January 24, 2020 By Paula

More than a “dentist near me,” you need a great dentist.

Practicality is important when searching for a dentist. In addition to searching for a “dentist near me”, consider the hours of operation and accepted insurance providers. But before settling on any dentist in proximity to your home or work, make sure the dentist you choose is great.

What does it take to be a great dentist? Well, it’s a combination of things like training, experience, staff, office environment, and technology. Continue reading to learn exactly what to look for to find the best dentist for you.

Training

Once schooling is complete, dentists are required to complete training hours every year. Some dentists put this training to good use by becoming members and fellows of different organizations.

Dr. Ragsdale completed separate preceptorships, similar to an internship, for Periodontal Surgery and Dental Implantology. She has also attained fellow status from the World Clinic Laser Institute, studied aesthetics at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and completed advanced training in sedation dentistry, laser dentistry, and full reconstructive and rehabilitative dentistry.

Experience

It’s easier to trust a dentist with a lot of experience. Dentists need plenty of schooling and training, but nothing competes with hands-on practice. This doesn’t mean you need a dentist who has been practicing for 30 years—they get plenty of hands-on experience in school! Just make sure the dentist has experience in the treatments you need. You can read Dr. Ragsdale’s bio here.

Dental Team

The old adage, “you can tell a tree by its fruit” is popular because it’s true! Just like a football coach is responsible for his team, so is a dentist. The dental team members are a reflection of the dentist’s values.

From the moment a patient walks in the door, it’s the dental team’s responsibility to make him feel welcome and relaxed. Patients should expect to be treated with respect and patience, and the dental hygienists should be kind, knowledgeable, and gentle during treatment.

If you don’t walk away from the dental appointment feeling happier than when you walked in, consider trying out other dentists in your area.

Office Environment

Make going to the dentist a treat by finding one who prioritizes patient comfort.

You can recognize these dentists because they will provide comfort items such as blankets, pillows, aroma and sound therapy, TVs, and headphones to help them feel at ease during their appointment.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we have these items as well as private operatories for each patient so you can relax in your own space.

Technology

Not every dentist keeps up with the latest advancements in technology, but a great dentist provides patients with the most conservative treatments through innovative technology. For example, our dentist uses hard and soft tissue dental lasers for restorative and cosmetic procedures. This incredible technology keeps your smile healthy and beautiful without the pain and discomfort of antiquated equipment.

Find A Great Dentist Near You Today

Don’t settle for just any dentist, take the time to find a great one. When you find a dentist with these five qualities, we guarantee your satisfaction!

If you live in the Austin, TX area, contact our dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.

December 19, 2019 By Paula

Can I expect my dental implant to work like a real tooth?

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you have a few options to choose from for replacement. However, only one option, a dental implant, is a permanent solution that works like a real tooth.

It is important to keep in mind, though, that placement of a dental implant is surgery. Also, because a patient must have strong, healthy bone tissue for an implant, some patients require regenerative treatment before placement. This could include a bone graft or sinus lift.

Therefore, you want to be sure you choose the best dentist for this procedure.

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has over 25 years of experience and is well-equipped to handle most dental needs. If you live in the Austin area, she is the dentist you can trust to deliver top-notch care in a comfortable, friendly, informative environment.

You can also trust her if your particular needs fall outside her level of knowledge and experience. Therefore, she occasionally refers patients to a trusted periodontist or oral surgeon who can best cater to you and your unique needs for implant placement. Once your implant is healed, Dr. Ragsdale will place your new restoration.

How does a dental implant work like a real tooth?

When a patient has a missing tooth, whether from trauma, extraction, or hypodontia (the tooth or teeth never formed), most people only see the obvious gap in the smile. However, the missing tooth root is also a huge factor that you should consider.

While crowns, bridges, and dentures fill in gaps from missing teeth, they do nothing to replace the tooth root. This is an important factor, as the roots create micromovements in the jaw that stimulate nerves and preserve bone structure. When a tooth root is missing, the lack of this movement causes bone deterioration, which can lead to further tooth loss. It also causes changes in the facial structure, creating a hollowed or sunken-in appearance.

The dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw that restores the tooth root. Once placed, it causes a process called osseointegration to occur. This process causes bone tissue to form around the implant, fusing it to your jawbone.

In addition, the presence of the implant mimics the micromovements of a tooth root, preserving bone tissue.

Once healed and fused, a restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, is placed on the implant post, creating an entire replacement of the tooth that looks, feels, and acts real.

What are the dental implant restoration options?

The type of restoration you need will depend on your unique needs and desires. The options include a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Option #1: Implant-Supported Dental Crown

If you are missing one tooth, or if you have several non-adjacent teeth missing, you will need crown placement. This option is a tooth-shaped cap that is affixed to the implant to replace the visible part of the missing tooth or teeth. It is designed to match your remaining teeth in shape, size, and color, giving it an aesthetically pleasing look.

Option #2: Implant-Supported Bridge

For patients missing one to three adjacent teeth, Dr. Ragsdale may recommend a bridge. This option “bridges the gap” of missing teeth. A bridge contains pontics (fake teeth) that fill in the gaps. Implants on both sides of the missing teeth anchor it in place.

This is a much sturdier, more stable option that a traditional bridge, which requires enamel removal on remaining teeth for the placement of crowns to support the bridge.

Option #3: Implant-Supported Dentures

Many people are familiar with traditional dentures and the many negative effects they can cause. Because nothing replaces the tooth roots, bone deterioration takes place. This changes the fit of dentures, often leaving patients with dentures that slip or fall out when they chew or speak. Also, dentures are not a permanent option and must be replaced every ten years or so.

But dental implants have changed all this. Because implants mimic and replace tooth roots, the jawbone is preserved. Also, the strength and stability of implants offer an excellent anchor for a denture. When it comes to implant-supported dentures, there are two options: Removable or fixed. The type you choose helps determine how many implants you will need.

For many patients, two implants can be enough for removable dentures. With this option, the denture snaps onto the implants for a secure fit, so they will not slip or shift. However, the denture is removable for easier cleaning.

With fixed dentures, patients typically need four to six implants. Once the posts have healed, Dr. Ragsdale will fix the denture in place with screw-retention or dental cement.

Call Austin Laser Dentist Today

If you are missing a tooth or tooth, do not put off treatment, as this causes many negative effects, including bone deterioration, shifting of the remaining teeth, and an increased risk of decay, gum disease, and further tooth loss.

No matter which restoration option you need, the dental implant is the key factor in giving you a beautiful smile that feels and looks natural.

To find out if you are a dental implant candidate, call (512) 346-4690 today to schedule your consultation.

November 12, 2019 By Paula

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses extremely concentrated light beams to remove infected gum tissue or tooth structures and improve the appearance of teeth. Dentists began using this method in 1990 for gum tissue procedures. Since then, developments and improvements have been continually made, leading to the effectiveness and popularization of laser dentistry today.

Laser dentistry allows dentists to treat most minor and major dental problems without the need for drilling, anesthesia, or pressure so patients can relax during their dental procedure. This is a fantastic option for children and adults who experience dental anxiety or stress because laser dentistry is a minimally invasive way to treat a variety of oral health problems.

Continue reading to learn more about laser dental treatments.

History of Laser Dentistry

Albert Einstein coined and developed the idea of laser technology. He used the word “laser” as an acronym for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation,” and he even created the mathematical formulas behind the technology. It would be decades—in the 1960s—before his idea became a reality.

In 1960, dental researchers began to explore the potential of laser treatments for oral health issues. It would take decades to create a laser that was safe enough to use on teeth.

In 1989, lasers that could remove soft and hard tissues without damaging the dental pulp were created and used commercially. Unfortunately, their unique design and high price limited the number of dentists who could use them.

Fortunately, that is not the case today. About 10% of all dentists use some type of laser dentistry because of its usefulness, versatility, and affordability.

Problems Laser Dentistry Can Treat

There are various types of dental lasers that can be used to treat both hard and soft tissue oral health problems, such as:

Cavity detection: Dentists use a laser device called DIAGNOdent to detect cavities earlier than ever before. Hidden carries are difficult for dentists to diagnose and can lead to the unnecessary treatment of healthy teeth or lack of treatment for decaying teeth. The accuracy of this tool gives dentists the confidence to properly diagnose a tooth.
Teeth whitening: Lasers are a fast, safe, and extremely effective treatment that brightens smiles. In just one hour, patients can walk out of the dentist’s office with a smile that’s several shades lighter than when they walked in.
Gum disease treatment: Dentists use methods like laser pocket decontamination to avoid gum surgery. In this minimally invasive procedure, dental lasers remove plaque and deposits from the periodontal pockets and aid in the healing of the periodontal infection. In severe cases, laser gum surgery may be the only solution.

Dental lasers are also used in curing restorative materials, root canal therapy, and cosmetic procedures.

With the advent of laser technology, each of these treatments becomes less invasive and less traumatic for the patient. Patients also experience less bleeding, swelling, ~~and~~ discomfort, and reduced recovery time.

Find a Laser Dentist Near You

When searching for a qualified laser dentist, look for a dental professional who has completed advanced training courses in laser dentistry and received extended education and training through an organization or institute like the World Clinical Laser Institute.

In the Austin, TX area, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is the laser dentist that patients come to for care and dentists come to for training. You can schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ragsdale online or by calling 512-346-4690 today.

November 6, 2019 By Paula

Is gum disease reversible?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when bad bacteria infect the gums, due to any number of reasons. Often, gum disease begins because of poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, or dry mouth.

Plaque builds up on the teeth every day, and if it’s not brushed and flossed away, it hardens into tartar. This leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually erodes the connective tissues and bone that support teeth.

Redness and inflammation of the gums are usually the first signs of periodontal disease. This stage is called gingivitis and is quite easily treated. However, once the disease progresses into periodontitis, more invasive treatments are necessary. The damage gum disease causes can be reversed, but the disease itself is chronic and so it cannot be cured.

If you have red, swollen gums, the best thing you can do is contact your Austin, TX dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale. At Austin Laser Dentist, we provide innovative, gentle laser dentistry to treat gum disease and promote the repair of damaged tissue. Contact our team today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragsdale.

Other Symptoms of Gum Disease

Red, swollen gums are just the beginning of gum disease. As the infection progresses, other symptoms will appear. These include:

Bleeding gums
Bad breath
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Pus between gums and teeth
Mouth sores
Moving teeth

Some people don’t seek treatment for symptoms until the disease has progressed into advanced periodontitis. At this stage, tooth loss, gum grafts, and bone grafts may be necessary to restore good oral health.

At your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments every six months, Dr. Ragsdale will find and treat infection in the earliest stage.

Our Treatment Methods

At Austin Laser Dentist, we believe prevention is the best policy. But, when it comes to gum disease, catching it in the initial stages is the next best thing. Dr. Ragsdale uses minimally invasive laser dentistry to treat gingivitis, as well as more advanced cases of periodontal disease. These include:

Gum surgery
Scaling and root planing
Laser pocket decontamination
Gum grafts
Guided tissue regeneration
Bone grafting

Effects of Gum Disease

Gum disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; it has been linked to a variety of overall health problems, such as:

Heart disease
Stroke
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes complications
Low-weight births
Lung conditions

Periodontal disease contributes to these health problems, as well as cancer and prostatitis, in men more often than in women. Men are nearly 20 percent more likely to have some type of gum disease and should always maintain good oral health habits in order to decrease their risk.

Women are not as prone to these overall health issues. However, there are certain factors that increase a woman’s risk of periodontal disease, such as:

Puberty
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Menopause
Post-menopause

These are most likely caused by an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Women should be conscientious about their oral hygiene during these times, especially during pregnancy as gum disease has been linked to premature birth.

Contact Your Austin Laser Dentist Today

Dr. Ragsdale and our team are passionate about providing minimally invasive, effective treatments for all types of oral health problems. However, our greatest achievement is helping our patients altogether avoid problems like gum disease. Contact our friendly staff today to learn how we can help you achieve great oral health and a fantastic smile.

November 1, 2019 By Paula

What are the benefits of laser dentistry treatment?

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.

Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS