Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

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Are there alternatives to traditional dentures?

Close up portrait of a smiling attractive senior man looking directly at the camera with copyspace

Millions of Americans become new denture-wearers every year. Still, there are many who wish there were alternatives to traditional, removable dentures. At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale works with patients to craft a solution that is right for them.

About Traditional Dentures

Traditional, removable dentures are by far the most common solution for missing teeth. They are relatively cost-effective. Traditional dentures start at about $300. 

They also can take a relatively short time to get fitted for. After a patient’s gums heal from a tooth extraction (if necessary) and an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken, the impressions are sent to a dental lab to be created. When they arrive back at the dentist’s office, the patient has a final fitting, then leaves with his new teeth. The entire process can take three to twelve weeks to complete.

The most common complaints about dentures are that: 

  • Traditional dentures require adhesive to remain in place in your mouth. 
  • Extensive wear of traditional dentures can cause your jaw to shrink, making the dentures feel loose and rub painfully on the gums. 
  • Because dentures don’t support jawbone regeneration, denture-wearers often experience facial sagging. 

What are alternative to traditional dentures?

There are several good alternatives to traditional or removable dentures, including implant-supported dentures and dental bridges. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures look and feel like natural teeth. The wearer does not have to forgo any of her favorite foods as she would more fragile removable dentures. They also promote healthy jawbone creation.

They can, however, be costly with each implant costing between $1,600 and $2,200.

Because the process involves pulling teeth, allowing the gums to heal and then placing the implants, it can also be lengthy. The average duration of the implant-supported denture process can be anywhere from six months to a year.

All-on-4 is another type of implant-supported denture. But while traditional implant-supported dentures may require that 6-8 implants be installed, All-on-4 requires only four.

Dental Bridges

Another common alternative to removable dentures is a dental bridge.

Dental bridges consist of two dental crowns and up to three prosthetic teeth in a row. The crowns attach to the patient’s natural teeth to secure the prosthetic ones in place. With proper dental care, dental bridges remain durable and stable. 

Why are traditional bridges better than traditional dentures? 

  • Dental bridges are secured to neighboring teeth and therefore do not move, fall out, or require messy adhesives to remain in place.
  • Traditional dentures need to be removed nightly and soaked in cleaning solution while care for a dental bridge is very similar to care for natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will do.
  • It is recommended that traditional dentures be replaced between 5 and 10 years. But with proper care and regular checkups it is not unheard of for a dental bridge to last over 10 years.

Dental bridges, can, however, put natural teeth at risk. Healthy tooth structure needs to be removed from adjacent teeth so the crowns can be placed. The stress of supporting a replacement tooth or teeth can cause the neighboring teeth to fail.

Tooth Replacement Options in Austin, TX

Whatever your needs are, Dr. Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist can help you find the best solution. Call (512) 346-4690 for a free consultation or conveniently schedule an appointment online today.

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Life After Adult Tooth Loss

  • photo of aged man with tooth missing smiling at camera

Many adults experience tooth loss. Gum disease, cavities, or trauma can be the underlying causes of missing one tooth or several teeth. Missing teeth can even be the root cause of many health and social problems. Thankfully, if you’re looking to replace a lost tooth, there are several treatment options. Continue reading to understand more about how missing teeth impact daily life and a few options to restore your smile back to its former glory.

How do missing teeth impact daily life?

Here are nine physical and psychological problems related to missing teeth:

Difficulty Chewing

The main mechanism for teeth is biting and chewing foods. Missing teeth makes it difficult or uncomfortable to chew. This may cause people to eat less or differently, which often results in poor nutrition. Poor nutrition can cause health problems both short-term (stress, tiredness, and capacity to work) and long-term (excess weight, tooth decay, and high blood pressure).

Speech Issues

Speech is all about sounds, and forming sounds correctly requires a proper posture of oral structures (including the teeth). Some sounds are caused by friction of airflow pressed against the speaker’s teeth. Other sounds are articulated at the front of a person’s mouth (between the upper teeth and lower lip). Some words are distorted or impossible to pronounce without teeth, including the word “teeth.”

Decreased Confidence

Missing teeth can make it difficult to say certain words and also affect speech indirectly by reducing confidence. In a study published by the American Dental Association, a quarter of people surveyed reported embarrassment and avoidance of smiling due to their missing teeth.

Job Opportunities

In the same study conducted by the ADA, almost 30% of adults with missing teeth reported that the appearance of their mouth and teeth affects their ability to interview for a job.

Facial Changes

Missing teeth affect the height of jawbones and change facial angulation and facial muscles. This can make noses appear larger, lose shape around the corners of the mouth to make a frown, make the chin look more pointed, and thin out the lips.

Premature Aging

Missing teeth can change the shape of the face to make people appear older than they actually are. Without structural support, skin sags around the mouth and cheek jowls. Sagging causes an increase in vertical lines.

Shifting Teeth

Excess room in the mouth may cause teeth to shift. Teeth may gap or collide, which causes long-term problems. Because crowded teeth are more difficult to clean between, they are more at risk for tooth decay. Shifting can also adversely affect bite and alignment.

Compromised Mental Health

A study published in 2014 discovered a link between missing teeth and mood disorders (depression and anxiety). Patients with dental anxiety are more likely to avoid dental care, and individuals with depression are more prone to be inattentive in self-care.

Bone Atrophy

Normal chewing pressures allow bone tissue to continuously rebuild itself. This natural process removes old bone (resorption) and adds new bone where it’s needed (ossification). When the tooth and tooth roots no longer exist, resorption occurs much faster than ossification. This weakens and reduces jawbone tissue, making the jaw more prone to fractures, breakage, and imbalance.

Three Methods of Replacing Teeth

Dental implants

Dental implants can replace a single tooth or more. This treatment involves multiple surgeries and six to nine months to heal. Treatment involves placing a titanium metal post into the upper or lower jawbone. After this heals, an abutment and replacement tooth are mounted on the implant. This helps the restoration stay in place and mimics 90% of natural chewing forces.

Dental implants can support:

  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Full Arch-Restorations

Dental implants are ideal because they act as natural tooth roots, but not everyone qualifies for them.

Fixed Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are another great tooth replacement option. Dental bridges are effective for replacing one to three teeth in a row. A fixed bridge closes the gap caused by missing teeth using a dental prosthetic that is bonded to adjacent teeth.

Dentures

If you need to replace an entire row or set of teeth, dentures are a viable treatment option. Natural teeth stabilize a removable plastic base with artificial teeth attached. Dentures can look and feel natural. Plus, they can be repaired and replaced with ease.

Book an Appointment in Austin, TX

If you would like to know more about how missing teeth can influence the quality of life and which tooth replacement option is right for you, call us at (512) 346-4690 or message us online to schedule an appointment with Austin Laser Dentist.

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5 Reasons Dental Implants Are Our First Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

dental bridge being attached to dental implants

Missing teeth are no small issue. Having just one missing tooth can lead to significantly impact a person’s overall health and well-being by causing further tooth loss, overall health problems, and low self-confidence. Missing teeth can even make others perceive you as less attractive, successful, and intelligent.

Tooth loss affects so many adults, leaving them feeling hopeless. Modern dentistry offers hope for those with one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth.

Dental implants are the most highly recommended tooth replacement option in dentistry. Patients with healthy mouths, sufficient jawbone density, and the willingness to endure months of treatments are the best candidates for this innovative and effective tooth loss treatment.

Here are five reasons we love dental implants:

1. Dental implants are safe.

As dental professionals, keeping our patients’ mouths safe and healthy is our top priority. Dental implants are made from high-quality, biocompatible materials so patients never have to worry about their bodies reacting negatively to the devices.  

2. Implants offer stability.

Dental bridges and dentures only replace the tooth crowns. Dental implants are the one restorative option that also replaces the tooth root.

To place an implant, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue, then inserts the implant into the jawbone. This process ensures that the restoration is stable and that the jawbone does not deteriorate.

The fact that the implant and jawbone join together creates an incredible foundation for the dental crown to function just like a natural tooth. Additionally, tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong so it can support the teeth and facial features. Without this support, patients often experience facial sagging that makes them appear older.

3. They look and feel natural.

Dental implants emulate our natural teeth in form and function. With dentures and dental bridges, patients may need to add restrictions to their diets to maintain their restorations. Dental implants don’t require patients to give anything up because they are so strong and durable.

4. Dental implants last forever.

Dental implants have a success rate of 90 percent. Factors that contribute to successful implants that last forever include:

  • Choosing an experienced dentist
  • Having a healthy mouth
  • Following the dentist’s post-surgical instructions
  • Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine
  • Avoiding tobacco products
  • Visiting the dentist regularly

5. Implants are versatile.

One dental implant is typically attached to a dental crown to replace one tooth. Dentists can also use implants to replace several teeth in a row or an entire arch of teeth.

For several missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge or partial denture can be attached to dental implants. Only two implants may be necessary, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. Additionally, dentures are attached to as few as four dental implants for an entire arch of missing teeth.

Austin Dental Implants

The success of dental implants is based on several factors, including the dentist you choose. For patients in the Austin, TX area, the choice is easy. Dr. Helen Ragsdale is an experienced and compassionate dentist who utilizes the latest technology to ensure her patients receive the best dental care available. To schedule an initial consultation at our conveniently located office, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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What is restorative dentistry?

several dental restorations on white surface

Within the dental field are several types of specialties; however, most dentists, regardless of their specialty, offer restorative dentistry procedures.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing a patient’s mouth to optimal form and function. Have a missing tooth? A chipped tooth? Damaged tooth? Several missing teeth? Cavity? Several restorative dental techniques address these issues, so your smile remains beautiful and operational.

Fillings

In the past, most dentists used silver amalgam fillings to treat cavities. Doubts about the safety of silver fillings led dentists to seek an alternative. Today, many dentists, like Dr. Helen Ragsdale, prefer composite resin fillings for the following reasons:

  • Composite resin doesn’t contain mercury
  • Patients experience less dental sensitivity
  • Composite resin appears more natural
  • Requires less preparation

Fillings are placed in a tooth after a dentist has removed all of the bacteria from inside the tooth. Once dried, the filling acts as a barrier to the tooth which reduces the risk of more decay.

Dental Crowns

Dentists recommend dental crowns for several reasons, such as:

  • Protection for a weak tooth
  • To hold parts of a cracked tooth together
  • To restore a worn-down tooth
  • A tooth that has more filling material than natural tooth structure
  • A root canaled tooth

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with dental bridges and dental implants.

Patients who need dental crowns should talk to their dentist about the pros and cons of each dental crown material before making a final decision.

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for patients with an entire row of missing teeth. Dentists and technicians work together to create realistic and natural-looking smiles for their patients. This involves taking precise measurements of the mouth, choosing between acrylic or porcelain teeth, and considering the patient’s face shape and symmetry.

Modern dentures are comfortable, lightweight, and durable. However, they do require extra care and responsibility. Patients should expect to have their dentures reshaped and refitted every couple of years.

For a more permanent and stable restorative dentistry option, consider a dental implant or dental bridge.

Dental Bridge

Dentists may recommend a dental bridge to patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap between two teeth.

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two crowns and one to three prosthetic teeth. The dentist attaches the dental crowns to the patient’s natural teeth and the prosthetics hang in the gap. Because the bridge is secured by healthy teeth, the bridge is secure, durable, and fully functional.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth as patients can get. The implant is a small, screw-like rod that takes the place of the tooth root. To place the implant, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums and inserts it into the jawbone. This usually takes about three to six months to heal.

Once the surgical site has healed, an abutment and dental crown are placed atop the implant, completing the procedure. The dental implant process is nearly 100 percent successful, the implant is extremely durable, and they last a lifetime.

Modern Restorative Dentist in Austin, TX

Dr. Ragsdale uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure every patient receives the most advanced care. Whatever your needs, we can meet them! To schedule an initial consultation at Austin Laser Dentist, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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Dental Implants: The Best Way to Restore Beauty and Function

woman smiling with blue background

We see it all the time—patients who are desperate for a solution to their gapped-toothed smiles and caving facial features. Having missing teeth doesn’t just affect the function of a person’s smile, it changes the way they feel about themselves and their lives. Thankfully, dentists offer an effective, safe, and long-lasting solution through dental implants.

As dental professionals, our goal is to help patients achieve a healthy, beautiful, and function smile. For many patients, dental implants are the key! Check out this blog to learn how dental implants can improve your smile and life.

Improved Smile

Although aesthetics isn’t our main concern, improved appearance is one of the greatest benefits of dental implants. When a patient has one or more missing teeth replaced, he or she becomes much more confident and comfortable with their smile.

In turn, they smile more because they are no longer scared to show their teeth and because they are happier as well.

Improve Appearance

Along with replacing one or more missing teeth, dental implants strengthen the jawbone which reduces jawbone atrophy.

Atrophy—or bone deterioration—causes the face to droop and facial features to cave in. This occurs because there is no tooth root to stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong; it is important that we point this out because we want patients to understand that this benefit only comes from dental implants. Dentures and dental bridges only restore the crown of the tooth, not the root.

Another reason aesthetics are important is that we want our patients to feel confident and self-assured. A less-than-perfect smile can certainly be the reason for low self-esteem which affects every area of a person’s life. As dental professionals, we want our patients to have healthy smiles as well as beautiful ones!

Restored Function

Missing teeth can make chewing and talking much more difficult. People with missing teeth may struggle to eat some of their favorite foods like apples or steak. Additionally, when we don’t chew our foods enough, our digestive systems suffer.

Depending on where the missing tooth or teeth are, a person may suffer from a speech impediment. In addition to being insecure about their smile, they may be self-conscious when speaking to others. Imagine the impact that could have on a person’s work and personal life.

Thankfully, dental implants can completely restore a person’s ability to chew and speak properly so these other problems are resolved as well.

Lifetime Solution

One major advantage of dental implants is that they typically last a lifetime. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, most patients never need to have their dental implant replaced because of the highly-successful procedure and biocompatible materials.

When patients choose an experienced and trusted dentist to plan their dental implant treatment, they are much less likely to experience complications. This is because the dentist knows what a suitable candidate for dental implants looks like and places the implant properly. In more complex cases, the dentist may recommend the patient to an oral surgeon for the implant placement.

Whatever the case, dental implant patients can rest assured knowing that their restoration will be extremely long-lasting.

Dental Implants in Austin, TX

Are you ready to have your beautiful and functioning smile back? Our gentle and experienced dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is prepared to do just that! Call us today to schedule your initial consultation at (512) 346-4690.