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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Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants from Horsham Dental Elements

March 15, 2015

480753457Unless 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.

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

May 1, 2013

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!

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

April 9, 2013

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!