- Dental ExaminationPeriodontal disease prevention starts with regular dental appointments. Dental exams are important because they will allow Dr. Ragsdale to diagnose the earliest symptoms of periodontal disease. Gum disease is often called a “silent disease” because patients do not notice the symptoms until the condition is in the more advanced stages. Dr. Ragsdale can conduct a manual exam to look for pockets in your soft tissues. She will also take x-rays to monitor your bone health and look for any signs of jaw degeneration.
- X-rays
- Teeth CleaningI can walk into her office with no fear and no anxiety at all. Whether I’m going in for a dental cleaning, cosmetic work, or something more invasive.
- Fluoride Treatment
- FillingsAs you probably know, a dental filling is the most common way to treat a cavity. When placing a filling, Dr. Ragsdale will remove all bacteria to preventing the spread of decay. In addition, the filling itself will strengthen the walls of your tooth and reduce your risk for further structural damage. Although some dentists offer silver amalgam fillings, Dr. Ragsdale only uses tooth-colored composite. This material comes in a variety of shades, and she will select the one that blends flawlessly with your smile. Additionally, composite is mercury-free, does not conduct heat, and requires less tooth preparation.
- Resin CompositePartial tooth loss resulting from decay or accidental damage can often be repaired with a composite resin filling. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, white fillings are essentially invisible. They are most often used to repair front teeth that have been chipped or decayed and teeth with small or moderate amounts of decay.
- VeneersPorcelain veneers consist of thin shells of durable, translucent dental porcelain that your Austin cosmetic dentist bonds directly to your teeth. This conservative but extremely effective cosmetic procedure requires limited preparation of your enamel and, with proper care, allows your smile to shine brightly for years.
- CrownsDental crowns can strengthen damaged teeth, repair structural problems, and conceal cosmetic blemishes. Although crowns can be made of metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal, Dr. Ragsdale only offers porcelain crowns. These restorations are hypoallergenic and incredibly strong. They will also blend seamlessly with your smile. To place a crown, Dr. Ragsdale will reshape your tooth, using a hard tissue laser. Thanks to this advanced technology, the treatment should involve minimal discomfort. Then she will take measurements and impressions of your tooth. While you wait for the lab to create your crown, she will provide a temporary restoration. When the crown is finished, Dr. Ragsdale will attach it to your tooth using dental resin. With proper care, your new restoration should last 10 to 15 years.
- BridgesConstructed of beautiful, translucent dental porcelain, a dental bridge not only helps maintain your mouth’s healthy balance by preserving proper alignment. It also dramatically improves the appearance of your smile.
- Dental BondingMake sure that you use minimally abrasive toothpaste. Abrasive additives in many toothpastes can scratch the surface of your cosmetic bonding, dulling the finish and encouraging stain accumulation.
- Restorative DentistryWhether you have a small fracture, a large cavity, or you are missing most of your teeth, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has a restorative dentistry procedure to meet your needs. At Austin Laser Dental, she uses state-of-the-art materials to provide highly lifelike restorations that will blend seamlessly with your smile. Thanks to her collaboration with a team of skilled lab technicians, your new teeth will not only look great; they will also enhance your overall oral health for years to come.
- Root Canal TreatmentYou don’t need to look any further for an Austin cosmetic dentist skilled in laser technology. Dr. Helen Ragsdale is an acknowledged local expert in the field of laser dentistry. In fact, she has conducted clinical demonstration classes for many local dentists in both soft tissue laser techniques, such as cosmetic gum lifts and periodontal disease therapy, and hard tissue techniques, such as root canals and cavity preparation. Dr. Ragsdale continues to learn everything she can about how dental laser therapy can improve the health and well-being of her Austin and Round Rock patients.
- Periodontal SurgeryWith long-established roots in Austin, Dr. Ragsdale has been serving the wider community for over twenty years. She enjoys a great reputation, thanks to her gentle, compassionate care. Dr. Ragsdale received her BA in Biology from the University of Texas. In 1985, she earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Since that time, she has pursued ongoing training in a diverse range of subjects, including periodontal surgery, dental implants, aesthetics, sedation, laser dentistry, and reconstruction. Thanks to her broad knowledge base, she is able to provide truly exceptional treatment.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesIf you have lost all your teeth or several teeth in a row, you know exactly how a lack of teeth negatively impacts your life. You have to live with a restrictive diet of soft or mushed foods instead of a variety of textures and flavors. You may feel embarrassed to speak in public because missing teeth alters your speech. You probably feel self-conscious about your appearance as well. Luckily, a beautiful, durable set of full dentures or partial dentures from your Austin dentist can improve your health and well-being in several ways. Dentures can...
- Dental ImplantsImplants are easy to maintain. You will simply need to brush and floss daily and make routine trips to the dentist. With proper care, implants could last a lifetime.
- Oral Surgery
- Gum SurgeryLaser technology can improve nearly every aspect of dental care. Soft tissue lasers are extremely effective in the treatment of periodontal disease. If you suffer from this condition, pockets of bacteria have accumulated in your soft tissues. During scaling and root planing, Dr. Ragsdale will use a highly precise laser to eviscerate bacteria and eliminate rough patches on your dental roots. In more severe cases, she may insert a laser probe into the periodontal pockets to kill bacteria and accelerate the healing process. Lasers can also aid in gum surgery, since the high energy will seal blood vessels, reducing inflammation and sensitivity. If you desire cosmetic gum treatment, you will also benefit from laser technology. Dr. Ragsdale can remove tiny amounts of tissues to give you a bigger, brighter smile. These procedures will also involve minimal discomfort and downtime.
- Tooth Extractions
- Ridge AugmentationIn severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.
- Bone GraftingOnce she has a complete understanding of your symptoms and the severity of your gum disease, Dr. Ragsdale can determine the right treatment for your needs. She uses advanced lasers to perform various treatments, ranging from scaling and root planing to advanced bone grafting surgery.
- Orthodontics
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign is clear and practically invisible, so nothing gets in the way of your new smile. No wonder Invisalign is the choice of over half a million people!
- BracesNobody wants to wear braces though! They're unsightly, painful, and just plain bothersome. Eating is a hassle, chewing gum is problematic, and any lover can tell you that kisses just aren't the same with braces. For adults, the prospect of getting braces at a later age can also be quite embarrassing.
- Teeth WhiteningDentist-supervised, professional whitening procedures provide the safe and effective results for which you are searching. See a brighter, whiter smile in your mirror immediately (Laser Whitening) or in as few as seven days (at-home systems).
- Cosmetic DentistryHelen E. Ragsdale, DDS provides the full spectrum of dental services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. From the latest therapies for periodontal disease to creating the perfect smile...
- General DentistryWe are a traditional relationship oriented General Dentistry practice that focuses on patient care and satisfaction. We provide restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental treatments with an emphasis on using latest technology, processes, and equipment.