Tag Archives: dental procedures

Renew Your Smile with Dental Implants | Camp Hill Dentist

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When you have a flawed smile, it causes one to become embarrassed to show it off. So, off we go to the dentist. Dental implants are not only a great option to bring your smile back but can also serve many benefits to your oral health. It’s like having your natural smile back because they blend right in with the rest of your teeth. Need more incentive? Here are even more benefits to getting dental implants:

Comparable to natural teeth. Dental implants are natural-looking in terms of looks and durability, while also functioning just as your natural teeth would.

Can last a lifetime. Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if you take care of them properly. You should care for your dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth.

Preserves bone. When you have missing teeth, you have empty spaces which can eventually lead to additional health problems, such as jaw bone deterioration. Dental implants are the only dental restoration that can maintain and stimulate bone growth.

Retain facial profile. When you have several missing teeth, it can result in a sad, sunken in or saggy facial profile. Replacing those missing teeth with dental implant can restore your natural facial profile.

Improved speech. Missing several teeth can cause slurred speech or pronunciation problems. Dental implants can help improve speech.

Eat regularly. Unlike like the alternative options for missing teeth your dental implants won’t being going anywhere when you bite into your favorite meals.

Confidence booster. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants can help boost your self-esteem by restoring your smile.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implants, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Your Bite May Need Adjusting | Camp Hill Dentist

Night Guard, Occlusal Adjustment, Oral Health, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw? Does it feel like your jaw is lopsided when you bite? If this sounds familiar to you, then you may need an occlusal adjustment.

An occlusal adjustment is a procedure done to correct the alignment of the bite that may have been misaligned due to loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. Once the adjustment is made, the result will be an evenly distributed bite that eliminates irregular pressure on one side of the mouth. Removable mouthpieces will protect the tooth surface and relax the jaw muscles once the adjustment is completed.

Signs you may justify an occlusal adjustment:

Loose or shifting teeth. One of the more common signs is increased spacing between the upper front teeth, making is difficult for your teeth to hit correctly.

Grinding or clenching teeth. This generally stress-related habit can cause an unevenly distributed and excessive biting force on several of your teeth and bone support holding your teeth to your jaw.

Headache. Headaches may sometimes accompany the grinding or clenching of your teeth and will occur in the temporal regions of your head, which is located lateral to the eyes.

Pain. One or more teeth may hurt upon eating or biting down due to the eruption of a tooth beyond the normal plane of the bite, causing one or two teeth to prematurely connect.

Tooth sensitivity. With the knowledge that one can bite with a force of up to 200 pounds per square inch, the nerve within the tooth gets irritated and hypersensitive.

If you’d like to find out more about occlusal adjustment, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

White Teeth Doesn’t Mean Healthy Smiles | Camp Hill Dentist

Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

While having sparkling, white teeth is great, it does not mean you are free from dental issues. In fact, white teeth really have nothing to do with a healthy mouth and everything to do with healthy gums. Your gums are the barrier that actually help prevent inflammation that may damage your body, and periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births or low-birth weight in infants.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed by proper oral care, it will invade the small spaces between your gums and teeth. If gum disease progresses and is left untreated, it can become painful and expensive to treat. But that’s not all – gum disease can progress to many other areas of our overall health:

Heart disease. Several studies have shown that people with gum disease are very likely to have poor health, including heart attacks. So much so, it has been recommended that cardiologists ask about any gum disease issues, and that periodontists ask patients about their heart health.

Diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more likely to have gum disease. Those with diabetes are more likely to contract infections.

Premature births. Although studies are still ongoing, some research has found a link between premature birth and gum disease, but when treated, carries their baby to full term.

Dementia. Some studies have found that gum disease may raise the risk of dementia later on in life. Others research shows that periodontal problems may be associated with mild cognitive impairment, such as memory problems that can make daily life more difficult.

If you’d like to find out more about periodontal treatment options, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

Save Your Smile with the Pinhole Surgical Technique | Camp Hill Dentist

Gum Recession, Oral Health, Pinhole Technique, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you have receding gums causing your teeth to become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures? Do your teeth seem to look longer? These are common signs of gum recession; and the adverse effects of gum recession go far beyond just cosmetics. Gum recession can lead to several problems from chronic tooth sensitivity to making your teeth more prone to tooth decay and erosion. Also, once gum recession occurs your gums cannot naturally return to their proper place.

Fortunately, there’s been fascinating advancements in the dental field that can correct and repair your receding gums. The Pinhole Surgical Technique®, also known as PST®, has been deemed the “revolutionary” technique for treating gum recession. Unlike gum grafting procedures, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is a scalpel- free, suture-free procedure resulting in almost immediate results. Additional benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique® include the following:

  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • Less discomfort after treatment
  • Immediate cosmetic benefits
  • Quick recovery time
  • No sutures or incisions needed
  • Multiple recession sites treated in one visit
  • Beautiful, natural looking, long lasting results

Incredible, right? It really is a revolutionary development to the issue of repairing receding gums. The gum grafting procedure is much more involved due to the sutures and a much longer recovery time. If you find that your gums have begun to recede, it is important that you seek out some advice with your dental professional. Only a certified Pinhole Surgical Technique dental professional can use this non-invasive technique, but repairing the gums before it leads to further issues is important regardless.

If you’d like to find out more about Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.

Do I Need a Sinus Lift? | Camp Hill Dentist

Dental Implants, Sinus Lift, , , , , , , , , , ,

Dental TreatmentYour dentist tells you that you need a sinus lift. But, what is a sinus lift? Sinus lifts are common sinus augmentation procedures are some of the most successful bone grafting procedures that can be performed for dental patients. In fact, a sinus lift can be your best option for a successful dental implant.

Why would you need a sinus lift? A sinus lift adds bone to your upper jaw to support dental implants when there isn’t enough bone height where your molars and premolars are, and your teeth need replacing with dental implants.

Over time the sinuses have a tendency to grow, which can lead to insufficient bone height. Bone loss in that that area can also occur due to reasons such as periodontal disease or tooth loss, in which case you may not have enough bone to place dental implants and will need a sinus lift.

Now the real question – what does this procedure entail? The procedure begins with an incision into the gum, after which the lateral wall of the sinus is exposed. The surgeon continues by cutting into the membrane covering the sinus and lifting that membrane to make room for the placement of the bone graft material. The bone graft can be taken from the patient, a tissue bank, or it can be made from synthetic materials. However, the room for the bone is created by moving the sinus membrane upward or by “lifting” it, hence the name sinus lift. There is 6 to 9-month healing period before you can have dental implants placed.

If you’d like to find out more about sinus lift procedures, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental implants.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.

Dental Implants: What You Need to Know | Camp Hill Dentist

Dental Benefits, Dental Implants, , , , , , , ,

Dental implants

You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to tooth replacement, one being dental implants. Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically integrated into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth. They are a very ideal and effective way to replacing missing teeth.

Once you’ve made the decision to get dental implants, you will need a consultation to discuss your individual case. Your dental implant specialist will provide you with the following information:

  • The cost of the implant procedure
  • What’s included and excluded of those costs
  • The potential risk and benefits of the dental implant
  • If oral sedation is offered and if it is, the cost
  • How many appointments that dental implants will require
  • What type of care the dental implant specialist will offer
  • The level of commitment that is required from you

To begin your dental implant specialist will drill a hole that will match the exact diameter of the implant. The implant is placed into the hole and gums will be stitched around the implant. In some case, your dentist will provide you with temporary tooth replacement.

The reconstruction stage takes place once the implant has properly integrated and the implant in secure in your jawbone. At this time your missing teeth will be replaced with the final crown, which is cemented or screwed into place.

If you’d like to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental implants.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.

 

What You Need to Know About Occlusal Adjustments | Camp Hill Dentist

Night Guard, Occlusal Adjustment, Oral Health, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Night guard

When you close your mouth, your teeth are supposed to come together evenly. When they don’t, it causes excess stress on your teeth, jawbone, jaw joints and muscles. Bruxism, which involves you clenching grinding your teeth, can magnify the problem.

Fortunately, an occlusal adjustment can help correct this problem. An occlusal adjustment is done to help correct the alignment of your bite. The procedure involves reshaping your teeth with a dental drill, removing interferences. These interferences can keep your teeth from coming together, and can also prevent your jaw from automatically closing into the correct position. When your jaw isn’t able to close into its anatomical position, the muscles in your jaw and neck are never able to fully relax, resulting in headaches, neck aches and toothaches. Many patients also develop bruxism because their jaw is seeking the correct bite alignment. Bite guards can help patients with bruxism by protecting their teeth and TMJ (jaw joint).

Bite guards, also called occlusal guards, are important for people that grind their teeth at night. Bite guards can also be useful to protect dental work, decrease symptoms, allow jaw alignment and act as a guide for occlusal adjustments. Patients that grind and clench their teeth may cause:

  • Wear, fractures or chipping of teeth
  • Bone and gum recession
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Damage to dental bridges or dental implants
  • Sensitive areas on teeth or gums
  • Worsening of gum disease
  • Sore muscles, headaches and noises when opening or closing your mouth

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, contact Dr. Wetzel in Camp Hill, PA at 717-761-8611 to schedule an appointment today or visit our website at www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly welcomes patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

The ABCs of Dental Implants | Camp Hill Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-161866605

If you’ve recently been told that you need to have a tooth removed or you already have a missing tooth, you’re not alone. There are many people that have to have their teeth removed or already have missing teeth. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to tooth replacement, one of the many options being dental implants. Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically integrated into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth.

During the planning stage, you may be required to visit the dentist office two to three times, and may also need to get X-rays done. This allows your dentist to see the exact dimensions and the density of your bone where the implant will be surgically placed, and also allows them to place the implant as precisely as possible. If you have dental anxiety, you can ask your dentist about oral sedation. Oral sedation will help ease your anxiety and relax you through the entire dental implant procedure.

To begin your dental implant specialist will drill a hole that will match the exact diameter of the implant. Then the implant is placed into the hole and gums will be stitched around the implant. In some case, your dentist will provide you with temporary tooth replacement.

The reconstruction stage takes place once the implant has properly integrated and the implant in secure in your jawbone. At this time, your missing teeth will be replaced with the final crown, which is cemented or screwed into place.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, contact Dr. Wetzel in Camp Hill, PA at 717-761-8611 to schedule an appointment today or visit our website at www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly welcomes patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique: the FAQs | Camp Hill Dentist

Gum Recession, Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, Pinhole Technique, , , , , , , , , , , ,

PSTPioneered by Dr. Chao, the Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a fascinating new way to repair gum shrinkage without having to use a scalpel or stitches. This new technique will not only be less-evasive, but will also reduce discomfort and down time. In fact, you can eat dinner that night!

It sure sounds too good to be true, right? Since you probably have a lot of questions, here are some of those frequently asked:

What is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique? The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a way to repair gum shrinkage through a pinhole in the gum without having to cut.

Is this condition common? We see a lot of patients that need gum rejuvenation, but don’t realize it.

Before this procedure, would people rather live with the problem instead of getting it fixed? Because the previous gum grafting procedure was very painful and drawn out, most just try to ignore it, or try a temporary fix.

How long does a standard gum grafting procedure take? Since it requires cutting out a graft of the gum from the palate and grafting it to where it’s needed, it takes about an hour for just one or two teeth, but recuperation lasts about two or three weeks.

What makes PST different? The key to the Pinhole Surgical Technique is the pinhole entrance, which is made by a needle, making it completely non-invasive. Then the tissue is shifted down and stabilized with collagen strips. In fact, the tiny pinhole shrinks away by the next day.

Click the link to watch an informative video of Dr. Chao explaining the Pinhole Surgical Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXB9wwQNvK8

If you’re interested in learning more about the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact Dr. Wetzel in Camp Hill, PA at 717-761-8611 to schedule an appointment today or visit our website at www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly welcomes patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.

When Your Teeth Don’t Line Up Correctly | Camp Hill Dentist

Night Guard, Occlusal Adjustment, , , , , , , , , ,

515225859When your teeth don’t come together evenly, it causes excess stress on your teeth, jawbone, jaw joints and muscles. This can result in headaches, neck aches and toothaches. When your jaw isn’t able to close into its anatomical position, the muscles in your jaw and neck are never able to fully relax. Bite guards, or occlusal guards, can help patients with bruxism by protecting their teeth and TMJ (jaw joint). If any of these symptoms are familiar to you, you may need to see your dentist. They have a few ways to help.

An occlusal adjustment is a procedure that is done to correct the alignment of the bite, typically a result of loose, shifting, crowded or missing teeth. The procedure is performed to remove interferences with a fine stone dental drill. These interferences keep teeth from coming together & jaws from closing.

Another option to this affliction is the use of a bite guards for those that grind their teeth at night. Bite guards can also be useful to protect dental work, decrease symptoms, allow jaw alignment and act as a guide for occlusal adjustments. It is also particularly important because patients that grind and clench their teeth may cause:

  • Wear, fractures or chipping of teeth
  • Bone and gum recession
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Damage to dental bridges or dental implants
  • Sensitive areas on teeth or gums
  • Worsening of gum disease
  • Sore muscles, headaches and noises when opening or closing your mouth

If you’re interested in learning more about occlusal afflictions, contact Dr. Wetzel in Camp Hill, PA at 717-761-8611 to schedule an appointment today or visit our website at www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly welcomes patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.