Recover Your Healthy Smile with a Custom Dental Crown in Waco, TX

March 24, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 8:41 pm

152124185Decayed and damaged teeth can often be saved and restored with a quality dental crown. Dental crowns are the dental fail-safe responsible for renewing the dental health and saving the natural teeth of millions and millions of patients. If you have recently discovered a decayed or damage tooth, Dr. Cofer can help. Schedule your dental crown restoration appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today. Premier Family Dental is the leading restorative dentistry of Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Your teeth have two main components, the root and the crown. The root of the tooth is covered by your gums. The part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line is called the crown. A permanent cemented restoration that partially or completely covers the tooth crown is known as a dental crown. Historically, dental crowns were made of metal (amalgam), but modern dentistry utilizes tooth colored porcelain and ceramic which blend seamlessly with your natural surrounding teeth, rendering your restoration virtually invisible.

Do You Need a Dental Crown Restoration?

You may require a dental crown to restore a tooth and protect it from extraction:

  • After a Dental Filling: If you have a tooth with an unusually large cavity or fracture (involving half the width of the tooth or more) you will probably need a dental crown. The remaining tooth structure will be too weak and prone to fracture if left uncovered.
  • After Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy can leave the treated tooth hollowed out, which makes it vulnerable to cracking.
  • To Repair a Fractured Tooth: You may need a dental crown to cover a tooth with fractures inside that cause pain when chewing.
  • To Reinforce a Worn Down Tooth: If you have a teeth grinding habit, your teeth will become shorter over time or your enamel may wear away completely. The only way to restore your teeth properly is by increasing and reinforcing the biting surface with a dental crown.
  • To Restore a Damaged Tooth: Individual teeth that require color, shape, or alignment correction can be made to look naturally beautiful with a new dental crown.

Waco Dental Crown Appointments

If you need immediate tooth repair, schedule a dental crown restoration appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today. Premier Family Dental is the trusted restorative dentistry of Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring areas.

Dr. Cofer Offers Comprehensive Tooth Loss Solutions with Modern Dentures in Waco, TX

March 10, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:31 pm

469623579You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your quality of life because of tooth loss. Dr. Cofer understands the many challenges that tooth loss patients must overcome. That’s why he’s committed to empowering tooth loss patients with high quality and reliable tooth replacement solutions. At Premier Family Dental, we offer modern dentures with the improved form and fit you deserve. If you’ve lost several or all of your natural teeth from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, we have the replacement solutions you need to fully restore your appearance and your oral health. Modern dentures can make it easier to eat and speak and help fill out your facial contours and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even improve the look of your smile. If you’re ready to tackle tooth loss for good, schedule a customized dentures consultation appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is an experienced and trusted Waco restorative dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

We Offer High Quality Full Dentures in Waco, TX

With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, and the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

We Offer Custom Fabricated Partial Dentures in Waco, TX

Partial dentures actually rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural remaining teeth. Sometimes crowns can be placed on some of your natural teeth to serve as anchors for the partial denture. Partial dentures are the removable alternative to dental bridges.

We Offer State-of-the-Art Implant Retained Dentures in Waco, TX

Implant retained dentures are secured by permanent dental implants. Dental implants are fixed in the jawbone and offer enhanced stability and retention for anchoring a removable denture. Your dentures will stay firmly in place while eating and speaking, but can be easily removed for cleaning.

Waco Modern Dentures Appointments

Whether you need dentures for the first time, or you need to replace your old dentures, Dr. Cofer can help. Schedule your personalized dentures consultation appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today. Premier Family Dental is trusted by families daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring areas.

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.

Eliminate Toothache Pain and Discomfort with Gentle Root Canal Therapy in Waco, TX

January 24, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 4:47 pm

511387073Are you suffering from constant or sporadic tooth pain? If so, you should seek immediate medical attention. Tooth ache pain is a clear indication of an inner tooth infection. Only root canal therapy can effectively provide inner tooth infection treatment. Save your tooth from extraction and get the pain relief you deserve today; schedule a root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental.  Dr. Cofer is a competent and compassionate restorative dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

What is a Root Canal?

The inner tooth pulp chamber at the center of the tooth contains nerve tissues within root canals. The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth’s root through the pulp chamber. Although a tooth’s nerve is not vitally important after the tooth has emerged through the gums, it can still cause severe pain and sensitivity when infected or inflamed.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

With root canal therapy, the inflamed or infected pulp is gently removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Root canal treated teeth can be restored with a dental crown or filling for added protection. After treatment is completed, your tooth looks and functions like any other tooth.

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

When your nerve tissue and inner pulp is infected, it decays, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed material can cause:

  • An abscessed tooth
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Prolonged sensitivity
  • Discoloration
  • Swelling and tenderness of the gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gum

Waco Root Canal Therapy Appointments

Toothache pain and discomfort should never be tolerated. Schedule the root canal therapy appointment you need with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is a trusted Waco restorative dentist, now serving patients of all ages daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring areas.

Correct Smile Imperfections with New Porcelain Veneers Cosmetic Treatment in Waco, TX

January 10, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 4:17 pm

77832294Picture perfect smiles aren’t reserved for the rich and famous. We can all have a camera ready smile with new porcelain veneers from Dr. Cofer. Expertly crafted and custom fabricated porcelain veneers can restore discolored or fractured teeth and even improve upon your natural smile characteristics. Porcelain veneers can quickly correct minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps too. If you’ve been hiding from the camera because of a less than perfect smile, schedule a porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is an experienced and trusted Waco cosmetic dentist, now proudly renewing smiles daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Porcelain Veneers and How Are They Placed?

Veneers are actually a compilation of several thin ceramic layers which can replace damaged or compromised tooth enamel. To apply new porcelain veneers, about a millimeter of the original tooth enamel must be removed. This is essential to create room for the porcelain veneer to fit seamlessly over the tooth. The strength of the bond between the original tooth and porcelain veneer is critical to achieve the esthetic perfection you desire, as well as the correct functioning of the veneer alongside your natural teeth. Light-sensitive resin is placed between the enamel and veneer and the mixture is cemented permanently using a special curing light.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Veneers are extremely versatile and can successfully repair tooth color, shape, and contour. They can also fix fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations, hide minor bite-related problems. For many patients, superficial stains do not respond well to traditional teeth whitening or bleaching. In these cases, new veneers may also be the best option.

Waco Porcelain Veneers Appointments

Quickly regain the bright and confident smile you desire. Schedule your personalized porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is a highly qualified Waco cosmetic dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring areas.

Smile Confidently This Season with Holiday Teeth Whitening from Dr. Cofer

December 24, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 2:51 pm

82636110Are you dreading the many holiday “pics” you’ll be asked to take this year? If you’re camera shy because of stained or discolored teeth, it’s time take care of the problem once and for all with a holiday teeth whitening solution from Premier Family Dental. Dr. Cofer is an experienced cosmetic dentist that delivers fast and reliable treatment. Make your appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today for the holiday teeth whitening you need.  Premier Family Dental restores smiles daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Your Holiday Teeth Whitening Choices?

You have three basic choices for whitening your teeth. You could switch to a teeth whitening toothpaste. However, this is probably the least effective method. Whitening toothpastes don’t actually contain the beaching agents necessary to correct stains and discoloration. They contain mild abrasives that can only polish away shallow surface stains. Teeth whitening toothpaste is best used as a way to maintain your results after you have chosen a more effective method. Your next choice may be to try an over-the-counter teeth whitening product. These products may come in the form of whitening strips, gels, rinses, or trays. Though more powerful than teeth whitening toothpastes, it can take several weeks of daily use before these products begin to show any significant results. In addition, the prolonged exposure to bleaching agents could be irritating if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Your best bet is to choose professional teeth whitening from a qualified cosmetic dentist. Dr. Cofer offers professional take-home teeth whitening with custom made whitening trays that you can use at your leisure. Professional whitening can whiten your teeth by several shades after just a few days. Dr. Cofer can also ensure that your gums are protected from irritation and infection.

Holiday Teeth Whitening Appointments in Waco, TX

Don’t miss out on all those special holiday moments because you have to hide a discolored smile. Make a holiday teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Cofer today. Dr. Cofer and the attentive team at Premier Family Dental can help you achieve the teeth whitening results you deserve.  Premier Family Dental proudly serves families throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and nearby areas.

Use Your 2014 Dental Insurance Benefits Before Time Runs Out

December 10, 2014

Filed under: Dental Insurance Benefits,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:26 pm

178150902Have you been to the dentist this year? If you haven’t, your dental insurance benefits may expire on December 31st. By making an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today you can ensure that your 2014 dental insurance benefits aren’t wasted.  Dr. Cofer and his talented team are ready to help you get the dental treatments you need to stay healthy year round. Premier Family Dental proudly serves families daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

Why Should You Use Your 2014 Dental Insurance Benefits?

There are several good reasons to use your dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of the year. First, many dental insurance plans have yearly maximums. These maximums vary, but if not used within the calendar year, they will not roll over. Allowing these benefits to expire will only make the dental procedures you may need next year more expensive. Additionally, if you take the time to invest in preventive dental care this year, it will probably help you avoid restorative care costs in the future. Another reason to use your dental insurance benefits is your monthly plan premiums. Why pay for our-services and not use them? Even if your teeth are generally healthy, you still need regular dental checkups and cleanings to keep them that way. However, the most important reason to use your dental benefits is to protect your health. Dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease only get worse over time. This means that the fees for the our-services you need will only increase the longer you postpone treatment. Be smart. Visit Dr. Cofer this year to save your naturally healthy teeth, and your budget.

Take Advantage of Your 2014 Dental Insurance Benefits Today

Make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental for your end of year dental checkup today.  Dr. Cofer is an experienced and trusted Waco family dentist. Premier Family Dental serves patients of all ages throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and nearby areas.

The Healthy Teeth Diet

November 24, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 6:35 pm

494365699There are plenty of diet books and programs on the market for weight loss, but there are far fewer resources for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Sometimes, we may fail to realize that people will notice our teeth just as easily as they notice our weight. If you are concerned about keeping your teeth as healthy as possible, try adding some of these “healthy teeth” foods into your daily diet. Although good nutrition is essential to maintaining your good oral health, remember that there is no substitution for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Get healthier at home and then make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental.  Everyday Dr. Cofer and his experienced team help families stay healthy throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and surrounding communities.

Healthy Teeth Diet Suggestions

Avoid sugar packed and carbohydrate rich foods whenever possible. Then try incorporating the following healthy teeth foods into your family’s diet:

  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Fortified soy and rice beverages
  • Canned salmon or sardines
  • Almonds
  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Spinach
  • Bananas
  • Orange colored fruits and veggies
  • Tea

Healthy Teeth Appointments for the Whole Family in Waco, TX

Your dental health is directly linked to your overall health. Practicing a healthy diet will not only help you maintain a healthy weight, it will also protect your teeth. These healthy teeth foods are packed with nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D and magnesium.  These minerals help protect your teeth and gums from decay and infection. Along with a good oral hygiene routine, the healthy teeth diet can keep your family’s teeth in tip top shape. Dr. Cofer wants to partner with you to prevent dental problems. Make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer and his team can provide professional dental cleanings and address any signs of trouble at the earliest stages. Dr. Cofer and his team at Premier Family Dental proudly serve families throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and nearby areas.

Holiday Dental Care Advice for the Whole Family

November 10, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 5:58 pm

452468229You may be extremely busy this time of year with holiday preparations, but remember that this is not the time to forget about proper dental care. In fact, you should be extra vigilant with your oral hygiene during the holidays because of the many tempting foods that are extra damaging to your dental health. When we consume sugar filled drinks and snacks, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouth is able to feed off of the sugary residue. As a result these bacteria produce an excess of tooth eroding acids that wear away our enamel and cause tooth decay. You don’t want to start off the New Year with a toothache. Fortify your family’s dental health over the holidays by making an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer and his team can help you protect your family’s teeth with dental sealants and fluoride treatments among other preventative our-services. Dr. Cofer and his experienced team at Premier Family Dental proudly serve families throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and surrounding communities.

5 Healthy Holiday Dental Care Tips:

  • Only eat sugar and carbohydrate rich foods as part of a balanced meal. The saliva needed to help digest larger meals washes away more food particles and helps neutralize harmful acids.
  • Avoid sticky foods like raisins, dates and dried fruit which can hold acid against teeth longer than other foods.
  • Keep a toothbrush or some mouthwash handy so that you can brush right after eating at holiday parties.
  • Chew more sugar free gum. The Xylitol in sugar free gum has been shown to help fight off cavities and gum disease.
  • Eat a piece of cheese or drink a glass of milk after enjoying a sugary snack. The calcium in these dairy products can help keep your teeth strong throughout the season.

Holiday Dental Care Appointments in Waco, TX

Make it a point to start off the New Year with a bright and healthy smile. You can easily make holiday dental care appointments for the whole family at Premier Family Dental today. Dr. Cofer and his highly qualified team restore smiles daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and nearby areas.

Dental Care 101: What to Do When You Get a Toothache

October 24, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 4:13 pm

469666295You’re happily going about your day when out of the blue you feel a sharp pain shoot through the left side of your mouth. Suddenly nothing else matters but this intense and throbbing pain. A toothache like this can often come without warning and without mercy. If you have ever had a toothache, you know that it’s nearly impossible to concentrate or do anything at all until you can get relief from the pain. It’s through this perilous situation that most people finally make time to see a dentist. That’s dental care the hard way. Don’t wait for the failure to see a dentist regularly to catch up with you in the form of a toothache. Prevent your next toothache altogether by making an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today. Dr. Cofer and his experienced team at Premier Family Dental specialize in preventative dental care. Premier Family Dental proudly serves patients throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena and surrounding communities.

Temporary Toothache Relief Tips

You can try these temporary toothache pain remedies while you wait for dental treatment:

  • Take a Painkiller– Make sure to only take the recommended dosage.
  • Apply a Cold Compress- Use a plastic bag with ice, cover it with a thin cloth or paper towel, and apply it directly to the cheek area just outside the tooth. The cold temperature will help ease the pain. Do not apply the ice directly to the tooth.
  • Numb the Area- Get an over-the-counter tooth and gum numbing gel and apply to the affected area in your mouth.
  • Floss- Sometimes a toothache is caused by a small piece of food that is lodged between the teeth and is exacerbating the pain of cavities or gum disease.
  • Clove Oil- This is an old home remedy that is said thought to at least ease the pain of a toothache. Simply rub a few drops on the affected tooth several times daily.
  • Sea Salt Rinse- A toothache that’s caused by an injury or a mild infection might go away on its own. You can make a rinse with warm water and a spoonful of sea salt that could help it along. When the salt dissolves, try gargling the water in your mouth, making sure it splashes around the affected area. Repeat as necessary, and make an appointment to see us for evaluation.

Toothache Prevention in Waco, TX

There is no question that the best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Some toothaches may be unavoidable due to injury, but the vast majority are caused by a lack of proper dental care. Don’t let a perceived fear of the dentist create actual toothache pain. Dr. Cofer can offer Sedation Dentistry techniques to ensure that your dental care is comfortable and virtually pain-free. Be proactive and make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer with Premier Family Dental today. Dr. Cofer and his gentle and experienced team at Premier Family Dental proudly serve patients throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena and surrounding cities.

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