Dr. Elena M. Alexander, DDS
Dentist | General Practice
21188 E Ocotillo Rd Ste 101 Queen Creek AZ, 85142About
Dr. Elena Alexander is a Dentist practicing in Queen Creek, AZ. Dr. Alexander 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
Creighton University DDS 2009
Provider Details
Dr. Elena M. Alexander, DDS's Expert Contributions
Do I need a root canal?
Pain in the root can be caused by different factors. You will need to have a radio-graph (x-ray) of the area and an exam to know for sure. Typically, pain signifying the need for a root canal will be constant and throbbing. However, everyone's pain is different and without an exam it is difficult to say if you will need a root canal, an extraction or a less invasive procedure. READ MORE
Can very stained teeth be whitened?
Good afternoon. Whitening teeth can be tricky. It depends largely on why the teeth are stained and what caused the stain. Not all whitening products are the same and it is possible there is a professional whitening product that could help you. I would suggest having the discussion with your dentist. When discussing whitening with your dentist, inquire about how many different products they are familiar with and how many they use. Not all products provide the same result for every patient. If it has been a while since you have had a professional cleaning it is possible the staining could be removed during a cleaning. READ MORE
How long does dental bonding last on front teeth?
The life expectancy of a bonded restoration is dependent on a multitude of factors. A bonded area that involves the cutting edge of a front tooth will have a shorter life expectancy that one that does not involve this surface. If the edge is involved, you can extend the life expectancy of the restoration by being mindful of how you utilize your front teeth. Biting into hard foods or objects, like fingernails, will drastically shorten the life of a bonded restoration on a front tooth. The larger the restoration, the shorter the life expectancy, especially when the edge is involved. Diet and oral hygiene habits can also effect the life expectancy. A diet high in sugar and acids can lead to cavity (decay) formation at the margin of any restoration. The lack of brushing twice a day and use of non-fluoridated toothpastes can also lead to cavity (decay) formation at the margin of the restoration. With good oral hygiene and proper nutrition, the average composite (bonded) restoration on a front tooth, that does not involve the cutting edge, should last on average 10 to 12 years. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for a cracked tooth?
Good morning. Your treatment options for a cracked tooth depend on the extent of the crack. A cracked tooth that is not having symptoms will generally be able to be treated with a full coverage restoration (a crown). If you are having pain with the crack, I recommend the tooth be evaluated at an endodontist (a root canal specialist) to determine the full extent of the crack. If the crack is into the nerve of the tooth, but not into the root of the tooth, a root canal will be required prior to placement of a full coverage restoration (crown). Unfortunately, if the root is cracked the tooth will be non restorable and will require removal. If the tooth is non-restorable, it can be replaced with an implant retained restoration, a fixed partial denture (a bridge), or with a removable partial denture. I recommend you consult with a local dentist to determine the extent of the crack and discuss what the best course of treatment is for your specific case. Thank you. READ MORE
Is surgery necessary to treat jaw diseases?
Good morning. This is a hard question to answer without examination. In some cases surgery may be required to treat the cause of your pain. If the pain is not in the joint but in the jaw, it is possible a tooth may be the cause of the pain/infection which would require restoring and treating the tooth in question. I would recommend having your dentist examine the area to determine the cause of the pain/infection. If the pain is coming from the joint itself there are appliances that can be used to assist in relieving the pain. Again, your dentist would need to diagnose the cause. If your pain is in the top jaw (maxilla) and no tooth can be determine to be the cause, it is possible you have a sinus issue and would need to see your primary care physician. Your dentist would be able to instruct you if a visit to your PCP is needed. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for mouth sores?
Good morning. With out knowing the exact cause of the mouth sores it is hard to tell you what would work best for you. I would recommend having them checked by your dentist or primary care physician. If you suspect they are from trauma or a cold sore you could try Zilactin b which you can obtain from the pharmacy. Warm salt water rinses can help speed the healing of trauma related sores. If they are cold sores, your dentist or primary care physician can prescribe you medication to take when the onset first arises, assuming they return. Keep in mind any sore that does not heal with in two weeks could be significant and should be evaluated by a dentist or primary care physician. READ MORE
How effective is dental anesthesia for nervous patients?
Good morning. I am assuming by dental anesthesia you are referring to local anesthetic we use to numb a specific area or tooth. It is not uncommon if you are nervous to require extra anesthetic. In some cases it is necessary to use other methods along with local anesthetic to reduce the anxiety. Some options are nitrous oxide (laughing gas), a prescription medication that your dentist can prescribe for you to take one hour prior to you appointment or IV sedation. I recommend you discuss your anxiety and concerns with your dentist and have him or her help you decide which option would best manage your anxiety to make you as comfortable as possible during your treatment. READ MORE
Is it time for new dentures?
Good morning. We look at a few factors when deciding if it is time for new dentures. First, how old are your current dentures? Are the teeth on the denture worn flat or have excessive wear? Are any cracks present in the denture base? In some cases it is possible to reline or rebase the denture. This is a process where the pink acrylic is either added to or replaced and is a good choice when the teeth are not worn down. If the teeth are worn down and you are having trouble chewing your food then a new set of dentures would be recommended. READ MORE
Can a root canal damage nearby teeth?
Generally speaking, a root canal should not damage a near by tooth. READ MORE
Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?
It is not uncommon to notice an increase in pain following root canal treatment. The pain will generally start to subside after 72 hours and then slowly improve. Depending on why you needed the root canal and the extent of your infection, it may take a few weeks for the pain to completely subside. If you do not notice a decrease in symptoms after 72 hours contact your treating dentist as he or she may want to evaluate your healing process. READ MORE
What is causing my jaw pain?
If by jaw pain, you are referring to the TMJ (the joint), it may be caused by several different factors. It is best to have an evaluation by a dentist for proper diagnosis. You could be experiencing pain due to trauma to the joint associated with grinding your teeth in your sleep or from over extending the joint. If by jaw pain, you are referring to the bone of the upper or lower jaw that holds the teeth, it may be a dental infection which will require treatment by your dentist. Either way, it is best to have an exam to determine the cause. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for oral ulcers?
The key to treating oral ulcers is treating them at the first sign of onset. A dentist can treat them with a LASER to speed along the healing process and skip the painful ulcerated state. Medications can be prescribed for you to have on hand to take at the first sign of ulcer formation (the first burning symptom). Some patients find eliminating spicy and acidic foods help to decrease the onset of ulcers. READ MORE
Why do my gums bleed sometimes?
The most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is generally reversible with proper home care (brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day) and regular dental cleanings in a dental office. If it has been a while since you had a professional dental cleaning it is possible you have a degree of gum disease beyond gingivitis that will require a gum therapy cleaning (sometimes called deep cleaning or scaling and root planing) and it is important to see a dentist for diagnosis. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of other systemic issues such as diabetes. I would recommend having a dental check up for proper diagnosis. READ MORE
Are whitening toothpastes safe for enamel?
Whitening toothpastes can be very abrasive and long term use can have a negative effect on your enamel. It is important to read the label on the toothpastes you are considering. Some of the whitening toothpastes are meant to be used for a short period of time and will state the instructions on the label. If you have dental restorations on any of your front teeth your dentist may advise you not to use whitening toothpastes or can recommend a specific brand that would best suit your care. READ MORE
What can be the cause of my gum pain?
Gum pain can be the result of many different causes and it is difficult to tell you the cause without an examination. Any pain that lasts more than two weeks should be looked at by a dentist. I would recommend you see your dentist as you are past the two week mark. READ MORE
Can gingivitis lead to long-term damage?
Hello. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease which is irreversible and can lead to the loss of teeth as well as other systemic health issues. Gingivitis can be treated with a professional dental cleaning and proper home care. Your dentist will need to perform a cleaning to remove the calculus and bacteria causing the gingivitis, then you will be able to reverse it with proper follow up care at home. Proper care to prevent gingivitis should include brushing 2-3 days a day for 2 minutes, flossing daily and regular dental cleaning in the dental office. Using an electric or power toothbrush has been found to be more effective than using a manual toothbrush. READ MORE
How long is a root canal procedure?
Hello. The length of a root canal procedure varies depending on which tooth is being treated, the condition of the nerve being treated and the expertise of the dentist performing the root canal. Generally speaking an endodontist will perform a root canal in a shorter amount of time compared to a general dentist. In most cases root canal appointments can be anywhere from one hour to three hours. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Society Memberships
- American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry
What do you attribute your success to?
- Dr. Alexander is compassionate and does her best to make her patients feel comfortable. She educates her patients so they are well-informed and at ease so they and can be active in the decisions regarding their care and treatments. She began her career working for thirteen years as a dental assistant before she decided to become a dentist so she could do more to help people with their dental needs. She is passionate about providing her patients with complete oral health and total mouth care.
Dr. Elena M. Alexander, DDS's Practice location
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Media Releases
Get to know General Dentist Dr. Elena M. Alexander, who serves patients in Queen Creek, Arizona.
With 25 years of dental experience, Dr. Alexander is an award-winning dentist with a reputation for providing gentle and personalized care that her patients trust. She believes in a total health care approach and involving the patient in the decision-making process. Seeing as how not every mouth is the same, she enjoys developing a treatment plan that is personalized to each patient’s unique situation.
Her private practice, Alexander Family Dental, is located in Queen Creek, Arizona. There, Dr. Alexander and her team understand the value of good dentistry and educate their patients on the benefits. They feel it is both an obligation and an opportunity to present the best dentistry possible for each patient, which is why they continuously strive to go above and beyond in providing quality dental care and in doing so, build long-lasting relationships with patients.
Having spent time as a patient in the dental chair, Dr. Alexander’s love for dentistry developed during her own dental experience as a teenager. This, in turn, led her to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2009.
Among her many achievements, she has received the Ridder Operative Award, a Certificate of Merit for Leadership at One World Clinic, and the Holbrook Scholarship. She is also actively involved with the American Dental Association, the Arizona Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Furthermore, Dr. Alexander is an Invisalign® Gold Provider for 2019. The level given to a dentist’s Invisalign® status is determined from their overall experience and the relative number of patients they have treated with Invisalign®. The levels range from bronze to VIP.
Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. General dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. They clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy. With first-hand experience, Dr. Alexander fully understands what her patients are going through, which is why she aids in making their experiences as comfortable as possible.
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