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Throughout most people’s lives, cavities have popped up every once in a while. If you’ve never had a cavity, you’re in luck. That must mean you’ve practiced excellent dental habits and have stayed away from foods that can destroy your tooth from the inside out. For others whom have given into temptation and have had to suffer with tooth decay to the point where things have become very serious, a root canal is almost always the choice of treatment. A root canal is designed to remove infections from your tooth’s nerve, which is why most people experience such painful toothaches. We want you to know that at our office in Waco, TX, cavities don’t stand a chance. Dr. Cofer and his staff of pros are cavity-busters. One mustn’t be afraid of a root canal, for it is merely a procedure that is intended to save your mouth from further infection. If you’ve been dealing with any amount of tooth pain or other uncomfortable problems, the team at Premier Family Dental is here to help. Dr. Cofer is the dentist Waco residents can go to for any tooth pain.
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How To know If You Need Root Canal Therapy
August 19, 2015
The Teeth-Whitening Wars
August 12, 2015
A not so short time ago, in a galaxy closer than you’d think, there was a dental office located in the heart of Texas; Waco, TX to be exact. There, a staff of dental experts and the man in charge, Dr. Cofer, offered wonderful cosmetic dentistry treatment that would make a persons’ smile brighter and whiter. Also known as teeth whitening treatment, patients from all over the area flocked to receive this fantastic cosmetic remedy. Now, patients from all over the area could make their smiles look clean and beautiful.
We could continue on with the story, but you get the idea. Teeth whitening is one of the more popular our-services that patients are choosing, and it’s easy to see why. The industry has advanced far enough to where you can choose between whitening your teeth in the comfort of your own home or visiting a dental office. The power of choice is insatiable. If you’re ready to whiten your teeth to a level you’ve never seen, it’s time to pick and choose. So, what’s it going to be? In-office or at-home whitening? For the best teeth whitening Waco has to offer, see Dr. Cofer.
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Before School Ramps Up, Schedule the Kids’ Back-To-School Checkup
August 5, 2015
Summer is a glorious time for everyone. The kids are out of school, sports activities have calmed down and now all that’s left to do is take in the last few weeks or summer’s rays. Before you know it, it’ll be time to pack the kids’ lunches and send them off to school. They’ve had quite the summer vacation, but now it’s time to start getting them in the dental routine once again. A new school year offers many new challenges for your little one’s smile, and being proactive about their dental health is one of the best courses of action you can take to keep their smiles happy throughout the year. Dr. Cofer is a Waco dentist who cares about your children’s oral health as he would his own kids. We preach a family atmosphere and genuinely care about each one of our patient’s and their oral situation. Our office in Waco, TX is happy to offer these end-of-summer dental tips so you can spend less time in our dental chair and more time enjoying the closing moments of that summer-lovin’ feeling.
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Dental Implants and Dentures 101
July 29, 2015
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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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.
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!
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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Your 76712 Dentist
June 29, 2015
When it comes to your family’s health—and of course that includes their dental health—you only want the best. For the best in general and preventive dentistry, people in Waco, TX, and the surrounding communities turn to Dr. Rick Cofer at Premier Family Dental. Dr. Cofer is the Waco dentist in 76712 who would be delighted to see you and your family for all of your general dentistry needs.
Premier Family Dental is Dr. Cofer’s second practice, which he proudly opened on February 28, 2012. A native Texan who grew up in Irving, Dr. Cofer studied biology at McMurray University in Abilene before attending Baylor School of Dentistry. For more than five years, Dr. Cofer has been associated with Texas Advanced Dental Seminars and Seattle Study Club.
The Dentist 76712 Turns to for General and Preventive Services
At the top of the list of priorities for the team at Premier Family Dental is prevention. Why? Because if we can prevent you or a family member from have a problem in the first place, then we can most likely help you avoid bigger problems—and bigger expenses—in the future. With this in mind, Dr. Cofer would like to see everyone in your family every six months for a general checkup. That’s the recommendation of the American Dental Association, and we agree.
At these regularly scheduled checkups, we can monitor your oral health and more easily notice changes. And of course, at checkups we always clean your teeth and remove plaque, gauge the health of your gums and soft tissue, and we examine your teeth for any signs of decay.
Of course, if Dr. Cofer or one of our dental hygienists find anything of concern, then we will recommend a course of treatment that will usually involve one of our restorative dentistry treatments, which include:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Dental Crowns
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dentures and Partials
- Dental Implants
Call Your 76712 Dentist Today
If you have any questions about our practice, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, then call Premier Family Dental. Our Waco, TX, dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.
Crowns in a Day from Premier Family Dental, Your Waco Dentist
June 22, 2015
At Premier Family Dental, we understand that you’d really rather not hear that you have a tooth that needs a crown. Well then, hear this—with CEREC One Day Crowns, we can restore your decayed or damaged tooth in, well, a day. Now, a new crown from Dr. Rick Cofer and the team in Waco, TX, no longer requires two appointments in the office. The CEREC in-office dental CAD/CAM equipment by Sirona allows us to restore your tooth quickly and beautifully and send you on your way smiling.
Dental Crowns Waco Can Smile About
There are a variety of reasons why you may need a crown. Perhaps one of your teeth is severely decayed or is damaged due to injury. A root canal also usually necessitates a crown. Or maybe you need a crown to secure a bridge in place. Whatever the reason, with CEREC, Waco residents can have a newly restored tooth and smile in practically no time.
The CEREC system includes a digital camera with which we obtain an optical impression of the tooth that needs repair; 3-D CAD software that designs the restoration; and a milling unit that uses high-speed burs to fabricate your new tooth right in our office.
The One Day Crown Procedure
First, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and that the area surrounding the affected tooth is adequately anesthetized. Then, a digital photograph is taken of the tooth and sent to the CEREC computerized system. This system in turn creates a virtual model of your teeth in order to create a crown that is accurate in color, shape and bite surface. This design is transferred to the CEREC milling unit at Premier Family Dental and your new crown is fabricated in about 20 minutes. Once the restoration is ready, it can be polished, stained or glazed for a completely natural appearance. Finally, your new tooth is inspected, checked for fit and cemented into place.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’d like to learn more about crowns in a day with CEREC, or to make an appointment, call Premier Family Dental. Our Waco, TX, dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.
Porcelain Veneers from Premier Family Dental in Waco, TX
June 15, 2015
When you look in the mirror or catch your smile in a photograph, do you see the smile you really want or is it the one nature gave you? You know, you don’t necessarily have to settle for what Mother Nature dishes out. You can make a change, and one of the most convenient and striking changes happen when you choose porcelain veneers from Dr. Rick Cofer at Premier Family Dental in Waco, TX. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Cofer and his staff have improved the smiles of many in Waco, and he can do the same for you.
The smile on your face that you see every day can become marred by a number of cosmetic imperfections:
- Chipped or slightly cracked teeth
- Teeth that have gaps in between them
- Stained or discolored teeth that have not responded to teeth whitening
- Teeth that are somewhat crooked
- Misshaped teeth
All of these smile downers can be addressed with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Waco Loves
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin layers of dental porcelain that are adhesively bonded to the facial side of teeth in your smile zone. Essentially, they provide a complete smile makeover in usually only two office visits.
At the first visit, Dr. Cofer—the cosmetic dentist Waco trusts most—will prepare the teeth that will have veneers. He’ll remove a minimal amount of enamel, which will strengthen the adhesion of your new veneers to your teeth and make sure your veneers lie flush with your other teeth. Then, we’ll take impressions of your prepared teeth and discuss your smile goals. The impressions, along with Dr. Cofer’s exacting instructions, are sent to a cosmetic dental lab, which will fabricate your custom veneers in a few weeks. You’ll return to Premier Family Dental to have your new smile put in place, complements of porcelain veneers.
Call Our Office Today
For a consultation about porcelain veneers or any other cosmetic dentistry service, call Premier Family Dental. Our Waco, TX, dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.