May 1, 2013

Protect Yourself against Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy from Horsham Dental Elements

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 4:38 pm

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!

April 9, 2013

Find Answers to All Your Questions about Dental Implants at Horsham Dental Elements

Filed under: dental implants — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 9:09 pm

When it comes to restorative options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are widely regarded as the most complete and natural-looking method available from dentists today. That’s why Dr. Henkel is proud to offer them to patients at both his Philadelphia and Horsham offices.  However, if you’ve recently experienced tooth loss due to decay or injury, you might be feeling hesitant or confused when faced with the idea of dental implants. What exactly are they made of? How long will they last? Do I really need one? Don’t worry – here at Horsham Dental Elements, we want you to have all the information you need to feel confident in your dental care. That’s why we’ve provided answers to some common questions about dental implants below!

What exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically attached to your jawbone. Once this anchor has successfully fused with your bone tissue, Dr. Henkel will attach a custom-made, permanent crown to it that will blend in seamlessly with your smile.

How long will they last?

The longevity of your dental implants depends on a number of factors, including age and personal hygiene. However, most implants that are cared for properly go on to last a lifetime!

Am I good candidate for implants?

Dr. Henkel will be happy to evaluate your unique mouth in order to determine whether dental implants are a good fit for you. While most patients are candidates, your chances of success with this treatment will be improved if you have good oral health, don’t smoke or drink, and have adequate jawbone structure.

What will happen if I don’t replace my missing tooth?

When you have gaps in your smile, your other teeth often begin to twist and shift in order to fill it, resulting in bite collapse and TMJ pain, among other problems. You’re also at a higher risk for gum disease and additional tooth loss.

Why should I pick dental implants over other restorative options?

Dental implants are the only restorative dentistry solution that effectively replicates your entire tooth structure, not just the crown. When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate because the root of the tooth is gone – dental implants replace this part of this tooth too, which will maintain and even regenerate bone tissue! Additionally, dental implants tend to be more comfortable, more permanent, and more natural-looking than other tooth replacement options.

Don’t suffer from unsightly gaps a day longer – Dr. Henkel is well-known for concise, comprehensive care that can restore full health and beauty to your smile. Contact our offices in Horsham and Philadelphia today to schedule an appointment. Our team also welcomes patients from Montgomery, Buck County, and beyond!

February 20, 2013

Transform Your Teeth with Full-Mouth Reconstruction in Horsham and Philadelphia

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:11 pm

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

January 30, 2013

Keep Your Smile Stable and Your Self-Esteem Intact with the Help of Implant-Supported Dentures from Dr. Henkel

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:28 pm

Whether it happens because of injury, age, or infection, losing multiple teeth can be a devastating blow to your confidence, not to mention your health. If left untreated, missing teeth can lead to major shifting in your smile, bite collapse, and higher risk of gum disease. Many people prefer dentures or partials to hide their missing teeth, but these devices often have a history of coming loose, leading to humiliating slip-ups when speaking or eating. Worse, they don’t protect against one of the worst effects of missing teeth: bone loss in the jaw. Here at Horsham Dental Elements, we’re committed to providing you with the most effective, up-to-date service available – that’s why in our last blog post, we discussed the various benefits of dental implants. But did you know that implants expertly placed by Dr. Henkel can also be used to anchor and support dentures? With the help of implant-supported dentures from either our Horsham or Philadelphia office, you can finally have a brand-new smile that’s both seamless and stable.

One Simple Solution, Several Lifelong Benefits

Dental implants are a relatively new dental technique, and one that can be used for multiple restorative purposes, implant-supported dentures being just one of them. The process is simple enough – first, Dr. Henkel will insert a number of titanium posts into your jaw; these will act as “roots” that naturally fuse with and sustain the natural bone tissue in your jaw. Once an appropriate amount of time has passed for this to happen, we’ll precisely place your denture and secure it into place, resulting in a fit that feels comfortable, stable, and natural. If you don’t already have dentures, we’ll be happy to create a custom-made set for you too.

Having dental implants placed can be a complex procedure, and it is one that requires true expertise and finesse. When you come to Dr. Henkel for your implant needs, you’ll feel secure in the fact that not only does he specialize in placing and restoring dental implants, he has also studied them extensively and even teaches and lectures about the service.

Don’t let loose dentures ruin your smile a moment longer – call our Horsham or Philadelphia office today with any questions you have about implant-supported dentures, or if you’re ready to schedule your appointment.  Horsham Dental Elements is committed to providing precise, comfortable care to our patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Horsham, Bucks County, and beyond.

January 14, 2013

Improve Your Smile with Dental Implants

Filed under: dental implants — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 5:54 pm

Do you have missing teeth and don’t know what to do? Instead of feeling embarrassed, come to Horsham Dental Elements. We can use dental implants to get you smiling proudly once again!

Dental implants are a great solution to missing teeth, whether it’s one tooth or an entire set.  They’re different because of how they are placed in your mouth. Your natural teeth are attached by tooth roots, and once the tooth falls out, the root goes away as well. The roots are important because they stabilize your teeth and without them, bone loss could occur.

For dental implants, a titanium post is inserted in your jaw bone, which will mimic a root and help the replacement tooth stay in place. Over time, the post will fuse with your jaw bone, stopping bone loss and ensuring your replacement teeth stay strong and in place.

Importantly, dental implants have some advantages over some of the existing methods for tooth replacement. While dentures or partials can replace an entire set of missing teeth, they could also become loose and fall out, which could be embarrassing. Crown and bridges are sturdier replacements, but they’re not suitable for a full mouth replacement.

Thus, dental implants are a sturdy, longer-lasting option to replace missing teeth. You’ll have a full smile once again and have the confidence you’d been lacking. If you think dental implants might be right for you, call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Henkel.

Horsham Dental Elements provides comfortable, state of the art dental care from our Philadelphia and Horsham offices. We serve patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks County. Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

January 3, 2013

Invisalign–The Clear Braces Solution

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:40 pm

Are you unhappy with your crooked teeth? Do you know you need braces but don’t want everyone else to know as well? It’s time to quit avoiding the problem, because at Horsham Dental Elements we’ve got a great solution for you—clear braces.

We offer clear braces from Invisalign. Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligner trays to gradually straighten your teeth. They usually work faster than traditional patients. Dr. Henkel can help you learn more about this great product and what you should expect.

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign versus traditional braces is that they’re clear, removable trays. Not only are they practically invisible to start with, you can also easily remove them for special occasions, pictures, and for cleaning. Every few weeks you’ll trade out aligner trays as your teeth get straighter and straighter—all without any metal or wires!

Come visit us and get started today towards a straighter smile! Invisalign could be just the solution you have been waiting for. See how easy it can be to get the straight teeth you’ve always wanted.

Call our Horsham or Philadelphia office today to schedule your appointment.  Horsham Dental Elements provides quality and experienced care to our patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Horsham, Bucks County, and beyond.

December 20, 2012

Brushing and Flossing for the New Year

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 7:39 pm

The end of the year is fast approaching. This is usually a time for reflection over the year that is ending, and planning for the different ways we will approach the New Year. Something you should consider for 2013 is to make a commitment to brushing and flossing.

The New Year is a good time to start on new healthy habits, so why not start this year off right? Also, don’t forget to come see Dr. Henkel twice a year for your regular checkup!

It is important to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day to help remove all the plaque and debris from your teeth. Brush at morning and night, and make sure you brush for two full minutes each time. This is critical to ensure that all plaque is removed.

Flossing is really important because it helps remove the plaque that’s stuck between your teeth and cannot be removed by brushing alone. If allowed to remain, this plaque could result in tooth decay. Make sure you floss your teeth at least once a day.

If you need some brushing or flossing tips, don’t hesitate to call us here at Horsham Dental Elements. We’re here to help with all your dental health needs!

Call our Horsham or Philadelphia office today to schedule your appointment with Horsham Dental Elements.  Dr. Henkel provides quality and experienced care to patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Horsham, Bucks County, and beyond.

October 16, 2012

Comfortable Periodontal Therapy with Laser Dentistry

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:32 am

Periodontal disease—which you know better as gum disease—is a common oral health condition. It’s so common, in fact, that as much as 80% of the population may have some form of it. Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red or tender gums
  • Frequent bad breath

But a lack of these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re gum disease-free. In some cases there are no symptoms, meaning there are patients who have gum disease without realizing it.

All of which makes regular visit to Horsham Dental Elements very important. During a regular visit to our Horsham or Philadelphia office, Dr. Henkel can thoroughly assess your oral health to check for signs of gum disease and a range of other common conditions.

If we find signs of gum disease, Dr. Henkel can provide effective periodontal therapy with laser dentistry. Periodontal therapy with a soft-tissue laser is more comfortable than traditional therapy with a scalpel, and is more efficient too. What’s more, therapy with a laser doesn’t require stitches and comes with a much shorter recovery time.

Why Is Treating Periodontal Disease Important?

Not treating gum disease has serious implications for your oral and overall health. On the oral health side, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. On overall health side, medical studies have linked gum disease with a wide variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, among others.

Schedule Your Next Visit Today!

How long has it been since your last checkup with Dr. Henkel? Call our Horsham or Philadelphia office today if you need to schedule a visit. With our comprehensive services, we can meet a wide variety of important general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry needs.

October 2, 2012

Boost Your Smile’s Appearance with Cosmetic Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 1:32 pm

When you feel embarrassed about your smile, you’re less likely to be the fun, outgoing person you want to be. But with a smile makeover using one of Dr. Henkel’s cosmetic dentistry services, you can enjoy a brighter, straighter-looking smile that will improve your self-esteem.

Our cosmetic dentistry services include:

Cosmetic Bonding

Has a dental injury, decay, or teeth grinding caused your teeth to become broken or worn? With single-visit cosmetic bonding, Dr. Henkel can reshape your smile using a putty-like resin that can be custom-shaded to match your existing tooth color, resulting in a new smile that looks beautiful and natural.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most effective and most popular cosmetic dentistry services available. And at Dr. Henkel’s Horsham and Philadelphia dental offices, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. Both are an effective way of achieving stunning, professional results.

Porcelain Veneers

As another of today’s most popular and effective cosmetic dentistry services, porcelain veneers can help you make your teeth appear straighter and whiter, combining the benefits of cosmetic bonding and teeth whitening. What’s more, treatment with porcelain veneers can typically be completed in just two to three visits.

Want To Know More?

Do you want to learn more about how any one of these great services can help you improve your smile? Call Horsham Dental Elements to reserve a consultation appointment with Dr. Henkel. During your appointment, Dr. Henkel can get to know you and your smile and would be happy to recommend the treatment plan that will help you the most.

Call us today! We have offices in Horsham and Philadelphia.

August 14, 2012

Rejuvenate Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry from Horsham Dental Elements

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:56 pm

A beautiful smile is important, but so is a functional smile. That’s why Horsham Dental Elements offers a wide range of restorative dentistry services. Using our popular and effective restorative dentistry services, Dr. Gary Henkel can help patients from Horsham, Philadelphia, and beyond enjoy renewed confidence, improved functionality, and a better quality of life.

Our restorative dentistry services include:

But which of these is right for you?

Unfortunately, a blog post can’t tell you that—only a consultation appointment at our Horsham or Philadelphia office can. Which is why we’d like to go ahead and invite anyone who needs restorative dental care to call one of our offices for an appointment. During a simple consultation visit Dr. Henkel can take a close look at your smile and find out what your needs are. We can also tell you which of our restorative dentistry services are right for you and explain how each one works.

Are you ready to transform your smile? Give us a call today. You can also click on the links above to find out more about our services.

Dr. Henkel serves patients from Philadelphia, Horsham, and surrounding areas with excellent general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We look forward to helping you!

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