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

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Five Treatment Options for Cavities

An illustration of a tooth and magnifying glass depicting a cross-sectional image of a tooth with cavities

Cavities (also called caries) are areas of decay that bore into vulnerable teeth. Typically, caries are the result of oral bacteria and the acidic waste that they produce. If left untreated, caries can spread wider and deeper, eventually leading to a painful root canal infection. Luckily, patients have several preventive and restorative options to combat or remediate cavities.

If you’re looking for gentle cavity treatment in Austin, TX, then look no further than Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist. Together with her team, Dr. Ragsdale can help you treat dental decay, restore damaged teeth, and protect your smile with comprehensive cavity treatments. Call our dental office at (512) 346-4690 or contact us online to schedule your appointment now.

Meanwhile, let’s dive into ways that you can prevent or treat cavities. In this post, we give you five, effective ways to manage dental decay.

1. Fluoride

Fluoride is an abundant mineral found in the natural world. Research proves that fluoride effectively remineralizes the enamel layer of our teeth. Subsequently, fluoride treatments are an ideal way to prevent cavities before they ever start.

But, surprisingly, fluoride doesn’t just prevent dental caries–it can reverse them, too. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), fluoride treatments may stop and reverse decay, making them a non-invasive alternative to other cavity treatments.

2. Dental Fillings

If fluoride treatments cannot keep cavities at bay, then dental fillings may be the next step. Our Austin dentist provides white fillings, which are a more aesthetically-pleasing option than silver (amalgam) fillings. 

Not only do dental fillings stop cavities in their tracks, but they also strengthen and protect teeth from further damage. As a result, dental fillings are a minimally-invasive way to enhance your smile for years to come.

3. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped prosthetics that completely encapsulate severely weak or damaged teeth. As a cavity treatment, dental crowns provide the most support and protection for compromised teeth. However, dental crown treatment is more invasive than dental fillings. 

4. Root Canal Therapy

In some cases, a cavity bores so deeply into a tooth that it infiltrates and infects the sensitive pulp inside the root canal. When this happens, root canal therapy may be the only way to save the tooth from extraction. 

We know that you’ve probably heard horror stories about root canal therapy. But, the painful procedures of yesteryear are no longer applicable today. Dr. Ragsdale offers numerous numbing and sedative options to make this cavity treatment safer and more comfortable for patients.

5. Tooth Extraction

If a cavity destroys too much of a tooth’s natural structure, then it may not be possible to salvage it. A health-saving tooth extraction may be the only way to restore patients’ smiles without risking complications (like spreading the infection to the bloodstream).

Following tooth extractions, Dr. Ragsdale and her team are more than happy to discuss custom prosthetics to replace missing teeth, such as:

Cavity Treatment in Austin, TX

Don’t give cavities a chance to destroy your smile. At Austin Laser Dentist, we can help you pinpoint cavities earlier with cutting-edge, laser cavity detection. Schedule an appointment with our Austin dentist online, or call (512) 346-4690 for more information and booking.

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Take This Simple Quiz to See If Dental Veneers Are Right for You

A shade guide for dental veneers in Austin, TX

So, you want to upgrade your smile with dental veneers, but you’re not sure if this personalized, cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. Well, the team at Austin Laser Dentist is here to help you find out!

Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her skilled team have years of invaluable experience helping patients curate the smile of their dreams with high-quality, porcelain veneers. If you’re ready to verify your candidacy for veneers, then contact our dental office in Austin, TX, online here or at (512) 346-4690.

Meanwhile, let our team help you determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Taking this simple quiz can help you make the right choice for you and your smile.

What kind of flaws do you want to address?

A. Cosmetic imperfections, like internal dental discoloration, misshapen teeth, or large gaps

B. Minor dental damage, like chips or cracks

C. Tooth sensitivity

D. Tooth Loss

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, B, or C, then you may be an ideal candidate for cosmetic veneers. If you answered D, then you may want to explore restorative options, like a dental bridge or dental implants. Veneers cannot properly replace missing teeth, as they need natural, existing teeth to secure them into place.

How many teeth require treatment?

A. One

B. Some, especially my upper, front teeth (i.e. the Social Six)

C. All of them

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, then another cosmetic treatment (like dental crowns) may be better for addressing one tooth at a time. If you answered C, then you may want a more cost-effective, comprehensive treatment, such as a Smile Makeover. But, if you answered B, then veneers may be perfect for you!

Are you prepared for a permanent fix?

A. Yes, I want to permanently upgrade my smile

B. No, I want a temporary fix

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment that can last for decades. But, patients must commit to maintaining, repairing, or replacing veneers for the rest of their lives. 

If you answered A, then you must be prepared for a lifelong commitment. If you are not ready for a lifelong commitment, then other cosmetic options (like teeth whitening or Invisalign®) may be ideal for you.

Do you have healthy teeth and gums?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Patients must have healthy teeth and gums that are completely free from disease (like cavities and periodontitis) before getting veneers. So, if you answered B or C, then a comprehensive dental exam may help you get a veneer-ready mouth in time for your treatment.

Do you have enough dental enamel?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Veneer candidacy largely depends on the amount of enamel patients have. Patients with sufficient enamel may be ideal candidates for veneer treatment. However, patients with thinning or worn enamel may not have enough dental structure to support veneers. A dental exam with our Austin dentist will reveal how much enamel you have before beginning treatment.

Schedule a Veneer Consultation in Austin, TX

If you think that veneer treatment might be right for you, then contact the team at Austin Laser Dentist today. We can help you verify your candidacy with a personalized consultation. Request your consultation online here, or give our Austin dental office a call at (512) 346-4690 to get scheduled.

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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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Six Periodontal Disease Treatments for Healthier Teeth and Gums

Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive condition that can jeopardize the health of your smile. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious infections, bone recession in the jaw, and, eventually, tooth loss. Luckily, gentle periodontal disease treatments can help.

Don’t let gum disease rob you of the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve. Take action today with Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist. With gentle techniques, comprehensive treatments, and cutting-edge technology, our team can help you treat all stages of periodontal disease. 

Schedule an appointment at our Austin, TX, dental clinic by sending us a message or by calling (512) 346-4690. Meanwhile, let’s explore six periodontal disease treatments to get healthier teeth and gums.

Preventive Care

Medical professionals often say that preventive care is the best care. Because when you can avoid painful, damaging conditions, your overall health benefits greatly.

So, the best way to prevent gum disease is with regular dental exams and cleanings. According to the American Dental Association, patients should get teeth cleanings at least every six months (or quarterly if they are prone to cavities and gingivitis).

Root Planing and Scaling

When routine dental cleanings just won’t cut it, patients may need a deep clean with specialized root planing and scaling treatments. Scaling treatments remove harmful plaque build-up above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the surface of the tooth root. 

Combining these treatments is like a hard reset for your smile. This is because scaling eliminates harmful bacteria, and root planing makes it more difficult for bacteria-containing plaque to stick to the teeth in the future.

Laser Pocket Decontamination

Gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, which can create deep pockets for bacteria and plaque to inhabit. Using advanced laser technology, Dr. Ragsdale can eliminate bacteria from periodontal pockets, effectively reducing the number of disease-causing microorganisms in the mouth. 

This periodontal treatment also allows the gum tissue to heal and regenerate on its own. As a result, patients may be able to avoid gum surgery to treat advanced periodontal disease.

Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery uses laser-fiber technology to clear away gingival infections around the gumline and in periodontal pockets. This procedure is a modern, more comfortable take on traditional gum surgeries. The lasers sterilize soft tissue while cauterizing it shut, which is something that scalpels and stitches can never accomplish on their own.

As a result, patients experience significantly less pain and fewer postoperative complications with laser gum surgery.

Gum Grafts

Late-stage gum disease can significantly impact the health and amount of gingival tissue in the mouth. Gum grafts use the patient’s own tissue to repair receding gums. 

The donor tissue easily assimilates into its new position in the mouth, effectively regrowing gum tissue wherever necessary.

Bone Grafts

Severe periodontal disease and prolonged tooth loss can eat away at more than just gum tissue–it can wear away at bone tissue, too. To properly restore the health of your smile, Dr. Ragsdale may suggest bone grafts to rebuild weak jaws before pursuing other periodontal disease treatments.

Ask Us About Periodontal Disease Treatments in Austin, TX

The longer you wait to address gum disease, the more likely you are to develop health-threatening oral and systemic health issues. Contact the friendly team at Austin Laser Dentist online here or call (512) 346-4690 to schedule your appointment now.

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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.