Dr. Robert Hankel DDS

Dentist

1895 North Trekell Road #1 Casa Grande Arizona, 85222 Show map

About
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About

Dr. Robert Hankel is a Dentist practicing in Casa Grande, Arizona. Dr. Hankel specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.

Education and Training

Loyola University

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 50 years of experience

Dr. Robert Hankel DDS

Dr. Robert Hankel DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How do you manage pain while waiting for a root canal?
This depends on several things. 1. How long must you wait for the endodontic root canal treatment? What is the exact diagnosis requiring the treatment plan of a root canal treatment? Do you have swelling associated with the problem tooth? How intense and constant is the pain? First recommendation is attempt to get to the root canal treatment ASAP. If must be put off, assuming no allergies, start with a combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol, taken together. If swelling is increasing, go to dentist who treatment planned the case, or go to hospital ER for care. Swelling (infection) can become dangerous. Finally, if needed find another dentist or endodontist who may see you quickly. READ MORE
Can I get braces even if my teeth are straight?
Yes, but why? If the front teeth in the esthetic zone (that which you see in a broad smile) look well-aligned, you may have a bite discrepancy in the back teeth area. Find an orthodontist in your home area that can consult with you before proceeding with braces. There is a fee to pay, and there could be dental problems that need attention before braces are under way! READ MORE
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants last for a long time ( up to 10+ years, or more) if the following conditions are met. 1. Planning and expectations expressed by the patient to the dentist; if patient expectations are not realistic, the placement of implants should be undertaken via a second opinion with another very well qualified dentist. 2. What is the jaw bone like in terms of thickness and consistency. With inadequate alveolar (jaw) bone, placement of implants is not advised. 3. What is the general medical status of the patient. Some conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of bone) will reduce the length of dental implant retention. 4. What restoration is attached to the implant? Single crown, fixed bridge or overlay denture? And is the restoration properly made and inserted by the dentist and the lab? Poor design or workmanship will cause implant failure. 5. What material is the implant, abutment and final restoration made from? You want a dentist and the dental lab to be using very high quality materials. There are "knockoffs" that will cause failure and maybe patient medical problems. 6. Do you use tobacco in any form? Some dentists will not insert implants if you continue using tobacco. 7. What level of oral hygiene will you perform on a daily basis? And, will you periodocally visit with the dental hygienist for maintenance of oral health and checking the implants? Poor, infrequent personal oral hygiene care may cause failure of the implants. 8. Even under idea conditions, it is unlikely that dental implants will be retained in your jaw bone for another 39 years. It may be necessary to replace one or more over time. 9. As is typical in dental offices today, your informed consent is important concerning implant placement and restoring on top of the implants. READ MORE
Can you get a mouth cyst removed at this time?
Yes. You need an oral surgeon or a periodontist for the best results. You may have to travel a bit, but it is worth the trip. If you are near a dental school, check with their "dental ER" departmnt. READ MORE
What is the most natural looking crown?
The most esthetically pleasing crowns are hand made at a top dental laboratory of one of the ceramic materials. To get the finest result, you may need to travel to the lab as they are fabricating the crown. READ MORE
Can a tooth be filled if the nerve is exposed?
1. If you have a "live " nerve, one that is healthy and vital, it is a mistake to restore with a filling directly onto the nerve. Post operative hypersensitivtiy to temperature extremes and chewing forces on the tooth may result. However, if a particular type of material can be placed over a small pulpal exposure and then the final filling on top of it, you may do well. 2. If the pulp (nerve area) is partially non-vital, which means it is diseased, or totally non-vital (dead pulp) the risk of post treatment pain and swelling increases. It is not advisable to proceed with a filling in that case. READ MORE
Can I get a crown without a root canal?
Yes, under some circumstances. 1. A crown is usually recommended for a tooth that has a large defect, such as decay (caries) or a fractured area. It is also recommended for final treatment (restoration) of an endodontically treated tooth, one with a root canal treatment. 2. A root canal treatment is done for teeth with fratures that go into the pulpal (nerve/blood vessel) tissue in the central part of the tooth, for painful teeth, teeth with infections and several other reasons. 3. It is possible to have a crown placed on a tooth without root canal treatment if the pulpal tissue is "normal" and pain free. Any decay must be removed during the crown preparation and the dentist then decides about the root canal treatment being needed first. 4. The patient (you) are advised that if a crown is seated with final cement, it is possible to get tooth pain later, maybe a long time later. Therefore a root canal treatment may be needed and it is possible to complete it through the crown, which is then restored with a build up filling and sealed closed. 5. Many crowns are placed on teeth that have no endodontic treatment, and they stay healthy for a long time. READ MORE
Is molar extraction painful?
1. A small amount of discomfort "pain" is possible for up to 2 days post-op. Must follow directions of dentist or oral surgeon doing the treatment. 2. Any tobacco or other type of smoking or vaping could make things worse. 3. Uncontrolled diabetes and other medical conditions may contribute to post-op pain. 4. Swelling and other post-op circumstances make a difference, too. 5. Every person and presenting set of patient conditions make the answer to this question highly variable. 6. Having treatment by somebody you trust is very important so getting a referral from family or friends is a good idea. READ MORE
Should old amalgam fillings be replaced?
Damaged or leaking old amalgam fillings should be replaced. Dental imaging, with photos and radiographs, is good for documenting the condition and helping the dentist plan the replacement material. Some patients have useful older fillings and choose to have them replaced due to the idea that the material is harmful. There is a controversy surrounding this question. If replacement is to be done, then the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure and the function of orofacial muscles and joints (grinding of teeth) that overload the material must be considered. Esthetics also plays a role, as does cost. I say, no do not replace, if the material is still good. Fully informed consent by you, the patient, is important. READ MORE
Is a dental bridge a good option for missing teeth?
For a single missing tooth, when the adjacent teeth are not too far tilted and attempting to fill the space, an implant with a crown may be successful. For multiple missing teeth, careful planning by your dentist is important. The jaw bone into which implants are seated must be the right size and health for accepting implants. There are anatomcal structures (nerve and blood vessel canals) that may get in the way. Experts in placing implants can usually figure out the best ways around obstructions. Alternatives include fixed bridges which are attached to adjacent teeth via crowns, or removable bridges (partial dentures) retained by clasps. The number and location of the missing tooth/teeth is/are part of the design process. Quality, price and value are determined by your dentist with your input. Your expectations, both long term and short term, are important. READ MORE