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
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Practice Great Dental Care Habits with the Horsham Family Dentist
September 16, 2015
Great dental health starts and ends at home. There are no two ways about it. True, whenever you come to our office for a dental checkup or any other service, it can improve your oral health and give you a beautiful smile. It’s what we specialize at doing. However, at-home care is just as important as coming in to our office for a checkup. From brushing and flossing to watching what you eat, it all adds up in deciding how healthy your mouth will be.
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Laser Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
June 30, 2015
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that almost 50 percent of people over the age of 30 in the United States have periodontal disease, or gum disease. And in the 70 and older crowd, the percentage increases to more than 70 percent. And many of those people don’t even know they have this all too common infection. Dr. Gary Henkel and his team at Horsham Dental Elements want to help you avoid gum disease in the first place. That’s why we encourage all of our patients to schedule regular checkups at either our office in Horsham, PA, or Philadelphia, PA. Of course, if we find evidence of periodontal disease then treatment is imperative not only for your oral health, but your general health, too. For gum disease treatment in Philadelphia or Horsham, count on Horsham Dental Elements. (more…)
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Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants from Horsham Dental Elements
March 15, 2015
Unless you are a child eagerly waiting for the tooth fairy, nothing good can come from having a missing tooth. To the contrary, there are a number of negative consequences: a “hole” in your smile, insufficient nutrition because you can’t chew healthy foods, and damaged self-confidence. Obviously, tooth replacement is imperative. Dr. Gary Henkel of Horsham Dental Elements in Horsham, PA, and Philadelphia, PA, is an expert in restoring smiles, good health and confidence with dental implants.
Although you do have other options when choosing a tooth replacement—crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures—dental implants are the most lifelike, because they not only replace the crown of a tooth, but the root, as well. And when you choose to have your dental implant done at Horsham Dental Elements, you can be sure that you’re receiving the finest care; Dr. Henkel not only places implants and restores bad implants, he teaches other dentists how to perform the procedure, as well.
Furthermore, Horsham Dental Elements uses cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, to create 3D images as a guide for dental implant placement. With this, Dr. Henkel is able to more accurately position your implants during the actual procedure.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in tooth replacement with a dental implant is minor surgery to position a titanium post in the bone beneath your open tooth socket. This post becomes the “root” of your new tooth. As such, it offers greater stability and prevents bone deterioration, which often occurs when there is a missing tooth and root. As you heal, the post and bone will fuse together. After a few months, you’ll return to Horsham Dental Elements for Dr. Henkel to complete the tooth replacement by attaching a crown to the post. When completed, you’ll have a lifelike tooth replacement that looks and feels completely natural.
Call Our Office Today
To learn more about dental implants, call Horsham Dental Elements in Horsham, PA, or Philadelphia, PA. We also conveniently serve patients from Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro, as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
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Make 2015 the Year of the Smile with Teeth Whitening from Horsham Dental Elements
January 20, 2015
The New Year has really just gotten started, so it’s not too late to make one more resolution. Resolve to smile more! Smiling isn’t just good for you, it’s good for everyone around you, too—acquaintances and strangers alike. And if you really want your smile to have an impact, then consider teeth whitening with Dr. Gary Henkel of Horsham Dental Elements in Horsham, PA, and Philadelphia, PA.
Teeth can become dull and discolored for a number of reasons, including:
- The natural aging process
- Favorite foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cola, blueberries, cherries and chocolate
- Certain prescription medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline
- Teeth grinding, which may cause the biting edge of teeth to darken
- Tooth injury that leads to cracks, which hide stain-causing debris
Teeth whitening doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile. Numerous studies have shown that people with white teeth are more confident, more socially out-going and are even considered to be smarter than people whose smiles aren’t as white. So, a white smile not only goes a long way aesthetically, it can impact you emotionally and psychologically.
Teeth Whitening Made Easy
Dr. Henkel and his staff at Horsham Dental Elements understand that your schedule is busy enough already. You shouldn’t have to squeeze another appointment onto your calendar to have white teeth. That’s why we offer an at-home teeth whitening kit for you to use in the privacy and convenience of home. We’ll give you custom-fit whitening trays that you’ll fill with the professional grade gel we supply. Then, just wear the trays as Dr. Henkel instructs, and you’ll be on your way to a whiter and brighter smile in no time!
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about at-home teeth whitening, then call Dr. Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA. We also serve patients from Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro, as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
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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.
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Cosmetic Bonding from Dr. Henkel Solves Minor Tooth Flaws
November 15, 2014
Accidents happen, well, accidentally. Unfortunately, our teeth are sometimes hurt in accidents. Like when you bite down on a hard candy and chip a tooth. On the other hand, accidents aren’t always the culprit of minor tooth imperfections. Perhaps you have a few teeth that are misshapen or slightly misaligned. In either case, cosmetic bonding may be the answer. Dr. Gary Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA, has repaired the smiles of many patients thanks to cosmetic bonding.
Cosmetic Bonding is a common dental procedure where a tooth-colored plastic dental material is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light. The bonded material restores the tooth’s natural appearance and functionality. Cosmetic bonding is often the best option for when:
- A tooth is chipped or cracked
- A tooth requires a filling because of decay
- Teeth are discolored
- Teeth are misaligned or have gaps in between them
- A tooth is misshapen or should look longer
Cosmetic Bonding: As Easy as 1-2-3
As dental procedures go, cosmetic bonding is relatively simple. Dr. Henkel will use a shade chart to make sure the bonding material is a match to your tooth color. Then, the tooth’s surface is made slightly rough, which allows the bonding material to adhere more securely to the tooth. After Dr. Henkel applies the resin, he will mold and smooth it to the desired shape. Once the special light hardens the material, the doctor may need to further shape the bonding and polish it to match the existing tooth. In less than an hour, you’ll have a tooth that looks as good as new!
Call Our Office Today
If you’ve been contending with a flawed tooth for a while—or if an accident just happened—then schedule an appointment for cosmetic bonding with Dr. Henkel today. Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA, also serves patients in Dresher, Springfield and Hatboro as well as Bucks County and Montgomery County.
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Get to the Root of the Problem with Root Canal Therapy
October 14, 2014
Sometimes, a root canal is the retort to an offer of something you really don’t want—as in, “I want that like I want a root canal.” But if you are experiencing the pain of severe tooth decay or an infected tooth, then the best choice may indeed be a root canal. Dr. Gary Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, and Horsham, PA, is an expert in root canal therapy and uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that you receive the finest care possible.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is the terminology used to describe the procedure used to save a badly decaying or infected tooth. During a root canal, Dr. Henkel—who lectures on endodontics and provides consulting services to three endodontic supply manufacturers or suppliers—removes the nerve, blood and soft tissue inside the canal. Then, the canal is thoroughly cleaned of decay and debris, and finally Dr. Henkel fills the canal to prevent further decay. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Henkel uses a surgical microscope for magnification and the best visibility possible during your root canal.
When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Well first of all, if you are experiencing the pain of a severely decayed or infected tooth, a root canal will eliminate that pain. Secondly, the bacteria that causes the decay and infection can spread beyond the root of the tooth, bringing about an abscess. Although there are instances when no symptoms are present, some of the signs that may signal the need for a root canal include:
- Extreme tooth pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A darkening color of the tooth
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth
With proper general dentistry care, a root canal may be avoidable. If one is necessary, however, rapid attention is required to head off further trouble, such as gum disease or the spread of bacteria throughout the body.
Call Our Office Today
If you suspect that you may need root canal therapy, schedule an appoint today with Dr. Gary Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA, or Horsham, PA. Our offices also serve patients in surrounding Bucks county and Montgomery county, as well as Hatboro, Springfield and Dresher.
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Get the Straight, Beautiful Smile You Deserve with Invisalign Clear Aligners
September 2, 2014
It is a well-known fact that straight, healthy teeth are the essential building blocks of an attractive smile. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with flawlessly straight teeth, and orthodontic intervention is often necessarily. While traditional braces are certainly a viable option for some, many adults and image-conscious adolescents find that metal brackets and wires simply don’t appeal to them. If you’d like straighter teeth but would prefer to avoid metal braces, Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA can help. With Invisalign clear aligners, Dr. Gary Henkel effectively and efficiently straightens smiles in a way that truly fits our patients’ lifestyles.
The Numerous Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign treatment utilizes a series of clear, comfortable acrylic aligners that are custom-made to precisely fit your unique dentition. Approximately every two weeks, you’ll move from one set of aligners to the next in the series, following up with Dr. Henkel at routine appointments throughout the course of your treatment. Your new, straighter smile will gradually emerge, all without the hassle, cost, and time investment associated with metal braces. Patients love that they can straighten their teeth in a way that’s virtually undetectable and that their Invisalign aligners work so much more rapidly than conventional braces.
The benefits of the Invisalign system go beyond the realm of cosmetic enhancement. Properly aligned teeth are substantially easier to clean and, therefore, they are typically healthier. Patients with straighter teeth have a considerably lower incidence of tooth decay and periodontal disease, the latter of which has been linked to serious health conditions. When you straighten your teeth, you improve both the appearance of your smile and your overall physical health.
Discover the Difference for Yourself
If you’ve been avoiding orthodontic treatment because the thought of metal braces just doesn’t fit your lifestyle or image, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about Invisalign and its many advantages. Our conveniently located offices in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA proudly serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas in Bucks County and Montgomery County, including Hatboro, Springfield, Dresher, and beyond. We look forward to helping you achieve the straighter, healthier, more confident smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign clear aligners and our vast array of cosmetic dentistry solutions.
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Preserve Oral Health & Overall Wellness with Laser Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
August 26, 2014
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. Research has also revealed a link between untreated periodontal disease and a lengthy list of systemic health conditions, including heart disease and some forms of cancer. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel and his dedicated team are committed to helping patients with gum disease protect themselves from dangerous complications with laser periodontal therapy.
Advantages of Laser Periodontal Therapy
When a patient’s gums are infected, the immune system goes into overdrive, sending antibodies to the source of the excessive bacteria in the tissue. Inflammatory mediators and toxins are released into the blood stream, wreaking havoc on other tissues and organs throughout the body. Periodontal disease must be treated with specialized therapy; regular brushing and flossing will not mitigate the effects of the infection once it has taken hold. With laser periodontal therapy, Dr. Henkel can effectively halt the disease before it leads to even more complex issues, including tooth loss and deterioration of bone tissue in the jaw.
While traditional periodontal surgery involves the use of a scalpel to remove infected tissue, laser periodontal therapy efficiently eradicates the infection in a way that does not require cutting or the use of sutures. The laser cauterizes the treated area immediately; this makes the procedure not only more effective, but also substantially more comfortable for the patient. At Horsham Dental Elements, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health in a way that suits your lifestyle and fulfills your unique needs. If you or someone in your family is suffering from the common symptoms of gum disease – including bleeding, redness, and swelling – we genuinely want to help.
Care for Your Smile; Protect Your Health
Reduce your risk of developing serious health problems – including high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy complications, heart disease, blood and pancreatic cancer, and respiratory illnesses – by scheduling your laser periodontal therapy visit today. Our offices in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA warmly welcome families from throughout surrounding areas in Bucks County and Montgomery County, including Springfield, Hatboro, Dresher, and beyond. Contact us today to learn more and to reserve your visit with Dr. Henkel.
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