Why Routine Dental Exams For Adults Matter

July 15, 2015

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:29 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Foods/Drinks That Stain — Tags: , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 5:10 pm

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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Your 76712 Dentist

June 29, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:00 am

170082992When 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

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:00 am

134124545At 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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:00 am

92589293When 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.

ClearCorrect from the Cosmetic Dentist Waco, TX, Trusts

June 8, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:32 pm

177241677If you missed the chance to wear traditional braces with metal brackets and wires when you were a kid, then you may still be longing for a smile with beautiful straight teeth. However now, as an adult, you may not be game for the appearance or the hassle—the gum and cheek irritation, the frequent appointments to adjust your braces—that traditional braces require. So, consider ClearCorrect from Premier Family Dental in Waco, TX.

As the name suggests, ClearCorrect straightens your teeth—clearly. And we mean that literally. ClearCorrect uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into their proper alignment. There are no metal brackets and no metal wires to bother you or for others to see.

The ClearCorrect Process

Dr. Rick Cofer and his team will take exact measurements of your teeth, as well as photographs, x-rays and molded impressions. These are then sent to the ClearCorrect lab where your custom designed aligners are fabricated. They’ll arrive in our office as a series of sets. All you do is wear each set for the predetermined amount of time before moving on to the next. As you progress through you sets, you’ll begin to see a change in the appearance of your teeth. Gradually your smile will become straighter and straighter. Of course, Dr. Cofer will need to see you in the office periodically to make sure you’re progressing as planned.

The Benefits of ClearCorrect

Wearing clear braces, Waco residents enjoy a number of benefits:

  • Braces that are completely inconspicuous
  • No uncomfortable and distracting metal wires or broken brackets
  • Removable aligners, so you can eat what you want and brush and floss your teeth as usual
  • A treatment time that is typically completed in 12 to 18 months

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to know more about how ClearCorrect can enhance your smile, then schedule an appointment with Premier Family Dental.  Our Waco, TX, dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.

Teeth Whitening Waco, TX, Smiles About

May 25, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:04 pm

185575494Have you noticed that summer just seems to be a happy time? The kids are out of school, the pace slows down, there’s more time to enjoy the company of family and close friends and fun activities are plentiful around Waco. You could go for a bike ride at Cameron Park, spend a relaxing day cruising Lake Brazos or learn something new at the Mayborn Museum Complex. No matter what activity you choose, there are sure to be lots of smiles, and you want yours looking bright and attractive. If your smile could use a boost, then consider teeth whitening from Premier Family Dental in Waco, TX. Dr. Rick Cofer is the cosmetic dentist Waco area residents rely on for healthy and beautiful smiles. With teeth whitening now, your smile will be ready for the fun and sun of summer.

Teeth Whitening for You

As people age, teeth can become stained and discolored for a number of reasons—not the least of which is the unavoidable aging process itself. Other causes include:

  • Frequently consumed foods and beverages, such as chocolate, berries, carrots, coffee, tea, and colas
  • Smoking and chewing tobacco
  • Minor cracks in your teeth that hide food particles and other debris
  • Teeth grinding and clenching, which can darken the biting surfaces of your teeth
  • Certain medications and medical treatments
  • Your genetic predisposition for teeth that look more yellow, gray or brown

Whiter Teeth in a Flash!

For the fastest teeth whitening, Robinson and Waco can come to Premier Family Dental for Zoom! Teeth Whitening. This system can take your smile from drab to dazzling in just about one hour. With Zoom, we’ll apply the professional grade whitening gel to your teeth. Then, a special light activates and speeds the whitening process. Your smile will be up to eight shades whiter and brighter.

If your schedule is too busy for another appointment, then we also offer custom take-home whitening trays. We’ll give you bleaching trays that fit your teeth perfectly. Simply fill the trays with the gel we provide and wear them according to Dr. Cofer’s instructions. You should see dramatic results in less than a week.

Call Our Office Today

If you want your smile to be a white and bright as possible for summer, then schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Premier Family Dental.  Our Waco, TX, dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.

Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection: Periodontal Therapy in Waco, TX

April 24, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 6:39 pm

178845072When you think of gum disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it’s the red, swollen gums that seem to pull back from the teeth or the pink toothpaste in the sink after brushing or flossing. While receding and bleeding gums are among the most common results of gum disease, there are several complications associated with this condition that seem unrelated at first glance. Today, we’d like to talk about the way periodontal therapy can help you reduce your risk of a variety of systemic health problems.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Body

Research has proven the existence of a link between gum health and overall physical wellness. When the bacteria from infected gum tissue are allowed to travel through the blood stream, it can infect other tissues located throughout the body. In fact, multiple studies have discovered a relationship between gum disease and the following serious health conditions:

  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High blood pressure
  • Complications with diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Complications in pregnancy, including pre-term birth and low birth weight

Fortunately, periodontal disease is highly preventable with proper home hygiene and regular visits to Premier Family Dental for thorough cleanings. If you do develop gum disease, Dr. Cofer and his team can provide you with the periodontal care you need to reduce your risk of further complications.

Protect Yourself from Gum Disease

At Premier Family Dental, we want you and your family to enjoy optimal oral health and overall wellness for life. That’s why our Waco, TX dental office is happy to offer an all-inclusive range of preventive and general dentistry our-services. If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, please contact our office today to schedule your next visit. Our practice proudly serves families from throughout Waco, Lorena, Robinson, and beyond.

Smile Confidently with Help from Your Cosmetic Dentist in Waco, TX

April 10, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 6:36 pm

101799276As your Waco, TX cosmetic dentist, Dr. Cofer of Premier Family Dental is committed to helping you achieve the beautiful, confident smile of your dreams. Our cosmetic dentistry our-services are designed with your comfort, oral health, and satisfaction in mind. We want you to love your smile!

A Cosmetic Dentist Waco, TX Trusts

When you are looking for the best cosmetic dentist in Waco, you need to know that the oral healthcare professional you ultimately choose offers a full menu of our-services that can be customized to meet your unique needs. Dr. Cofer and his team are happy to offer an all-encompassing selection of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including:

  • Professional teeth whitening – We offer both Zoom! Whitening and custom take-home whitening trays for your convenience. Both methods effectively remove years of stains from your teeth, giving you the brilliantly white smile you’ve always wanted.
  • Porcelain veneers – These wafer-thin shells of dental porcelain are capable of correcting a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections, including chips, stains, cracks, gaps between teeth, and moderate crowding or misalignment. You’ll love your new celebrity smile!
  • ClearCorrect – Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment, ClearCorrect clear aligners gradually reposition teeth without the use of metal brackets or wires. The aligners are virtually invisible, incredibly comfortable, and easily removed for eating or brushing and flossing.

Whatever your smile needs to shine its brightest, you’ll find it at your Waco, TX cosmetic dentist’s office, Premier Family Dental.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are looking for a small fix for one unsightly tooth or you are interested in a total smile makeover, our team is here to help. Contact our office in Waco, TX today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cofer and his talented, highly skilled team. We genuinely look forward to helping you reveal a brighter, more attractive smile with our extensive menu of cosmetic dentistry our-services. Our Waco dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Robinson, Lorena, and beyond.

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