Exchange Old Metal Fillings for New Tooth Colored Composite Fillings in Waco, TX

February 24, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:21 pm

478321195How many metal fillings have you collected over the years? Many adult patients have steadily accumulated a mouth full of metal dental restorations. Though metal fillings can resolve tooth decay issues, they can also cause other dental health concerns as they age. If you have worn out metal restorations from years past, it’s time to replace them with new tooth colored composite fillings. Composite fillings offer many health and esthetic advantages over old metal fillings. If you have more than one old metal filling, schedule the composite filling appointment you need with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is a skilled Waco restorative dentist, now proudly delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

Metal (Amalgam) Dental Fillings

Metal fillings have been used in dentistry since the early nineteenth century. Metal fillings are still a popular restorative material and are generally used because of their relatively low cost and durability. Metal dental fillings are composed of about 35% silver, 15% tin and copper, small traces of zinc, and 50% mercury. Because of the high mercury content of metal fillings recent research have arisen questioning their long term health benefits. Mercury is a well documented toxin which could potentially cause some damage to your long term health.  In some countries pregnant women are even warned against having amalgam fillings during pregnancy. In addition, problems with metal fillings include:

  • Increased sensitivity of teeth after placing metal fillings due to the metal shrinking or expanding
  • Easily noticeable and esthetically displeasing
  • A large amount of healthy tooth structure must be removed before an amalgam filling can be applied
  • Some dental procedures can’t be performed (air abrasion) if you have a metal filling in your mouth
  • Over time old amalgam fillings can expand slightly and cause fracturing of the tooth

What Are the Benefits of Tooth Colored Composite Fillings?

With new tooth colored composite fillings no one will be able to that tell you’ve even had a tooth restored. In addition, a smaller amount of your healthy tooth is removed for composite filling application versus metal filling application.  With composite fillings there is less chance of any fracturing or chipping of your restored teeth, and your tooth structure is actually made stronger.  You can use your composite fillings immediately after they have been placed in your tooth, and you will never have to worry about the long term consequences of the restoration to your overall health and wellbeing.

Waco Composite Filling Appointments

If you have mounting concerns about your old metal fillings, schedule a composite fillings appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is trusted Waco restorative dentist, now proudly renewing smiles daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring cities.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Schedule Your Child’s Pediatric Dental Care Visit Today

February 10, 2015

Filed under: Children's Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 5:37 pm

78814605Celebrate your child’s healthy smile with a pediatric dental checkup and cleaning at Premier Family Dental. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The observance actually began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941. The month long observance we know today as National Children’s Dental Health Month was established in 1981. The purpose of the celebration is to raise awareness and focus attention upon the epidemic of childhood tooth decay, a condition that is almost always preventable. Help us recognize the importance of maintaining good dental health in childhood, and schedule a pediatric dental care appointment for your child with Dr. Cofer and Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is an experienced family dentist, now proudly serving patients of all ages throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

Pediatric Dental Care from Your Waco Family Dentist

We strive to provide the preventive dental our-services your child needs to maintain a healthy smile. In additional to dental checkups and cleanings we can also provide tooth strengthening fluoride treatments and dental sealants. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride treatments may be needed to preserve your child’s healthy enamel. Dental sealants are thin, plastic protective barriers that can cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, effectively protecting your child from the ravages of early tooth decay.

Pediatric Dental Care at Home: Children’s Tooth Brushing Tips

  • Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste for your child to use.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when your child turns 3 years old.
  • Brush your child’s teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
  • Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.
  • Start flossing your child’s teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch.

Waco Pediatric Dental Care Appointments

You can keep your child happy and smiling this year, and every year, with regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings. Schedule the pediatric dental care appointment your child needs with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is a highly qualified Waco family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring cities.