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

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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry

Woman getting laser dental treatment

Laser dentistry is revolutionizing many dental procedures because of the benefits it affords patients. Lasers make dental treatments more comfortable, faster, and cost-effective.

1. What is laser dentistry? 

Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to perform a dental procedure. The lasers create light energy in a very narrow, focused beam. That beam creates a reaction when it comes into contact with tissue which allows the tissue in the mouth to be removed or reshaped.

2. How are hard and soft tissue lasers different?

The wavelength from hard tissue lasers is highly absorbable by hydroxyapatite. Hard tissue lasers also include Erbium Chromium YSGG and Erbium YAG. This allows this type of laser to cut through teeth and bones with a high degree of accuracy. Hard tissue lasers are most often used for procedures such as prepping a tooth for filling, root canal treatment, shaping a tooth for crown placement, and removing decay.

Soft tissue lasers absorb water and hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, at a high rate. They also include Neodymium YAG, a crystal, in diode lasers, which aids in the killing of bacteria and the regrowth of tissues. Soft lasers seal nerve endings and blood vessels, meaning patients experience little to no pain after treatment. These reasons make soft tissue laser treatments a preferred treatment for many dentists when performing certain procedures such as treating periodontitis, a gum infection that damages soft tissues in the mouth.

3. What are some examples of laser dentistry treatments? 

Laser dentistry is primarily used for two types of treatments: those for hard tissue and those for soft tissue. Hard tissue treatment refers to procedures performed on teeth while soft tissue treatment refers to those performed on gums.

Hard tissue procedures include:

  • Cavity detection and treatment. Lasers can detect cavities early because they are more adept at finding evidence of tooth decay. Additionally, once located, lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity without the need for traditional drilling. That can help preserve the long-term health of a tooth. Lasers also eliminate the need for anesthesia which makes the patient more comfortable.
  • Treating tooth sensitivity. Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot and cold are treated with lasers that seal tubules on the tooth’s root leading to less discomfort.

Soft tissue procedures include:

  • Scaling and root planing. Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline and then the tooth’s roots are smoothed over to help the gums reattach to the tooth.
  • Gum surgery. Lasers aid in gum surgery as they seal blood vessels which reduces inflammation and sensitivity.
  • Treating a gummy smile. Lasers are used to reshape gum tissue where the gums’ length covers much of the tooth.
  • Teeth whitening. Lasers can also help in teeth whitening as they speed up the bleaching process during whitening sessions.

4. How much does laser dentistry cost? 

The cost of laser treatment varies depending on the procedure and the equipment being employed. Insurers often determine reimbursement costs based on procedures rather than the method the treatment is completed by. However, laser treatments may be less expensive overall than traditional treatments because they can usually be completed in fewer visits.

To be certain, patients should always inquire about their specific policy beforehand any treatment begins.

5. Are there risks associated with laser treatment?

The risks of laser dental treatment are relatively few. A dental professional may have the patient use special glasses to protect her eyes from the laser. It is always important to find a qualified dental professional to perform any laser treatment. Using the wrong wavelength, for example, could damage tissue.

Quality Laser Dentistry in Austin, TX

Dr. Ragsdale is one of the area’s leading professionals on the use of dental lasers. She has taught laser dentistry techniques to many other dental professionals in the area. 

Let her and the team at Austin Laser Dentist show you the many benefits of laser dentistry. Call (512) 346-4690 or book a one-on-one consultation through our website to get started today.

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What Does a Laser Dentist Do?

close up of mouth and dental laser

Why do so many people skip the dentist? For many, it’s the sights and sounds of a dental office that make them uncomfortable, such as the whirring of a dental drill.  But, patients no longer need to worry about that, thanks to dental lasers.This advanced technology is now commonly used in dental practices to provide patients with safer, more consistent results following a variety of procedures.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale is a trusted, experienced laser dentist conveniently located in Austin, TX. Her goal is to ensure that patients are comfortable throughout any treatment and achieve the best outcomes. In case you need more information, read on to learn what a laser dentist does.

Early Detection of Cavities

In our practice, we use lasers for early detection of cavities, often before they are even seen by the naked eye. The sooner that we can recognize that you’re suffering from tooth decay, the better your prognosis. Early detection can also help you maintain more of your tooth structure and prevent more painful issues later on.

For laser cavity detection, your dentist uses the DIAGNOdent handheld tool. Dr. Ragsdale targets it on the healthy enamel to get a baseline reading. Next, she uses it on areas in the mouth that might have cavities, which produces a reading to detect if there’s tooth decay. Not only is the tool quick and painless, but it also cuts down on the number of x-rays you might need.

Treat Gum Disease

Instead of invasive tools to treat gum disease, your dentist can use a laser instead. The light emitted kills the harmful bacteria in the gum pockets to prevent gum disease from worsening. After treatment, gums heal quicker, pain is reduced, and bleeding is minimized for better results. 

Throughout the procedure, your doctor has more control to adjust the beam accordingly. Since the laser is more accurate, Dr. Ragsdale can pinpoint only the treatment area without disturbing healthy tissue.

Cosmetic Treatments

Do your gums look too long and are not proportionate with your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, which you don’t have to tolerate any longer. Dr. Ragsdale can use lasers for gum contouring to reshape and resize your gums.

With the precision of the laser, your dentist can remove as little or as much tissue as needed to help you achieve the smile that you’ve always wanted. Unlike the traditional procedure, patients don’t have to deal with a lot of downtime, and no stitches are involved. Within one or two days, most patients have healed and can return to their normal activities.

Teeth Whitening

What about whiter teeth? Yes, your dentist can enlist the help of a handy laser to leave your teeth shades lighter for a more attractive smile. The LaserSmile treatment is a quick and convenient hour-long whitening session that happens in-house. On average, patients can enjoy  teeth that are up to nine shades lighter than before. 

A laser-activated whitening gel is placed on the teeth to break down surface stains and beyond. The whitening treatment is gentle, so teeth and gums are left comfortable during and after the process.

Schedule a Consultation

Now that you know what a laser dentist does, isn’t it time that you schedule your appointment? You can give us a call at 512-346-4690 or visit us online. Either way, we can set up a consultation to customize a treatment plan to optimize your oral health.

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Is there a dentist near me who offers laser dentistry?

close up of mouth and dental laser

Laser dentistry has created a completely new experience for dental patients. With dental lasers, dentists provide minimally invasive, precise, and comfortable treatments for all types of dental issues. Whether a patient requires restorative treatment or desires cosmetic treatment, finding a “dentist near me” who offers laser dentistry is a must.

For patients in the Austin, TX area, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is the go-to dentist for all things laser dentistry. In fact, other dentists come to her for training on how to effectively use dental lasers in their dental practices. Dr. Ragsdale believes in providing the latest high-quality, safe, and effective methods of treatment so her patients have the best experience.

Continue reading to learn about the laser dentistry treatments Dr. Ragsdale offers.

1. Cavity detection and diagnosis

With DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection, Dr. Ragsdale can discover even the smallest cavities before they become a serious issue. This tool allows her to provide simple, efficient, and minimally-invasive treatments that won’t damage the structure of your natural tooth. This is especially helpful for detecting cavities in children so that the treatment process is much less intimidating. 

2. Teeth whitening

If you’ve ever wanted a brighter smile, dental lasers are the way to go. Our LaserSmile™ whitening system offers quick and effective treatments like no other. Patients walk out of our office after just a one-hour treatment with teeth that are up to nine shades brighter! No other cosmetic treatment provides those types of results.

3. Gum disease treatment

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues among American adults. This problem occurs when the bacteria in the mouth becomes unbalanced due to poor oral hygiene, hormones, or overall health issues.

In the second stage of gum disease, bacterial pockets begin to form at the gum line. Dr. Ragsdale uses soft tissue lasers to eliminate these bacteria and promote faster healing. These lasers are precise and highly sanitary which makes them a much better option than scalpels and other traditional dental tools.

4. Removal of tooth structure or lesions to eliminate disease

Hard tissue dental lasers utilize energized water particles and heat to removed damaged dental materials quickly. This tool may be used when prepping for a filling, performing root canal therapy, reshaping a tooth for a crown, and so much more. With this technology, patients typically require less local anesthesia and pain medication than with traditional treatment methods.

5. Root canal therapy

Root canals seem to be one of the most feared dental procedures even though they certainly shouldn’t be. While traditional methods may be a little more intimidating, dental lasers make root canal therapy even less stressful.

Dental lasers can remove the dental pulp, shape and clean the walls of the root canals, and mold the sealant for the root canal system. Lasers help target and eliminate bacteria with great accuracy and allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth. Additionally, patients appreciate the lack of discomfort caused by drills and the need for less local anesthesia.

Laser Dentist Near Me in Austin TX

Don’t wait any longer to receive the dental help you need. Dental lasers are especially helpful for patients who experienced dental fear and anxiety because they make the whole process much less stress-inducing.

Dr. Ragsdale wants to help you achieve optimal oral health through state-of-the-art, expert, and compassionate care. Contact us today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.

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Our Austin Laser Dental Center

laser teeth whitening

Laser dentistry is one of the most innovative treatment options available to dental patients. Lasers are often used in place of drills and scalpels that can make patients feel anxious, stressed, and uncomfortable. At a laser dental center, patients receive comfortable, minimally invasive care for a wide range of issues, such as:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum recession
  • A gummy smile
  • Dental stains
  • Chipped teeth
  • Oddly shaped teeth

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of laser dentistry as well as the laser dental treatments we offer at our Austin laser dental center.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

We already mentioned that lasers allow for more comfortable and minimally invasive procedures, but they offer even more benefits than that!

Here are more benefits of choosing to receive dental care from a laser dental center:

  • Quicker recovery times: For patients with gum disease, traditional treatment methods usually lead to swelling and bleeding of the gums. Comparatively, dental lasers cause little to no bleeding, swelling, or discomfort, so the patient’s mouth doesn’t have to go through a healing process at all!
  • Accuracy and precision: A major contributing factor to the quick recovery time is that dental lasers are precise. This lowers the patient’s risk of losing healthy oral structures.
  • Early detection: Dental lasers can detect cavities in their earliest stages—before an x-ray machine—so patients don’t have to deal with the negative effects of a developed cavity.

Our Laser Dental Center Treatments

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale utilizes three types of lasers: soft tissue lasers, hard tissue lasers, and DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection.

These are the laser dentistry treatments we offer:

Laser Gum Surgery

Severe periodontal disease sometimes requires surgery. With lasers, patients no longer have to endure the nerve-wracking sounds and discomfort of scalpels and drills. Instead, a hair-thin laser is inserted between the tooth and gum to eliminate the infection.

Laser Pocket Decontamination

Sometimes, gum disease can be treated without surgery by using dental lasers that emit a focused light beam and removes the bacteria that reside in the periodontal pockets. This process actually creates an environment that allows the gums to heal themselves, so patients have a better chance of recovering.

Teeth Whitening

LaserSmile™ Whitening System has proven to be one of the fastest and most convenient ways to achieve a smile that’s up to nine shades lighter. Through advanced chemistry and laser-activated chromophores, patients can walk out of the office after an hour-long appointment feeling beautiful and confident.

Gum lifts

For patients with gummy smiles, laser dentists can safely and precisely remove excess gum tissue. This allows for more of the natural tooth to show and reveals an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Early Cavity Detection

Using DIAGNOdent technology, Dr. Ragsdale can detect cavities in their earliest stages. The device has proven to be 90 percent accurate in its diagnosis. Early detection prevents the cavity from spreading and makes it possible for the dentist to preserve more of the healthy tooth structures. Dr. Ragsdale will create a plan to stop the cavity from developing and causing further damage.

Other Dental Laser Applications

At laser dental centers, dentists also use lasers to cure restorative materials, remove tooth structures or lesions to eliminate disease, and aid in root canal therapy.  

Contact Our Laser Dental Center Today

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety, laser dentistry, along with a trusted dentist and other comfort items can eliminate those feelings.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale was one of the first dentists in the Austin, TX area to use dental lasers and regularly teaches other dentists how to use them. To learn how dental lasers can help improve your oral health, call our office today at (512) 346-4690.

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What treatments does a laser dentist offer?

laser dentistry

A laser dentist typically offers all of the same treatments as a general dentist. The difference is how those treatments are carried out. Laser dentists utilize innovative dental lasers that provide patients with minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment options.

These extremely focused light beams can remove small amounts of oral tissue and tooth decay and so much more. Continue reading to learn about the laser dentistry treatments offered by our Austin Laser Dentist.

Cavity detection

Cavities are the most common dental problem among patients of all ages. Though it may seem that some people are more prone to cavities, tooth decay is a direct result of several factors, including:

  • Overall health
  • Gum recession
  • Diet
  • Tooth shape
  • Dental alignment
  • Enamel composition

Wouldn’t it be great if cavities could be detected before they become a serious, sometimes painful, dental problem? Of course it would!

With DIAGNOdent technology, a laser dentist can detect cavities earlier than ever before. The device simply requires the dentist to aim the laser over the top tooth surface of each tooth. The laser pulses into the cracks, grooves, and fissures of each tooth, and the fluorescent light that reflects off the tooth is measured on a scale of 1-100.

A low reading, numbers below ten, indicates that the tooth is healthy. Numbers over 20 imply decay which typically means a filling is required. Any number between 10 and 20 means the tooth needs to be closely monitored.

This process is painless and helps dentists avoid unnecessary exploration of questionable teeth.

Gum disease treatment

Laser dentists believe that serious oral health problems shouldn’t require invasive and painful treatment techniques. Oftentimes, gum disease treatments involve scalpels and sutures that can add to a patient’s fear and anxiety.

This is why laser dentists offer less-invasive options like laser gum surgery and laser pocket decontamination.

Laser gum surgery

In this simple, breakthrough procedure, scalpels and sutures are no longer necessary. Instead, a tiny laser fiber that is about the thickness of three hairs is inserted between the gum and tooth and clears away the infection.

Laser pocket decontamination

More severe cases of periodontal disease, laser pocket decontamination effectively eradicates the disease-causing bacteria and improves the patient’s chance of recovery.

In this procedure, precise dental lasers emit a focused beam that removed that bacteria from the periodontal pockets. The thin laser is then lowered into the bottom of the periodontal pockets and any remaining aggressive germs are eliminated. This creates an environment that promotes healing.

Root canal therapy

According to Dear Doctor, scientific studies have proven that laser-activated irrigation of root canals is more effective at eradicating bacteria and preventing new bacterial growth that conventional irrigation methods.

While lasers can’t carry out the entire procedure, they certainly make the procedure more successful. Patients will also be more comfortable for the patient as drills and all the sensations and sounds that come with them are also eliminated.

Teeth whitening

Laser dentists often provide the fastest teeth whitening results because of accuracy, safety, and effectiveness.

Whitening systems like LaserSmile™ can help patients achieve a bright smile in under 60 minutes. Patients often walk out of the office with teeth that are nine shades lighter than when they walked in!

The chemistry of the whitening gel and laser-activated chromophores are responsible for these amazing outcomes.

Visit Our Laser Dentist

Dr. Helen Ragsdale is the laser dentist that other dentists come to for training and that patients come to for expert, gentle dental care.

To schedule an initial consultation, call (512) 346-4690 today.