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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Dental Implants and Dentures 101
July 29, 2015
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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.
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Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection: Periodontal Therapy in Waco, TX
April 24, 2015
When 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.
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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Schedule Your Child’s Pediatric Dental Care Visit Today
February 10, 2015
Celebrate 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.
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Smile Confidently This Season with Holiday Teeth Whitening from Dr. Cofer
December 24, 2014
Are 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.
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Use Your 2014 Dental Insurance Benefits Before Time Runs Out
December 10, 2014
Have 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.
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The Healthy Teeth Diet
November 24, 2014
There 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.
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Holiday Dental Care Advice for the Whole Family
November 10, 2014
You 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.
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Dental Care 101: What to Do When You Get a Toothache
October 24, 2014
You’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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