Harry L. Habbel, D.D.S.
57 Street Rd. Suite M
Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966
Ph. (215) 357-1180
Fx. (215) 357-1766
Comprehensive Care for All Your Dental Needs
Dr. Habbel offers comprehensive dental care, making whole-health dentistry available to your entire family. At our practice, whole-health dentistry means providing the latest, most effective dentistry available in a warm, caring environment that makes each patient as comfortable as possible. Dr. Habbel's extensive residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital enables him to provide comprehensive care with no need to refer patients to endodontic and periodontal specialists. Dr. Habbel's experience and friendly demeanor are perfect for treating patients of all ages; the convenience and comfort of knowing that one's entire family is fully cared for by the same dentist is something that our patients truly appreciate. Our comprehensive dental services include the following:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Periodontal Care
- Endodontic Therapy
- Sleep Apnea, Headaches, Migraines
- TMJ Treatment
- Dentistry for Seniors
- Family Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Habbel takes great interest in complex restorative cases. Because of his extensive training and natural gift for dental restoration, virtually no problem is beyond the scope of our practice. To review the many restorative options available to you, contact Dr. Habbel today. Dr. Habbel is able to restore function and beauty to your smile with a variety of services:
- Dental crowns
Made of metal, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal, dental crowns are tooth-shaped shells that restore shape and function to badly chipped, cracked, or decaying teeth. The crown is crafted using a mold of the patient's mouth to ensure a perfect fit. Part of the tooth may be shaved away to accommodate the crown, and a temporary crown is worn until the permanent version is ready to be placed. Dental crowns must be cared for hygienically to prevent decay. If the crown becomes chipped, it can be repaired in the mouth. If it falls out, patients should wash it and reattach it with dental adhesive until they can arrange a dental visit. Dental crowns can last for years and are an excellent solution for many patients.
- Dentures
Dentures are an effective option for patients seeking a non-surgical solution for missing teeth. Made of ceramic replacement teeth, dentures are held in place by a bridge firmly connected to the surrounding natural tooth structure. They are a removable, natural-looking, and affordable treatment option. Dr. Habbel's practice custom-designs full and partial dentures to suit virtually any patient's needs. In addition, we can usually repair damaged dentures in one business day.
- Dental implants
Dental implants are strong titanium posts used to replace the roots of missing teeth. These small titanium rods are secured to the jaw itself, providing a stable base for replacement crowns and other restorative devices attached to the implant. Unlike dentures, implants don't require the support of surrounding teeth to be held in place.
Implants are composed of two parts: a titanium post that serves as the root of the missing tooth, and a small metal ball or cylinder on top of the post. The post is placed directly into the jawbone, where it provides solid support for the replacement tooth. The ball or cylinder rests just above the gums, allowing the denture, bridge, or crown to fit securely onto it. These parts of the dental implant work together to provide a durable and comfortable solution for missing teeth. Dr. Habbel restores traditional implants in partnership with the best surgeons in the area, and he places mini dental implants himself, a cutting edge innovation in implant dentistry.
Periodontal Care
In addition to affecting dental health, periodontal disease can harm a person's overall well-being. In particular, gum problems have been linked to heart disease, stroke, complications during pregnancy, diabetes, respiratory problems, and osteoporosis. To help prevent these systemic health problems, Dr. Habbel is pleased to provide periodontal treatment of the highest caliber.
- Diode laser technology for periodontal scaling and root planing procedures (SRP) is remarkably comfortable and effective. By removing plaque and tartar below the gum line and smoothing the root of the tooth, SRP allows gum tissue to heal and limits future buildup. Laser periodontal treatment allows the dentist to remove diseased tissue with a high degree of precision with virtually no bleeding or swelling. Laser treatment promotes healing and prevents infection, drastically reducing recovery time. In fact, most patients are able to return to work almost immediately, making laser periodontal treatment one of the most popular oral health treatments on the market.
- ARESTIN® prevents infection of gum pockets after periodontal work, quickens the healing process, and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
- All-inclusive periodontal treatment is available at our practice with no need for outside specialists. Our convenient single-source dental care is possible because of Dr. Habbel's extensive residency training and his commitment to meeting a wide variety of dental needs.
Endodontic Therapy
Root canal procedures are performed when a tooth's inner soft tissue becomes irreversibly damaged by infection, cavities, or trauma. The root canal procedure removes this tissue to preserve teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. If you are in need of root canal therapy, Dr. Habbel is the dentist for you. While no one looks forward to root canal treatment, Dr. Habbel's commitment to pain-free care makes the procedure surprisingly stress-free. Since Dr. Habbel has extensive training and experience performing root canal therapy, you will not have to visit an outside specialist. As a skilled endodontic surgeon, Dr. Habbel performs root canals in a single procedure, after which most patients enjoy a speedy recovery.
Sleep Apnea, Headaches, and Migraines
People affected by sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly in their sleep due to airway obstructions, a failure of the brain to prompt breathing, or a combination of both. As a result, their sleep is frequently interrupted and inadequate; over time, this can cause cardiovascular problems, memory and concentration lapses, weight gain, impotence, and headaches. Fortunately, there are many treatment options, including positional therapies, weight loss, and surgery. For many patients, placement of a specially designed oral appliance eliminates headaches, migraines, and other unpleasant side effects of sleep apnea. This removable appliance alters the shape of the mouth during sleep in a way that helps clear the nasal passageways, enabling steady breathing throughout the night. Contact Dr. Habbel's practice for more information about this highly effective oral appliance.
TMJ Treatment
Teeth grinding, arthritis, and bite problems can affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) located on either side of the jaw, which control jaw movement. Any interference with the temporomandibular joint can cause a painful TMJ disorder characterized by headaches; ear, jaw, and neck pain; or clicking noises when the jaw is opened and closed. Dr. Habbel's treatment of TMJ problems offers significant relief for patients with any of these symptoms. Using stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and mouth protectors to prevent teeth grinding, Dr. Habbel reduces pressure on the temporomandibular joint, enabling it to heal while symptoms gradually fade and disappear.
Dentistry for Seniors
Dr. Habbel understands the dental problems that come along with aging, and he has tailored his practice and payment plans accordingly. Treatment options specifically designed for senior citizens include:
- Dentures
- Periodontal treatment
- Dry mouth treatment — If you are experiencing the discomfort of extreme dry mouth due to disease or certain medications, Dr. Habbel can help. Salivary substitutes such as Salivart®, Oralube®, and Oral Balance® moisten your mouth, while drugs such as Mouth Kote® and Optimoist® chemically stimulate salivation. Patients can also decrease dryness by taking medications including Pilocarpine (Salagen™) and Cevimeline (Evoxac™) three or four times a day after meals. If you are experiencing dry mouth, talk to Dr. Habbel about your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
- Tooth loss prevention and treatment — Tooth loss becomes more of a likelihood as we age. However, tooth loss does not have to slow you down. When good oral hygiene and other preventive measures are not enough, Dr. Habbel can create a custom-made plan to replace lost teeth with dentures, mini dental implants, dental crowns, or a combination of these options.
Family dentistry
In his commitment to providing comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Habbel strives to protect the smiles of your family for years to come. Treatments aimed at cavity prevention, oral hygiene education, and emergency care include:
- Children's dentistry — Dr. Habbel's skill and sensitivity to the needs of children make him the perfect dentist for your family. His expert treatment of children's dental problems and his attentiveness to their particular maintenance needs will help preserve the health and beauty of your child's smile.
- Sealants — Dental sealants are an effective defense against tooth decay for adults and children. The plastic resin of the sealant bonds to the depressions and grooves in the back teeth, preventing corrosive bacteria and food particles from settling there. The sealant is quickly and easily applied to the surface of each tooth and hardened with a laser. It provides several years of protection and reinforces the effects of regular brushing and flossing.
- Fluoride treatments — The use of fluoride prevents tooth decay by reducing the effect of acids and bacteria on tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments come in liquid, tablet, and chewable tablet form as supplements to a solid dental hygiene regimen. Talk to Dr. Habbel about whether fluoride treatments would be beneficial for reinforcing your family's oral hygiene.
- Oral exams — Dr. Habbel performs diagnostic oral exams to create your personalized treatment plan.
- Professional cleanings — To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, you need a professional cleaning at least once every six months. Contact our office to schedule your routine cleaning today.
- Preventive education — One of the keys to giving patients a healthy smile is education. Dr. Habbel and his staff strive to keep you as empowered and informed as possible about your dental health.
- Professional breath control — Dr. Habbel offers several professional breath treatments, including periodontal procedures and professional cleanings. Dr. Habbel can advise you about the possible causes of halitosis and offer treatment options.
- Dental emergencies — Dr. Habbel is there to provide emergency care in the event of tooth loss or any other dental emergency experienced by a member of your family.