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

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What is restorative dentistry?

several dental restorations on white surface

Within the dental field are several types of specialties; however, most dentists, regardless of their specialty, offer restorative dentistry procedures.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing a patient’s mouth to optimal form and function. Have a missing tooth? A chipped tooth? Damaged tooth? Several missing teeth? Cavity? Several restorative dental techniques address these issues, so your smile remains beautiful and operational.

Fillings

In the past, most dentists used silver amalgam fillings to treat cavities. Doubts about the safety of silver fillings led dentists to seek an alternative. Today, many dentists, like Dr. Helen Ragsdale, prefer composite resin fillings for the following reasons:

  • Composite resin doesn’t contain mercury
  • Patients experience less dental sensitivity
  • Composite resin appears more natural
  • Requires less preparation

Fillings are placed in a tooth after a dentist has removed all of the bacteria from inside the tooth. Once dried, the filling acts as a barrier to the tooth which reduces the risk of more decay.

Dental Crowns

Dentists recommend dental crowns for several reasons, such as:

  • Protection for a weak tooth
  • To hold parts of a cracked tooth together
  • To restore a worn-down tooth
  • A tooth that has more filling material than natural tooth structure
  • A root canaled tooth

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with dental bridges and dental implants.

Patients who need dental crowns should talk to their dentist about the pros and cons of each dental crown material before making a final decision.

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for patients with an entire row of missing teeth. Dentists and technicians work together to create realistic and natural-looking smiles for their patients. This involves taking precise measurements of the mouth, choosing between acrylic or porcelain teeth, and considering the patient’s face shape and symmetry.

Modern dentures are comfortable, lightweight, and durable. However, they do require extra care and responsibility. Patients should expect to have their dentures reshaped and refitted every couple of years.

For a more permanent and stable restorative dentistry option, consider a dental implant or dental bridge.

Dental Bridge

Dentists may recommend a dental bridge to patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap between two teeth.

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two crowns and one to three prosthetic teeth. The dentist attaches the dental crowns to the patient’s natural teeth and the prosthetics hang in the gap. Because the bridge is secured by healthy teeth, the bridge is secure, durable, and fully functional.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth as patients can get. The implant is a small, screw-like rod that takes the place of the tooth root. To place the implant, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums and inserts it into the jawbone. This usually takes about three to six months to heal.

Once the surgical site has healed, an abutment and dental crown are placed atop the implant, completing the procedure. The dental implant process is nearly 100 percent successful, the implant is extremely durable, and they last a lifetime.

Modern Restorative Dentist in Austin, TX

Dr. Ragsdale uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure every patient receives the most advanced care. Whatever your needs, we can meet them! To schedule an initial consultation at Austin Laser Dentist, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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Restorative Dentistry: Better Oral Health for a Better Smile

woman on yellow background

The goals of restorative dentistry are to repair damaged teeth and replace missing teeth to improve the health and aesthetics of a person’s smile. Thanks to new technology, state-of-the-art materials, and skilled dental professionals, there’s never been a better time to receive the care your smile needs.

Whether you have a chipped tooth, a large cavity, are missing several teeth, or have intrinsic dental stains, there is a restorative dental procedure for you.

Our Austin Laser Dentist offers the following restorative dentistry procedures:

Fillings

Dental fillings are most often used to treat cavities. This restorative material is made from composite resin that matches the natural tooth color and doesn’t contain mercury. While white fillings can be used for the back teeth, most dentists recommend silver fillings because of their durability.

Composite resin filling is also used to repair teeth that have been chipped or cracked. This option is much less expensive than dental veneers and looks just as natural!

Dental Crowns

Have a damaged tooth? A dental crown can fix that. Need to conceal a cosmetic blemish? Ask about a dental crown! Loose tooth? Dental crown.

By now, you get the point, right? Dentists use dental crowns for lots of reasons because they are effective, long-lasting, and relatively affordable.

Metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are two materials that dental crowns are made from. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so you’ll need the help and expertise of a dentist to make the best decision for your smile.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used for replacing one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. There are several different types of bridges, but the most common one is the traditional dental bridge. With two crowns on either side of the prosthetic tooth (pontic), the bridge utilizes a patient’s natural teeth to stabilize the pontics that rest on the gums.

A traditional dental bridge is strong, durable, and able to keep the rest of your teeth from shifting out of place.

Dentures

For patients with an entire arch of missing teeth or several missing teeth in a row, dentures are an affordable option. Modern dental techniques help patients who require dentures achieve a realistic-looking, durable smile.

With dentures, patients can eat more foods, speak normally, and avoid dental drifting.

The key to achieving these results is choosing an experienced dentist like Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Her careful measurements and eye-for-detail ensures your dentures fit like a glove so the possibilities of slipping and clicking are rare. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the newer and most effective ways of replacing one or all of a patient’s teeth. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can be attached to these small titanium rods that act like natural tooth roots.

Replacing the tooth root is especially beneficial for several reasons, such as:

  • The dental implant merges with the jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration which prevents jawbone atrophy, or disintegration.
  • Reproduction of the jawbone means patients can avoid early signs of aging due to facial sagging.
  • A strengthened jawbone enables the prosthetic tooth to endure chewing every type of food so patients don’t have to worry about diet restrictions.

Additionally, dental implants will likely never need to be replaced. We can’t say the same about other dental restorations!

Restorative Dentistry in Austin

Do you have a chipped, cracked, or missing tooth? Do you live in the Austin area? We have good news! Our Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale, is one of the most esteemed dentists in the area. She and her team are prepared to help you achieve a fully restored, beautiful smile!

Call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.