Implant-Supported Dentures: Repair and Rejuvenate Your Smile with Dental Implants

July 23, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 7:57 pm

shutterstock_152525732Over 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.

Finally Find Real Relief from Bruxism with Dr. Gary Henkel

June 17, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 6:21 pm

shutterstock_196648349Though the term “bruxism” may not necessarily be a common household name, the condition it describes is actually quite prevalent in the United States. It is estimated that bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects as many as 20 percent of American adults and up to 38 percent of children. When left untreated, bruxism may lead to a number of undesirable side effects and damage to the structures of the oral cavity. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel and his team offer an all-encompassing array of general and preventive dentistry services, including treatment for bruxism.

Understanding the Importance of Treating Bruxism

When the jaws clench tightly during sleep, an immense amount of pressure is exerted without the patient’s conscious knowledge. This force is far more powerful than anything experienced during normal chewing, placing the teeth at risk of damage over time. Combined with clenching, dragging the teeth across each other causes wear and tear that actually becomes visible at a certain point, making the top surfaces of the teeth appear flatter and shorter.

Fortunately, there are oral appliances that can be prescribed by your dentist to prevent this type of damage. Dr. Henkel can provide you with a custom-fitted oral splint or mouthguard that is worn only at night to stop bruxism. Any serious damage caused by bruxism, including worn teeth or fractures in enamel, can be repaired at our office as well, as Dr. Henkel performs restorative and cosmetic dentistry as well.

Bruxism Treatment that Really Works

If you or someone in your family is suffering from nighttime teeth grinding, contact our office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Henkel and our caring, experienced staff. We look forward to showing you how much of an impact our bruxism and TMJ therapies can make in your daily life. From our two convenient locations in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA, we also proudly serve patients from surrounding areas in Bucks County and Montgomery County, including Hatboro, Dresher, Springfield, and more.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening: Vital Information from Horsham Dental Elements

May 26, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 6:43 pm

shutterstock_158422688According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, approximately 42,440 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Of these men and women, 8,390 will succumb to this aggressive disease. At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia, PA and Horsham, PA, Dr. Gary Henkel and his team offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings as a part of our general and preventive dentistry services. With the latest technology and truly compassionate care, we help patients of all ages protect themselves against the complications of oral health diseases, including oral cancer.

Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Like all other forms of cancer, oral cancer is most successfully treated when diagnosed in its earliest stages. During oral cancer screenings, Dr. Henkel is able to detect the beginning stages of lesions and other growths that may indicate the presence of cancerous cells.

Though there is no substitute for a professional cleaning, exam, and oral cancer screening at Horsham Dental Elements, there are some signs that you can be aware of at home between visits to our office. Contact us immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Sores, ulcers, or unusual lumps
  • Problems with chewing or the way that dental prosthetics fit against the gums
  • Difficulties with speech
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Unexplained loss of appetite with or without weight loss
  • Pain when swallowing
  • White or gray lesions on the tongue, gums, lips, cheek lining, or floor of the mouth

Because these symptoms may be indicative of concerns other than oral cancer, they should still be evaluated to rule out the possibility of potentially serious conditions.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Has it been more than six months since your last oral healthcare checkup? If so, it’s time to schedule your appointment with Dr. Henkel at Horsham Dental Elements. Contact us today to discover what a difference our unique, patient-centric approach can make in your oral health and your life. From our two conveniently located offices in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA, we also happily serve patients from throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks Counties, including Springfield, Dresher, Hatboro, and beyond.

 

Complete Your Smile with Crown and Bridge Restoration at Horsham Dental Elements

March 18, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:42 pm

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!

 

Protect Yourself From the Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease at Horsham Dental Elements

February 12, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:30 pm

When you think of periodontal disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? More than likely, you imagine swollen, reddened gums and bleeding when you brush, but did you know that advanced gum disease can also lead to a number of far more serious health concerns? At Horsham Dental Elements in Philadelphia and Horsham, Dr. Gary Henkel wants you to know how important proper periodontal therapy is – not only for the health of your smile, but for your overall well being.

A Systemic Connection

When the overabundance of bacteria in infected gums enters the blood stream, it can travel throughout the body, wreaking silent havoc on otherwise healthy tissues and organs. Because many people suffering from gum disease aren’t even aware that they’re affected, they don’t think to make the connection between other health problems and the condition of their mouths. The following are some of the potentially life-threatening complications associated with untreated periodontal disease:

  • Increased risk of heart attack (due to coronary artery disease)
  • Higher chance of suffering a stroke
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal problems (may become chronic)
  • Links to pancreatic cancer
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight in babies whose mothers had gum disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Fortunately, periodontal therapy and regular cleanings at Horsham Dental Center can substantially reduce the risk of these complications, even in patients whose oral condition is severe. The key to successful treatment of gum disease is catching the infection in its early stages and beginning treatment as soon as possible.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from periodontal disease and you’re ready to take the first step toward better health, contact us in Horsham, PA or Philadelphia, PA today. Dr. Henkel and his staff gladly serve patients from throughout Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, including Dresher, Hatboro, Springfield and more.

 

Quality Dental Care for the Entire Family

July 3, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 7:37 pm

At Horsham Dental Elements, what you’ll find is an experienced and knowledgeable team eager to help your entire family enjoy optimal oral health. And with two locations, we can extend that care to patients from Horsham, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks County, and beyond.

Meeting Your Family’s Needs to Create Beautiful Smiles

Part of how Dr. Gary Henkel and our team are helping families every day is through meeting basic needs. That means treating decay and cases of gum disease at their earliest stages, before they’ve developed into cases that would require extensive restorative care.

General dentistry is about more than just meeting basic needs, though. It’s also about prevention. At Horsham Dental Elements we recommend that all patients—no matter what age—come to see us twice a year for a regular cleaning and checkup. Our goal through these regular visits is to help you maintain your oral health so that a more serious problem never develops. If it does, though, we can catch it quickly and begin working on a treatment plan with a regular exam and cleaning.

Regular visits and cleanings also give Dr. Henkel and our team a chance to educate our patients about good homecare. As effective as professional cleanings are, they’re only effective when they’re supported by great brushing and flossing at home. While you’re in our Horsham or Philadelphia office we’d be happy to talk to you about how you can take better care of your smile at home.

Is It Time for Your Next Appointment?

If it’s time for you to schedule your next appointment for yourself or your child, don’t hesitate to call Horsham Dental Elements today. Dr. Henkel serves patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks County and beyond.

 

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