Harry L. Habbel, D.D.S.
57 Street Rd. Suite M
Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966

Ph. (215) 375-7880
Fx. (215) 357-1766

Map & Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need dental treatment, you probably have questions about the problem you are experiencing and the procedures and services we offer. At Dr. Habbel's practice, we provide comprehensive care for a variety of dental problems. We invite you to contact our practice to discuss your concerns.

Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

What is cosmetic dentistry?

While other branches of dentistry focus on maintaining functionally strong, healthy teeth, cosmetic dentistry is devoted to aesthetic smile enhancement. Treatments such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and teeth realignment can drastically improve the appearance of your smile.

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My teeth are yellow. What's the best way to whiten them?

Professional teeth whitening techniques can brighten even the most discolored smiles. At-home and in-office whitening systems bleach away stains and discolorations to give patients dazzling white smiles.

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What are my options for getting my teeth straightened?

There are many smile realignment techniques available. Dr. Habbel applies porcelain veneers and performs minor orthodontic adjustments as a solution to misaligned teeth.

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I've heard a lot about porcelain veneers. What are they?

Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to quickly and easily restore stained, misshaped, and misaligned teeth. Veneers are crafted of tooth-colored porcelain custom-designed to cover the front of the tooth, thereby reproducing its original color and shape.

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Can I get my smile completely made over?

Dr. Habbel can combine a variety of procedures, including restorative treatments, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening, to completely restore and renovate your smile. Contact our office for more information on your treatment options.

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Restorative Dentistry Questions

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring function to broken, chipped, or missing teeth. Devices such as mini dental implants, crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays, and full or partial dentures can repair or replace badly damaged or missing teeth.

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I have some missing teeth. What can be done to replace them?

There are several options for replacing missing teeth. Mini dental implants are one of the best, since they are permanent and feel just like natural teeth. Other options include bridges, crowns, and dentures, which fill gaps with artificial teeth held in place by the surrounding natural tooth structure.

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I have a lot of metal fillings. Can I get them replaced?

Your dentist can replace existing metallic fillings with tooth-colored alternatives, which fill cavities while blending flawlessly with the rest of the tooth.

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How are dental crowns used?

Porcelain crowns are frequently used in restorative dentistry to restore broken or badly decayed teeth. The crown fits over the remaining tooth like a cap to protect it and restore it to its original shape. Crowns look and function just like natural teeth, fit snugly at the gum line, and protect the remaining natural tooth from further decay. They can also improve facial contours affected by missing teeth and prevent shifting and overuse of the surrounding tooth structure.

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What is a dental bridge?

Crafted of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, dental bridges are cemented onto crowns, implants, or natural teeth on either side of the gap created by missing teeth. The artificial tooth is then anchored to the bridge to fill in the gap. Dental bridges can last five years or longer.

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One of my teeth is badly cracked. Can it be fixed?

Your dentist has several options to treat a cracked tooth. A dental crown can protect the tooth from further damage and restore its shape and function. Sometimes all that is required to eliminate the crack is a composite (white filling). If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may need to extract it and replace it with an implant or dental bridge.

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General Dentistry Questions

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

The use of dental lasers generally results in less bleeding, shorter procedures and recovery times, and virtually no postoperative discomfort. At Dr. Habbel's practice, we use a variety of lasers to provide top-notch comprehensive care.

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What treatments are available for periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is a gum disease that occurs when the gums and jawbone become infected by bacteria contained in accumulated plaque. Dr. Habbel uses laser technology to sterilize below the gum line and shrink periodontal pockets.

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What if I'm afraid to go to the dentist?

Dr. Habbel provides "pain-free care" to eliminate discomfort and anxiety during dental procedures. A painless injection achieves a numbing effect without any noticeable prick of the needle, so you don't have to worry about pain at the dentist's office. NItrous oxide sedation is also available.

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How do I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are crucial to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist twice a year to minimize plaque and erosive bacteria.

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How do I know if I need a root canal?

If your mouth is affected by extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, or light contact; swelling of the gums; or tooth discoloration, you may benefit from a root canal. This procedure removes the pulp of teeth irreversibly damaged by infection, cavities, or trauma in order to preserve their health and function.

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My jaw hurts. What might be the problem?

If you experience frequent jaw pain or headaches, or you notice a clicking sound when you chew, you may have TMJ disorder, or TMD. TMJ disorder affects the muscles, ligaments, and bones of the temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw that control the movement of the mouth. Dr. Habbel's practice treats TMJ problems to relieve these uncomfortable symptoms.

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Contact Us

At our practice, we want you to feel as informed as possible about your dental health. We welcome your questions and concerns. If you have further questions for Dr. Habbel, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation

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