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.

January 20, 2021 By Paula

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.

January 21, 2020 By Paula

Rebuilding Smiles: What You Need to Know About Restorative Dentistry

A dentist’s top priority is to help patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Of course, preventive measures like regular dental cleanings and exams are the ideal method, but when a patient comes to a dentist with missing or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry is both necessary and effective!

Restorative dentistry repairs a tooth damaged by trauma and tooth decay. If you need dental care because of these issues, visit your dentist as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment and avoid more oral health problems in the future.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about restorative dentistry:

1. What problems are treated through restorative dentistry?

If you experience any of the following, you need a dental restoration:

Chipped tooth
Cracked tooth
Missing tooth or teeth (also prosthetic dentistry)
Cavity

2. What are the solutions to these dental problems?

Your dentist may suggest the following treatments:

Dental crown for chipped or cracked teeth
Dental implant for missing teeth
Dental bridge for missing teeth
Dentures for entire row of missing teeth
Fillings for cavities
Inlay or Onlay for cavities, chipped teeth, cracked teeth

3. Will these restorations look natural?

Yes! Most dentists use materials that match your tooth color and work with dental labs to create natural-looking restorations and prosthetics. Ceramic and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) works well for teeth that show when you smile. Back teeth, also called molars, require a more durable material such as tooth-colored zirconium or precious metal.

Our Austin Laser dentist has expert attention to detail and a team of skilled lab technicians to ensure the restorations fit correctly and comfortably.

4. How long do these solutions last?

The lifespan of a restoration is dependent on the material that is used and how well it is cared for. Assuming a patient has good oral hygiene and no other major oral health issues, this list shows how long each restoration is expected to last:

Dental crown: 5-15 years
Dental implant: more than 25 years
Dental bridge: 5-15 years
Denture: 5-8 years
Filling: between 10-30 years
Inlay and Onlay: 20-30 years

5. What are the consequences of not seeking treatment?

When left untreated, these dental issues can lead to much more serious oral and overall health problems. When a tooth is chipped or cracked, it has a higher risk of tooth decay that can easily infect the tooth root. As a result, root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be needed. The same is true for untreated cavities.

The consequences of not replacing a missing tooth are atrophy, bite imbalance, and dental misalignment.

Basically, putting off treatment only leads to needing more treatment which comes with greater expense.

6. Who offers restorative dentistry?

Most general dentists offer restorative treatments along with preventive care and cosmetic dentistry. Look for a “services” or “restorative” tab on a dentist’s website to find out which restorative solutions he or she offers.

7. Are restorative procedures covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance policies cover part of the cost of restorative dentistry, but not cosmetic dentistry. At your first dental appointment, your out-of-pocket expenses will be estimated considering what your dental benefits will pay.

If insurance does not cover the procedure, there are other payment options available. Many dentists offer in-house financing, take CareCredit®, and accept most major credit cards. Talk to your dental team today to learn about your financing options.

Schedule an Initial Consultation

To learn which restorative solution is best for your oral health situation, contact a general dentist near you to schedule an initial consultation.

To meet with Dr. Ragsdale, call (512) 346-4690.

January 16, 2019 By Paula

5 Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Our smiles are one of our most visible physical attributes. The benefits of healthy teeth goes beyond physical looks, though. When teeth become damaged, the results can have significant health implications. Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or decayed teeth. If you are interested in having the perfect smile, contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an examination at Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX. Here are just a few of the benefits of restorative dentistry.

#1: Improved Chewing Function

The act of chewing is a complex balancing act that requires close coordination between the jaw, teeth, and tongue to ensure that food is properly ground and crushed before being digested. When food is not properly chewed, choking and digestive problems may occur. Over reliance on one side of the mouth due to pain from a damaged tooth is one common cause of impaired chewing function. (Some patients experience improvements in speech following the dental restoration procedure.) Restorative dentistry is one way to help restore chewing ability.

#2: Reduced Jaw Discomfort

Misaligned teeth can cause a number of oral problems ranging from jaw pain and stiffness of the jaw muscles to persistent teeth clicking and unintentional self-biting of the gums. In some cases, the discomfort can even lead to recurrent headaches and trouble sleeping. Austin Laser Dentist offers several procedures to help realign teeth and end discomfort. Those options include fillings, dental implants, bridges, crowns, and teeth straightening.

#3: Long-term Cost Savings and Preservation of Bone Structure

The preferred outcome for any dental procedure is to preserve all or part of a tooth when possible. Dental crowns (caps) preserve damaged teeth by physically encasing the remaining structure. The crowns are designed to maintain the natural look and feel of the tooth they are capped onto.

A healthy smile speaks volumes. It is commonly associated with health, happiness, and beauty. While not every part of our bodies can go through life appearing ageless, our teeth can. Whether you’re looking to close gaps between your teeth, restore chipped teeth, or cover stains, the staff at Austin Laser Dentist has the right options for you.

#4: Look Younger

It’s no wonder models and celebrities pay special attention to their smiles. Studies have shown that the appearance of our teeth is a key factor in how age is perceived. One study conducted by Oral B found that a healthy smile can add or subtract five years to your “age.”

#5: Improved Appearance

The shape, evenness, and color of your teeth define how “healthy” your smile appears to others. Having the assuredness to smile wide and show your pearly whites can be a boost to your self-confidence. It can also influence how old you look. Dr. Ragsdale’s dental office provides a variety of procedures that can restore and improve the appearance of your teeth. Discoloration can result from years of drinking coffee and tea or simply for genetic reasons. Austin Laser Dentist offers one-hour Laser Whitening. The process is no mere whitewashing. A beautiful smile must appear natural. Dr. Ragsdale and her staff approach each laser whitening treatment mindful of the patient’s natural skin tone in order to ensure that the results complement the surrounding facial features.

Rejuvenate Your Smile With Restorative Dentistry in Austin, TX

Are you interested in learning more about restorative dentistry? Call Dr. Helen Ragsdale at (512) 346-4690 to arrange for an appointment.

Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS