Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit my Carlisle dentist?

We recommend twice a year dental visits in accordance with the recommendations of the American Dental Association. These regular visits allow our team to prevent many common oral health disorders, and diagnose at early stages to offer conservative treatment options.

What’s the difference between traditional and digital x-rays?

Compared to digital x-rays, traditional x-rays require longer exposure to higher levels of radiation in order to obtain lower quality images. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure up to 90%, and don’t expose our team to harmful development chemicals. Because the photos don’t have to be developed, we don’t need to store the physical copies, and the high-definition digital images are available immediately for us to review.

What types of laser dentistry services do you provide?

We offer patients a variety of laser treatments. For those interested in finding out more about how laser dentistry offers precise, minimally invasive treatments for a variety of oral health concerns, we recommend contacting our team for a laser dentistry consultation.

Do I need sedation dentistry?

If you experience fear or anxiety associated with dental visits, have sensitive teeth, gums, or gag reflex, or if you need numerous or complex procedures, sedation dentistry may be a good option to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

What is a root canal?

A root canal infection is an infection of the inner pulp layer of teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, replaces it with a biocompatible material, and restores natural structure with a dental crown. If you experience severe toothache, discoloration in one tooth, or infected gum tissue around a specific tooth, you may be experiencing root canal infection. Contact us right away.

Do you offer professional teeth whitening?

Absolutely. Contact our team to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. We’ll examine your smile, and determine what type of professional teeth whitening may benefit you, or make recommendations for other cosmetic services to enhance your smile.

I snore really loudly and feel tired all the time. Do I have sleep apnea?

Those are two of the most common signs of sleep apnea, and if you experience both simultaneously, it’s important to contact our team or a sleep specialist right away to determine whether you are suffering from central or obstructive sleep apnea.

Can I straighten my teeth without metal braces?

At Flenniken Family Dentistry, we use Invisalign orthodontics to straighten smiles without a mouth full of metal. Invisalign utilizes a series of clear, plastic alignment trays to gradually shift teeth into position.

Can I call if I have questions?

Please call (717) 249-7777 right away if you have any questions about your oral health, upcoming appointment, scheduling, financing, or other concerns.

Where are you located?

Our Carlisle, PA dental office is located off of State Ave near the Holly Pike Animal Hospital, and the Masonic Center just off Interstate 81. Look for Flenniken Family Dentistry at 30 State Ave; Carlisle, PA 17013, or call (717) 249-7777 to find out more today.