People often mix up dental implants and dentures. While it’s a bit easy to see how both are confused with one another, they offer completely different therapy. Only a dentist knows which treatment options are right for you and will work to correct any problems that might persist. But, choosing which treatment to apply is key. Why would a patient need dental implants instead of dentures? Why are dentures necessary but not dental implants? These and many more questions will be answered as we discuss the differences between dental implants and dentures.
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Dental Implants and Dentures 101
July 29, 2015
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Why Routine Dental Exams For Adults Matter
July 15, 2015
Your overall health is dependent upon the rest of your body, including your mouth. Proper dental care and oral hygiene are an important part of your overall well-being. From the moment our first tooth erupts, good oral care is vital. It helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevents problems that can lead to tooth loss, and helps you hold on to your natural teeth. Dr. Rick Cofer and his staff in Waco, TX want you to know just how important dental exams are for adults. You may think you’re a tough guy or gal, but oral problems that are left untreated can spawn a slew of dental issues that can become costly down the road. Dr. Cofer is the preferred general dentist in 76712.
Common Adult Dental Concerns
Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. But, the only way to ensure they stay healthy and strong is to have routine dental exams and other thorough cleanings. Plaque, tartar, and bacterial build-up can leave your smile at risk for major complications. You may not experience any problems soon, but at some point you will, and therapy may be painful, not to mention costly. Waco dentist Dr. Cofer understands you have concerns and wants to address them.
Some of the most common dental concerns among adults are:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Mis-spaced teeth
- Mouth sores
- Oral cancer
- Tooth decay
- Tooth erosion
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
All of the above can be highly problematic, however, there are ways to combat the onset of many of these issues. Simple recommendations like drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugar-loaded beverages, can make a huge difference. Others include:
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting between-meal snacks
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (preferably after every meal)
- Floss at least once a day
- Have a regular dental exam and professional cleaning every 6 months
- Properly care for any dental appliance (retainer, mouth guard, plate, bridge, dentures, etc.)
Excellent Dental Care For Adults
We take preventive care very seriously. It’s recommended that adult patients visit every six months for routine general dentistry care which includes thorough cleanings, dental exams, and children’s dental care. Routine dental care combined with dental exams will keep your need for more extensive care to a minimum. This keeps you and your wallet happy.
Our general dentistry therapy includes:
- Dental cleanings and hygiene
- Dental exams
- Periodontal care
Schedule an Appointment Today
For the best general dentist, Waco’s own Dr. Rick Cofer and his staff are ready to handle all of your dental problems. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean preventive procedures should fall by the wayside. Schedule an appointment and let’s work together on transforming your smile! We serve patients in Waco, TX and the surrounding communities of Bellmead, Beverly Hills, Woodway, Robinson and beyond.
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Treatments for Teeth Whitening, 76712
July 8, 2015
Keeping your teeth as white as can be is an incredibly difficult task, especially if you’re a foodie. Temptation is everywhere when it comes to bingeing on certain foods and beverages. Some foods are good for your teeth, others not so much. Learning the differences between which foods and beverages are or aren’t good for your teeth is important. Maintaining a bright and beautiful smile is what gets you noticed, and we want you to get noticed for all of the right reasons. Dr. Rick Cofer and his staff in Waco, TX want you to know which foods and beverages pose the greatest risk for discoloration and staining.
The Top 5 Foods/Beverages That Stain
These are the main culprits – the sticklers or problem children. Some of these are hard to pass on, but it isn’t impossible to say “no”. At some point in our lives, we have each splurged on some or all of these.
- Wine: It’s hard to resist a glass of red or white wine with a delicious dinner, just make sure to drink water and swoosh it around in your mouth between trips. The acidic content of red wine can cause staining and wear away tooth enamel.
- Soft Drinks (cola): Acidic and chromogen-rich, cola can cause significant staining. Cola-stained teeth are most common among people who have a can on their desk all the time and sip constantly.
- Tea: Perhaps the most surprising on this list, it’s no secret tea has many great health benefits. However, black teas and other dark-hued selections can cause teeth staining. Our suggestion? Try adding some milk into these dark teas or sticking to green, white or herbal teas.
- Coffee: Dark roast coffee is a well-known offender of staining teeth. Adding milk or cream to help dilute some of the pigment can go a long way in defending against any staining. Also, be sure to drink water afterwards.
- Sweets (Candy, chewing gum, popsicles and certain fruits): Fruits?!? Unfortunately, yes. Certain ones contain teeth-staining coloring agents. They say if your tongue turns a funny color, chances are your teeth will be affected, too. Not regularly consuming these will reduce the chances of staining.
Now, this isn’t to say you should avoid these foods like the plague. Everyone needs a little sugar every now and then, but taking care of your teeth once you have finished splurging is vital. Letting the sugary substances remain on your teeth can cause decay, which can lead to a cavity nightmare. We suggest limiting the amount of sugar and high carbonated foods you intake, and remember to brush and floss regularly. If your teeth are beyond saving, our whitening treatments can help in a huge way!
Our Teeth Whitening Solutions
For the best teeth whitening, Waco dentist Dr. Cofer offers two forms of treatment: Zoom! Whitening and take-home whitening trays:
Zoom! Teeth Whitening is the most effective whitening treatment option available on the market. It can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in under an hour. Even the toughest stains are lifted from your enamel and dentin, revealing your whitest smile yet!
Take-home teeth whitening trays give you the ultimate in convenience, allowing you to whiten whenever and wherever you see fit. Our custom bleaching trays fit your teeth perfectly, giving you even coverage and protecting your soft tissues from the bleaching agent.
Schedule an Appointment
For the best teeth whitening, Robinson, Waco, Hewitt, Bellmead and other cities call Premier Family Dental home. Set aside some time with Dr. Cofer to discuss your options and see if our teeth whitening treatment is right for you. Visit us in Waco, TX today!
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Tooth Sensitivity and What You Can Do To Rid Yourself of the Tingling
July 4, 2015
Dealing with sensitive teeth in Waco, TX can be a real pain in the mouth. Sensitive teeth can cause all sorts of problems, especially when trying to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. The tingling sensation can make its presence felt at the worst times. How your teeth became sensitive was most likely brought on by your own doing. Premier Family Dental is here to help cope with any tooth sensitivity needs. Five of the biggest causes of tooth sensitivity may surprise you. As your Waco dentist, Dr. Rick Cofer would like you to heed our tips on how to keep your teeth from becoming overly sensitive.
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