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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The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening: Vital Information from Horsham Dental Elements

May 26, 2014

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.

 

Brushing and Flossing for the New Year

December 20, 2012

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 ElementsDr. Henkel provides quality and experienced care to patients from Montgomery, Philadelphia, Horsham, Bucks County, and beyond.

Comfortable Periodontal Therapy with Laser Dentistry

October 16, 2012

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.