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

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“How much does your in-house dental plan cost?” and Other FAQs

Are you stressed about how to pay for your medical expenses because you are without dental insurance? If so, you are not alone! According to estimates, only 45.9% of adults carry dental insurance in the West South Central region (which includes Texas). Furthermore, in this same region, 5.4% of adults had dental insurance but still could not afford treatment. That is one reason that 28% of Texas adults report feeling embarrassed by their smiles. Fortunately, an in-house dental plan can make quality care affordable for all. 

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At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale believes that everyone should be able to share a healthy smile with the world. Our plan automatically includes preventive services, as well as significant discounts on restorative, cosmetic, and periodontal procedures. 

Contact us to learn more about our dental plan and how it can work for your family.

How much does your in-house dental plan cost? 

We offer two different plans.

  • The Basic Plan: There is a one-time start up fee of $9.99 and an annual cost of $349 for the first member. Additional members also have a $9.99 start up fee, and the annual cost is just $89.99 for each person. 
  • The Premium Plan: After a one-time start up fee of $29.99, the premium plan is $1,449.00 per year.

What does the in-house dental plan include? 

The in-house plan is covers all necessary preventive services. When you join the basic plan, you will automatically receive 2 routine exams and cleanings, 2 oral cancer screenings, 2 fluoride treatments, 2 periodontal exams, 1 emergency exam, and all necessary x-rays. You will also qualify for important discounts on treatments:

  • 30% off fillings and extractions
  • 20% off periodontal treatment, root canals, and dental restorations
  • 10% off implants, cosmetic treatments, and oral surgery

The premium plan includes the same preventive treatments free of charge, plus larger discounts:

  • 40% off fillings and extractions
  • 30% off periodontal treatment, root canals, and dental restorations
  • 20% off implants, cosmetic treatments, and oral surgery
  • An automatic $1,200 toward orthodontic treatment 
  • As many virtual visits with our team as you want

Who qualifies for the plan? 

All individuals over the age of 1 qualify for our in-house plan.

Is the plan better than insurance?

It can be! While dental insurance typically covers the cost of routine exams, cleanings, and x-rays, patients typically have high out-of-pocket costs before they meet their deductibles. Cosmetic care is often not covered at all! With the discounts of our dental plan, you may wind up paying much less. 

Furthermore, even if you never receive any treatment beyond routine preventive care, the cost of our in-house plan may be significantly lower than your yearly insurance premiums. 

Sign Up for Our In-House Dental Plan Today

With the rising cost of living, we want you to have one less thing to worry about. Find out how our in-house dental plan can take the stress out of paying for your healthcare. 

Contact Austin Laser Dentist online for more information or give us a call at (512) 346-4690.

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Everything You Need to Know About Our In-House Dental Plan

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Good oral hygiene is a crucial aspect of your overall health. Brushing and flossing daily, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy, balanced diet are all key components of oral healthcare. Another important part of caring for your teeth is visiting the dentist regularly.

Going to the dentist is a necessary part of your dental care routine, but for many people, this can be a challenge. The cost of dental care can be expensive, and nearly 50% of Americans between 18 and 64 are without dental insurance.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale and the rest of our team at Austin Laser Dentist believe that a lack of dental insurance shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving quality dental care. Everyone deserves a healthy smile and affordable, professional oral healthcare.

Our in-house dental plan allows patients to receive significant discounts on our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures. You will also receive a free whitening along with other member benefits.

Customize Your Own Plan

Not everyone’s dental needs are the same, so why should you be stuck with the same plan no matter what? At Austin Laser Dentist, we can assist you in customizing an in-house dental plan that fits you personally. You can create a plan that’s just for you, or add members to make sure your whole family has the coverage they need.

Receive Discounts and Benefits

The benefits you receive will depend on the plan you choose, but all of our in-house dental plan patients receive 100% off preventive dental care treatments. You may also get discounts like:

  • 30-40% off basic dental care services
  • 10-20% off of dental implants
  • 20-30% off major treatments
  • An allowance for orthodontic treatment
  • 10-20% of cosmetic service needs
  • 10-20% off of oral surgeries

All of our patients also receive a free whitening regardless of the plan you select! With our in-house plan, there are no waiting periods, no deductibles, no annual maximums, and no frequency limitations on diagnostic and restorative care.

No More Downsides

While it may assist you in covering some of your dental expenses, traditional dental insurance has many downsides. For example, conventional insurance may include preventive care, but typically has coverage gaps on restorative treatments or other necessary procedures.

You may also find yourself facing yearly maximums that limit the amount of dental work you can have covered, even if you’re in need of extensive care. We recommend visiting the dentist twice a year, but many people find themselves in need of more frequent visits which may cost a lot in insurance premiums. With our in-house dental plan, you don’t need to worry about limiting your dental care.

Quality, Affordable Dental Care in Austin

At Austin Laser Dentist, we don’t compromise quality for affordability. Our in-house dental plan makes it easy for all of our patients to receive the services they need without worrying about financial challenges. To learn more about our plans, customize your own, or book an appointment with our compassionate team, contact us online or call our office at (512) 346-4690 today!

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Ask an Austin Dentist: What’s the difference between conscious sedation and general anesthesia?

Dental anxiety is fairly common. But when dental anxiety impairs a person’s ability to maintain oral health with regular dental visits, it becomes a health concern. At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale uses conscious sedation to relax patients and minimize discomfort during dental procedures. Place your worries behind you and ask our Austin dentist about our conscious sedation options.

While conscious sedation and general anesthesia are both forms of anesthesia, they differ in several ways. Here are the answers to the top questions that people ask our Austin dentist when understanding the distinction between these two types of anesthesia. 

How are conscious sedation and general anesthesia used?

Because conscious sedation is milder than general anesthesia, conscious sedation can be used for minor to complex dental procedures. Some dentists offer mild to moderate sedation to relax nervous patients and make dental procedures more comfortable. Furthermore, a dentist might recommend conscious sedation during a dental cleaning, cavity filling, or other dental procedure.

For instance, a gag reflex is a normal, protective bodily reaction that can pose difficulty during dental procedures. Thankfully, our Austin Dentist can administer nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to patients with severe gag reflexes. Likewise, one study revealed that administering a balanced ratio of nitrous oxide and oxygen benefits dental patients with hypersensitive gag reflexes.

On the other hand, general anesthesia is a bit more “heavy-duty.” Under general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious and shouldn’t respond to any level of pain. Anesthesiologists practice general anesthesia by administrating and combining medications with the following aspects: 

  • Sedation: a sedative drug that produces a state of calm or sleep
  • Analgesia: the inability to feel pain
  • Amnesia: total loss of memory
  • Muscle paralysis: the inability to procedure voluntary muscle movements

Normally, general anesthesia is used for most major surgeries, but some doctors offer it upon request for minor procedures.

How is the sedative or general anesthesia administered?

At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide gas is inhaled through a mask.
  • Oral sedation is generally a pill taken a few hours before the appointment. Your dentist will give you specific instructions before your procedure.

Reciprocally, anesthesiologists almost always deliver general anesthesia via an IV line in your arm.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Generally, conscious sedation permits the patient to be mostly awake. In particular, nitrous oxide authorizes patients to have some control of their bodies and respond to their dentist’s commands. Conversely, a light sedative prescription might reduce anxiety and allow you to even cat nap during the procedure.

However, the patient is almost always entirely unconscious under general anesthesia.

Do I have to worry about a recovery period?

Your recovery period depends on the type of sedation you and your dentist agree on. For example, patients who choose nitrous oxide recover their physical and mental capabilities relatively quickly after their procedure. So, patients who choose this conscious sedation method can drive home and carry on with their day. 

Versus, patients that undergo oral sedation and general anesthesia need someone to take them home as they regain their faculties, which may take a few hours.

Our Austin Dentist Offers Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Ragsdale’s knowledgeable team carefully monitors your vital signs throughout your conscious sedation process to help you achieve a more comfortable dental experience. Find out more about conscious sedation at Austin Laser Dentist by calling (512) 346-4690 or messaging us online.

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Services Included in Our In-House Dental Plan

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Looking for affordable dentistry in Austin, TX? Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers an in-house dental plan for every need. When you become a member, you’ll enjoy the benefits of no annual maximums, no waiting periods, no deductible, and no frequency limitations on diagnostic and restorative care.

Many patients have joined who have lost their dental insurance, want the freedom to choose their dental provider, or paid too much for dental insurance in the past.

Our team at Austin Laser Dentist is dedicated to changing lives through dental care. That includes making it more affordable and accessible to everyone.

We offer two plans that provide incredible discounts for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. Continue reading to learn which treatments are included in our in-house dental plans.

Preventive Services

Both our basic plan and premium plan cover 100 percent of preventive services. This includes:

  • 2 Exams
  • 1 Emergency Exam
  • 2 Dental Cleanings
  • 2 Fluoride Treatments
  • 2 Oral Cancer Screenings
  • 2 Periodontal Screenings
  • X-rays As Needed

Our hope is that these preventive services keep patients from experiencing oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. Covering these services in our plans encourages patients to visit the dentist at least every six months to prevent the development of oral health problems.

Restorative Services

On our basic plan, patients receive 30 percent off basic services like fillings and simple extractions and 20 percent off major restorative services. On the premium plan, basic services are 40 percent off, and major services are 30 percent off. The major services included in these plans are:

  • Dental crowns
  • Buildups
  • Dental bridges
  • Partial dentures
  • Endodontic services
  • Periodontal services

These services benefit patients who suffer from dental decay, tooth loss, and gum disease. Restorative services aim to restore the teeth and gums to optimal health and function.

Cosmetic Services

While helping patients achieve optimal oral health is our top priority, Dr. Ragsdale thoroughly enjoys seeing the look on her patients’ faces when after they undergo a cosmetic dental procedure. The way they carry themselves changes, and it has an immense impact on every area of their lives!

Cosmetic dentistry services are for anyone who isn’t satisfied with their smile because of gapped, misshapen, crooked, or discolored teeth.

Want to improve the appearance of your smile? Our plans offer 10 and 20 percent off cosmetic services, such as:

  • Veneers
  • Teeth whitening
  • Implant services
  • Oral surgery

Our premium plan also includes a $1,200 orthodontic allowance.

Create Your Own In-House Dental Plan

Patients who require a more personalized plan have the option of creating their own! They can still experience the unlimited diagnostic services and exams and choose customized benefits that meet their needs. Personalized plans include member pricing on all services and free teeth whitening.

Again, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health by making dental care accessible to patients with various needs and goals.

About Our Austin Laser Dentist

Dr. Ragsdale, known as Austin’s gentle dentist, has been practicing for over twenty years in Austin, TX. She believes in providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable dental care which has driven her to create these in-house dental plans.

Her qualifications include graduating with her Doctorate in Dentistry in 1985, attaining Fellow status from the World Clinical Laser Institute, and receiving additional training in laser, sedation, full reconstructive, and rehabilitative dentistry.

To learn more about Dr. Ragsdale and how she can help you achieve optimal oral health, contact our friendly team today at (512) 346-4690.

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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.