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

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Why You Shouldn’t Delay Restorative Dentistry

man wincing and touching his face because of tooth pain, needs restorative dentistry

We all know that life gets busy, and dental appointments can sometimes fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But if you’ve been putting off that filling, crown, or implant, it’s time to hit pause and think again. Restorative dentistry can save your smile when decay, damage, or missing teeth threaten your dental health. 

Need to repair your smile? Contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist. Our dental team in Austin, TX, uses cutting-edge solutions and gentle techniques to fix dental damage and restore your oral health quickly. Call our office at (512) 346-4690 to get the care you need now!

Delaying restorative dentistry treatments might seem harmless, but in reality, waiting too long can lead to bigger problems – and bigger bills down the road. So, let’s explore exactly why you shouldn’t put off restorative dental procedures in today’s blog.

Small Problems, Big Consequences

When a tooth is damaged, whether from decay or an accident, it needs prompt attention. For example, a small cavity may not seem like a big deal. But over time, it can grow and weaken the tooth, turning a simple filling into a more extensive treatment like a crown or root canal. 

Similarly, if you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, waiting too long can result in more damage, which might mean you’ll need an extraction instead of a simple restoration.

Restorative dentistry treatments work best when issues are caught early. By delaying, you give problems the chance to escalate. What starts as a minor inconvenience can become a painful and expensive ordeal, not to mention a longer recovery process.

The Domino Effect on Your Mouth

Your teeth don’t exist in isolation. Each one plays a critical role in supporting the others. So, when one tooth is in trouble, it can affect the entire lineup. 

Missing teeth, for example, cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place, which can lead to bite problems, discomfort, and even jaw pain. This is why restorative dentistry options like dental bridges and implants are so important—they help keep your teeth in alignment and maintain proper function.

Bacterial Buildup: Your Worst Enemy

When a tooth is damaged or decayed, it invites bacteria, of which there are over 700 different species found in the human mouth. So, the longer you wait to get damage or decay fixed, the more bacteria can build up, leading to infections. 

Untreated decay leads to painful abscesses. Eventually, these localized infections can spread to surrounding tissue and even the bloodstream, impacting overall health. Restorative dentistry steps in before these infections have a chance to take hold, preserving not only your teeth but your well-being.

Your Wallet Will Thank You

Let’s face it – dental treatments can be expensive, but delaying restorative dentistry doesn’t save you money. In fact, it often ends up costing more in the long run. 

A small filling is much less expensive than a crown, and a crown is more affordable than a dental implant or full extraction. The longer you wait, the more involved and costly the treatment becomes. Taking care of the problem early is not only better for your health, but it’s also kinder to your wallet.

Restore Your Smile and Confidence at Austin Laser Dentist

The next time you’re tempted to postpone that dental appointment, remember that restorative dentistry is the key to keeping you and your smile healthy and strong. Don’t let small problems snowball into larger ones. Take action today, and contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale online or call our Austin, TX, dental office at (512) 346-4690 to reserve an appointment now!

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Be Aware: Foods and Drinks that Contribute to Tooth Decay

candy, donuts, French fries, popcorn, soda, hamburger on black table

We all love indulging in our favorite treats and beverages, but did you know that some of them could be secretly sabotaging your smile? Tooth decay is a common dental issue that affects people of all ages, often leading to the need for restorative dentistry procedures to repair the damage. 

Have you noticed increasing tooth sensitivity, tiny holes in your teeth, or new discoloration on your pearly whites? These may be signs of developing cavities. Fight tooth decay with Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist. Call our Austin, TX, dental office at (512) 346-4690 to stop the damage and repair your smile today!

Understanding which foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay can help you make smarter choices and keep your chompers happy, healthy, and functional. In today’s blog, Dr. Ragsdale explores common goodies and drinks that might be taking a toll on your smile.

Sugary Sweets and Candies

When you consume candies, especially sticky ones like caramels and gummies, the sugar lingers on your teeth, providing a feast for harmful bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. 

So, while it’s okay to enjoy sweets occasionally, make sure to brush and floss afterward to keep tooth decay at bay.

Acidic Beverages: Sodas and Juices

In a 2016 study comparing the acidity of beverages available to American consumers, 93% were found to have a pH of 4.0 or lower, making them highly acidic. These drinks often include carbonated beverages, fruit juices, and sports and energy drinks. 

Acidic drinks make teeth more susceptible to tooth decay by eroding tooth enamel. Moreover, many of these beverages also contain added sugars, doubling the risk of cavities. 

To minimize damage, consider using a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Starchy Snacks: Chips and Bread

Starchy, carbohydrate-rich foods such as potato chips, white bread, and pasta can be unexpected contributors to tooth decay. These carbohydrates break down into sugars inside your mouth, providing fuel for bacteria to produce enamel-damaging acids. 

Additionally, these foods can get trapped between teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. 

To combat carb-related cavities, incorporate whole-grain alternatives into your diet.

Alcoholic Beverages

Enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail might be a relaxing way to unwind, but alcohol can contribute to tooth decay by drying out your mouth. That’s right – a dry mouth creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause tooth decay.

Drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages can help maintain saliva flow, which protects your teeth from unnecessary damage.

Sweetened Coffee and Tea

Your daily cup of coffee or tea can become a threat to your teeth when loaded with sugar and flavored syrups. These additives increase the risk of tooth decay, especially when sipped throughout the day. 

Try reducing the amount of sugars and syrups you use, and consider drinking your pick-me-ups plain or with sugar-free sweeteners to safeguard your smile.

Fight Tooth Decay with Dr. Helen Ragsdale in Austin, TX

Remember, a little mindfulness goes a long way in preventing tooth decay and ensuring your teeth stay strong and beautiful for years to come. And don’t forget to fight cavities with regular check-ups and cleanings at Austin Laser Dentist! 

Book your next cleaning and check-up online, or call (512) 346-4690 to reserve your appointment now. 

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Does Good Oral Hygiene Affect Health?

Did you know that your mouth is home to up to 20 billion–yes, billion–bacteria? Your mouth is an open vessel to your internal systems, so those bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Because of this, oral health and whole-body health are intertwined. Poor oral hygiene can lead to systemic health problems and on the flip side, good oral hygiene contributes to good overall health.

If you’ve not seen the dentist in the last six months or longer, call Austin Laser Dentist at 512-346-4690 to schedule a checkup and cleaning. We are accepting new patients and look forward to sharing our five-star service to you and your loved ones!

What Is Good Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene refers to the health of your mouth and all of its components: teeth, gums, tongue, jawbone, jaw joints, other soft tissues, and the oral microbiome. What’s a microbiome? It’s a big word that means the collective microorganisms in the mouth, like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The microbiome is affected by diet, pH level, oral hygiene, stress, medications, and many other factors.

If you consistently practice a good oral care routine at home, attend six-month checkups and cleanings in our office, and undergo restorative procedures when necessary, you can achieve and maintain good oral hygiene. Neglecting any of these can result in poor oral hygiene, which involves the infection, damage, and in some cases loss of oral structures (teeth, gum tissue, jawbone tissue).

But taking care of your mouth at home isn’t difficult. Oral hygiene care must be practiced daily and consistently. Here’s the ideal oral hygiene routine:

  • Brush for two minutes in the morning and in the evening
  • Use a soft bristled toothbrush
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste
  • Use a tongue scraper (optional)
  • Use antibacterial mouthwash (optional)
  • Every evening, before brushing, thoroughly floss your teeth
  • Use the type of floss you like best

A tongue scraper is a plastic, handheld tool that safely removes plaque and debris from the bumpy surface of your tongue. They are available at pharmacies and online for a few dollars. Using a tongue scraper daily can help improve breath and the microbiome. Mouthwash, as well, reduces oral bacteria and improves breath.

Tips for Good Oral Health

  • Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods
  • Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, salmond, and dark leafy greens
  • Eat phosphorus-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, dairy, and beans
  • Eat vitamin C-rich foods like tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and peppers
  • Drink eight or more glasses of water every day–more if you’ll be outdoors or at a high elevation
  • Avoid smoking as well as excessive alcohol consumption
  • Manage stress well
  • If you take medication regularly, ask your doctor if it has any oral health implications, like causing dry mouth
  • If your mouth is dry, chew sugar free gum or use artificial saliva spray (comes in gel or paste also)

Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

  • Deter Cavities
    Tooth decay, also called caries or cavities, occurs when bad oral bacteria attacks and eats softened tooth enamel. Though extremely hard when fully mineralized, tooth enamel temporarily softens after we consume starches, including sugar. In the soft state, enamel is vulnerable. A good diet low in starches and sugars, and plenty of hydration, helps keep tooth enamel healthy.
  • Deter Gum Disease
    When plaque builds up on teeth and hardens into tartar (or calculus), gums can become infected. We call this gingivitis or gum disease, and it’s linked to a heightened risk for heart disease, respiratory issues, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other systemic health concerns. 
  • Deter Oral Cancer
    Oral cancer is usually associated with heavy smoking or alcohol consumption, but oral and esophageal cancer can develop in anyone. Found and treated early, oral cancer has a high survival rate, though it can become fatal.
  • Reduce Risk for Heart Disease
  • Reduce Risk for Respiratory Infections
  • Support Diabetes Management
  • Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
  • Boost Mental Health

We’ll Help You Restore Good Oral Health

If you’re concerned about your oral health, you may notice issues like bad breath; gums that are red, tender, or sore; gums bleed when brushed; loose or painful teeth; or a toothache. Call Dr. Helen Ragsdale in Austin today at 513-346-4690 to schedule a consultation. After a comprehensive oral examination, she will help you decide upon the best treatment plan to restore total oral health, comfortable function, and a head-turning smile. Invest in yourself. Invest in your health!

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How Do Cavities Form? Austin Dentist Answers!

Also called tooth decay or dental caries, cavities afflict 99% of humans. The only way to restore tooth decay is with professional dental care. Usually a dental filling or crown is sufficient to repair a tooth with mild to moderate decay. But how do cavities form, and can they be prevented? What if they become severe?

In today’s blog, the Austin Laser Dentist team explains everything you need to know about tooth decay, cavity prevention, and restoring decayed teeth. If you have a toothache or need to schedule a checkup and cleaning, call us today at 512-346-4690.

Starches, Bacteria, and Acid

Starches, including sugar, feed bacteria that cause cavities. When you consume a starch, bad oral bacteria metabolize the sugars and create an acid in a process called fermentation. 

Acids erode tooth enamel, even though it’s the hardest substance our bodies create. Acids leech enamel-strengthening minerals like calcium and phosphorus from tooth enamel, leaving it soft and vulnerable to bacterial infection. This process is known as demineralization. 

DID YOU KNOW: Half of kids develop cavities in their baby teeth, and over half of adolescents have cavities in permanent teeth. 

How Cavities Form

Without intervention, demineralization leads to bacterial decay of tooth enamel. Bacteria eat away tooth structure, leaving black or brown cavities behind. Some cavities occur between teeth or at the gum line, in which case they are not visible to the naked eye. X-rays help Dr. Ragsdale diagnose hidden tooth decay and the extent of damage.

Teeth are layered: strong enamel on the outside; sensitive, soft dentin below the enamel; and the sealed core of the tooth that holds the pulp, which comprises connective tissues and the tooth’s nerve. When decay eats through enamel, a toothache usually develops. If decay extends to the tooth’s core, as bacteria reproduce pressure intensifies on the tooth’s nerve. At this point, a root canal procedure can save the tooth from extraction and stop the infection. The toothache may become persistent and acute, even interfering with sleep and work.

However, without professional dental restoration tooth decay can lead to tooth, gum tissue, and jawbone necrosis (death). Once this occurs, oral surgery may be required to restore good oral health and comfortable oral function. 

Cavity Prevention

Now that you know how cavities form, reduce your risk for tooth decay by following these tips:

  1. Brush for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, once in the morning and once before bed.
  2. Floss before bedtime brushing, using thread floss or a disposable, pre-threaded flosser. 
  3. To further reduce oral bacteria, add antibacterial mouthwash and a tongue scraper to your dental care arsenal. 
  4. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day and rinse with water after meals and snacks.
  5. Reduce or eliminate sugar and starch from your diet. 
  6. Don’t let starches linger in the mouth. When enjoying a beverage use a straw to reduce contact time between sugar and tooth enamel.
  7. Reduce acid consumption, like citrus fruits, acidic beverages, and carbonated as well as sports drinks. 
  8. If you suffer from dry mouth or bad breath, chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless mints. 
  9. Visit Dr. Helen Ragsdale every six months for a comprehensive oral checkup and cleaning. 
  10. To keep cavities from progressing, complete the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Ragsdale. 
  11. Children can opt for dental sealants to protect molars from decay. 
  12. Adults and kids can benefit from professional fluoride treatments. Fluoride attracts phosphorus and calcium to remineralize tooth enamel.

Six-Month Checkups and Cleanings Deter Cavities

Call Austin Laser Dentist now at 512-4690 to schedule your six-month checkup and cleaning so that Dr. Ragsdale can diagnose the cause of your toothache. Dr. Ragsdale also offers second opinions as well, so if your dentist provided a diagnosis or treatment plan that you’re uncomfortable with, call us. We file most insurance claims, offer financing options, and are now accepting new patients.

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4 Ways to Address Losing a Tooth as an Adult

dentures, bridges, and other restorative dentistry options on white background

Losing a tooth as an adult can feel like a nightmare straight out of a horror movie, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There are loads of restorative dentistry options to help you replace missing teeth and restore full functionality to your smile. 

If you’re experiencing tooth loss, then it’s time to talk to Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Our restorative dentist in Austin, TX, has solutions that fit your exact needs. So, don’t wait for a second longer – contact Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 today!

While losing a tooth as an adult can be scary, there are solutions available to restore that missing tooth and get you back to flashing your pearly whites with confidence. So, let’s explore your options!

1. Dental Implants: The Best of the Best

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, dental implants are the superheroes of the dental world. Dental experts surgically implant these titanium wonders into your jawbone, acting as sturdy foundations for artificial teeth. 

They look, feel, and function just like natural dental roots, which help prevent bone loss and oral dysfunction when you lose a tooth as an adult. So, consider this option sooner rather than later!

2. Dental Bridges: Spanning the Gap

If dental implants aren’t quite your thing, bridges might be your best bet. These devices span the gap created by one or more missing teeth, using adjacent teeth for support. The result? A seamless smile that functions well. 

However, don’t wait too long—losing a tooth as an adult and delaying a bridge can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, complicating the procedure and potentially leading to bite problems.

3. Partial Dentures: The Removable Option

Partial dentures are versatile and easy to use. They are removable and best for patients with multiple missing teeth throughout the mouth. 

But beware: waiting too long after losing a tooth as an adult to get partial dentures can cause your remaining teeth to move around and change position, making it harder to fit the dentures correctly.

4. Dental Veneers: The Hollywood Smile

Veneers are ideal for cosmetic enhancements, but they can sometimes be used to address a missing tooth, especially if the adjacent teeth need a makeover, too. 

Veneers are razor-thin coverings that attach directly to the anterior portions of teeth, giving the illusion of a perfectly curated smile.

If losing a tooth as an adult has you dreaming of a Hollywood grin, veneers might be the two-birds-one-stone solution. 

The Risks of Delaying Treatment

Delaying treatment after losing a tooth as an adult is like ignoring a leaky roof—it only gets worse. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll experience bone loss, shifting teeth, bite problems, and even changes in your facial structure. 

These complications can make restorative treatments more difficult and costly. So, the best time to address losing a tooth as an adult is now!

Address Adult Tooth Loss with an Austin, TX, Dentist

Losing a tooth as an adult isn’t the end of the world. With these four restorative options, you can reclaim your smile and confidence. Remember: the sooner you act, the better your results will be. So, go ahead and schedule that dental appointment at Austin Laser Dentist online or call (512) 346-4690 to get started!