About Dr. Rick Cofer

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Learn The Proper Flossing Technique and Why It’s So Important

September 10, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 1:47 pm

Keep your oral health in great shape by following our flossing guidelines.Flossing, next to brushing, is one of the best forms of preventive dentistry out there. Not only is it easy as pie to do, but it helps keep your mouth protected against harmful bacteria and other diseases. Brushing and flossing are like two peas in a pod – one shouldn’t be completed without the other. The benefits of flossing are numerous. You may not see them immediately or notice them at all, but we can assure you that by flossing you’re sending yourself down a path of excellent oral health.

Our Waco, TX office can help you nail down a perfect flossing routine, all you have to do is ask. You see, we’re much more than just a dental team that welcomes you to our office and sits you down for a procedure. We entrench ourselves in each patient’s dental situation. Whether it’s bad or good, we treat everyone. We do everything in our power to encourage proper at-home dental hygiene. We can teach proper flossing techniques if you need a refresher. In the meantime, enjoy this blog post about proper flossing techniques and why it’s so important for your oral health. Dr. Cofer is the Waco family dentist that can change your smile forever.
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Oral Hygiene For the Whole Family: Tips from Dr. Rick Cofer

September 2, 2015

Father and daughter brushing teeth with toothbrush recommended by Waco Dentist Premier Family DentalAs parents, we’re always busy. There’s a band concert tomorrow, a basketball game on Friday and doesn’t it seem like there’s a big math or English test every single day? We have tons of responsibilities in parenting, and in the midst of it all, other things can slip by. For example, your child’s teeth — when was the last time he or she visited the dentist? And are you sure they’re getting brushed (and flossed!) properly, two times a day? These may seem like minor details in the midst of everything else going on, but your Waco dentist is here to remind you that your child’s oral health should be one of your top priorities.
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You Can Prevent Cavities While Maintaining Good Oral Health

August 26, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:36 pm

Take care of cavities the first time.Good dental habits lead to healthy teeth. Healthy teeth lead to oral satisfaction. Oral satisfaction leads to smiles. Smiles lead to happiness. Thus, the cycle continues. Having a beautiful smile isn’t hard to come by, but it does take hard work to keep it looking beautiful. Part of having a beautiful smile is not having a single cavity. Cavities are notorious for causing many dental problems that usually lead to a root canal. There are ways to keep cavities at bay, all it takes is switching up your dental hygiene routine. Our office in Waco, TX knows all about cavities and the problems they can cause. Dr. Cofer and his staff are ready to take on any cavity problems you or a loved one may be experiencing. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, having a good dental hygiene regimen and sticking to it can pay huge dividends down the road. Keep your mouth clean with these friendly tips from the general dentist Waco can trust: Dr. Cofer.
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How To know If You Need Root Canal Therapy

August 19, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:29 pm

Root canal therapy can be great for your smile.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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The Teeth-Whitening Wars

August 12, 2015

Portrait of a happy woman living in the city

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

Filed under: Children's Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:26 pm

Keep your kids' mouths healthy this school year.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

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:45 pm

dental implantsPeople 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

134124545Your 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

ThinkstockPhotos-187673890Keeping 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:50 pm

Tooth sensitivityDealing 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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