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

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Cracked or chipped tooth? Here’s what you should know.

Our teeth are unbelievably strong. But, an ill-placed popcorn kernel or accident can leave us with a cracked or chipped tooth. Leaving injured teeth unprotected can lead to further dental damage, and, potentially, painful tooth infections and permanent tooth loss. Luckily, Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist can help patients quickly and comfortably repair chipped or cracked teeth with high-quality dental restorations.

Don’t leave damaged teeth vulnerable–schedule an appointment to repair your smile now. Simply send our team a message online here, or call our Austin, TX, dental clinic at (512) 346-4690 for scheduling.

Meanwhile, let’s discuss what you should do after experiencing a chipped tooth. From the moment it happens to the moment you visit our Austin dentist, we’ll guide you along every step of the way.

What to Do Immediately After a Cracked or Chipped Tooth

First, do not panic. Remain calm and assess the situation. If there are any pieces of broken tooth still in the mouth, then carefully remove and save them. Is the tooth cracked but intact? Then, leave it alone.

If there is excessive bleeding and pain, then head to the nearest emergency room to get urgent care. Otherwise, patients can use over-the-counter painkillers, ice packs, and light pressure to mitigate pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Next, patients should protect their mouths. A chipped tooth can be extremely sharp. Therefore, patients should avoid further injury by covering the damaged tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum.

Once the mouth is protected against sharp, broken teeth, patients should call our dentist in Austin immediately. The sooner patients visit our clinic, the better and faster we can repair a damaged smile.

How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Tooth

When it comes to repairing a cracked or chipped tooth, patients typically have three options, including:

  • Dental bonding
  • Dental crowns
  • Porcelain veneers

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding (also called white fillings) uses a strong, biocompatible material made from composite resin to fill in chips and cracks. The composite resin is tooth-colored, so patients can seamlessly repair their smiles without any noticeable difference in their appearance.

Tooth bonding is a long-lasting solution to address chipped or cracked teeth. Experts believe that dental bonding can last for decades with the proper care.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns (also called caps) are an effective way to repair significant cracks and chips in teeth. The tooth-shaped crowns completely cover damaged teeth, which protects teeth from further damage while enhancing their performance, functionality, and aesthetics.

From porcelain to metal, patients have many options to restore their smiles with dental caps. Regardless of the material used, patients can expect to enjoy their tooth crowns for at least ten years.  

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic option. But, they offer numerous restorative benefits, too. In fact, porcelain veneers may be the best option to address a chipped tooth, particularly if tooth sensitivity and smile flaws are underlying issues.

These protective coverings can enhance the appearance and function of patients’ smiles for decades with the proper care, such as:

  • Once-daily flossing
  • Twice-daily brushing
  • Routine dental exams and cleanings

Ask Us How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Today

Don’t leave dental damage unchecked–schedule an appointment with our restoration dentist in Austin, TX, today. Patients can request their appointments by calling Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 or by submitting a message online here.

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Cleaning Dentures: Four Tips for Proper Care

A picture of dentures laying on a table

When you’re missing your natural teeth, it is much more challenging to do everyday tasks. Biting and chewing becomes more problematic, speaking becomes more troublesome, and smiling becomes more embarrassing. But, a qualified restorative dentist can help make your life easier by providing you with tailor-made dentures. 

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her team take pride in helping patients restore their smiles. If you’re living with tooth loss, then ask our team how we can help you reclaim your smile and oral health now. Patients can request an appointment here, or they may call our Austin, TX, dental office at (512) 346-4690.

If you are new to dentures, then you might be wondering: How do I clean my dentures? Here, Dr. Ragsdale and her team explore four tips for proper dentures care.

1. Rinse Dentures Between Snacks and Meals

Although dentures are false teeth, it’s still important to care for them as if they are natural teeth. This will prevent bacterial buildup from forming on the appliance, as well as prevent oral infections and disease.

Therefore, Dr. Ragsdale recommends removing oral appliances after eating and rinsing them with lukewarm water. This washes away food debris and bacteria, which keeps patients’ smiles healthier and their breath fresher.

2. Don’t Forget to Brush

Brushing dentures at least once daily is a must. Using a soft-bristled brush, a non-whitening toothpaste or denture cleanser, and lukewarm water is enough to clean oral appliances after a full day of wear. 

However, patients should take special care to avoid overly hot water or abrasive toothpastes (like whitening toothpastes). Hot water can warp and damage oral appliances, and abrasive toothpastes can leave behind micro-scratches that collect harmful bacteria.

But, don’t forget to brush the mouth, too! Patients should still continue to gently brush their gums, tongue, and cheeks with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help remove denture adhesive, food debris, and bacteria from the mouth, which keeps smiles healthy and happy.

3. Soak Dentures Overnight

The materials that dental professionals use to create dentures require moisture to retain their shape. Letting oral appliances get dry could lead to cracks and warping, making denture wear more uncomfortable or even impossible.

So, when patients remove their dentures at night, they should soak them in a gentle soaking solution. Dr. Ragsdale recommends using products that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. 

The ADA seal of acceptance has been the most trusted symbol of product effectiveness and safety for almost a century. Use this link to research dentures products that are safe and gentle enough to use on oral appliances.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Visiting our Austin dentist will help you keep your mouth and dentures healthy and functional for years to come. We recommend seeing Dr. Ragsdale at least every six months to check the fit and feel of dentures, as well as to monitor your oral health. 

Need dentures? Call us today!

If you’re ready to explore dentures, then it’s time to call Austin Laser Dentist. Dr. Ragsdale and our dedicated team will help you get the healthy and functional smile you deserve.
Getting started is easy–simply send us a message here, or call our Austin dental office at (512) 346-4690.

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Five Facts Everyone Should Know About Missing Teeth

A man with missing teeth smiles broadly

Our teeth are incredibly important. Without them, our mouths can’t function properly. In fact, missing even one tooth can have devastating effects on our oral health. So, if you’re missing teeth, then you’ll need to know the facts about tooth loss. Luckily, restorative solutions are well within your reach to replace missing teeth.

If you’re living with tooth loss, then it’s time to talk to Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist. Dr. Ragsdale and her compassionate team can help you replace missing teeth to repair your smile and restore your confidence. Don’t wait for a second longer–schedule your appointment now by calling our Austin, TX, office at (512) 346-4690 or by submitting a request here.

In this post, Dr. Ragsdale discusses five facts that everyone should know about missing teeth. You might be surprised how tooth loss can affect all facets of your life.

1. Periodontal Disease is a Primary Cause of Tooth Loss

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is one of the main culprits of tooth loss. Indeed, many dental professionals believe that periodontal disease is largely responsible for the nearly 120 million people missing at least one tooth in America. 

2. Missing Teeth Worsen Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Oral bacteria often infect the gum tissue exposed by missing teeth, which can worsen the symptoms of gum disease. The bacteria begin to multiply and spread, which weakens gum tissue, compromises jawbone health, and leads to further tooth loss. 

So, not only does gum disease lead to tooth loss, but tooth loss leads to worsening gum disease. It’s a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. So, if you have gum disease, then seek periodontal treatments immediately. These treatments could make the difference between a healthy smile and missing teeth.

3. Missing Teeth Can Make Employment More Challenging

According to a study conducted by the British Dental Journal, 62% of participants viewed job applicants as less employable if they had a decayed or damaged smile. So, not only does tooth loss affect your oral health, but it complicates your life goals and financial stability, too.

4. Your Teeth Will Shift After Tooth Loss

Our teeth provide structural support for our jawbones, gums, and surrounding teeth. Missing just one tooth can cause our jawbones to deteriorate, our gums to recede, and our teeth to shift in unpredictable patterns. And, this shifting further weakens the structural integrity of otherwise healthy tooth roots, which can result in continued tooth loss.

5. Replacing Missing Teeth Can Improve Your Oral Health

Needless to say, our teeth are integral to the structure and function of our mouths. Without them, a cascade of devastating oral health issues is sure to follow. 

So, if you have missing teeth, then it’s crucial to replace them as quickly as possible. From dentures to dental implants, these restorative solutions can protect and improve your oral health after tooth loss. 

See How We Can Help You Get a Healthy, Brilliant Smile

Don’t wait for tooth loss to catch up to you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ragsdale today to see how we can help you protect and restore your smile.
Send our Austin dental office a convenient message here or call our team at (512) 346-4690 to request your appointment now.

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Restorative Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s the Difference?

Despite being performed by most general dentists, how are cosmetic and restorative dental treatments different? To answer this question, we highlight the three main differences between cosmetic and restorative dentistry:

1. Different Purposes

Restorative

The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore proper function and oral health. Dentists perform restorative dentistry when teeth are decayed, damaged, or missing. By way of illustration, when people have extensive dental decay, they may need two restorative procedures:

  1. 1. Root canal therapy: With Waterlase™ Technology, laser dentists can gently and precisely remove decayed tissue.
  2. 2. Dental crown placement: Porcelain crowns provide structural support while blending in with the rest of the teeth.

Cosmetic

In contrast, cosmetic dental procedures improve the visual appearance of the smile. Generally speaking, cosmetic dental treatments improve the color, shape, size, alignment, or spacing of the teeth (and sometimes gums). For example, when gums appear uneven or excessive, it can make the most beautiful teeth look awkward. Laser dentists offer laser gum lifts (or crown lengthening) to even out soft tissue and minimize risks and complications.

2. Essential vs. Elective Procedures

Restorative

Restorative dental treatments are essential and designed to repair broken, decayed, or missing teeth. Usually, people pursue restorative dentistry because something is wrong with their teeth, such as oral discomfort, bleeding, swelling, or missing. To alleviate their problems, restorative dentists may suggest:

  • -Dental fillings
  • -Dental implants
  • -Prosthetic dentistry (crowns, bridges, and dentures)
  • -Mouthguards for TMJ disorder or bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) treatment

Cosmetic

As a rule, cosmetic dentistry treatments are elective and intended for overall healthy mouths. Primarily, dentists split cosmetic dentistry into two specialties:

  1. 1. Prosthodontics: The practice of rehabilitating and maintaining the health and appearance of the teeth (such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and more)
  2. 2. Orthodontics: The method of moving and adjusting irregular and improper bites (for example, Invisalign® clear braces)

3. Insurance Coverage and Financing

Restorative

Because restorative dentistry is considered medically necessary, dental insurance providers often cover some or all costs associated with restorative procedures. All things considered, dental insurance providers consider a procedure restorative if it is:

  • -Medically necessary due to decay, disease, accident, or injury
  • -Used for purposes other than aesthetics (such as replacing a missing tooth to help a patient’s bite)

Cosmetic

On the other hand, insurance companies do not typically cover costs associated with dental procedures that are purely cosmetic. Cosmetic dentistry is defined as procedures that:

  • -Exist solely for the enhancement of the patient’s smile
  • -Are for otherwise healthy underlying tooth or tissue
  • -Are not medically necessary

In specific scenarios, dental insurance companies may blur coverage lines and allow patients to receive medically necessary and aesthetically pleasing work. For example, if a patient chips a tooth that needs filling due to decay, he or she can often opt for natural-looking white fillings (instead of noticeable amalgam fillings).

When insurance coverage is not an option, some dental practices provide in-house dental plans to reduce the cost of both restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Additionally, some dental practices offer financing programs (such as Care Credit) to help patients spread out the cost of treatment into low monthly payments.

Determine if You Need Cosmetic or Restorative Dentistry

Are you unsure if you need cosmetic or restorative dentistry? In Austin, TX, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has extensive training and decades of experience in both. Schedule a consultation at Austin Laser Dentist by calling (512) 346-4690 or conveniently messaging us online.

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Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth

woman with toothache

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.