Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I believe exceptional dental care should not come with confusing financial surprises, so here
is the most important thing to know up front. We are out of network with every insurance plan.

That is a deliberate choice. When a dentist joins an insurance network, they agree in advance
to that company's fee schedule and to their rules about what gets covered. I did not want a
company that has never met you deciding what your care is worth. The relationship I want with
my patients is built on trust, and that works best when what I recommend comes from your mouth
and your goals rather than from a contract someone else wrote.

That does not mean you cannot use your insurance here. We are happy to file your claim for
you, whatever plan you have, and many plans include out of network benefits. My front office
team are experts at helping you understand exactly what your coverage looks like before we
ever begin treatment. We file regularly with Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife,
Guardian, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Aetna, among many others. If you do not see
your plan, send us a text and we will look into it for you.

We also accept cash, checks, credit cards, and HSA cards. If you do not have insurance, we
offer an in-house membership option called the Penny Plan. We also partner with Cherry for
simple, flexible financing. Cherry allows you to break your total into manageable monthly
payments, and the best part is checking whether you qualify only takes a soft credit check, so
finding out will not affect your credit score. Just give us a call or send a text with your
insurance details, and we will help you figure it all out.

CS Family Dentistry is conveniently located at 708 Pecan St, Bastrop, TX 78602. 

How to Find Our Dental Office

Our family-friendly dental office is two blocks off Mainstreet and near the Bastrop County Courthouse. The nearest cross street is Walnut. 

If you are on State Hwy 71 W/State Hwy 95 N, CS Family Dentistry can be reached by going toward Arena Drive for about one-and-a-half miles. Next, you can turn on Pecan Street and then on Walnut Drive to enter our parking lot. 

We have several parking spaces available for our patients, including handicapped parking near the front of our building. 

Our Neighbors in Bastrop

Bastrop is a beautiful city with many lush, family-friendly parks—Firemans Park, Ferry Park, Fisherman’s Park, and Kerr Park—local businesses and boutiques, and delicious, locally-owned restaurants and pubs. The gorgeous Colorado River meanders through the city, not far from our centrally-located dental office, offering our town the most stunning views.

Fisherman’s Park and LCRA Trail is a favorite outdoor spot for people of all ages. Before or after your dental appointment at CS Family Dentistry, we highly recommend going on a stroll in the park, enjoying a great local meal, or getting some shopping done. 

Contact Us Today!

If you need assistance with directions or would like to schedule an appointment with us, please call our Bastrop dental office at (512) 321-2188. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Yes, and it is one of the things I care most about getting right. Dental anxiety is incredibly common and completely valid.

At my office I take a slightly different approach. You might notice that I do not offer sedation, and that is by design. My goal is to help you truly conquer the fear so you are not tied to sedation for the rest of your life. I want to work directly with you so you never have to avoid dental care just because of anxiety.

The way we do it is simple. I take my time. I build your confidence with extra care and a lot of patience, and sometimes we use more frequent but easier appointments to get there. I will walk you through everything at your own pace.

If you are ready to take that first step, give the office a call or send us a text. We will start wherever you are comfortable starting.

A lot of people think that if their teeth look fine and do not hurt, they can skip their routine visits. I completely understand why you might want to avoid the dental chair, but routine cleanings, exams, and x-rays are the absolute best way to maintain a healthy smile. During your visit, my team and I gently remove buildup that your toothbrush simply cannot reach. We also do a thorough exam to catch things like early decay or gum disease before they become painful or expensive. We focus heavily on gentle dentistry and patient comfort to ensure your visit is stress-free.

It should not, and we go out of our way to make sure it doesn't. I know that past negative experiences keep a lot of people away from the dentist, which is why eliminating anxiety is a huge priority for us. Our hygienists use an incredibly gentle touch. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, just tell us before we begin. We will gladly take our time, adjust our techniques, and let you dictate the pace of the appointment so you always feel safe and in control.

You might also notice that I do not offer sedation here, and that is by design. My goal is to help you truly conquer the fear rather than stay tied to sedation for the rest of your life. I take my time, I build your confidence with extra care and patience, and sometimes we use more frequent but easier appointments to get there.

I like to make sure we start our relationship off on the right foot with a real human conversation. Because I want to ensure we set aside the right amount of time for your specific needs and comfort level, I do not use automated online booking for new patients. To get scheduled, all you need to do is give the office a call or send us a text. We will take it from there and find a time that works perfectly for you.

Yes, and it is one of the things I care most about getting right. Dental anxiety is incredibly common and completely valid.

At my office I take a slightly different approach. You might notice that I do not offer sedation, and that is by design. My goal is to help you truly conquer the fear so you are not tied to sedation for the rest of your life. I want to work directly with you so you never have to avoid dental care just because of anxiety.

The way we do it is simple. I take my time. I build your confidence with extra care and a lot of patience, and sometimes we use more frequent but easier appointments to get there. I will walk you through everything at your own pace.

If you are ready to take that first step, give the office a call or send us a text. We will start wherever you are comfortable starting.

The short answer is yes. Most people are great candidates for cosmetic treatment, and if you
are unhappy with your smile I always want to help you find a solution. The best way to find
out is to simply sit down and talk. We will schedule a relaxed, no-pressure consultation
where we can look at the health of your teeth and gums. A healthy foundation is the most
important part of any cosmetic work. If we need to take care of a small cavity or improve
your gum health first, we will do that together at your own pace. My goal is to make sure
your new smile is both beautiful and built to last.
 

It is completely natural for teeth to lose some of their brightness over time. Daily habits
like drinking coffee or tea can leave behind stains that regular brushing simply cannot fix.
At my office we whiten with custom take-home kits, using trays made to fit your own teeth. We
do not do in-office whitening, and that is a deliberate choice. Whitening comes down to
contact time, meaning how long the gel actually stays against the tooth. A single visit in the
chair cannot match what a well-fitted tray does at home, so the take-home kit is simply where
the better result comes from. A custom tray also keeps the gel on your teeth instead of your
gums.
I always recommend a routine cleaning right before you start. That lets us remove any hidden
tartar buildup so your results come out smooth and even.
One thing worth knowing: whitening only works on natural tooth structure. It will not lighten
a crown, a veneer, or a tooth-colored filling. That is exactly why we usually want to whiten
before that kind of work rather than after. Then I can match your new crowns, veneers, or
fillings to your brighter shade, instead of matching them to a shade you are about to change.
 

I like to think of general dentistry as the foundation of your overall health. Routine
cleanings, exams, and fillings fall into this category because their main job is to keep your
teeth and gums healthy and functional. Cosmetic dentistry focuses specifically on the visual
aesthetics of your smile. This includes elective treatments like professional whitening,
veneers, and clear aligners to help you achieve the exact look you want. The truth is that
the two often go hand in hand. Many of the treatments I offer, like placing a natural-looking
dental implant or using tooth-colored fillings, improve your oral health while also making
your smile look fantastic.

A dental bridge can replace one to four missing teeth; however, the most common practice is to replace one or two teeth at a time for optimal stability and longevity.

If you have several missing teeth, the dentist will talk to you about our various options, including:

• Dental Implants
• Implant-Supported Bridge
• Implant-Supported Dentures
• Dentures and Partials
• Bridgework

At CS Dentistry, we offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to meet your needs.

About Dental Bridge Tooth Replacement in Bastrop, TX

Your dentist will assess your tooth loss to determine whether a bridge is a suitable option for you. When assessing your case, we look at the supporting teeth on either side of your smile gap. They should be strong, healthy, and able to anchor the bridge.

The bridge is an artificial tooth (or teeth) situated between dental crowns. The crowns top the teeth on either side of your smile gap, allowing the bridgework to complete your smile.

After bridge placement, we will discuss with you the care and upkeep requirements. We recommend using a floss or water threader to clean beneath the bridge at the gumline, and a special cleaning brush to prevent debris from accumulating.

Do You Have Missing Teeth?

If you’re considering a dental bridge for two or more lost teeth (or even one tooth), your Bastrop dentist encourages you to book an evaluation today.

If you are considering dental bridges in Bastrop, TX, we can help answer any questions you may have.  

If you have a missing or extracted tooth, a dental bridge is an accessible alternative to dental implants when it comes to restoring your smile. 

What If I Don't Replace My Tooth?

Dental bridges are an excellent way of covering a gap in your smile. When a tooth is lost, your neighboring teeth shift to fill that gap. When they shift or tilt, the shape of your bite changes, most times, this can impact you negatively and make chewing and speaking difficult. By replacing your tooth with a bridge, you close that gap and protect your bite. 

Dental bridges also look attractive. Dr. Cole Smith can ensure that they look natural and blend with your existing teeth. Your bridge can also make eating and chewing more comfortable, giving you back the confidence you may have lost after missing a tooth. 

Talk to Us about Dental Bridges

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how a dental bridge can change your life, call our Bastrop dental practice today. We can go over all your dental options to restore missing teeth, and ensure that you understand the entire process. We understand that having a missing tooth can be detrimental to daily function and appearance, and we are here to help improve your life. 

A root canal can last from 10 years to a lifetime, restoring your natural tooth and helping you avoid extraction. And although the words “root canal” can cause anxiety in some people, it’s this common dental procedure that alleviates your tooth pain.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

Root canal therapy is designed to remove the damaged or infected pulp inside your tooth. Once we numb your tooth, we’ll access your tooth’s pulp chamber, remove the infection, clean the inside of your tooth, and seal it to prevent reinfection.

With proper care, this treatment option should last from 10 years to a lifetime.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you might need a root canal:

• Deep tooth pain, especially when you bite down
• Sensitivity to hot and cold that doesn’t go away
• Tender or swollen gums or a small pimple on your gums
• Tooth discoloration or darkening

Looking for Root Canal Treatment in Bastrop, TX?

If you have questions about root canal lifespan or root canal treatment durability, please give our dental office a call! At CS Family Dentistry, we’ll happily answer your questions and get you the care you need.

To schedule a consultation or appointment, you can reach us at (512) 321-2188.

If you are missing one or more teeth, there is a very good chance you are a candidate. The first step is taking precise 3D records of your mouth right here in the office. This allows me to look at your bone structure and make sure you have a solid foundation to support an implant. Even if you have been missing a tooth for a long time, we often have options to help build that bone back up if needed. Just give the office a call so we can sit down, look at your 3D scan, and talk about what is possible.

Because I do all the 3D planning on a computer before you even sit in the chair for surgery, the actual placement appointment is incredibly efficient. We use a custom 3D printed surgical guide, so the physical placement is quick and precise. After that, your body needs time to do its job. The titanium implant needs to naturally fuse with your jawbone, which typically takes a few months. Once you are fully healed and the foundation is solid, you come right back to my office and I will attach your final custom crown. Start to finish, it usually takes around six to eight months, but your actual time spent in the dental chair is surprisingly short.

This is usually the biggest fear people have, but recovery is much easier than most patients expect. Since I plan the entire procedure digitally and use a surgical guide, the actual surgery is very smooth and exact. A highly efficient, well planned procedure means less trauma to your mouth, which directly leads to a much faster and more comfortable recovery. You might have some mild soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over the counter pain relievers. Plus, since I handle your case from start to finish, you have total accountability. You know exactly who to call if you ever have a question during your healing process.

No, you do not. I handle the entire process from start to finish right here in our Bastrop office. Many people are surprised to learn that getting an implant usually involves bouncing between an oral surgeon for the surgery and a general dentist months later for the final crown. Because I do both the surgical placement and the restorative work, you only ever have to see me.

It also keeps the business side simple. One office, one treatment plan, and one place to ask a question about it, instead of coordinating between two practices and two billing departments.

I would rather you did not. Taking it out at night gives the tissue underneath a chance to recover, and that tissue spends the whole day under pressure. Leaving the denture in around the clock also raises the odds of a yeast infection under the plate, which shows up as red, sore tissue in the exact shape of the denture.

There is a longer-term reason too. The ridge your denture sits on slowly shrinks once the teeth are gone, and constant pressure on it does not help. That ridge is what holds the denture in the first place, so protecting it is worth the small inconvenience. Less ridge means a looser denture, more relines, and fewer good options later.

Take it out, brush it, and leave it in water overnight so it does not dry out.

If the real reason you sleep in it is that you do not want someone seeing you without it, say so rather than just wearing it every night. That is a common and completely understandable reason, and there are ways to work around it.

Almost always because your jaw has changed shape, not because the denture is defective. The ridge of bone that a denture rests on slowly shrinks once the teeth are gone. It is a normal process and it never fully stops, so a denture that fit perfectly when it was made is sitting on a different shape a few years later.

How fast that happens varies a lot between people, and it is faster in the lower jaw, which is part of why lower dentures give people the most trouble.

There are two ways to deal with it. A reline reshapes the fitting surface of the denture to match the ridge you have now, which is the usual first answer and it is not a new denture. If the ridge has shrunk far enough that relines stop holding you for long, implants are the other option, because they anchor the denture to bone instead of resting on a surface that keeps changing.

Bring the denture in and let me look at it. Whether you need a reline, a new denture, or implants underneath it is not something you can tell from how it feels.

A denture picks up plaque the same way teeth do, and because it is not living tissue it does nothing to clean itself. Left alone it builds up film, stains, and smell, and the tissue underneath gets red and sore. The version I see most often is a yeast infection under the plate: uncomfortable, easy to miss because it is hidden, and almost entirely preventable.

If you still have some of your own teeth, it matters more, not less. A partial denture sits against those teeth and will hand plaque straight to them, so a dirty partial turns into a decay problem in the teeth you are trying to keep.

Cleaning it is not complicated. Brush it every day with a denture brush and something non-abrasive. Not regular toothpaste, which is gritty enough to scratch the surface, and those scratches give plaque more to hold onto. Rinse it after meals when you can, and leave it in water overnight so it does not dry out and change shape.

Implants are placed in the jaw and your denture is fitted with attachments that snap onto them. You still take it out yourself to clean it, exactly as you do now. That is the design rather than a limitation, and it is the part most people have backwards when they come in. If you have read about implant dentures that are fixed in permanently and never come out, that is a different treatment, and it is one I refer out rather than do here.

On a lower denture it can be as few as two implants. On an upper it is usually four, but many upper dentures do not need implants at all. An upper covers the palate and usually gets real suction from it, while a lower has nothing to seal against and sits on a ridge with your tongue underneath. That is why the lower is the one almost everyone struggles with, and it is where I would start.

Often we can use the denture you already have, as long as it has enough thickness where the attachments need to sit. If the material is too thin there it would fracture around them, and in that case a new denture is the honest answer rather than a sales pitch. Bring the one you wear and I will tell you which it is.

Start to finish it takes about six months, and most of that is the bone fusing to the implants rather than time you spend in the chair.

Yes! We are currently welcoming new patients to our Bastrop, TX dental office. We invite your whole family to visit us, and we accept patients of all ages. We provide a warm and comfortable dental experience that keeps our patients coming back for years. We love making dental visits fun and relaxing for children, and we specialize in children's dentistry. We hope you utilize us as your one-stop dental office for your whole family.

We Love Patient Referrals 

Many of our Bastrop patients refer their friends and family to us. If you are an existing patient and love the way we take care of your oral health, we encourage you to invite the people you know to give us a call. We will take excellent care of them as well. 

Welcoming You to Our Dental Family

If you are looking for a new dentist, we welcome you to call or visit us. At CS Family Dentistry, we have a knowledgeable and friendly staff that can answer any questions you may have, ranging from insurance and financial to specific dental procedures.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call us even if you are not a current patient. We hope that you decide to remain with us after, but we will never push you to commit. We love what we do, and we love getting to know our patients over the years. Watching families grow and change is a privilege that our Bastrop patients give us. 

Give us a call at (512) 321-2188. We hope we can be your new dental family!

It should not, and we go out of our way to make sure it doesn't. I know that past negative experiences keep a lot of people away from the dentist, which is why eliminating anxiety is a huge priority for us. Our hygienists use an incredibly gentle touch. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, just tell us before we begin. We will gladly take our time, adjust our techniques, and let you dictate the pace of the appointment so you always feel safe and in control.

You might also notice that I do not offer sedation here, and that is by design. My goal is to help you truly conquer the fear rather than stay tied to sedation for the rest of your life. I take my time, I build your confidence with extra care and patience, and sometimes we use more frequent but easier appointments to get there.

I like to make sure we start our relationship off on the right foot with a real human conversation. Because I want to ensure we set aside the right amount of time for your specific needs and comfort level, I do not use automated online booking for new patients. To get scheduled, all you need to do is give the office a call or send us a text. We will take it from there and find a time that works perfectly for you.

Yes, and it is one of the things I care most about getting right. Dental anxiety is incredibly common and completely valid.

At my office I take a slightly different approach. You might notice that I do not offer sedation, and that is by design. My goal is to help you truly conquer the fear so you are not tied to sedation for the rest of your life. I want to work directly with you so you never have to avoid dental care just because of anxiety.

The way we do it is simple. I take my time. I build your confidence with extra care and a lot of patience, and sometimes we use more frequent but easier appointments to get there. I will walk you through everything at your own pace.

If you are ready to take that first step, give the office a call or send us a text. We will start wherever you are comfortable starting.

At CS Family Dentistry, we welcome your entire family, especially the little ones!

Patients typically start bringing children to our dental office by the age of two. Dr. Cole Smith will do an oral exam to see how your little one is progressing. If we detect any early issues, we can go ahead and take care of it immediately. 

Bring Your Children in Early 

We recommend starting good oral habits as young as possible. We are happy to see your babies or toddlers since it's good to get them familiarized with our dental office environment as early as possible. We can also help parents understand what oral milestones they should look for in their child, and how to prepare them for oral care. 

Schedule Your Family Today!

Our dental staff loves working with children, and we are experienced in making each visit fun. We work hard to provide a comfortable environment, so your child doesn't feel anxiety or fear regarding the dentist. 

Kids, including toddlers, should see their children’s dentist in Bastrop every six months for checkups. And we typically start seeing children around their first birthday or shortly after the first tooth erupts. However, we can see your child much sooner if you have concerns.

Seeing the dentist every six months has been shown to reduce cavities and other oral health issues in children and adults. However, the dentist may recommend a more customized schedule if your child has specific problems.

Early dental visits acquaint your child with the dentist and help them feel comfortable in the dental setting. From the very start, we foster trust and friendship with our young patients, helping to ensure they never feel nervous when visiting our dental team.

As your child grows, we provide age-appropriate services to ensure they maintain excellent oral health. We can also offer tips for appropriate at-home tooth care, including nutrition advice and oral hygiene techniques by age.

Contact Your Child’s Dentist in Bastrop, TX

A family or pediatric dentist in Bastrop, TX, can help your child enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile!

Is your child ready for their first dental visit? Do you have questions for our team? If you’re ready to get started or would like more information, a dental team member is standing by to chat with you today.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can have various causes. To determine the cause of your TMJ problems, your dentist will need to examine your specific situation. With a careful examination, which usually includes x-rays and other diagnostic measures, your dentist will determine whether or not you are suffering from a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and do his or her best to diagnose the reason why for treatment purposes.

In our dental office, we are dedicated to helping our patients locate the source of their jaw pain, and we will work closely with you to find a solution.

For your convenience, we have put together a few common causes of TMJ problems. If you suffer from one of the below problems, you may have found the root of your TMJ pain.

Common Causes of TMD or TMJ Pain

• Bruxism, which is when you grind or clench your teeth
• Injury to your jaw, neck, or head, including injury to the joint itself
• Arthritis
• Erosion of a small disc-like feature of your jaw that usually works to keep jaw movement smooth
• Chewing excessively
• Stress
• Bad posture
• Wearing braces

If you are aware that you have any of the above problems, let your dentist know during your consultation. That way, they can make the best decision for your TMD treatment plan. 

How to Fix TMJ Disorders

TMJ treatment usually begins as conservatively as possible. However, your treatment plan will depend on the likely source of your pain and the level of pain you’re experiencing. 

At CS Family Dentistry in Bastrop, Dr. Cole Smith uses a variety of TMD treatments, which he recommends based on the patient’s needs. TMD treatments we often recommend include anti-inflammatory medications, pain killers, night guards, jaw exercises, and muscle relaxers. Nightguards can also offer patients a great solution to bruxism, protecting their teeth from damage, so if you have bruxism, it may treat both issues.

Additionally, dentists often recommend eating soft foods and using cold or hot compresses to relieve pain at home. If we decide the TMJ cause of pain is your poor posture, we may recommend posture improvements as a part of your treatment plan. Similarly, if anxiety is causing tension that leads to pain, patients can sometimes use relaxation techniques to successfully reduce symptoms.

Your comfort is our top priority. If our conservative treatment options are not successful, Dr. Smith may recommend a surgical treatment as a last resort. 

Don’t Live with TMJ Pain in Bastrop, TX

Without treatment, TMJ pain can cause debilitating pain for patients. It can limit your ability to sleep and to function during the day, making you miss out on everyday activities. We understand the frustration that comes with TMD and the importance of treating it. 

We never want people to suffer unnecessarily. If you’re living with TMJ pain, reach out to our friendly Bastrop dental office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith. Our helpful team will evaluate your situation and offer the best advice for moving forward with treatment.

We are here to help you find the best pain relief therapy for you.