Michele Ranta-Strait, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive care at her Austin, TX clinic. She is a registered practitioner with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (512) 459-7811 to schedule an appointment.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Dr. Ranta-Strait brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She earned her degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2008 and is a certified Invisalign provider for 10 years. She is passionate about helping people achieve a happier and healthier smile in the easiest way possible, focusing her practice on Invisalign and the many health benefits that come along with having a straight smile. Dr. Ranta-Strait strongly believes in being open with her patients about their oral health and treatment options, practicing gentle, conservative dentistry. She is a board member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, a leader in the industry, and actively involved in continuing education, teaching best techniques with Invisalign. Dr. Ranta-Strait provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Ranta-Strait is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Ranta-Strait provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and proactive oral health management. She expertly diagnoses and treats dental diseases, addresses tooth replacement needs, and performs oral cancer screenings. Crucially, she collaborates closely with patients and primary care physicians to underscore the link between oral and systemic health, ensuring a holistic approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Ranta-Strait can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Ranta-Strait offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear them down and cause damage. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like a nightguard to prevent further problems.
- Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Malocclusion, or a bad bite, means your teeth don't line up correctly, and a general dentist can help improve your bite through braces, retainers, or other treatments.
- Tooth Damage: Damaged teeth can be caused by injury, decay, or grinding, and a general dentist offers various treatments to restore their strength and appearance.
- Carcinoma Tongue: A general dentist's regular oral cancer screenings can help identify tongue cancer (carcinoma of the tongue) early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
- Gingivostomatitis: Your general dentist plays a key role in diagnosing and treating gingivostomatitis, a condition causing inflammation and sores in your gums and mouth.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A chipped crown or broken retainer requires professional attention from your dentist to restore its function and prevent potential oral health problems.
- Open Bite: Your dentist can diagnose and treat an open bite, a condition where your upper and lower teeth don't come together properly when you close your mouth.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Ranta-Strait offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Pericoronitis: Your dentist can diagnose and treat pericoronitis, often involving cleaning the area, prescribing antibiotics, or recommending extraction of the impacted tooth.
- Scaling and Root Planing: To treat gum disease and prevent tooth loss, your dentist may perform scaling and root planing, a procedure to thoroughly clean your teeth below the gum line.
- Single Visit Root Canals: With a single-visit root canal, your dentist can treat your infected tooth, remove the infected pulp, and seal it off to prevent future problems, all within the same appointment.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses problems with existing dental implants, such as loose or broken components, improving their stability and longevity.
- Athletic Mouthguards: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter options, reducing the risk of dental trauma.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: This surgery helps treat gum disease by removing infected gum tissue and reducing the depth of gum pockets around teeth.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: Some oral surgical procedures are done to diagnose or treat conditions that affect the gums, jawbone, or surrounding tissues.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Ranta-Strait is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis for teeth grinding, a patient was fitted with a nightguard, significantly reducing the discomfort and preventing further wear on their teeth. They now enjoy a more comfortable and healthy smile.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient experienced significant improvement in their bite alignment, leading to increased confidence and improved chewing function.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
5017 Bull Creek Rd, Austin, TX, 78731
Phone: (512) 459-7811
View on Map - Practice
10601 Pecan Park Blvd Ste 101, Austin, TX, 78750
Phone: (512) 823-0077
View on Map
- Invisalign Reingage Certification (Other Education) - 2017
- University of Michigan / School of Dentistry (Medical School) - 2008
- University of Michigan / Ann Arbor (Undergraduate School) - 2004
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Ranta-Strait:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Ranta-Strait can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when the tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if they don't have any pain. These visits are vital for preventing problems like tartar buildup and early cavities or gum disease, which can be more costly to treat later.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, restoring a natural look and feel, and can help preserve the jawbone.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums, exposing the tooth root, or worn-down enamel. Dr. Ranta-Strait can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, which can loosen dentures. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
5017 Bull Creek Rd
Austin TX 78731
Phone: (512) 459-7811
Michele Ranta-Strait, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1366602013
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Michele Ranta-Strait are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.