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

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

Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth

woman with toothache

Are you noticing pain when you chew? Are you experiencing extreme discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages? Does simply breathing through your mouth cause you to wince in pain? A cracked tooth might be to blame.

A cracked tooth can make daily activities feel unbearable. If a cracked tooth is suspected, then it’s best to repair the damage as soon as possible. Our Austin laser dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, provides treatments and restorative options to patients who need to repair damaged or cracked teeth.

Assessing Damage

Before repairing a cracked tooth, our team will need to determine how much damage the tooth has sustained. Here are some ways that damaged teeth are categorized:

  • Craze lines.  Normal wear and tear can cause tiny, vertical cracks in the tooth’s enamel. Craze lines are not painful and are no cause for concern.
  • Cusp fracture. A cusp fracture happens when a small portion of the tooth’s surface breaks off. The fracture is usually only on the chewing surface of the tooth, and frequently occurs around existing fillings. 
  • Cracked tooth. Unlike a fracture, a crack extends from the chewing surface of a tooth toward the root of the tooth. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the crack.
  • Split tooth. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth remains untreated for a prolonged period of time. Eventually, the cracked tooth will split into pieces.
  • Root fracture. Root fractures occur below the gumline and are very painful. Root fractures can typically be seen extending from the tooth root toward the chewing surface.

Treatments for Cracked Teeth

Once Dr. Ragsdale has assessed the damage, she will recommend suitable options to repair the cracked tooth. Treatment options may include:

  • Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-fitted shells that bond directly to the tooth. Veneers are a great option to cover craze lines or minimally damaged teeth.
  • Dental bonding. Dr. Ragsdale uses a resin composite to prevent fractures or cracks from propagating further. The resin composite is extremely durable and can be color-matched to the tooth’s enamel.
  • Porcelain crowns. Oftentimes, the best way to protect a cracked tooth from further damage is to place a crown on it. At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer porcelain crowns, which are biocompatible and last for at least 10 years with proper care.
  • Root canal. Unfortunately, some cracks extend into the pulp of the tooth,which can cause an infection. If this is the case, then a root canal is required. Dr. Ragsdale performs the root canal using contemporary laser dentistry, which is more accurate and comfortable compared to traditional methods.
  • Extraction. If the damage is severe enough, then a cracked tooth may need to be extracted. In the case of extraction, Austin Laser Dental has many tooth restoration options, such as bridges and implants.

Flexible In-House Dental Plans

Are you worried that a cracked tooth will crack your budget? Don’t be! Dr. Ragsdale believes that oral healthcare should be affordable and accessible for everyone. For this reason, Austin Laser Dentist offers in-house dental plans. We have designed our in-house plans to provide high-quality care that is transparent and convenient. If you are one of the nearly 25% of Americans living without dental insurance, our flexible in-house dental plans are the perfect fit for you.

Learn More

Neglecting a damaged or cracked tooth can result in more serious issues. Don’t jeopardize your oral health–call Austin Laser Dental at (512)-346-4690 or contact us online to start discussing treatment options and in-house dental plans today. 

By

How Dental Lasers Are Changing Modern Dentistry

man sitting in chair with dental laser

Innovation leads to modern practices, and dental lasers are at the very forefront of modern dentistry. If you’re looking for a dentist who is proficient in laser dentistry, then look no further–Dr. Helen Ragsdale’s expertise in laser dentistry allows her patients to experience the latest and greatest qualities that modern dentistry has to offer.

Safer and More Comfortable

The loud drills and sharp tools of traditional dentistry are just a couple of reasons why patients avoid going to the dentist. Fortunately, modern laser dentistry is replacing the unpleasant qualities of outdated traditional dental procedures. Here are a few reasons why dental laser treatments are safer and more comfortable:

  • Less Invasive. Dental lasers are less invasive than traditional practices, thereby reducing the trauma and pain of procedures.
  • Efficient. Treatments using lasers usually require less anesthesia, few to no stitches, and fewer future visits to the dentist.
  • Accurate. Lasers are more accurate than traditional methods, so patients experience less bleeding and swelling post-procedure.

Earlier Cavity Detection

Instead of using a sharp dental probe or x-rays, dentists can use a dental laser to examine the  grooves, cracks, and fissures of a tooth. With 90% accuracy, the laser can help dentists determine if a tooth has, or is at risk of developing, dental caries.

Dental lasers, such as DIAGNOdent, allow Dr. Ragsdale to detect cavities as early as possible. Early cavity detection can prevent the cavity from getting worse or spreading, thus saving patients the trouble of more costly and painful procedures.  

Used For Both Hard and Soft Tissue Procedures

The accuracy and efficiency of dental lasers mean that dentists can use them for a multitude of both hard and soft tissue procedures, including:

  • Root canals. With dental lasers, patients experience less pain compared to the drilling and scraping associated with traditional root canals. Additionally, laser root canals require less recovery time and fewer follow-up dental visits.
  • Cavity fillings. Traditional dentistry tools cause a smear layer on teeth. Dental lasers eliminate the smear layer completely, meaning the restorative material used to treat cavities adheres to teeth better. 
  • Teeth whitening. Dental lasers remove stains from teeth faster and without causing as much tooth-sensitivity as other whitening products. 
  • Gum surgery. Lasers allow dentists to extract affected tissue while also minimizing the amount of healthy tissue that is removed. Dental lasers seal blood vessels, which means less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. 
  • Plaque and tartar removal. Without the scraping and picking associated with dental probes, dental lasers allow dentists to remove plaque and tartar with less irritation to the gumline. 
  • “Gummy smile” treatment. Dental lasers are used to shape the gum or minimize the appearance of the gums with less pain.  

Cost-Effective

Because dental lasers are generally less invasive, patients experience fewer dental visits when compared to traditional dental procedures. Fewer visits mean patients spend less money.

Insurance companies often govern reimbursement based on the procedure and not the method by which the treatment was completed. While fewer dental visits typically mean less cost to you or your insurer, it is always advisable to confirm with your insurance company that laser procedures are covered under your specific dental plan. 

Modern Dentistry at Austin Laser Dentist

Laser dentistry is modern dentistry. Leave the painful procedures of traditional dentistry in the past. Contact Dr. Ragsdale and her trustworthy team in Austin, TX, at 512-346-4690 or online to schedule an appointment.

By

Dental Bridge: An Investment In Your Smile

Have you been told that you are a good candidate for a dental bridge? Do you need to find a way to restore your smile without the cost of dental implants? 

More than 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. This can weaken the gum line, causing existing teeth to shift. It can also make people self-conscious and impact their social and professional lives. 

A dental bridge is an effective solution for one to three missing teeth in a row. There are several types of bridges, and a specific maintenance routine to make them last as long as possible. 

Types of Dental Bridges 

There are several common types of dental bridges. Dentists will examine their patients, then decide which bridge would work best. 

  1. Fixed bridge

Dentists install most bridges by placing crowns over the teeth on either side of the gap. They file down the tooth enamel and fit patients for crowns. After patients wear temporary bridges for a few weeks, they return to the office for a final fitting. Fixed bridges are typically made of dental porcelain, though some are made of metal or ceramics.

  1. Cantilever bridge

People who are missing a rear tooth may be good candidates for a cantilever bridge. This is the same as a fixed bridge, but there is only one crown that holds the porcelain tooth. 

People who are missing multiple rear teeth may find that dental implants work well for them. Dental implants bond to the inside of the gums, unlike dental bridges, which are external. 

  1. Implant-supported bridge

Another situation where dental implants could work well is missing front teeth. Dentists use implant teeth as anchors, creating a supportive permanent bridge from metal and porcelain. 

Dentists will try to keep as many teeth intact as possible and will explore other options before installing a bridge. If there is advanced tooth decay, they may not be able to use side teeth as anchors. In that case, dentists may prescribe dentures and/or tooth extractions. 

Maintenance

Maintaining a dental bridge doesn’t have to be difficult, but it’s important to keep an eye on bone loss and tooth decay. If a bridge starts to feel loose, it’s time to visit the dentist. Here are a few ways to maintain oral health: 

  1. Brush and floss every day

We all say that we floss, but only 30% of American adults floss daily. Brushing twice per day and flossing every day could be the ticket to great dental health. If gums tend to bleed during flossing, it could be an indication of gum disease. 

  1. See a dentist twice per year

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular visits to the dentist will help catch oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Catching small problems before they become huge issues will save patients money and time in the long run. 

  1. Skip sugary snacks

Sugar is one of the main causes of plaque on the teeth, attracting bacteria and wreaking havoc in the entire digestive system. It can lead to diabetes, gum disease, and digestive malfunction. Take a break from sugar and grab some veggies instead. 

If you follow all of these steps, you should be able to make your dental bridge last a good long time. If you feel any discomfort or pain, call your dentist immediately.

Compassionate Dental Care in Austin, TX

Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist uses the latest dental techniques to serve the Greater Austin area. She is experienced with dental implants, cosmetic veneers, and dental laser applications. 

We make every effort to make our patients feel happy and calm. Sedation dentistry is always available, and we use new laser techniques to prevent further dental expenses. If you’re a bit reluctant to go see a dentist, you’ve found your forever home with us. 

Call us at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation. It’s always the right time to enhance your smile. 

By

5 Reasons Dental Implants Are Our First Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

dental bridge being attached to dental implants

Missing teeth are no small issue. Having just one missing tooth can lead to significantly impact a person’s overall health and well-being by causing further tooth loss, overall health problems, and low self-confidence. Missing teeth can even make others perceive you as less attractive, successful, and intelligent.

Tooth loss affects so many adults, leaving them feeling hopeless. Modern dentistry offers hope for those with one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth.

Dental implants are the most highly recommended tooth replacement option in dentistry. Patients with healthy mouths, sufficient jawbone density, and the willingness to endure months of treatments are the best candidates for this innovative and effective tooth loss treatment.

Here are five reasons we love dental implants:

1. Dental implants are safe.

As dental professionals, keeping our patients’ mouths safe and healthy is our top priority. Dental implants are made from high-quality, biocompatible materials so patients never have to worry about their bodies reacting negatively to the devices.  

2. Implants offer stability.

Dental bridges and dentures only replace the tooth crowns. Dental implants are the one restorative option that also replaces the tooth root.

To place an implant, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue, then inserts the implant into the jawbone. This process ensures that the restoration is stable and that the jawbone does not deteriorate.

The fact that the implant and jawbone join together creates an incredible foundation for the dental crown to function just like a natural tooth. Additionally, tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong so it can support the teeth and facial features. Without this support, patients often experience facial sagging that makes them appear older.

3. They look and feel natural.

Dental implants emulate our natural teeth in form and function. With dentures and dental bridges, patients may need to add restrictions to their diets to maintain their restorations. Dental implants don’t require patients to give anything up because they are so strong and durable.

4. Dental implants last forever.

Dental implants have a success rate of 90 percent. Factors that contribute to successful implants that last forever include:

  • Choosing an experienced dentist
  • Having a healthy mouth
  • Following the dentist’s post-surgical instructions
  • Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine
  • Avoiding tobacco products
  • Visiting the dentist regularly

5. Implants are versatile.

One dental implant is typically attached to a dental crown to replace one tooth. Dentists can also use implants to replace several teeth in a row or an entire arch of teeth.

For several missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge or partial denture can be attached to dental implants. Only two implants may be necessary, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. Additionally, dentures are attached to as few as four dental implants for an entire arch of missing teeth.

Austin Dental Implants

The success of dental implants is based on several factors, including the dentist you choose. For patients in the Austin, TX area, the choice is easy. Dr. Helen Ragsdale is an experienced and compassionate dentist who utilizes the latest technology to ensure her patients receive the best dental care available. To schedule an initial consultation at our conveniently located office, call (512) 346-4690 today.