philadelphia PA area and beyond, including Bucks County and Montgomery County.
Protect Yourself against Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy from Horsham Dental Elements
May 1, 2013
Did you know that three out of four Americans today suffer from some level of gum disease? That’s a large number, and one that we take seriously here at Horsham Dental Elements. While gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease) exhibits few symptoms in its earliest stages, it can become serious over time, resulting in pain, inflammation, bone deterioration, and even tooth loss. Research has shown that gum disease can even contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, strokes, and diabetes. At his Horsham and Philadelphia dental offices, Dr. Henkel wants to help you keep your smile healthy and happy over the years, and that includes ensuring that you’re protected against the threat of gum disease. Here are some common symptoms you can look for at home:
- Red, swollen, and/or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath that isn’t helped by mouthwash
- Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
- A sudden change in the way your bite feels
- Loose or wobbly teeth
- Receding gums (the appearance of teeth that looks longer)
Of course, it’s important to remember that many cases of gum disease show no symptoms at all until they reach more advanced, destructive stages. That’s why attending regular check-ups with Dr. Henkel is so important! Our team will be able to find trickier signs of the disease and treat them earlier, saving you precious time and money. Using a soft-tissue laser, Dr. Henkel can perform periodontal therapy with greater comfort and ease than ever before!
Contact either our Horsham or Philadelphia office today to learn more about gum disease and periodontal therapy, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. Dr. Henkel and his team are committed to providing patients with personalized care that puts their needs first. We also serve the areas of Montgomery, Buck County, and beyond!
Transform Your Teeth with Full-Mouth Reconstruction in Horsham and Philadelphia
February 20, 2013
Chips, stains, cavities, misalignments, even gaps – there are all kinds of problems that can affect your precious pearly whites. Thankfully, these conditions can be all remedied with the help of various restorative dentistry techniques. But what should you do if you find yourself faced with several of them at once? For patients who haven’t been to the dentist in a while, it can be overwhelming and a little scary to realize that you’re in need of multiple dental procedures. Which one should you schedule first? Are some problems worse than others? Is there any way to schedule some services together in one appointment so as to save you time?
Thankfully, here at Horsham Dental Elements, Dr. Henkel has the answer to all these questions and more with the help of a full-mouth reconstruction plan. Our staff is committed to providing personalized, thorough care to all of our patients, no matter how complex or lengthy. However, undergoing full-mouth reconstruction at either our Horsham or Philadelphia location can make your restorative dental treatment much simpler and concise, saving you precious time and money.
Keep Your Smile Healthy and Happy with Help from Horsham Elements
When undergoing full-mouth reconstruction, you’ll first attend a thorough evaluation with Dr. Henkel, who will investigate the depth and scope of your dental problems. Then, he you and he will formulate a streamlined plan of action concerning your treatments, taking into account any specific needs or desires you have for your new look. And don’t worry about wasted time – we’ll do everything in our power to combine treatments into as few appointments as possible.
Here are the most common restorative services we use in full-mouth reconstructions:
- Dental implants
- Porcelain crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Dentures or partials
- Periodontal therapy
Contact our offices in Horsham and Philadelphia if you’d like to learn more, or if you’re ready to schedule the first appointment for your full-mouth reconstruction treatment. Dr. Henkel believes strongly in personalized, thorough care that returns complete form and function back to your oral health, and his dedicated staff agrees. Horsham Dental Elements also cares for patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Horsham, Bucks County, and beyond