Tag Archives: dental procedures

What is an Occlusal Adjustment? | Camphill Dentist

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It sounds like something quite intimidating, but in actuality, an occlusal adjustment is somewhat painless. This procedure makes corrections to the bite by means of a dental drill using a fine stone, but not like the one for cavities.

The reason to receive an occlusal adjustment is to correct the alignment of the bite. A bite may be misaligned due to loosened, 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 and your teeth will meet properly. Signs you may justify an occlusal adjustment:

Loose or shifting teeth. One sign is increased spacing between the upper front teeth. Occasionally, you may feel that your teeth do not hit correctly.

Grinding or clenching of your teeth. This stress-related habit can cause an unevenly distributed and excessive biting force on several of your teeth and subsequently on the bone support which holds the teeth in your jaw.

Headache. Headaches accompany the grinding or clenching of your teeth and will occur in the temporal regions of your head.

Pain. Biting pain is usually caused by the eruption of a tooth beyond the normal plane of the bite, such that only one or two teeth contact prematurely.

Sensitivity to temperature. Again, this is due to the premature contact between one or more teeth. 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.

New technology allows dentists to accurately identify the areas, which need adjustments. That data allows the dentist to make only the adjustments that are absolutely necessary.

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.

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

Sinus Lifts: What You Need to Know | Camphill Dentist

Dental Benefits, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Sinus Lift, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sinus lifts became more popular when the demand for dental implants started to grow. They are common procedures that are not expected to affect the sinuses, breathing ability or cause allergies. The sinus augmentation procedure is one of the most successful bone grafting procedures that can be performed for dental patients. A sinus lift can be your best option for a successful dental implant.

A sinus lift is surgery that is done to add bone to your upper jaw to support dental implants when there isn’t enough bone height in the upper back jaw, where your molars and premolars are, and your teeth need replacing.

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.

The sinus augmentation 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 (autogenous), from a tissue bank (allogenic) or it can be made from synthetic materials. However, before the adding the bone grafting material, your oral surgeon or periodontist has to make room for the bone by moving the sinus membrane upward or by “lifting” it, hence the name sinus lift.

Please note: 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 lifts, 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.

Dental Implants: Tips to Aftercare Treatment | Camphill Dentist

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You are finally getting the dental implant you’ve been needing and soon your smile will be good as new. But this isn’t a reason to become lax on your dental hygiene. In fact, if you would like your dental implant to last as long as possible, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instruction when it has to do with the days following your procedure. Here are some aftercare tips that will help ensure your dental implants heal properly:

Don’t touch. It’s vital that you refrain from bothering your dental implant immediately after having it placed. If you agitate the implant, it will prolong the healing process and could lead to additional issues.

Watch your diet. After having dental implants placed, stick to eating soft food for the first few days, then introduce harder foods as time goes on. Avoid chewing with your dental implants and swishing around liquids in your mouth for the first week.

Ice it. Your face may swell in certain places, but this is completely normal for the first 3-5 days. You can help reduce the swelling by applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area.

Proper oral hygiene. It’s important that you clean the affected area where the dental implant is placed in order for the implant to heal properly. Your dentist will prescribe you a medicated mouthwash – be sure to use as directed. It’s also very important that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Slow down. Throbbing and bleeding can occur if you do choose to exercise, and if it does you should stop working out immediately.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implant aftercare, 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.

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

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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

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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.