Dentist Waco, TX

How do I find the best place to get dental work done?

"Best" looks a little different for everyone, but the search process is pretty simple! Start with a quick online search for a "dentist near me" and browse your results. Once you have a list, dive into each practice.

Ask yourself, “Do they have what I need?” Whether you’re looking for dentures in Waco, same-day crowns, or something else, service coverage matters. From there, check their hours, location, and dentist bios.

Lastly, read reviews. These are often the most honest windows into what it's really like to be a patient there. Once you have one or two picked out, visit in person. Your new dental home will be the one that just “clicks” with you.

How can I book an appointment online with a dentist?

Technology has made scheduling a dental appointment easier than ever—no phone tag required. At Premier Family Dental, you can request an appointment right from our website. Just look at the top of your screen and click the white "Request an Appointment" button.

You’ll be taken to another page where you’ll fill out a short form with your name, reason for your visit, and preferred contact information. Once submitted, a friendly team member will follow up to confirm everything and get you on the calendar.

All that said, if you need something sooner or would just prefer to talk to a real person, give us a call. We're always happy to help you find the soonest available time that works for your schedule.

What level of education is required to be a dentist?

Becoming a dentist takes a minimum of eight years of higher education. This typically means a four-year undergraduate degree followed by four years of dental school, where graduates earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry). After that, many dentists continue their education well beyond that with specialty training, fellowships, and continuing education hours each year.

At Premier Family Dental, our team takes its commitment to learning seriously.

Dr. Cofer studied biology at McMurry University before graduating from the Baylor School of Dentistry, and he has logged 40 or more hours of advanced continuing education annually throughout his 30-year career.

Dr. McNutt earned his Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology at Baylor University, then went on to complete dental school at the University of Missouri.

Together, they bring decades of combined expertise to every patient they see.

What do you do if you can't afford a dentist?

The best place to start is prevention. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and staying consistent with checkups and cleanings can help you avoid costly problems, like cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss.

Even the best home oral care routine may miss things, and accidents do happen. So, when cost is a concern, dental insurance is often well worth the investment. Many plans cover preventive care at or near 100%, making regular visits very manageable.

If you're uninsured, you still have options. Our in-house dental savings plan offers many of the same benefits as traditional insurance, just without the red tape. We also work with both CareCredit and Compassionate Finance to break down monthly costs and even extend regular special offers that can help you stay on budget.

How long does Invisalign treatment take to work?

Although it varies from patient to patient, most Invisalign treatments can be completed in just 12 to 18 months. Depending on the severity of the issues and how well the patient complies with the guidelines, it can be much faster and more comfortable than treatment with traditional wire and bracket braces.

To learn more about Invisalign in Waco and see if your smile qualifies, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Can dental implants get cavities?

The great news is that because your dental implants in Waco aren’t real teeth, they can’t get cavities! However, that doesn’t mean you don’t still need to take excellent care of them and any remaining natural teeth. In fact, one of the leading causes of dental implant failure is a condition called peri-implantitis that is similar to gum disease and can develop due to poor oral hygiene practices. Thus, even if you have implant dentures and no remaining natural teeth, be sure to brush them twice a day, floss daily, and visit us every six months for your regular checkups and cleanings!

How long do dental implants last?

Although there’s no specific timeline for the longevity of dental implants in Waco, with proper oral hygiene and use, your restorations could last a lifetime. However, in order to give your dental implants, the best odds possible for success, you’ll need to treat them carefully.

First, be sure you are brushing them twice a day and flossing daily. Don’t forget to visit us twice a year for your regular checkups and cleanings, either.

Furthermore, it’s important to avoid dangerous oral habits like smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products, biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, and if you grind your teeth or play sports, be sure to discuss having a custom bite guard or mouthguard made with your dentist!

How long do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners every day?

In most cases, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Although your trays can come out for meals, drinks, and to care for your teeth and gums, it is important that you stay as close to that time as possible, so your teeth move on schedule. The good news is that Invisalign in Waco can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, which when compared to traditional braces, could give you a healthy, evenly spaced smile up to six months sooner!