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

By

Dental Implants: 6 Facts You Need to Know

A cross-sectional model displaying how dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone to replace missing teeth.

Dental professionals widely regard dental implants as the best permanent tooth-replacement solution available today. This is because implants don’t just replace missing teeth–they also promote optimum oral and overall health.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale is the most qualified and experienced dentist serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas. Her gentle dentistry techniques and use of top-tier technology make her a favorite among her patients and community. So, don’t wait for a second longer–schedule your dental implant consultation today by calling 512-346-4690 or booking it online here.

If you’re not convinced that dental implants are right for you, then keep reading. We’ll give you six facts that will make you wish you had called our Austin Laser Dentist sooner!

Fact #1: Humans have been using dental implants for millennia.

Historians have found that ancient civilizations as far back as 2,500 BC have been replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants have come a long way from the shell-and-stone implants of yesteryear. 

Arguably, the first modern, surgically-placed implant took place in 1809. Since then, dental professionals have been refining the implant process. Therefore, patients with dental implants today can feel confident that their restoration is safe, effective, and biocompatible.

Fact #2: Dental implants have an extremely high success rate.

Due to refining the procedure, teeth implants have one of the highest success rates among tooth-replacement options available today. In fact, implants typically have a success rate of 95% or above! 

However, there are a few reasons why a dental implant might fail, including:

  • -Poor dental hygiene
  • -Health conditions that make wound healing more difficult, like diabetes
  • -Smoking and chewing tobacco products
  • -Excessive jaw bone deterioration

Fact #3: Dental implants are permanent.

Through a process known as osseointegration, a tooth implant fuses to the bone tissue of the jaw. Subsequently, a tooth implant is a permanent fixture that dentists intend to last for a lifetime.

Nevertheless, the restoration–such as a dental crown or bridge–that a dentist places on the implant may need to be replaced after a decade. However, patients can prolong the life of their restorations by:

  • -Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
  • -Visiting a dentist at least every 6 months
  • -Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Fact #4: Implants improve patients’ chewing and speaking function.

Missing teeth are much more than a source of embarrassment. For example, missing teeth drastically and negatively impact regular chewing and speaking function.

So, if you’re avoiding certain foods or social situations, then dental implants are the perfect solution to restore your confidence. You can comfortably smile, speak, and eat with a tooth implant for years to come (even a lifetime!). 

Fact #5: Implants will make you look younger.

Prolonged tooth loss leads to dental shifting and drooping facial features. When combined, these factors can add years to your appearance.

However, replacing missing teeth prevents dental shifting and facial drooping. But, not only do teeth implants make you look younger, they also promote healthy blood circulation, nerve development, and bone growth at the surgical site.

Fact #6: You can live your life confidently with teeth implants!

Unlike other tooth-replacement options, dental implants are extremely reliable. Therefore, patients never have to worry about their implant slipping, moving, or irritating them when they eat or speak. 

So, if you’re tired of less-reliable dentures or dental bridges, then it’s time to make the switch to dental implants. We promise–it’s well worth the investment!

Dental Implants in Austin, TX

We know you’re ready to schedule your dental implant consultation. However, we know that financing your oral healthcare might make you nervous. But, never fear! Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers affordable and flexible in-house dental plans to make dental care more accessible for her patients.


So, don’t wait a second longer–schedule your consultation today by calling 512-346-4690 or booking it online!

By

Restorative Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s the Difference?

Despite being performed by most general dentists, how are cosmetic and restorative dental treatments different? To answer this question, we highlight the three main differences between cosmetic and restorative dentistry:

1. Different Purposes

Restorative

The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore proper function and oral health. Dentists perform restorative dentistry when teeth are decayed, damaged, or missing. By way of illustration, when people have extensive dental decay, they may need two restorative procedures:

  1. 1. Root canal therapy: With Waterlase™ Technology, laser dentists can gently and precisely remove decayed tissue.
  2. 2. Dental crown placement: Porcelain crowns provide structural support while blending in with the rest of the teeth.

Cosmetic

In contrast, cosmetic dental procedures improve the visual appearance of the smile. Generally speaking, cosmetic dental treatments improve the color, shape, size, alignment, or spacing of the teeth (and sometimes gums). For example, when gums appear uneven or excessive, it can make the most beautiful teeth look awkward. Laser dentists offer laser gum lifts (or crown lengthening) to even out soft tissue and minimize risks and complications.

2. Essential vs. Elective Procedures

Restorative

Restorative dental treatments are essential and designed to repair broken, decayed, or missing teeth. Usually, people pursue restorative dentistry because something is wrong with their teeth, such as oral discomfort, bleeding, swelling, or missing. To alleviate their problems, restorative dentists may suggest:

  • -Dental fillings
  • -Dental implants
  • -Prosthetic dentistry (crowns, bridges, and dentures)
  • -Mouthguards for TMJ disorder or bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) treatment

Cosmetic

As a rule, cosmetic dentistry treatments are elective and intended for overall healthy mouths. Primarily, dentists split cosmetic dentistry into two specialties:

  1. 1. Prosthodontics: The practice of rehabilitating and maintaining the health and appearance of the teeth (such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and more)
  2. 2. Orthodontics: The method of moving and adjusting irregular and improper bites (for example, Invisalign® clear braces)

3. Insurance Coverage and Financing

Restorative

Because restorative dentistry is considered medically necessary, dental insurance providers often cover some or all costs associated with restorative procedures. All things considered, dental insurance providers consider a procedure restorative if it is:

  • -Medically necessary due to decay, disease, accident, or injury
  • -Used for purposes other than aesthetics (such as replacing a missing tooth to help a patient’s bite)

Cosmetic

On the other hand, insurance companies do not typically cover costs associated with dental procedures that are purely cosmetic. Cosmetic dentistry is defined as procedures that:

  • -Exist solely for the enhancement of the patient’s smile
  • -Are for otherwise healthy underlying tooth or tissue
  • -Are not medically necessary

In specific scenarios, dental insurance companies may blur coverage lines and allow patients to receive medically necessary and aesthetically pleasing work. For example, if a patient chips a tooth that needs filling due to decay, he or she can often opt for natural-looking white fillings (instead of noticeable amalgam fillings).

When insurance coverage is not an option, some dental practices provide in-house dental plans to reduce the cost of both restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Additionally, some dental practices offer financing programs (such as Care Credit) to help patients spread out the cost of treatment into low monthly payments.

Determine if You Need Cosmetic or Restorative Dentistry

Are you unsure if you need cosmetic or restorative dentistry? In Austin, TX, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has extensive training and decades of experience in both. Schedule a consultation at Austin Laser Dentist by calling (512) 346-4690 or conveniently messaging us online.

By

Austin Local Dentist Explains Why Patients Should Replace Missing Teeth

illustration of missing teeth

Tooth loss affects people of all ages, but mostly older adults. As we get older, our teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone become more and more fragile, causing them to fall out. Trauma, disease, and decay are other common reasons for people to lose their teeth at any age.

Regardless of how or why tooth loss occurs, one thing is for certain: they need to be replaced. Just one missing tooth can lead to several oral, overall, and mental health problems.

In this blog, our local dentist explains why it is so important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

Oral Health Problems Caused by Missing Teeth

The space where a tooth should be opens a door for infection, disease, jawbone deterioration, and dental shifting.

The simple act of chewing food becomes dangerous because the food particles are much more likely to disturb and irritate the exposed gum tissue, causing periodontal disease and increasing the risk of cavities in the adjacent teeth.

Additionally, people with missing teeth will experience jawbone deterioration (atrophy) because the tooth root is no longer stimulating the bone. As a result, the bone will continue to weaken and cause more teeth to fall out.

It’s also possible that the person’s remaining teeth will begin to shift into the gap left by the missing tooth, impacting their entire bite. This makes chewing more difficult and can even cause the person to develop bruxism which leads to more dental damage.

Tooth Loss and Overall Health

Each of these dental consequences influences a person’s overall health. For example, shifting teeth make chewing more difficult and may result in the person swallowing food that hasn’t been broken down fully. This can cause digestive issues that are painful and uncomfortable.

Gum disease has also been linked to several overall health problems, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Premature birth
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Asthma
  • Osteoporosis

Caring for our mouths is much more about maintaining overall wellness than it is about achieving a beautiful smile. For these reasons and so many others, our local dentist encourages all patients with missing teeth to replace them.

Mental Health and Missing Teeth

One of the greatest consequences of tooth loss is a loss of confidence and self-assuredness. People with missing teeth are much more likely to feel poorly about their appearance. The internal beliefs greatly affect their outward actions.

Missing teeth can cause a person to avoid or feel unworthy of new opportunities and experiences, such as a job promotion, first date, meeting new people in general, and even taking vacations.

It has been scientifically proven that the simple act of smiling releases endorphins and makes a person feel happier. Unfortunately, tooth loss usually stops a person from smiling and experiencing the benefits of those happy hormones.

Local Dentist: How to Replace Missing Teeth

Modern dentistry offers several solutions for patients with missing teeth. Our most effective options are a traditional dental bridge, dentures, and dental implants.

Dental implants offer the most benefits because they are the only option that replaces the entire tooth, not just the crown. However, dentures and bridges are more affordable and extremely effective options as well.

To learn which option is best for your smile, contact a dentist near you today.

Our Local Dentist

Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist offers comprehensive, compassionate dental care for patients who are experiencing tooth loss. Contact our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.

By

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.

By

Rebuilding Smiles: What You Need to Know About Restorative Dentistry

tooth needs restorative dentistry

A dentist’s top priority is to help patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Of course, preventive measures like regular dental cleanings and exams are the ideal method, but when a patient comes to a dentist with missing or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry is both necessary and effective!

Restorative dentistry repairs a tooth damaged by trauma and tooth decay. If you need dental care because of these issues, visit your dentist as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment and avoid more oral health problems in the future.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about restorative dentistry:

1. What problems are treated through restorative dentistry?

If you experience any of the following, you need a dental restoration:

  • Chipped tooth
  • Cracked tooth
  • Missing tooth or teeth (also prosthetic dentistry)
  • Cavity

2. What are the solutions to these dental problems?

Your dentist may suggest the following treatments:

  • Dental crown for chipped or cracked teeth
  • Dental implant for missing teeth
  • Dental bridge for missing teeth
  • Dentures for entire row of missing teeth
  • Fillings for cavities
  • Inlay or Onlay for cavities, chipped teeth, cracked teeth

3. Will these restorations look natural?

Yes! Most dentists use materials that match your tooth color and work with dental labs to create natural-looking restorations and prosthetics. Ceramic and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) works well for teeth that show when you smile. Back teeth, also called molars, require a more durable material such as tooth-colored zirconium or precious metal.

Our Austin Laser dentist has expert attention to detail and a team of skilled lab technicians to ensure the restorations fit correctly and comfortably.

4. How long do these solutions last?

The lifespan of a restoration is dependent on the material that is used and how well it is cared for. Assuming a patient has good oral hygiene and no other major oral health issues, this list shows how long each restoration is expected to last:

  • Dental crown: 5-15 years
  • Dental implant: more than 25 years
  • Dental bridge: 5-15 years
  • Denture: 5-8 years
  • Filling: between 10-30 years
  • Inlay and Onlay: 20-30 years

5. What are the consequences of not seeking treatment?

When left untreated, these dental issues can lead to much more serious oral and overall health problems. When a tooth is chipped or cracked, it has a higher risk of tooth decay that can easily infect the tooth root. As a result, root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be needed. The same is true for untreated cavities.

The consequences of not replacing a missing tooth are atrophy, bite imbalance, and dental misalignment.

Basically, putting off treatment only leads to needing more treatment which comes with greater expense.

6. Who offers restorative dentistry?

Most general dentists offer restorative treatments along with preventive care and cosmetic dentistry. Look for a “services” or “restorative” tab on a dentist’s website to find out which restorative solutions he or she offers. 

7. Are restorative procedures covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance policies cover part of the cost of restorative dentistry, but not cosmetic dentistry. At your first dental appointment, your out-of-pocket expenses will be estimated considering what your dental benefits will pay.

If insurance does not cover the procedure, there are other payment options available. Many dentists offer in-house financing, take CareCredit®, and accept most major credit cards. Talk to your dental team today to learn about your financing options.

Schedule an Initial Consultation

To learn which restorative solution is best for your oral health situation, contact a general dentist near you to schedule an initial consultation.

To meet with Dr. Ragsdale, call (512) 346-4690.