Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Health FAQs

• How often should I visit the dentist?

  We recommend twice-annual visits to the dentist. By visiting every six months, you give our team the opportunity to get to know your smile. Consistent examinations allow us to diagnose and treat dental health issues in their earliest stages. Additionally, hardened plaque that cannot be removed through brushing and flossing alone should be removed with professional cleanings from our hygienists every six months. This helps patients avoid tooth decay and gum disease, the two most common oral health concerns.

• Can my children visit your practice?

  Absolutely. We welcome patients of all ages at Lansdowne Family Dental, and we’re happy to provide skilled pediatric dentistry services for your most precious smiles.

• What does root canal therapy consist of?

  Root canal therapy is typically the removal of infection from the interior, pulp, layer of a tooth. After the infection is cleared, the tooth is fully restored typically with a dental crown for added protection and fortification. While root canals have a reputation for being painful, it is actually the infection that is painful, and treatment significantly relieves this discomfort.

• What if I’m afraid of the dentist?

  Don’t be! We strive to make every patient comfortable during every procedure, but for patients who experience severe dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry to help you relax and learn to love the dentist. Scared of needles? We have a solution for that too: the wand. This advanced technology makes local anesthesia virtually painless, and best of all, you’ll never see the needle.

• Am I a candidate for dental implants?

  Dental implants are one of the most versatile tooth replacement options, and because they replace the tooth from the root up, they are stable and permanent. However, as they include a surgical procedure, not all patients are good candidates. To know for sure whether you should consider dental implants you’ll need to visit the Lansdowne Family Dental team, but typically, patients who are not healthy enough for surgery or who have immune compromising illnesses shouldn’t consider dental implant restorations.

• Do you offer teeth whitening?

  Our office offers a wide variety of teeth whitening options for patients including in-office bleaching, laser whitening, and at-home whitening with custom application trays and professional-grade gel. Dr. Elosta provides guidance to help patients determine which treatments will be most effective for their smiles.

• Are you available in case of emergency?

  Yes. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Additionally, we have early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments for your convenience.

• What is gum disease?

  Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common oral health issue, and affects more than 75% of US adults. Gum disease occurs when bacteria mix with sugars in our diet to form an acidic film over teeth known as plaque. When plaque builds up below the gum line, it causes soft tissue irritation. The earliest stages of gum disease typically result in red or bleeding gums that may go unnoticed by patients, and is commonly referred to as gingivitis. If plaque continues to build below the gum line it hardens into tartar and creates sores and infection in the gums. This advanced form of periodontal disease is known as periodontitis.

• Can I straighten my teeth without the hassle of traditional braces?

  Thanks to Invisalign, patients can straighten their smile with virtually invisible clear, plastic alignment trays. Dr. Wael Elosta is a preferred Invisalign provider and helps patients meet their smile goals without the hassle of traditional braces.