November 23, 2021 By Paula

Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth

Are you noticing pain when you chew? Are you experiencing extreme discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages? Does simply breathing through your mouth cause you to wince in pain? A cracked tooth might be to blame.

A cracked tooth can make daily activities feel unbearable. If a cracked tooth is suspected, then it’s best to repair the damage as soon as possible. Our Austin laser dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, provides treatments and restorative options to patients who need to repair damaged or cracked teeth.

Assessing Damage

Before repairing a cracked tooth, our team will need to determine how much damage the tooth has sustained. Here are some ways that damaged teeth are categorized:

Craze lines. Normal wear and tear can cause tiny, vertical cracks in the tooth’s enamel. Craze lines are not painful and are no cause for concern.
Cusp fracture. A cusp fracture happens when a small portion of the tooth’s surface breaks off. The fracture is usually only on the chewing surface of the tooth, and frequently occurs around existing fillings.
Cracked tooth. Unlike a fracture, a crack extends from the chewing surface of a tooth toward the root of the tooth. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the crack.
Split tooth. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth remains untreated for a prolonged period of time. Eventually, the cracked tooth will split into pieces.
Root fracture. Root fractures occur below the gumline and are very painful. Root fractures can typically be seen extending from the tooth root toward the chewing surface.

Treatments for Cracked Teeth

Once Dr. Ragsdale has assessed the damage, she will recommend suitable options to repair the cracked tooth. Treatment options may include:

Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-fitted shells that bond directly to the tooth. Veneers are a great option to cover craze lines or minimally damaged teeth.
Dental bonding. Dr. Ragsdale uses a resin composite to prevent fractures or cracks from propagating further. The resin composite is extremely durable and can be color-matched to the tooth’s enamel.
Porcelain crowns. Oftentimes, the best way to protect a cracked tooth from further damage is to place a crown on it. At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer porcelain crowns, which are biocompatible and last for at least 10 years with proper care.
Root canal. Unfortunately, some cracks extend into the pulp of the tooth,which can cause an infection. If this is the case, then a root canal is required. Dr. Ragsdale performs the root canal using contemporary laser dentistry, which is more accurate and comfortable compared to traditional methods.
Extraction. If the damage is severe enough, then a cracked tooth may need to be extracted. In the case of extraction, Austin Laser Dental has many tooth restoration options, such as bridges and implants.

Flexible In-House Dental Plans

Are you worried that a cracked tooth will crack your budget? Don’t be! Dr. Ragsdale believes that oral healthcare should be affordable and accessible for everyone. For this reason, Austin Laser Dentist offers in-house dental plans. We have designed our in-house plans to provide high-quality care that is transparent and convenient. If you are one of the nearly 25% of Americans living without dental insurance, our flexible in-house dental plans are the perfect fit for you.

Learn More

Neglecting a damaged or cracked tooth can result in more serious issues. Don’t jeopardize your oral health–call Austin Laser Dental at (512)-346-4690 or contact us online to start discussing treatment options and in-house dental plans today.

November 17, 2021 By Paula

How Dental Lasers Are Changing Modern Dentistry

Innovation leads to modern practices, and dental lasers are at the very forefront of modern dentistry. If you’re looking for a dentist who is proficient in laser dentistry, then look no further–Dr. Helen Ragsdale’s expertise in laser dentistry allows her patients to experience the latest and greatest qualities that modern dentistry has to offer.

Safer and More Comfortable

The loud drills and sharp tools of traditional dentistry are just a couple of reasons why patients avoid going to the dentist. Fortunately, modern laser dentistry is replacing the unpleasant qualities of outdated traditional dental procedures. Here are a few reasons why dental laser treatments are safer and more comfortable:

Less Invasive. Dental lasers are less invasive than traditional practices, thereby reducing the trauma and pain of procedures.
Efficient. Treatments using lasers usually require less anesthesia, few to no stitches, and fewer future visits to the dentist.
Accurate. Lasers are more accurate than traditional methods, so patients experience less bleeding and swelling post-procedure.

Earlier Cavity Detection

Instead of using a sharp dental probe or x-rays, dentists can use a dental laser to examine the grooves, cracks, and fissures of a tooth. With 90% accuracy, the laser can help dentists determine if a tooth has, or is at risk of developing, dental caries.

Dental lasers, such as DIAGNOdent, allow Dr. Ragsdale to detect cavities as early as possible. Early cavity detection can prevent the cavity from getting worse or spreading, thus saving patients the trouble of more costly and painful procedures.

Used For Both Hard and Soft Tissue Procedures

The accuracy and efficiency of dental lasers mean that dentists can use them for a multitude of both hard and soft tissue procedures, including:

Root canals. With dental lasers, patients experience less pain compared to the drilling and scraping associated with traditional root canals. Additionally, laser root canals require less recovery time and fewer follow-up dental visits.
Cavity fillings. Traditional dentistry tools cause a smear layer on teeth. Dental lasers eliminate the smear layer completely, meaning the restorative material used to treat cavities adheres to teeth better.
Teeth whitening. Dental lasers remove stains from teeth faster and without causing as much tooth-sensitivity as other whitening products.
Gum surgery. Lasers allow dentists to extract affected tissue while also minimizing the amount of healthy tissue that is removed. Dental lasers seal blood vessels, which means less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure.
Plaque and tartar removal. Without the scraping and picking associated with dental probes, dental lasers allow dentists to remove plaque and tartar with less irritation to the gumline.
“Gummy smile” treatment. Dental lasers are used to shape the gum or minimize the appearance of the gums with less pain.

Cost-Effective

Because dental lasers are generally less invasive, patients experience fewer dental visits when compared to traditional dental procedures. Fewer visits mean patients spend less money.

Insurance companies often govern reimbursement based on the procedure and not the method by which the treatment was completed. While fewer dental visits typically mean less cost to you or your insurer, it is always advisable to confirm with your insurance company that laser procedures are covered under your specific dental plan.

Modern Dentistry at Austin Laser Dentist

Laser dentistry is modern dentistry. Leave the painful procedures of traditional dentistry in the past. Contact Dr. Ragsdale and her trustworthy team in Austin, TX, at 512-346-4690 or online to schedule an appointment.

October 26, 2021 By Paula

Affordable Porcelain Dental Crowns at Austin Laser Dentist

Dental crowns are prostheses that help restore natural tooth color. Due to the silica content in dental ceramic, crowns made from porcelain have a sheerness that allows them to reflect light in a manner that is nearly identical to natural tooth enamel. Because of that, many dentists now work primarily with porcelain crowns, which offer the best combination of form and function.

Porcelain crowns bolster natural tooth structure and offer great aesthetics, and Austin Laser Dentist’s in-house dental plan makes sure treatment with porcelain dental crowns is made affordable.

Moving Away from Metal

Dental crowns have traditionally been manufactured using metal. But metal’s many drawbacks has forced the dental industry to seek out alternatives. Metal cracks as it ages and because it does not blend in with natural tooth color is not an aesthetically pleasing option.

Some patients are also sensitive to metal, and new information has shown that dental metal can be harmful to patients’ health.

Porcelain Crowns Are Safe, Durable, and Natural-Looking

Crowns are used to protect a damaged tooth when a simple filling will not suffice. Traumatic injury, root canal therapy, and deep cavities are typical reasons people get dental crowns.

Porcelain dental crowns make a great choice for both restoring and preserving natural teeth for several reasons:

–No allergic reactions. Porcelain is hypoallergenic so patients do not suffer allergic reactions to the substance like they would to dental metal.

–Natural color. Porcelain can be made to match natural tooth color nearly identically. They have the translucence of healthy dental enamel.

–Strength. The strength of dental porcelain means it is strong enough to withstand great pressure and impact of the average bite.

Crown Placement

Crown placement usually requires two visits. During the first visit, a dentist will prepare the site by ridding the tooth of any decay. If it is needed, the enamel will also be reshaped. Next, accurate measurements are taken of the affected tooth and the surrounding area to ensure an accurate fit of the crown.

The measurements are then sent to a lab where technicians manufacture the crown. Some dentists will place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it while the permanent one is manufactured.

Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will check it for size, color, and fit. After any necessary adjustments are made, the crown is then bonded in place and the new prosthetic is ready to go!

With proper care and maintenance, (which is identical to the care and maintenance of a natural tooth), a porcelain dental crown can last between 10 and 15 years.

In-House Dental Plan

For our patients’ convenience, Austin Laser Dentist offers an in-house dental plan.

Starting at $349.99 a year (less than $30 a month), patients enjoy 100% preventive care and savings on a variety of other services such as basic care, major care, orthodontics, implants, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Patients can also create their own custom plan with customized benefits and member pricing to suit their unique needs.

The in-house dental plans at Austin Laser Dentist offer benefits including no annual maximums, no waiting periods, no deductible, and more. An option like this is perfect for patients who have lost their dental insurance, are paying too much for dental insurance, or simply want to save money on their dental care.

Quality Dental Care in Austin, TX

Dr. Ragsdale believes in providing the very best care and enabling patients to afford that care. Come experience the level of service that has earned her over 2,000 5-star reviews from patients just like you. Call (512) 346-4690 or schedule a consultation online today.

May 3, 2021 By Paula

General Dentist vs Cosmetic Dentist: What’s the difference?

picture of woman's smile with hexagons dividing it

The various dental fields of modern dentistry can make finding the right dentist tricky and the process long; it can be a lot of research, especially for those who don’t quite understand their oral health problems. To simplify the process for you, our Austin dentist is here to explain the differences between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist.

General Dentist: Education and Services

Think of general dentistry as the baseline for all dental specialties. To become a general dentist, a person must be accepted into and graduate from an accredited dental school. Upon graduating, these students earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. These degrees are the exact same—different schools just use different names.

After graduating, these dentists are free to begin practicing under the earned title of “general dentist.” As the primary dental healthcare providers, general dentists address oral health problems associated with dental pain and discomfort and oral hygiene.

One of the most important jobs of a general dentist is to teach patients about proper oral hygiene techniques and practices, such as brushing and flossing.

General dentists who own a private practice can choose which age range of patients they prefer but are equipped to treat patients of all ages.

Here are the types of services a general dentist provides:

Preventive services like dental cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings.
Restorative treatments such as crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
Cosmetic procedures like dental veneers and teeth whitening.
Emergency services such as dental extractions and root canal therapy.

Most people have a general dentist that they go to for their basic oral health care needs. In circumstances where more specialized care is needed, the general dentist will refer the patient to a trusted specialist.

Cosmetic Dentist: Education and Services

The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as one of the ten dental specialties quite yet. This is why most general dentists offer cosmetic services as well. However, general dentists should complete specialized training apart from dental school to improve their cosmetic dentistry skills.

To be considered a skilled and qualified cosmetic dentist, the dentist should have these qualities:

A keen eye for detail
A steady hand
Several hours of continuing education hours
Member of a professional dental association
The latest technology

Experienced cosmetic dentists should offer more than one or two cosmetic dental treatments. They should offer enough services to completely redo a person’s smile through a total smile makeover. Here are some best of the cosmetic services to look for:

Porcelain veneers
Invisalign
Teeth whitening
Dental bonding
Gum lifts

In addition, search for a dentist who uses modern technology like laser dentistry to ensure you’re receiving the safest and most effective dental care.

Our Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers general and cosmetic dentistry services to the Austin, TX community. Using the latest technology, learned skills, and effective techniques, Dr. Ragsdale has helped thousands of patients achieve a healthy, radiant, show-stopping smile.

Don’t wait any longer to receive the dental care you need from our general and cosmetic dentist. Dr. Ragsdale is prepared to create a custom dental plan that meets your specific oral health and aesthetic needs. Call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.

February 27, 2021 By Paula

Why Regular Dental Care Is Important for People of All Ages

close up of dentist looking in patients mouth

Dental care isn’t just for children, and it isn’t just for senior adults. It’s for both and everyone in between. Trust us when we say that oral health care is about more than just having a bright, shiny smile. While we certainly love helping our patients achieve that goal, it is much more about helping them achieve optimal oral health that improves every area of their lives.

Children, teens, young adults, middle-aged adults, and senior adults should all attend regular dental cleaning and exam appointments every six months (at least!). Why? Because a healthy mouth means a healthier body and mind and a more fulfilling life.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Many people think of the mouth as a separate entity from the body. In reality, one has a significant impact on the other.

People who don’t attend regular dental cleanings are much more likely to suffer from cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. Plaque build-up eats away at dental enamel and gum tissue. Eventually, this can lead to severe pain, bleeding gums, inflamed gums, redness, and bone loss. If left untreated, the bacteria can infiltrate the bloodstream, spreading the inflammation throughout the body.

The spreading of the bacteria may contribute to serious overall health problems, such as:

Heart disease
Endocarditis
Low birth weight
Premature birth
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease

Regular dental care and proper oral hygiene are two of the best defenses against these oral and overall health problems.

How the State of our Mouths Affects Our Minds

An unhealthy smile can certainly affect how our brains function. If the oral bacteria spread to the brain, it can cause inflammation that leads to brain fog and may contribute to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, patients with an unattractive smile because of a lack of dental care often suffer from low self-esteem, higher stress levels, and less fulfilling lives. According to a survey completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful smile makes a person appear smarter, more successful, and happier. The impacts of these assumptions may lead to more and better job opportunities, higher confidence levels, and a better social life.

People with attractive, healthy smiles are also more likely to smile which has been proven to boost your mood, lower stress levels, increase creativity, and make those around you happier. We know that a healthy mouth doesn’t always equal a beautiful smile; however, when patients attend regular dental cleanings every six months, they usually have brighter smiles than those who don’t. This also provides an opportunity for the patient to discuss cosmetic treatments or orthodontic solutions to their aesthetic dental issues.

How A Healthy Mouth Leads to a More Fulfilling Life

Because of how a healthy mouth affects both our bodies and minds, it’s no surprise that people with healthy, beautiful smiles often lead more fulfilling lives. Patients with healthy smiles spend less time worried about cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss and more time doing things they enjoy with people they love.

Helping patients live more fulfilling lives is why Dr. Helen Ragsdale is so passionate about providing affordable, gentle dental care. If you’re ready to get your smile to a healthy place and maybe even improve it through cosmetic dental treatments, don’t wait any longer to contact our friendly dental team at (512) 346-4690.

Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS