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 To Fix A Chipped Tooth

blue outline of a chipped tooth on a white background

We’ve all been there. You’re throwing a frisbee with your child, you become momentarily distracted, and the frisbee hits you right in the mouth, chipping one of your teeth. This is an unfortunate but common problem. Chewing on hard foods, car accidents, and other sports injuries can and do result in chipped teeth. Thankfully, whether the chip is big or small, your Austin, TX dentist offers solutions, such as composite bonding, crowns, and veneers to address a broken tooth.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale, our esteemed Austin Laser Dentist, provides gentle dental care and technologically advanced treatments to residents of the Austin, TX area. She has provided trusted oral care for over twenty years. To receive treatment for your chipped tooth, contact our friendly staff today at 512-346-4690.

At-Home Care

Before calling Dr. Ragsdale, you should take these precautions:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Apply a cold compress to decrease swelling
  • Wrap the broken piece of tooth in a wet gauze (if you have it)

Once you have taken these steps, call your Austin dentist for further instructions. Depending on your circumstances, she may suggest that you immediately visit our office.

During your emergency visit, Dr. Ragsdale may suggest any of these dental solutions:

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding, (cosmetic dental bonding) is a conservative and low-cost treatment to repair small chips. Dr. Ragsdale will use a tooth-colored composite resin to reshape your broken tooth. Your Austin dentist will begin the composite bonding process by prepping the surface of your teeth with a special etching liquid. This step allows the composite material to bond strongly to your tooth’s enamel. Next, she will artfully place the resin before hardening it with a special light.

Dental Crown

If composite bonding can’t address your oral health needs, Dr. Ragsdale may suggest a dental crown. The prosthetic is made from, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or porcelain. Dental crowns protect your natural tooth structure against further damage or decay.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we suggest porcelain crowns as a natural-looking and effective way to preserve your tooth. Unlike metal or PFM crowns, porcelain is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. Learn more about our porcelain crowns and the placement process.

Veneers

Veneers are the smile-brightening treatment of choice for many Hollywood celebrities. For a chipped front tooth, dental veneers offer long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing solution. Veneers are basically a shell that is made from porcelain or composite material that covers your natural tooth.

The treatment process requires that Dr. Ragsdale carefully removes enamel from the front surface of the chipped tooth. She will make an impression of your damaged tooth and send it to a dental lab to create a custom veneer. Once your veneers arrive at our office, a second visit will be scheduled. During your second visit, Dr. Ragsdale will ensure that your veneer is a perfect fit.

Contact Austin Laser Dentist Today

When left untreated, a chipped tooth is more vulnerable to decay and other dental problems. To schedule your next visit, contact our friendly staff today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment.

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Men, Women, and Periodontal Disease

Man and woman with periodontal disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 64.7 million American adults have some form of periodontal disease, which is also called gum disease. This oral health problem is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits and can result in bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath, toothaches, and even tooth loss. People who smoke, have misaligned teeth, or wear braces are more likely to develop periodontal disease, and those with gum disease are more likely to suffer from health issues.

Periodontal disease affects men and women in different ways. In men, periodontal disease is often a precursor for health issues, while in women, this condition often results from pre-existing health issues. 

If you have noticed signs of gum disease, your symptoms need to be addressed. Dr. Helen Ragsdale and our team at Austin Laser Dentist can reverse gingivitis symptoms or treat more serious periodontitis through gentle, professional care. Contact our office today online or call us at 512-346-4690 to schedule your appointment.

Men and Periodontal Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that 56 percent of all men will develop gum disease at some point in life. Why is this the case? Many healthcare professionals believe this statistic is linked to bad oral habits and a lack of regular dental appointments. Many individuals may not realize that gum health impacts overall health in many ways pertaining to:

  • Prostate health
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Men who wish to avoid these issues can begin by improving their oral hygiene routine and visiting their dentist every six months. These habits will significantly decrease their chances of developing gum disease and other health issues.

Women and Periodontal Disease

Although only 38 percent of women will develop periodontal disease, this is still a significant number. Women who experience hormone and health changes are more susceptible to the development of periodontal disease than those who do not. These factors increase a woman’s chances of acquiring gum disease:

  • Puberty
  • Menstruation
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause and Post-Menopause

Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen during these times in a woman’s life cause the gums to become inflamed, irritated, and red. Understanding your risk can help you prevent gum disease by increasing your oral hygiene habits around these stages of life. Try adding antiseptic mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist more often to combat these symptoms.

Treatments

Once you notice the symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s time to see a dentist who can effectively treat this condition. Dr. Ragsdale offers these minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments to treat gum disease:

  • Laser Periodontal Therapy
  • Root Planing and Scaling
  • Laser Pocket Decontamination
  • Gum Grafts
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration
  • Bone Grafting

After treatment, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent the disease from returning. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can’t be cured, but it can be reduced and maintained. As long as you take care of your mouth by brushing twice a day, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and scheduling regular dental visits, you will not exhibit symptoms of gum disease.

Visit Your Austin, TX Dentist Today

Gum disease is a serious health condition that should be treated by a professional. Dr. Ragsdale can treat or reverse your symptoms while leaving your mouth healthier and brighter. Contact your Austin Laser Dentist team for treatment at 512-346-4690.

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What Should My Oral Healthcare Routine Look Like?

As children, we were told over and over again how important it is to brush our teeth, but as adults, oral health often becomes a low priority. When you rush to go to work, rush to drive the kids to school, and rush to get in bed, it can be difficult to spend the appropriate time or take the right steps to keep your teeth intact.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale and our team at Austin Laser Dentist are passionate about educating our patients on good oral hygiene habits. A proper oral healthcare routine is important because it is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Kick-off your new oral hygiene routine with a dental cleaning from your local dentist.  Schedule an appointment online or by calling us today at (512) 346-4690.

Here is what your oral healthcare routine should look like:

Step 1: Brush

To effectively prevent tooth decay and gum disease, brushing correctly is key. Follow these guidelines:

  • Brush when you wake up and before you go to bed. You should brush for two to three minutes using circular motions. Be sure to reach the front, back, and top of every tooth.
  • Don’t forget your tongue. If you don’t brush your tongue, plaque builds up and causes bad breath. Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to get rid of the bad germs.
  • Be gentle. Toothbrushes with soft bristles are recommended. Tooth sensitivity, damage to the enamel, and gum erosion can occur if you brush too hard or use hard-bristled toothbrushes.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent cavities. Your local dentist can suggest a toothpaste that best suits your needs.

Step 2: Floss

Small particles of meats, breads, and other foods often lodge themselves between your teeth. If you aren’t flossing, they can remain there for days and cause plaque and tartar to build up. By flossing once a day, you decrease your chance of gum disease and cavities.

To effectively floss your teeth, bring the floss all the way down to the gumline and run it up and down the sides of your teeth.

Step 3: Use Mouthwash

Although mouthwash isn’t absolutely necessary, it is recommended by most dentists. When choosing a mouthwash, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance or ask your local dentist which mouthwash is best for you based on your specific needs.

The benefits of using mouthwash include:

  • Fresher breath
  • Prevention of plaque buildup
  • The cleaning of hard-to-reach areas
  • Prevention of the formation of cavities

When using a mouthwash, be sure to follow the specific instructions on the back. Some should be used before brushing, while others should be used after. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure you reap the full benefits of the mouthwash.

Step 4: Schedule a Dental Cleaning

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your local dentist every six months. During this visit, you will receive a thorough dental cleaning and examination. This is extremely helpful in making sure your teeth are healthy and that no cavities, gum disease, or other issues are present. If there are any problems, she can stop them before they become more damaging and expensive to fix.

Visit Your Local Dentist Today

Make your oral health a priority, even when life is busy. Neglecting your teeth can lead to much more serious dental and overall health issues. Dr. Ragsdale can assist you in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile through exceptional dental care. Schedule your dental exam and cleaning today by calling (512) 346-4690.

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Composite Bonding for a Brighter, Better Smile

Portrait of a beautiful young African woman smiling.

Do you have chipped, gapped, or discolored teeth? Have you been searching for a fast, inexpensive, minimally invasive way to get a smile makeover? Look no further!

Composite bonding (also known as tooth-colored bonding) is the application of custom-tinted resin to reshape and improve the appearance of front teeth. Bonding can give you the smile of your dreams in a single visit to Dr. Ragsdale’s Austin dentist office.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we are passionate about giving our patients a smile they love to show off. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is known for gentle, exceptional dental care. To talk with her about improving your smile with composite bonding or other cosmetic dental procedures, contact us online or call our office today at (512) 346-4690.

The Procedure

The process of restoring your smile with dental bonding only requires one appointment and these essential steps:

  1. Dr. Ragsdale will apply a conditioning formula to your tooth so that the composite resin bonds strongly with enamel.
  2. The composite resin is carefully matched to your tooth color, then layered onto the tooth.
  3. A special light will harden the material.
  4. Once the material is hardened, Dr. Ragsdale will shape and polish the restoration to the appropriate size and shine.

Depending on the number of teeth being bonded, this process can take an hour or more. However, it is usually completed within a few hours and always in one visit.  

What can dental bonding do?

Composite resin bonding can fix imperfections in your smile by repairing or correcting:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracks or craze lines in teeth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Slightly crooked or malformed teeth
  • Widely or unevenly spaced teeth
  • Sharp or jagged teeth
  • Uneven teeth

Many of our patients also opt to replace silver amalgam fillings with resin fillings, which are created with the same material used in cosmetic bonding. Metal fillings can make a smile look aged and often cause tooth sensitivity. With tooth-colored fillings, you will enjoy a healthy, metal-free, more attractive smile.

Check out this blog on our website if you are interested in learning more about the process for each of these improvements.

More Benefits of Dental Bonding

Besides cosmetic improvements, there are many other benefits to cosmetic bonding.

  • Quick: Veneers are an alternative to bonding, but they require two to three visits to the dentist’s office. Orthodontics can address spacing issues and twisted teeth, but braces take a minimum of six months, and usually two years, to complete treatment. Bonding takes one hour and is always done in a single office visit.
  • Affordable: Veneers and orthodontics cost thousands of dollars. In contrast, bonding usually costs a few hundred dollars per tooth.
  • Restored oral health: If Dr. Ragsdale finds any decay in your tooth, she will remove it and seal the damaged area to prevent future decay. Bonding is also a dental filling material.
  • Minimally invasive: Bonding is one of very few cosmetic or restorative treatments available that requires very little prepping. Generally, a tooth is mildly etched to create a rough surface for the resin to adhere properly.
  • Long-lasting results: To care for a bonded tooth, practice good oral hygiene habits. In the absence of injury or accident, your composite resin can last up to 10 years or more.
  • Little post-treatment discomfort: Because composite resin is metal-free, and little tooth preparation is required prior to placement, tooth sensitivity rarely occurs.

Contact Our Austin, TX Dental Office Today

Our Austin Laser Dental, our team is ready to answer your questions about cosmetic bonding or any of our services. If you would like to learn more, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragsdale, call us today at 512-346-4690.

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Is Periodontal Disease Reversible?

Periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”) is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. The condition may be characterized by a number of symptoms, including redness, tenderness, and swelling. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease”.  Fortunately, this condition can be treated successfully if detected early. In fact, in its earliest stage, gum disease can even be reversed! The three stages of gum disease are:

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Periodontitis
  3. Advanced periodontitis

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her team are passionate about helping you prevent periodontal disease altogether. But if you find yourself struggling with gingivitis, one of the first and best things you can do is set up an appointment for a routine dental cleaning. Contact our Austin, TX office today at (512) 346-4690 to get the help you need!

What causes periodontal disease?

Gum disease is ultimately caused by bacteria, but these things might be the cause of unwanted bacteria in your mouth:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Hormonal changes in girls/women
  • Medications that cause dry mouth
  • Genetics

We know some of these things are out of your control, however you can begin working to improve your oral hygiene and quitting smoking today to prevent further damage and reverse periodontal disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

So, what should you be looking for? Here are the symptoms associated with periodontal disease:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Bad breath that you can’t get rid of
  • Heavy plaque build-up
  • Sensitive teeth

Healthy gums are pink and firm. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Ignoring these warning signs will result in further decline to your oral and overall health and tooth loss.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Gingivitis can be reversed with routine dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene. If the condition has progressed to periodontitis, however, you will need more invasive treatments.

Trying to reverse the effects of periodontal disease on your own can be challenging. By visiting Dr. Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist, we can help you come up with a plan to reverse the damage that has been done and prevent gum disease from coming back.

Preventing Gum Disease at Home

At the beginning stages of periodontal disease, it’s important to implement new habits and practices to stop the condition from progressing. Here are some things you can do at home to reverse the problem:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day—and brush them correctly! In addition to brushing the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, brush along the gum line as well. This helps sweep away harmful bacteria that like to hide there.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel erosion and gum recession.
  • Floss once a day to remove bacteria from in between the teeth.
  • If you haven’t gotten a new toothbrush in the past three months, it’s time!
  • Avoid sugar-filled foods.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Chew sugarless gum to help scrub your teeth and promote saliva production.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash. Here are some recommendations.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods (dairy products, green-leafy vegetables, and yellow and orange fruits all promote healthy teeth and gums)!
  • Quit smoking.

Contact Our Austin Dental Practice Today

Periodontal disease can have a significant negative impact on your oral and overall health. Schedule an appointment to learn more about prevention and treatment. Contact us online or give us a call at 512-346-4690.