Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CS Family Dentistry believes that every patient should be able to receive exceptional dental care that fits in with their budget. We accept many different kinds of insurance, including Cigna, Delta Dental, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. To see if we accept your specific insurance, please contact us today. 

We Make Dental Insurance Simple 

Our friendly and knowledgeable dental staff is here to help you navigate the sometimes murky waters of insurance. We can help you better understand your coverage, what portion of a treatment you will be responsible for, and more. CS Family Dentistry accepts a variety of insurance plans, and we will also file claims on your behalf. We are here for you and to make your access to dental care as simple and convenient as possible. 

Other Payment Options 

In addition to accepting insurance, we also accept payments with cash, personal checks, credit cards, and HSA cards. Another option we offer is financing through CareCredit. CareCredit allows patients to make low-interest payments on health care so you can make the cost of treatment more manageable. Approval only takes minutes, and our team can give you more information about CareCredit, how it works, and how to apply. 

Contact Our Bastrop Dental Office Today!

CS Family Dentistry can work with your insurance and help you get the exceptional dental care you deserve. If you have any questions about your specific insurance plan, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (512) 321-2188. One of our friendly team members will be delighted to help you receive affordable dental care. 

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!

If your teeth “look” healthy and you don’t see changes since your last teeth cleaning, you may think you can skip your six-month checkup. But, unfortunately, this is where you run into problems. Your Bastrop dentist has seen healthy smiles lose their luster due to neglecting teeth cleanings!

Teeth cleanings and dental checkups every six months—coupled with excellent at-home care—are the keys to healthy teeth for life. And your teeth cleaning schedule lowers your risks for:

• Cavities
• Gingivitis
• Gum disease
• Oral infections
• Bad breath

Gum disease is especially concerning because it can mean more than tooth loss. Studies have connected gum disease to several health problems, including:

• Heart complications
• Lung issues
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Low birth weight in babies
• Preterm birth

When considering the consequences of gum disease, it only makes sense to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.

For Professional Teeth Cleanings in Bastrop, Contact Us

If it’s time for your checkup and teeth cleaning, or if you missed your last preventive dental visit, give us a call today to take charge of your oral health. And talk to a team member about our In-House Dental Plan and how it can help you make dentistry more affordable.

We serve all locations, including Bastrop, Utley, Clearview, Camp Swift, Alum Creek, Wyldwood, and Upton.

If you have always taken care of your teeth, issues like discoloration, chips, and other smile flaws can be incredibly disappointing. Fortunately, most patients who have taken care of their smiles over the years are excellent candidates for cosmetic dentistry in Bastrop, TX.

Of course, to be sure, we have you in for a cosmetic chat with the dentist. At this visit, you’ll learn whether you’re a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. In some cases, the dentist suggests pretreatments to make you a better candidate if issues are found.

You’ll also learn about the various options and how they’ll work for you, and a team member can talk to you about the treatment schedule.

In our dental office, we offer the following cosmetic dentistry options:

• Professional teeth whitening
• Clear braces
• Dental implants
• Tooth-colored restorations
• Dental veneers
• Tooth bonding

We also have options that work with most patient budgets.

Your Cosmetic Dentist in Bastrop, TX, Is Here for You

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry? We would love to learn more about what you’re looking for in a new smile and how we can help. Call today to get started or if you have any questions for our friendly dental team.

We provide cosmetic dentistry to patients from all areas, including Bastrop, Utley, Clearview, Camp Swift, Alum Creek, Wyldwood, and Upton.

As we age, the natural brightness of our teeth can become dull or faded—even with good oral health and habits.

Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments can reverse enamel staining and give you back a youthful and polished smile. 

How Teeth Whitening Works

Your enamel has tiny, microscopic pores that allow food particles to dull your smile. Over time, your enamel can thin, making the yellow layer of dentin visible. If you drink coffee, wine, or eat acidic foods, you could be contributing to the stains that start appearing on your teeth. Smoking tobacco is also a common culprit to yellow teeth. 

Professional teeth whitening can remove stains and whiten your smile by eight shades, and usually in under an hour. If you prefer whitening your teeth at home, we also offer custom take-home kits for your convenience. 

Dental Cleanings in Bastrop, TX

At CS Family Dentistry, we recommend getting a professional dental cleaning before your teeth whitening treatment. We can remove any plaque or tartar to ensure smooth and consistent results. While teeth whitening is not permanent, we can offer tips on how to maintain your white teeth for up to a year. We also provide touch-ups when needed to keep your teeth as bright as possible. 

If you would like to learn more about the professional whitening treatments that we offer, please give us a call at any time.

Cosmetic dentistry concentrates on smile aesthetics, while general dentistry is about maintaining your teeth and gums.

Ideally, keeping up with oral health maintenance makes you a better candidate for cosmetic dentistry in Bastrop, TX.

About General Dentistry

General dentistry is an offshoot of preventive dentistry. In other words, exams and cleanings (preventive) lower your risks of needing general dentistry, which includes therapies like cavity treatment, periodontal treatment, extractions, and root canal therapy.

About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry treatments enhance your smile aesthetics. Services may include one or more of the following:

• Professional teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Tooth-colored restorations
• Invisible braces
• Tooth replacement

Of course, some treatments like tooth replacement, tooth-colored restorations, and invisible braces also contribute to improved oral health.

Are You Searching for Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me?

We encourage you to schedule a comprehensive cosmetic consultation with the dentist to determine your candidacy for cosmetic dentistry. We also urge you to contact our team for questions about our dental treatments and services.

Remember to ask about our exclusive Penny Plan; we’re happy to accept CareCredit financing.

Our dental team proudly serves patients from all locations, including Bastrop South Austin, Smithville, Wyldwood, Cedar Creek, Clearview, Upton, Camp Swift, and your locale.

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. 

With the continuing advancement of dental technology and treatments, almost anybody can be a candidate for a dental implant to restore missing teeth. 

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be interested in dental implants. The implant provides a foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture to be secured to your jawbone. Dental implants are a functional and attractive tooth replacement. 

How Do You Determine Who Is an Implant Candidate?

Using our three-dimensional panoramic x-ray, we can determine if you have the proper bone structure and foundation that can support implant placement. If Dr. Cole Smith determines you need more foundation, we can provide a bone graft treatment that can secure and support your implant. Proper bone infrastructure ensures that your implants will last for a long time, and are secured. We will go over your options with you to get the help that you need and provide the bedrock to permanent oral health and tooth function. 

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today!

If you have a gap in your smile that you want to restore, we can discuss your candidacy for a dental implant. Call our Bastrop dental office today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Cole Smith. Together we can discuss your current situation, your future smile goals, and how to achieve them. 

Dental implants at CS Family Dentistry are not typically painful because our skilled and gentle dentist numbs the mouth and offers sedation options for patients. Patients do not feel anything during the procedure, but they may experience soreness after the procedure. 

How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?

First, Dr. Cowley reviews your medical history and performs a full-mouth examination. This allows him to determine if you can safely undergo the dental implant procedure, or if you require any pre-treatments, like bone grafting. 

If you are approved for the procedure, we will schedule a day and time that works best for you. 

Before placing the dental implants, we anesthetize the mouth and offer sedation for patients who would like a more comfortable and relaxing experience. 

Dr. Cowley then gently places the dental implant in the jaw so the biocompatible titanium post and the jaw can naturally fuse together. This occurs through a process called “osseointegration” and it can take several weeks or months to fully heal. During the healing process, Dr. Cowley can provide you with temporary crowns so you can still chew, eat, and speak with ease. 

Once you are fully healed, Dr. Cowley secures your permanent crowns to the dental implant, and you can immediately begin enjoying your new and improved smile. 

Contact Your Dental Implant Dentist in Bastrop 

Are you tired of hiding your smile because of missing teeth? Do you wish you could enjoy your favorite meals without pain or discomfort? If so, please contact our Bastrop dental office to schedule a dental implant consultation. Dental implants may be just what you need, and we will be happy to help you!

There are things you may not know about dental implants in Bastrop, TX. For example, dental implants aren’t replacement teeth; they are replacement roots that we cap with dental crowns or other prosthetics to restore your smile.

Things You May Not Know about Dental Implants

• Dental implants, unlike other tooth replacement options, can last for decades and even for life with proper care.
• Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants do not require added maintenance like relines or adjustments.
• Dental implants are the only replacement option that restores the entire tooth, from root to crown.
• Dental implants are considered the gold standard by most dentists.
• Dental implants restore your bite force, making it easy to diversify your diet.
• Dental implants are most like natural teeth compared to other options.
• Four to six dental implants are strong enough to support an arch of new teeth on a bridge or denture.
• Dental implants require a consultation to ensure candidacy.

Contact Your Dental Implant Dentist in Bastrop, TX

If you want to learn more about tooth replacement, including dental implants, give us a call today. And also, reach out to a helpful team member if you’re ready to arrange a dental implant consultation with the dentist.

Dentures in Bastrop are an excellent choice. They restore function and smile appearance, and they are affordable. Our dental office creates beautiful dentures that fit and function as intended.

However, we recommend not sleeping with dentures in your mouth for a few reasons.

First, removing your dentures and soaking them in a denture bath helps prevent oral infections, bacterial growth, and thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection that may grow on the tongue, soft tissues, or beneath the denture. You can also add a cleaning tablet to the denture bath to disinfect your prosthetic.

Next, sleeping with dentures may also accelerate bone loss, a natural occurrence when teeth are missing. Bone loss can make dentures feel loose, which means adhesives and relines. We suggest preserving the jawbone for as long as possible.

Keeping your mouth healthy is crucial to your overall wellness. And maintaining your denture plays a significant role in mouth health.

Denture Care in Bastrop, TX

If you’re new to dentures or are considering an upgrade, we can help. We are also here to help you maintain your prosthetic and enjoy a comfortable smile. We can also reline, repair, and professionally clean your dentures in Bastrop.

Reach out to a team member today to arrange your consultation with the dentist.

Your dentist in Bastrop, TX, recommends removing your dentures at night and soaking them in a denture bath. It’s also best to rinse or clean your dentures during the day, just like your natural teeth. Besides that, you should be able to wear your dentures most of the time.

Why Denture Care Is Crucial

Keeping your dentures clean lowers your risks for oral infections and gum disease. Gum disease leads to bone loss, which makes it difficult or impossible to continue wearing your denture. Gum disease has also been linked to severe lung and heart health conditions.

Part of caring for your denture means caring for your gums. Therefore, you should remove your denture at night. Sleeping with your denture in can cause fungal infections in the mouth and can even lead to gastrointestinal problems.

You can soak your prosthetic in a denture bath at night and add a cleaning tablet to disinfect it. Then, throughout the day, you can rinse your denture to clear debris. We also recommend using a special cleaning brush and denture paste once or twice daily.

Considering Dentures in Bastrop, TX?

For more about dentures or to arrange a tooth replacement consultation with the dentist, call us today.

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!

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.