Premier Family Dental Blog

Don’t Let Gum Disease Get Out of Hand

October 10, 2014

You are smart, driven, capable and incredibly busy. You diligently balance work and family responsibilities every day, and even manage to find time to have a little fun. Yet, like most of us, there is still one area of your life where you find it difficult to be proactive. If you haven’t been to the dentist lately, it’s time to take action. If you have ever discovered blood while brushing or flossing your teeth then you could already have the gum disease, gingivitis. You may have heard of gingivitis in mouthwash or toothpaste commercials, but dentists know it as the silent menace that, if left untreated, can literally ruin your good health. You can’t afford to procrastinate when it comes to your health. Gum disease can be treated and even reversed, but only if it’s caught in the early stages of development. Make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today to get the gum disease treatment you need. Dr. Cofer and his experienced team at Premier Family Dental proudly serve patients throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and surrounding communities.

You May Already Have Gum Disease If:

You suffer from chronic bad breath
Your gums appear red or swollen
Your gums are tender or bleeding when you brush your teeth
It’s painful to chew certain foods
You have loose teeth
You have extremely sensitive teeth
Your gums appear to be receding or your teeth appear longer

Gum Disease Treatment in Waco, TX

The good news is that there are many effective gum disease treatments available today. The dentist can start with a deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planning, to get rid of the plaque and tartar buildup around your gum line that causes gingivitis. However, if your gum disease has been allowed to advance into the periodontitis stage, more invasive procedures may be necessary to save your teeth. This can include the need for flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts to repair long term gum disease damage. Don’t let gum disease get out of hand. Be proactive and make an appointment to see Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental. Dr. Cofer will assess your unique situation and find the periodontal treatment plan that works best for you. The team at Premier Family Dental proudly serves patients throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and surrounding cities.

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Enjoy A Restored Smile with Dental Implants

September 24, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: dental implants, Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, restorative dentistry, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 6:14 pm

One thing that can really have someone feeling insecure about their smile is having teeth missing. Aside from being aesthetically unappealing, having a smile that is incomplete can have damaging effects on someone’s self-esteem and the way they interact with others. Though there are many ways a person can lose a tooth, or several teeth, the result is nearly always the same: someone feeling less than confident. Though it may seem as though there is nothing you can do to restore your smile, Dr. Rick Cofer is able to rejuvenate the smiles of his patients by offering dental implants at his Waco, TX dental office.

One of the wonderful things about Dr. Cofer performing your dental implant procedure is the fact that everything can be done in the same office. Unlike some other dental practices that send you to multiple offices to get the procedure done, Dr. Cofer is able to take care of your procedure from beginning to end in one place. Also, Dr. Cofer has had extensive training and success in dental implantology, accumulating an astonishing 192 hours of study. There is no doubt you will be in excellent hands with Dr. Cofer performing your procedure.

Dr. Cofer will set up a consultation with you, where he will be able to assess your smile in its current condition, and determine whether or not dental implants are right for you. Dental implanting involves embedding a titanium post into your jaw bone, which replaces the missing tooth root. Over time, the post will fuse with the bone in your jaw, creating a strong, lasting bond. After the right amount of time has passed, your tooth-resembling crown is placed on top, making your smile look natural and organic! Dental implants can also be used to support dentures and partials, eliminating the embarrassment of slippage and the inconvenience of denture creams. If you would like Dr. Cofer’s help in completing your smile with dental implants, contact our office today!

Premier Family Dental provides quality dental care from our Waco dental office because we truly believe in the power of a beautiful smile. We serve patients from Robinson, Lorena, and the Central Texas area. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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Straighten Your Smile with Ease Using ClearCorrect

September 10, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: clearcorrect, Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, restorative dentistry, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 6:12 pm

If you have a misaligned or gapped smile, you could find it difficult to be proud of the way you look overall. You may have considered straightening your smile, but the thought of going through life with uncomfortable wires and brackets associated with traditional braces could have turned you away. Fortunately, we live in an age where dental technology is always advancing, and having an aligned smile can be done simply and conveniently! Dr. Rick Cofer is able to offer ClearCorrect Braces to his patients, providing the discreet orthodontic care they deserve.

One of the amazing things about ClearCorrect is that the trays sit clearly on your smile, making it look like you have nothing on your smile at all! ClearCorrect works through a cycle of straightening trays, all custom made to fit your smile only. Each tray is indicative of a different stage of your straightening treatment. After you wear a tray for a certain amount of time, simply remove it and apply the next one in the set! Because each tray is made to fit you, your orthodontic treatment is as personalized as ever, promising amazing results!

One reason why ClearCorrect is wonderful is because you are not restricted to a certain diet while wearing them. With traditional braces, there are certain foods and drinks you cannot enjoy, whereas with ClearCorrect, you have total freedom. Also, you are able to have better oral health with ClearCorrect, as any time you have to floss, drink, brush, or eat, simply remove and reapply the tray when necessary. If you would like Dr. Cofer’s help in aligning your smile using ClearCorrect, contact our office today!

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Which Toothpastes Are Best?

August 20, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:33 pm

Simple actions such as brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis are excellent ways in making sure your smile is as healthy as it can be. Many people do not realize that brushing and flossing your teeth every day not only take care of your oral health, but the health of your entire body as well. When you walk down the oral care aisle, there are so many options to choose from that you may feel overwhelmed. Choosing the right toothpaste for you may seem like an easy enough task, but it can really take some thought in order to make sure all of your oral care needs are properly met. Dr. Rick Cofer wants his patients to be as informed as possible when choosing a toothpaste as to achieve oral health success.

A very important aspect to look for when choosing a good toothpaste is making sure that the toothpaste has fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth as well as attracts other minerals, all contributing to a healthier, stronger smile. Fluoride also prevents dental decay, cavities being an example. Acid is released when the bacteria in your smile feed off of the sugars and starches left behind after you eat and drink, and fluoride is an excellent way to fight that acid.

Another thing to look for is making sure the toothpaste has tartar control. Tartar is hardened plaque, and, if left to its own devices, puts you at a higher risk of gum disease and other oral decay. Some tartar control toothpastes contain Triclosan, which is an antibiotic that kills bacteria that live in your mouth. One of the most important things to look for is a toothpaste that is ADA approved. Keeping these few tips in mind, you are sure to experience better oral and bodily health!

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Find Relief in Root Canal Therapy

August 6, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, restorative dentistry, Robinson, root canal therapy, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:30 pm

Whether it is mild or severe, living in constant pain would be hard on anyone. Tooth pain is especially taxing on the mind, body, and heart, and is known to be one of the worst types of pain someone can experience. Though tooth pain may not seem like a big deal to some people, there can be serious underlying issues regarding your smile that could cause any sort of pain or discomfort. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you may need root canal therapy performed, and Dr. Rick Cofer is able to give you relief from your discomfort.

A root canal is required when bacteria has infected your tooth’s pulp, usually due to a cavity gone awry. When the harmful bacterium has reached your pulp, the result is pain and pressure, and it only gets worse over time. If left untreated, the bacterium in your mouth has the potential to enter your blood stream, putting other areas of your body in harm’s way. A few signs that indicate that you may need root canal therapy are tooth pain and sensitivity, tenderness, and discoloration of the tooth.

Root canal therapy is a simple procedure with highly effective and relieving results. Dr. Cofer will address the infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp. After that, he will fill the tooth with a bio-compatible material. Depending on the strength of your tooth, Dr. Cofer may put a crown on top of your tooth, protecting it from further harm and preventing bacteria from entering the tooth again. At the end of the procedure, you are left feeling alleviated of pain! If you would like Dr. Cofer to help with your root canal therapy, make an appointment today at our Waco, TX dental office today!

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Have A Healthy Smile for Summer with Regular Checkups

July 7, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: checkups, dental checkups, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, restorative dentistry, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 4:14 pm

Now that summer is here, it is important to make sure your smile is as healthy as possible. There is no doubt you will be meeting tons of new people and reconnecting with old friends this summer season, and many think it is important to make sure their smile is in tip top shape. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you are not secure in your smile, you may find it difficult to really make a lasting impression on people. Dr. Rick Cofer loves teaching his patients about the importance of regular dental checkups, and he is able to give his patients the healthiest smile possible with dental checkups.

One of the first things involved in a dental checkup is a deep cleaning. We will inspect your entire mouth to make sure there are no signs of decay. We will remove anything that could be damaging to your smile, such as bacteria, plaque, tartar, and etcetera. Dr. Cofer will also check your mouth for any signs of gum disease, tackling the issue immediately should he find anything. When gum disease is left untreated, it has the potential to lead to more severe effects on the body, such as heart disease, dementia, and stroke.

Dr. Cofer is also able to take care of your entire family, even the youngest of members! Dr. Cofer pays special attention to his younger patients, knowing that a visit to the dentist is not necessarily the most fun experience for them. The entire Premier Family Dental team makes a special effort in making your little one feel as comfortable as possible at our office. We protect their smiles with the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and we will be able to teach them proper oral care for the healthiest smile possible! A solid oral care routine starts at an early age, and we cannot wait to show your little one the dos and don’ts of a beautiful smile!

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How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: chewing gum, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 4:12 pm

There are many habits that people have that they perform without even thinking about it. Biting nails, playing with hair- both of these are examples of habits people do unconsciously. Another habit may be chewing gum. Chewing gum is a simple yet effective habit that can ease your stress, keep you occupied, or simply cure a simple sweet tooth. What you may not know, however, is that chewing gum could be good for your teeth!

Since ancient times, the Greeks, Mayans, and Native Americans all enjoyed in some form of gum chewing, and today in the 21^st century, we are no different. With so many options of chewable delights to choose from, sometimes the options can be overwhelming, but they all work to deliver a healthier smile. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth, and that increase can neutralize and eliminate the acids and leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. This also leads to a lower risk of plaque and tartar buildup, as the bacteria will not have enough time to stay in your mouth and attach themselves to your teeth.

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least twenty minutes after eating a meal helps prevent tooth decay, which can really make a difference down the road in regards to your smile.

So the next time you put a piece of gum in your mouth, you will be able to relish in the fact that it is doing wonders for your smile! Be sure to get a gum that is sugar free, as we do not want to ruin your beautiful smile with harmful sugars!

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Celebrate Summer with A New Smile with Porcelain Veneers!

June 17, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, porcelain veneers, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 5:42 pm

One of the biggest things people are doing right now is preparing for summer. Getting their beach bodies ready and buying all of the food to make for the perfect barbeque, everyone is excited to finally be able to let their hair down and have some fun in the summer sun! One thing people may be overlooking, however, is revamping their smile! If you have crooked, misaligned, chipped, or stained teeth, you may feel as though your smile will never be exactly the way you want it. Fortunately, Dr. Rick Cofer is able to give you the smile of your dreams thanks to porcelain veneers.

The start to getting your porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with Dr. Cofer. There, he will be able to fully assess your smile in its current state, as well as ask you about your future goals regarding your smile. This will also give you the chance to address any questions or concerns you may have, as we want you to be fully informed throughout the entire procedure. Once it is determined that you are a candidate, that is where the real fun begins!

Your natural tooth is prepared for your porcelain veneers by removing a small bit of enamel. This way, we are sure your mouth has enough space for your new smile! Your custom made porcelain veneers are then added, and are made permanent with dental resin cement. A simple procedure, but at the end, you are left with a completely new smile that anyone would be proud of showing off! If you are curious as to how Dr. Cofer can help give your smile the makeover you deserve just in time for summer with porcelain veneers, make an appointment today, and the entire Premier Family Dental team will be glad to help!

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Tips and Tricks on How To Handle Your Bad Breath

June 3, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: bad breath, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, halitosis, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 5:41 pm

With summer making its bright, warm way into our lives, the world of laying by the pool and having outdoor barbeques are rapidly approaching. Celebrating summer means being surrounded by your closes friends and family, meaning people are getting their beach bodies ready and their refreshments cold. With all of the people you will encounter, it is very important you are healthy from the inside out, including your smile! Having fresh breath is an awesome way of making a first impression, and if you suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis, you may find it difficult to be confident in yourself. The people at Premier Family Dental are able to give you some insight as to what causes halitosis, and some ways of fixing the issue.

One of the causes for halitosis is not brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Food particles get stick between your teeth, and if they are left to sit, it causes bacteria growth. An antibacterial mouthwash is a good way of reducing these bacteria, as well as making sure you brush and floss your teeth every day. Also, smoking and/or chewing tobacco-based products causes bad breath, as well as stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and lessens your ability to taste and enjoy your favorite foods. Some of the signs of halitosis are an unrelenting bad taste in your mouth, severe dry mouth, and ill fitting dental appliances.

A few of the ways you can keep you halitosis under control is by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Also, seeing your dentist regularly, stopping smoking and using other tobacco-based produces, keeping a record of the kinds of food you eat, and drinking a lot of water are all sure ways you can be sure you have the freshest breath to celebrate the summer !

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We Can Help You Understand Your Dental Benefits

May 30, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dental insurance, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:35 pm

With over 20 companies in Waco, we more than likely take your insurance plan. We also understand that being able to decipher the ins and outs of insurance can be daunting, which is why are here ready and able to help you comprehend how you can utilize your benefits.

What many people may not know is that dental care is more about prevention than anything. Preventative dental care includes checkups, x rays, cleanings, and etcetera, all making sure your smile is the healthiest it can be from the inside out. In many cases, if you are in need of a crown, bridge, or dental implant, dental plans are able to help with the cost. All you would need to do is set up a free consultation with our insurance coordinator, and they will be able to tell you how you can take full advantage of your dental benefits plan.

Another large part of our cusses is the fact that we are so conveniently located. Off of I-135 and Highway 6, we are open five days a week, all to ensure that your smile gets the attention it needs. If you have any questions about your dental benefits and would like our help, never hesitate to call our office. We would love to get you on the fast track of having a beautiful, healthy smile!

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