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

By

What are the benefits of laser dentistry treatment?

laser dentistry

Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive, innovative dental treatment that can work on teeth, as well as gums and other soft tissues. It is a wonderful option for all types of patients, but especially those who are afraid of the dentist (or the drill). Lasers are extremely focused light beams that we use to treat a plethora of dental issues, precisely and comfortably.

Laser dentistry can be used in treating:

  • Root canal infections
  • Gum disease
  • Gum inflammation
  • Cavities
  • Cosmetic gum corrections
  • Dental stains
  • Chipped or oddly shaped teeth

If you’re interested in laser dental treatments, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has a reputation for excellence, as well as years of experience and training working with lasers. As an expert in laser dentistry, she has trained many dentists in the Austin area on the latest laser dentistry techniques. Learn how Dr. Ragsdale and our team provide precise, comfortable care with laser dentistry by calling us at 512-346-4690.

Here are five major benefits of laser dentistry.

1. Patient comfort

One of the greatest benefits of laser dentistry is that patients who are typically afraid of the dentist can feel more comfortable and relaxed during procedures. With laser dentistry, the nerve-wracking noises and vibrations of the dental drill are eliminated. Patients also need fewer shots and less anesthesia, because lasers are much less invasive.

2. Less trauma

Not only are laser dental treatments more comfortable, recovery is much less traumatic as well. Take periodontal disease treatments, for example. Periodontitis typically requires scraping and probing of the teeth and gums which can cause pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Laser dental treatments only cause little if any bleeding, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. As a result, healing is quick, so you can feel like yourself, but healthier! 

3. Precision

A more precise dental treatment means patients keep more of their healthy oral tissues in teeth, bone, and gums, while we remove only unhealthy or infected tissues. As a result, this strengthens overall oral health because the natural structures stay intact.

4. Faster cavity detection

Dr. Ragsdale uses DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection to spot tooth decay in its earliest stages. Before cavities form, tooth enamel becomes soft due to demineralization. Our laser finds the soft spots, even before we could detect them with probing. Once we know what’s coming – tooth decay – we can work to prevent it from progressing! Rest assured, Dr. Ragsdale uses the least invasive treatments to stop surface-level demineralization (soft spots or pre-cavities).

5. Simpler preparation for restorations and cosmetic veneers

Patients looking to restore a damaged tooth, replace a missing tooth, or brighten their smile greatly benefit from laser dentistry. If you need a dental crown, veneer, dental implant, or dental bridge placed, a laser can prepare the tooth surface for the restoration. In short, this means, no drill.

BONUS: Dr. Ragsdale also uses the LaserSmile™ Whitening System to brighten teeth up to nine shades whiter in only sixty minutes. Results like these are only possible with laser dental technology.

Visit Your Austin Laser Dentist Today

Dr. Ragsdale is committed to providing excellent dental care and long-lasting solutions through minimally invasive, innovative treatments like laser dentistry.  Contact us to schedule your appointment today, at 512-346-4690.

By

How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?

Looking for a quick and safe way to gain an impressive smile before an upcoming event? At Austin Laser Dentist, you can have a whiter, brighter smile in as few as sixty minutes. Dr. Helen Ragsdale uses LaserSmile™ Whitening System as a quick, safe, and convenient way to give you a show-stopping smile. The system uses advanced chemistry and laser-activated chromophores to make the most of the whitening process.

A major benefit of laser teeth whitening is that patients typically experience minimal sensitivity during and after treatment. Patients will also receive a take-home bleaching tray and one syringe for any touch-ups that may be needed after their laser teeth whitening appointment.

Are you Googling “teeth whitening near me?” contact your Austin, TX dental team today at 512-346-4690. Read more about the treatment process below.

Laser Teeth Whitening Process

Before undergoing laser teeth whitening, Dr. Ragsdale or a member of our dental team will screen you for eligibility. We generally suggest that pregnant women not receive this treatment, and teenagers should only undergo this treatment under specific circumstances.

Dr. Ragsdale will ensure that your gums are healthy and check that your tooth roots aren’t exposed. Exposed tooth roots and the presence of attachments may cause your teeth to bleach unevenly. In this case, Dr. Ragsdale may suggest an alternative whitening treatment.

However, if you pass the initial screening, Dr. Ragsdale will proceed with this safe and easy three-step process:

  1. Pre-Treatment: One of our dental hygienists will clean your teeth and ensure that any cavities have been treated to prevent damage to the interior of the tooth.
  2. Medication: Prior to treatment, Dr. Ragsdale may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to decrease any pain caused by teeth sensitivity.
  3. Whitening: The whitening procedure will begin by placing a plastic or rubber guard to hold your mouth open. Next, a gel—made with a significant proportion of hydrogen peroxide— will be applied over your gums to protect the soft tissue from the whitening solution. Dr. Ragsdale will carefully apply a whitening gel to the front of your teeth and use a laser to activate the gel. The gel and laser work together to lift away stains.

Once all your teeth have been whitened by the laser, the gel will need to sit on your teeth for a few more minutes. The gel is then removed with a suction tool. This process may be repeated up to three times.

Finally, Dr. Ragsdale will rinse your mouth out and remove the protective gel from your gums.

What to Expect After Treatment

Included in your treatment cost is a bleaching tray and syringe that you can use to touch up your teeth at home. During your treatment, Dr. Ragsdale will give you specific instructions on how and when to use those items.

After laser whitening treatments, some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Be sure to take the medication that Dr. Ragsdale prescribed before your treatment to reduce these symptoms. You may also want to avoid hot or cold food and drinks for a few days. Your sensitivity will naturally subside after a few days.

Schedule Your Laser Teeth Whitening Appointment Today

While laser whitening treatments have long-term effects, it’s unlikely that your teeth will stay as bright as they were right after treatment. Coffee, tea, smoking, and even brightly colored vegetables stain teeth over time. Ask Dr. Ragsdale about her exclusive offer of “Free Whitening for Life” to keep your smile bright for years to come.

Laser teeth whitening is a fantastic way to enhance your smile before weddings, class reunions, and holidays. If you find yourself Googling “teeth whitening treatments near me,” it may be time to act on your desire for whiter teeth. If you’re ready to have a bright, beautiful smile, contact your Austin Laser Dental team today at 512-346-4690.

By

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Portrait of a smiling middle aged caucasian woman isolated against grey background.

A beautiful smile greatly affects how you feel about yourself and how others view you. In fact, 48 percent of Americans say they remember a person’s smile more than what they say. With cosmetic dentistry, we will help you achieve a show-stopping smile. From minor improvements like laser whitening to a complete smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry is the answer to your smile insecurities. 

Taking into account your face shape, tooth shape, features and lip symmetry, gumline, age, and lifestyle, Dr. Helen Ragsdale will design a plan to create your perfect smile.

Looking for a dentist near me in Austin, TX? Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist has hundreds of hours of training in nationally recognized, cosmetic care programs and provides a variety of cosmetic services to meet your needs.

If you’re ready for a smile transformation, schedule an appointment today at 512-346-4690.

How will cosmetic dentistry benefit me?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has conducted extensive research about the benefits of a beautiful smile. Through various surveys and studies, the organization has concluded that an attractive smile does more than just boost a patient’s confidence, it can also:

  • Increase your attractiveness at any age
  • Leave a lasting first impression
  • Increase your chances of career success
  • Make you appear more intelligent, successful, and wealthy

Cosmetic dentistry won’t just give you a better profile picture, it will improve your life.

What solutions does Dr. Ragsdale offer?

Cosmetic dentistry was developed to give patients an aesthetically pleasing smile. So, if your teeth are healthy, Dr. Ragsdale can remove teeth stains; correct misshaped, gapped, crooked, chipped, or broken teeth; and an give uniformity and balance to an uneven gum line.  

After assessing your teeth and discussing your main concerns, Dr. Ragsdale may suggest one or more of these cosmetic solutions:  

  • Porcelain veneers
  • Invisalign®
  • Dental implants
  • Laser whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Gum lift
  • Crown lengthening

If there are several imperfections you wish to change about your teeth, Dr. Ragsdale will recommend a smile makeover, which involves multiple treatments dictated by your specific needs and desires. A smile makeover will significantly increase your confidence and make you look ten years younger! Check out this smile makeover by Dr. Ragsdale.

Is cosmetic dentistry affordable?

Providing patients with healthy teeth and gums is our most important job, but we also want each of our patients to feel confident about their smile. However, many patients won’t entertain the thought of cosmetic procedures because they assume that aesthetic dentistry isn’t within their means.

Just like restorative and preventative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry varies in cost. For example, professional whitening and dental bonding usually fall on the lower end of the spectrum, whereas veneers and Invisalign are a bit pricier. Dr. Ragsdale can create a treatment plan that will improve your smile, while also fitting your budget.

We offer dental financing plans to make dental treatments affordable. CareCredit® offers short-term financing options with no interest as long as the payments are on time. Low-interest plans allow longer periods to pay.

Improve Your Smile at Our Austin, TX Office Today

In the past 20 years, Dr. Ragsdale has given hundreds of patients the confidence boost they need to laugh freely, speak boldly, and walk confidently. Treat yourself to a dramatic smile enhancement today. If you are ready to address your smile concerns, schedule a consultation online or call 512-346-4690.

By

When Teeth Whitening Works (and When it Doesn’t)

Stained, yellowed teeth can detract from a gorgeous smile and have a negative impact on your self-confidence. Fortunately, teeth whitening at our Austin, TX practice can often address this issue. But did you know that whitening only works on certain types of discoloration? Today, Dr. Helen Ragsdale explains when teeth whitening is effective and when it isn’t.

Do you have dental staining? Find out if teeth whitening is right for you. Schedule an appointment at our practice by calling 512-346-4690.

Types of Tooth Discoloration

When it comes to the efficacy of teeth whitening, the primary factor is the type of staining you’re trying to address. There are two main categories:

  • Extrinsic stains: This type of discoloration affects the tooth enamel. The outermost layer of the teeth can become stained with excess consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages. This includes things like tea, coffee, colas, red wine, tomato sauce, berries, and more.
  • Intrinsic stains: Unlike extrinsic stains, this type of discoloration occurs deep inside the tooth, affecting the innermost layers. Intrinsic stains can be caused by genetics, trauma, and certain medications or health conditions.

Teeth Whitening: Effective for Extrinsic Stains

With all the staining agents found in the standard American diet, it’s not uncommon for extrinsic discoloration to develop over time. Even those who are diligent with brushing and flossing may still notice their teeth darkening. Fortunately, extrinsic stains respond extremely well to teeth whitening.

Dentist-supervised whitening is safer and more effective than store-bought bleaching products. The active ingredient – either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – penetrates the enamel. Next, oxygen molecules react with the stains, breaking the bonds that create them. As a result, the teeth are dramatically brightened by several shades.

We offer several types of teeth whitening at our Austin practice, including:

  • Zoom™: This in-office treatment can lighten your teeth by eight shades in just 45 minutes. Zoom is often recommended for patients who frequently experience dental sensitivity.
  • LaserSmile™: Another popular in-office treatment, LaserSmile uses light energy to expedite the whitening process.
  • Turbo At-Home Kits: Patients who prefer to bleach their teeth at home can choose Turbo at-home bleaching kits. Dr. Ragsdale can provide you with a set of custom bleaching trays. The gel is simply dispensed into the trays before placing them in the mouth. Dr. Ragsdale can give you detailed instructions on how to whiten your teeth at home.

Is teeth whitening effective for intrinsic stains?

Some oral health companies claim that their whitening products are more effective against intrinsic stains. However, many of these products do not fully address the issue. In most cases, we do not recommend teeth whitening for those with intrinsic stains.

How can I address intrinsic discoloration?

If you have intrinsic dental staining, there are several cosmetic treatments that can properly treat the issue. Here are just a few of the most common procedures:

  • Dental bonding: This process involves applying composite resin to the discolored teeth. The composite is tooth-colored to mask any discoloration and brighten the smile to the desired shade.
  • Porcelain veneers: Crafted from several layers of medical-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers can conceal intrinsic discoloration as well as chips, cracks, and other irregularities.
  • Dental crowns: Sometimes a tooth requires reinforcement or restoration. In these cases, a dental crown can be placed to improve oral health. Due to the advanced materials we use today, crowns can also be custom-shaded to whiten the appearance of your smile.

Contact Our Austin, TX Practice Today

No matter what type of dental discoloration you have, we can help address the problem. To find out if teeth whitening is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ragsdale. Contact us online or give us a call at 512-346-4690.

By

Take-Home Vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

If you are ready to enjoy a beautiful smile through teeth whitening treatments, our office offers two great options: in-office treatments and take-home teeth whitening kits. Both options deliver drastic teeth whitening results but in unique ways. If you are wondering which treatment is right for you, this overview will help. Dr. Helen Ragsdale has more than 25 years of experience offering cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation at our Austin, TX clinic, call us at 512-346-4690.

Teeth Whitening Treatments Offered at Austin Laser Dentist

If you have tried over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, you may be understandably disappointed with the results. While store-bought kits contain as little as 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, our treatments have concentrations of 20 to 35 percent. This is just one reason why store-bought kits simply cannot deliver the cosmetic results our Austin office can. If you are ready for a brighter, whiter smile, Austin Laser Dentist offers:

  • LaserSmile: LaserSmile is a fast and convenient treatment to whiten teeth nine shades lighter in one hour.
  • Zoom!: Uses light-activated hydrogen peroxide gel to whiten teeth instantly. This treatment option includes one syringe for at-home touch-ups.
  • Turbo At-Home: After our patients have custom whitening trays made, the 22 percent carbamide peroxide can be used at home for one-hour increments for seven to 10 days.
  • Specials Bleach Refills: Our office offers $95 replacement kits.

Which Option is Best for Me?

If you prefer to complete your whitening treatment in one session, you may be a good candidate for in-office treatments. During your in-office procedure, you will be fitted with a custom mouth tray. Our staff will take special care to protect your gums from the bleaching agent. To do this, a special gel may be applied to your gums to provide a barrier to the whitening gel. Many of our whitening agents deliver better results when a special light is used in conjunction with the gel. Most procedures can be completed under our close supervision in around an hour.

The main benefit of take-home kits is that you can complete the treatments at a time and place that works best for you. The in-home option is often more cost effective as well. You will not have the benefit of supervision from our staff, though. The take-home kits include a mouthguard and whitening gels that must be placed in small amounts on the mouthguards. The total length of time the mouthguards are worn will depend on the concentration of the whitening agent.

Which Option is Best for Me?

No matter which option you chose, you can enjoy a drastically brighter smile once your cosmetic treatments are completed. A few of these benefits include:

  • A whiter smile can boost self-confidence
  • Whiter teeth look younger
  • Teeth whitening treatments are convenient
  • Teeth whitening treatments are non-invasive
  • Whiter teeth are attractive
  • The cosmetic results are easy to maintain
  • Whiter teeth encourage better oral hygiene habits
  • Whitening treatments have no side effects for most patients

Call Our Austin Office For a Whiter Smile

The professional whitening kids used at our Austin clinic have many advantages over store-bought products. The concentrations of our whitening agents are much stronger. If you are ready to enhance your smile through teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with Austin’s Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.