I’ve Heard Horror Stories About Root Canals – What Should I Expect?

April 20, 2018

grimacing man holding jawRoot 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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Practice Great Dental Care Habits with the Horsham Family Dentist

September 16, 2015

Happy family with outstanding oral health from their horsham family dentistGreat 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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Restorative Dentistry from Horsham Dental Elements

April 27, 2015

134124545If 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

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.

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

August 26, 2014

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

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.

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.

 

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:

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