Dr. Henkel Creates New Smiles with Full-Mouth Reconstruction

December 16, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 7:58 pm

151545340Full-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.

Cosmetic Bonding from Dr. Henkel Solves Minor Tooth Flaws

November 15, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 2:28 pm

158554263Accidents 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.

Get to the Root of the Problem with Root Canal Therapy

October 14, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 1:45 pm

480377293Sometimes, 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.

Get the Straight, Beautiful Smile You Deserve with Invisalign Clear Aligners

September 2, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 3:19 pm

487780771It 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.

Preserve Oral Health & Overall Wellness with Laser Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia, PA

August 26, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Periodontal Disease — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 5:31 pm

454389001Gum 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. 

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.

 

Find Relief from Impacted Wisdom Tooth Pain at Horsham Dental Elements

April 19, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — horsham @ 8:37 pm

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are extraneous teeth that often cause problems that affect other teeth throughout the mouth. When wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly, the result can be a potentially painful condition called impaction. Fortunately, Dr. Gary Henkel and his team at Horsham Dental Elements provide a comprehensive menu of general and restorative dentistry services, including wisdom tooth removal. At our two conveniently located offices in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA, our team combines the most advanced technology in the industry with a personalized touch for a superior patient experience.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Philadelphia & Horsham

An impacted wisdom tooth is typically discovered in one of two ways. The first is through an examination and x-ray taken by your dentist, during which the problem is usually detected before it becomes a serious issue. Clearly, this is preferable to the alternative: finding out that you are suffering from wisdom tooth impaction when painful symptoms arise.

Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth often experience mild to moderate discomfort at first, particularly if the tooth has partially erupted and the surrounding gum tissue becomes infected. If left untreated for any extended period of time, the tooth may begin to throb incessantly and send shooting pains throughout the jaw and even up into the ear.

In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth do not cause any noticeable symptoms but still negatively affect overall oral health. Depending on the angle at which the teeth grow, they can cause severe crowding of other teeth, making it more difficult to clean them properly. Dr. Henkel and his experienced team of oral healthcare professionals can discuss with you your individual circumstances and your options regarding extraction to provide lasting relief from wisdom tooth pain. Our goal is to provide you with the comfort and personal attention you deserve at every visit, from routine cleanings and necessary extractions to cosmetic treatments and restorative procedures.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth or simply have questions regarding impaction and extraction, contact us today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Henkel. From our two locations in Horsham, PA and Philadelphia, PA, we proudly serve patients from communities in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties, including Hatboro, Dresher, Springfield, and beyond. We look forward to giving you and your family a reason to smile!

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!

 

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