Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Every smile is a unique work of art, and we believe in combining the “art” of dentistry with the latest dental technologies to provide the highest caliber of treatment. This begins with a Comprehensive Dental Examination.
• X-rays
  Our office uses the latest low-power digital x-rays technology, and we take only the minimum x-rays necessary to effectively diagnose your oral health. There are many types of dental x-rays and they each have different diagnostic purposes. A panoramic x-ray is excellent for making sure all of the teeth are in place in growing children, looking at wisdom teeth and checking the upper and lower jaws for fractures or tumors. A “periapical” x-ray is used to show the dentist the entire tooth including the root and check for cavities, infections, and root fractures. “Bitewing” x-rays show only the portion of the tooth in your mouth and are used to check for cavities between the teeth and the loss of supporting bone from periodontal disease. Other images known as Cone Beam CT and Cephalometric x-rays are taken for planning implants and orthodontics.
• Oral Cancer Screening

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  A professional dental cleaning is necessary because there are some important elements of oral hygiene that can’t be accomplished effectively at home. The bacteria that live in your mouth are responsible for gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. The hygienist will remove and disrupt the bacteria and plaque attached to your teeth below the gum line, remove hard deposits called tarter or calculus, and remove food stains from your teeth that brushing alone won’t resolve.
• Fluoride Treatment
  Everyone’s risk of developing cavities is different. Preventing cavities is really a balancing act of managing the risk factors and increasing prevention. A fluoride treatment after your dental hygiene visit is a highly effective & economical way to reduce your risk of getting new cavities. When you are in our office we will help determine whether the application of fluoride and which form is appropriate to combat your risk factors.
• Dental Sealants
  Ask about dental sealants, especially for children and young adults. These are protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Veneers
  Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip then we advise you to call the office. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
• Crowns
  Crowns are indirect restorations (fabricated outside the mouth) that covers a tooth that has experienced too much damage to support a filling. Crowns can also be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. The process typically takes 2 visits that are approximately 2 weeks apart. In the interim period the patient has a temporary crown in place to secure this tooth and protect it from sensitivity.
• Bridges
  Fixed bridges replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. These literally “bridge” the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and are attached to surrounding teeth for support. They may also help restore chewing and speaking ability, maintain facial shape, and prevent movement of surrounding teeth.
• Dental Bonding
  Cosmetic dental bonding is an easy and conservative way to repair damage or make aesthetic changes to your front teeth. These changes might be the repair of discoloration, correction of tooth position or closing spaces between your teeth. Dental bonding utilizes a tooth-colored, plastic material called “composite” that is layered onto the tooth. Composite is a very versatile material that is also routinely for small or large fillings.
• Restorative Dentistry
  Our hope is that preventative dental care is all you’ll ever need. We know, however, that at some point in their lives, most people will need restorative dentistry. The following is a list of the types of restorative dental care we offer to repair damage to your mouth. Dr. Rugeley will discuss with you the options available and his recommendations based on your needs.

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  Acute or persistent tooth pain always signals a need for an urgent visit to the dental office. The most common cause of dental pain is tooth decay, a bacterial infection that can spread through many parts of the tooth, and even into the gum tissue. Sometimes, tooth pain indicates that you may need a root canal treatment — a procedure that not only relieves the pain of an infection deep inside the tooth, but also can keep the tooth from having to be removed. Other times, pain may be caused by a loose filling or sensitive tooth. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your tooth pain is to make an appointment at the dental office right away.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for. Use a gentle cleanser (i.e. denture cleaner, dish washing soap) to brush your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive and dull the finish on your denture. Remember to always keep them moist when they’re not in use.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel. Although Dr. Rugeley doesn’t offer orthodontic services in his office he works closely with the specialist and coordinates your care specifically based on your needs. Dr. Rugeley believes in maintaining the health of your teeth. So if it is possible to position your teeth with orthodontic care to achieve the desired aesthetic results then this may either reduce or eliminate the need for restorative or cosmetic dentistry. If you have questions about how orthodontics can play a role in Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Rugeley would enjoy discussing this with you.
• Braces

General

• Teeth Whitening
  If your teeth are discolored, tooth whitening may help. Tooth whitening is any process that can make teeth look whiter. With so many products on the market it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to Dr. Rugeley about the differences between the different products.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Your smile is one of your most important features. Cosmetic Dentistry is continually evolving, and with a variety of advanced treatment options, achieving a beautiful, healthy, aesthetic smile is made easy for patients of all ages.
• General Dentistry
  Although Dr. Rugeley was born and raised in the north Texas town of Wichita Falls he has called Austin home for 30 years.  He and his wife Pam have raised two children who are now expanding their own horizons.  His dental education and professional affiliations include University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio Dental School, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Capital Area Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, International College of Dentistry, Seattle Study Club.  Personally Dr. Rugeley volunteers at his church, enjoys travel with his family, watching baseball, and dabbling in yard work.