Dentist in Waco Helps Determine the Best Filling Options

January 12, 2017

Looking for a natural dental restoration? Our dentist in Waco compares composite resin (tooth-colored) and amalgam (metal) fillings for you. If you or your child are facing uncomfortable sensitivity due to a cavity, you may want to visit our family friendly dentist in Waco, Dr. Rick Cofer. Premier Family Dental is familiar with dental restorations, specifically fillings. Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. We can provide you restored function, integrity, and most importantly, your confidence with a simple filling.

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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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Exchange Old Metal Fillings for New Tooth Colored Composite Fillings in Waco, TX

February 24, 2015

478321195How many metal fillings have you collected over the years? Many adult patients have steadily accumulated a mouth full of metal dental restorations. Though metal fillings can resolve tooth decay issues, they can also cause other dental health concerns as they age. If you have worn out metal restorations from years past, it’s time to replace them with new tooth colored composite fillings. Composite fillings offer many health and esthetic advantages over old metal fillings. If you have more than one old metal filling, schedule the composite filling appointment you need with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is a skilled Waco restorative dentist, now proudly delivering quality care daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the surrounding communities.

Metal (Amalgam) Dental Fillings

Metal fillings have been used in dentistry since the early nineteenth century. Metal fillings are still a popular restorative material and are generally used because of their relatively low cost and durability. Metal dental fillings are composed of about 35% silver, 15% tin and copper, small traces of zinc, and 50% mercury. Because of the high mercury content of metal fillings recent research have arisen questioning their long term health benefits. Mercury is a well documented toxin which could potentially cause some damage to your long term health.  In some countries pregnant women are even warned against having amalgam fillings during pregnancy. In addition, problems with metal fillings include:

  • Increased sensitivity of teeth after placing metal fillings due to the metal shrinking or expanding
  • Easily noticeable and esthetically displeasing
  • A large amount of healthy tooth structure must be removed before an amalgam filling can be applied
  • Some dental procedures can’t be performed (air abrasion) if you have a metal filling in your mouth
  • Over time old amalgam fillings can expand slightly and cause fracturing of the tooth

What Are the Benefits of Tooth Colored Composite Fillings?

With new tooth colored composite fillings no one will be able to that tell you’ve even had a tooth restored. In addition, a smaller amount of your healthy tooth is removed for composite filling application versus metal filling application.  With composite fillings there is less chance of any fracturing or chipping of your restored teeth, and your tooth structure is actually made stronger.  You can use your composite fillings immediately after they have been placed in your tooth, and you will never have to worry about the long term consequences of the restoration to your overall health and wellbeing.

Waco Composite Filling Appointments

If you have mounting concerns about your old metal fillings, schedule a composite fillings appointment with Dr. Cofer at Premier Family Dental today.  Dr. Cofer is trusted Waco restorative dentist, now proudly renewing smiles daily throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Lorena, and the neighboring cities.

Restore Your Smile with Composite Fillings

March 28, 2013

If you have a cavity, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible, before the damage is allowed to spread. Fillings are a great way to repair and restore your tooth. Cavities are a common dental concern. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, it’s still easy to miss a spot, allowing plaque to grow and cause a cavity.

At Premier Family Dental, we offer composite fillings. This is the preferred way to perform fillings because it gives a more pleasing appearance. Composite materials are tooth-colored so no one will be able to tell you’ve had any dental work. The decayed portion of your tooth will be removed and filled, leaving you with a tooth that is strong and full functional.

Also, composite fillings are preferable to the traditional silver amalgam option, both for appearance and for health concerns. If you’re concerned about the risk of mercury from amalgam fillings, then composite fillings are a great option for your smile.

If you have a cavity, a composite filling is a great solution. Your tooth will be healthy once again, and since the composite will be matched to the color of your natural teeth, no one will be able to tell that you had any work done at all. Call us today to schedule an appointment and see how simple it can be to repair your smile.

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!