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.

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.

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

February 24, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:21 pm

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.

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.

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