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.

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!

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

January 30, 2013

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.