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

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General Dentist vs Cosmetic Dentist: What’s the difference?

picture of woman's smile with hexagons dividing it

The various dental fields of modern dentistry can make finding the right dentist tricky and the process long; it can be a lot of research, especially for those who don’t quite understand their oral health problems. To simplify the process for you, our Austin dentist is here to explain the differences between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist.

General Dentist: Education and Services

Think of general dentistry as the baseline for all dental specialties. To become a general dentist, a person must be accepted into and graduate from an accredited dental school. Upon graduating, these students earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. These degrees are the exact same—different schools just use different names.

After graduating, these dentists are free to begin practicing under the earned title of “general dentist.” As the primary dental healthcare providers, general dentists address oral health problems associated with dental pain and discomfort and oral hygiene.

One of the most important jobs of a general dentist is to teach patients about proper oral hygiene techniques and practices, such as brushing and flossing.

General dentists who own a private practice can choose which age range of patients they prefer but are equipped to treat patients of all ages.

Here are the types of services a general dentist provides:

  1. Preventive services like dental cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings.
  2. Restorative treatments such as crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
  3. Cosmetic procedures like dental veneers and teeth whitening.
  4. Emergency services such as dental extractions and root canal therapy.

Most people have a general dentist that they go to for their basic oral health care needs. In circumstances where more specialized care is needed, the general dentist will refer the patient to a trusted specialist.

Cosmetic Dentist: Education and Services

The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as one of the ten dental specialties quite yet. This is why most general dentists offer cosmetic services as well. However, general dentists should complete specialized training apart from dental school to improve their cosmetic dentistry skills.

To be considered a skilled and qualified cosmetic dentist, the dentist should have these qualities:

  • A keen eye for detail
  • A steady hand
  • Several hours of continuing education hours
  • Member of a professional dental association
  • The latest technology

Experienced cosmetic dentists should offer more than one or two cosmetic dental treatments. They should offer enough services to completely redo a person’s smile through a total smile makeover. Here are some best of the cosmetic services to look for:

  • Porcelain veneers
  • Invisalign
  • Teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Gum lifts

In addition, search for a dentist who uses modern technology like laser dentistry to ensure you’re receiving the safest and most effective dental care.

Our Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers general and cosmetic dentistry services to the Austin, TX community. Using the latest technology, learned skills, and effective techniques, Dr. Ragsdale has helped thousands of patients achieve a healthy, radiant, show-stopping smile.

Don’t wait any longer to receive the dental care you need from our general and cosmetic dentist. Dr. Ragsdale is prepared to create a custom dental plan that meets your specific oral health and aesthetic needs. Call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.

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The Benefits of Joining Our In-House Dental Plan

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We’ve designed our in-house dental plans to be beneficial for every type of patient. Yes, even you! Cost should never inhibit a person from receiving professional dental care. Just like visiting a general practitioner, people of all ages should visit a dentist regularly to ensure their oral health isn’t suffering.

Regular dental cleaning and exam appointments are one of the most effective ways to avoid oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and TMJ disorder. People who neglect to visit the dentist regularly, for whatever reason, often develop these oral health issues without even knowing. That’s one benefit of joining our in-house dental plan right there!

Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of joining our in-house dental plan:

1. Access to affordable restorative dental care

Each of our in-house dental plans offers 20%-30% off restorative dental procedures, such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Restorative treatments are some of the most common among adults who have dental decay, gum disease, injured teeth, and missing teeth.

These treatments aren’t usually something that patients plan for since they are necessary for dental emergencies (in many cases). The discounted price makes this process much easier for our patients.

2. The option of cosmetic dental procedures

Though many people hope to one day undergo one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, they often don’t because of cost. When you join our in-house dental plan, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening, veneers, and oral surgery. Our premium plan also gives patients a $1,200 allowance toward orthodontics.

3. Improved overall health

Patients who are a part of our in-house dental plan gain access to 100 percent coverage on preventive treatments, making them more likely to visit the dentist at least twice a year. In addition to improving their oral health, patients often experience better overall health.

Issues like gum disease can negatively impact systemic health in several ways. For example, when the disease-causing bacteria from the mouth enter into the bloodstream, they can lead to inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and contribute to diabetes complications.  

4. Transparent pricing

Every member of our in-house dental plan receives a copy of the discounts they have access to. Additionally, our team will never beat around the bush when it comes to treatment costs. And if that becomes an issue? We’ll create a treatment plan that works best for your budget.

5. Peace of mind

When you sign up to become a member of our in-house dental plan, you can trust that your oral health is in good hands. Dr. Helen Ragsdale desires to see patients of all ages and life stages achieve optimal oral health. She offers state-of-the-art, conservative, and effective dental treatments to meet every need.

Additionally, our in-house dental plan cuts out the “middleman” or insurance company. So, all your financial affairs are handled right here in our office. You’ll always know where your money is going, and our team will be close by to answer any questions.

Learn More About Our In-House Dental Plan

Wondering if this plan is right for you? Contact our friendly dental team to schedule an appointment at our office. We’ll walk you through each plan, and, if those don’t work, we can create a custom plan that meets your specific needs.

Call (512) 346-4690 today.

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Laser Teeth Whitening vs Traditional Methods

laser teeth whitening

Over time, aging, dark-colored foods, and other environmental factors can stain the teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments can restore the original brilliance of your smile – but with so many options available, which one should you choose? Dr. Helen Ragsdale explores the differences between traditional and laser teeth whitening so you can be well-informed about your options.

Traditional Methods

There are several options when it comes to whitening your teeth. Both in-office and take-home treatments have been used successfully for years in dentistry. Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular professional teeth whitening systems, Zoom!, is performed by your dentist at their practice. After applying a strong hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel to your teeth, the gel is activated with a special ultraviolet light. The resulting chemical reaction helps break apart and eliminate stains. From start to finish, the entire process takes about one hour.

Custom Bleaching Trays

For patients who want to brighten their smile when it’s convenient for them, there are take-home bleaching kits available. Your dentist will fabricate custom bleaching trays that fit over your teeth. After depositing the bleaching gel into the trays, you will wear them for a predetermined amount of time. In most cases, they will be worn about 30 minutes every day until desired results are achieved. It usually takes about two to three weeks to complete this process.

Store-Bought Whitening Products

The oral health aisle is full of whitening products, from toothpastes and gels to rinses and strips. While many of these products can brighten your smile, they are not as safe nor as effective as dentist-supervised treatments. If you do choose an over-the-counter option, be sure to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This ensures that the product has been tested and considered safe for consumer use.

Laser Teeth Whitening

One of the newer treatments available in dentistry, laser teeth whitening has seen considerable success. Results are dramatic and can be achieved in as little as one office visit, though some patients require multiple appointments to reach their goals.

As the name suggests, laser teeth whitening uses laser technology to heat up the bleaching gel, rather than ultraviolet light. This oxidizes the hydrogen peroxide solution and accelerates the bleaching process.

Benefits of Laser Teeth Whitening

With laser teeth whitening, your dentist uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel that is four to five times stronger than the percentage used in store-bought products. As a result, this treatment can penetrate deep into the enamel and remove even the toughest dental stains and discoloration.

Another benefit to laser teeth whitening is that it is performed under dentist supervision. Dr. Ragsdale can take precautions to reduce tooth sensitivity and make your treatment more comfortable. Application takes less than one hour, and results are immediately noticeable. 

Maintaining Your Results

To ensure that your teeth stay brighter for longer, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. After laser teeth whitening, patients should:

  • Brush and floss daily.
  • Limit consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages.
  • Drink coffee, tea, and soda through a straw.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.

Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today.

Are stained, yellow teeth keeping you from the smile you want? Laser teeth whitening at our Austin, TX, dental practice may be the solution for you. To learn more about this procedure, and all of our other cosmetic dentistry treatments, schedule a consultation. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (512) 346-4690.

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Austin Local Dentist Explains Why Patients Should Replace Missing Teeth

illustration of missing teeth

Tooth loss affects people of all ages, but mostly older adults. As we get older, our teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone become more and more fragile, causing them to fall out. Trauma, disease, and decay are other common reasons for people to lose their teeth at any age.

Regardless of how or why tooth loss occurs, one thing is for certain: they need to be replaced. Just one missing tooth can lead to several oral, overall, and mental health problems.

In this blog, our local dentist explains why it is so important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

Oral Health Problems Caused by Missing Teeth

The space where a tooth should be opens a door for infection, disease, jawbone deterioration, and dental shifting.

The simple act of chewing food becomes dangerous because the food particles are much more likely to disturb and irritate the exposed gum tissue, causing periodontal disease and increasing the risk of cavities in the adjacent teeth.

Additionally, people with missing teeth will experience jawbone deterioration (atrophy) because the tooth root is no longer stimulating the bone. As a result, the bone will continue to weaken and cause more teeth to fall out.

It’s also possible that the person’s remaining teeth will begin to shift into the gap left by the missing tooth, impacting their entire bite. This makes chewing more difficult and can even cause the person to develop bruxism which leads to more dental damage.

Tooth Loss and Overall Health

Each of these dental consequences influences a person’s overall health. For example, shifting teeth make chewing more difficult and may result in the person swallowing food that hasn’t been broken down fully. This can cause digestive issues that are painful and uncomfortable.

Gum disease has also been linked to several overall health problems, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Premature birth
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Asthma
  • Osteoporosis

Caring for our mouths is much more about maintaining overall wellness than it is about achieving a beautiful smile. For these reasons and so many others, our local dentist encourages all patients with missing teeth to replace them.

Mental Health and Missing Teeth

One of the greatest consequences of tooth loss is a loss of confidence and self-assuredness. People with missing teeth are much more likely to feel poorly about their appearance. The internal beliefs greatly affect their outward actions.

Missing teeth can cause a person to avoid or feel unworthy of new opportunities and experiences, such as a job promotion, first date, meeting new people in general, and even taking vacations.

It has been scientifically proven that the simple act of smiling releases endorphins and makes a person feel happier. Unfortunately, tooth loss usually stops a person from smiling and experiencing the benefits of those happy hormones.

Local Dentist: How to Replace Missing Teeth

Modern dentistry offers several solutions for patients with missing teeth. Our most effective options are a traditional dental bridge, dentures, and dental implants.

Dental implants offer the most benefits because they are the only option that replaces the entire tooth, not just the crown. However, dentures and bridges are more affordable and extremely effective options as well.

To learn which option is best for your smile, contact a dentist near you today.

Our Local Dentist

Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist offers comprehensive, compassionate dental care for patients who are experiencing tooth loss. Contact our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.

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How Celebrities and Influencers Achieve Beautiful Smiles

close up of woman smiling at camera

Facebook and Instagram have changed the world in more ways than one. And with the advancement of video and digital cameras, pictures and videos have completely taken over these social media platforms. Along with this, maintaining a beautiful smile has become more and more important. Celebrities and influencers tend to be the ones who have the most access to treatments that provide those beautiful smiles. But did you know that those same treatments are just as accessible to you?

Most local dentists offer cosmetic dental solutions to elevate their patients’ smiles. Here are the cosmetic dentistry treatments our Austin laser dentist offers:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are often called the “instant smile makeover” because they are the only cosmetic treatment that masks several imperfections. Veneers cover up the following issues:

  • Dental stains
  • Chips
  • Gaps
  • Misshaped teeth
  • Uneven teeth

These thin, porcelain shells are specifically designed to meet each patient’s needs and cover the front surface of the teeth. Patients can opt for just one veneer or an entire set of veneers to transform their smile.

Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening treatment is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to drastically improve your smile. We use the following safe, effective, and proven whitening systems:

  • LaserSmile™ Whitening System: This option provides the fastest results using whitening gel and laser therapy. Patients leave the office after only one hour with a smile that’s up to nine shades lighter.
  • Zoom! Chairside Whitening System: This whitening system uses light technology and hydrogen peroxide light-activated get to whiten teeth in under one hour.
  • Turbo At-Home Whitening: Using customized whitening trays and Professional Power Gel, patients can achieve incredible whitening results at home.

Our office also offers maintenance whitening, whitening specials, and bleach refills.

Invisalign®

Perfect dental alignment is a major quality of beautiful smiles. Invisalign clear aligners exert minimal pressure to move teeth into their proper places. Patients report that Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easy to care for.

The most obvious reasons that patients choose clear aligners are because of their discreet appearance, effectiveness, and ability to be removed.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Looking for an affordable cosmetic dental solution? Cosmetic dental bonding is both effective and cost-efficient. In this procedure, dentists use the same material they use to fill cavities—composite resin—to correct aesthetic dental problems, such as:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Gaps
  • Stains

The procedure begins with cleaning, etching, and conditioning the teeth. Then, applying several layers of the composite resin. The material is shaped properly, hardened, and polished. Composite resin looks and feels natural, but it doesn’t usually last as long as dental veneers.

Gum Lifts and Crown Lengthening

Too much gum tissue or an uneven gum line can be corrected through a gum lift or crown lengthening procedure. In some dental practices, dentists use scalpels and sutures to perform this surgery, but at Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale uses the latest technology: the BIOLASE® WaterLase laser. This laser makes the procedure safer by being extremely accurate and closing up the tissue as it removes it. Because of this, patients are less likely to develop an infection and experience post-treatment sensitivity.

Beautiful Smiles in Austin, TX

Ready to change your smile and life? Dr. Helen Ragsdale loves helping her patients achieve beautiful smiles through modern, safe, and gentle dental care. To schedule your initial consultation, call (512) 346-4690 today.