Premier Family Dental Blog

Have A Healthy Smile for Summer with Regular Checkups

July 7, 2014

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!

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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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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We Can Help with Your Dental Insurance

May 16, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dental insurance, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:34 pm

Everyone at Premier Family Dental understands that finding dental insurance can be an extremely daunting task. When you or your employer finally finds that amazing, high quality dental care, which is where the team at Premier Family Dental comes in.

We accept dental insurance from nine out of the ten major employers in Waco. Because we know that dealing with insurance can be not the best experience, we are happy to take care of all of your required paperwork. Our main goal is to make such an experience easy and convenient, so that you, our patient, is well taken care of.

Some of our best patients refer their coworkers to us from places L-3 Communications, Mars Chocolate, and the City of Waco. We more than likely take your company’s insurance plan, which is half of the battle in ensuring your smile is healthy and beautiful. Dr. Cofer and his wife, Andrea, along with our amazingly talented team make it a top priority to make sure you are treated like family every single time you come and visit our office. We want to make sure you come back to our practice, not solely because we accept your dental insurance, but because we have given you an experienced that cannot be matched by any other dental practice.

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How To Make Brushing Teeth Fun For Kids!

April 30, 2014

Filed under: Children's Dentistry — Tags: children's dentistry, Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:45 pm

Many parents may find it difficult to make oral care exciting and fun for their children. Getting your child to brush their teeth may be a hassle, every morning and night being a feat to overcome. Although some parents have come up with creative ways to make sure brushing teeth is fun, some parents still may be wondering how they can get their children to be excited about good oral care. Dr. Rick Cofer is an avid believer in establishing good oral care routines early on, and we have some suggestions for parents who want to make brushing teeth time into fun time!

One of the things parents can do to make brushing teeth time fun for their children is to join them in the fun! Brush your teeth with your children, and it will become a wonderful bonding moment between you. Show your child how you brush your teeth, and let them mimic you. Fun toothbrushes are also a wonderful way to make oral care fun! If your child has a favorite cartoon movie or superhero, having their toothbrushes match is a wonderful way to get them excited about brushing their teeth.

Another great way to get kids excited about brushing their teeth is to have tasty toothpaste! There are many flavors of toothpastes made especially for children, helping them enjoy the experience much, much more. Making up a song is another wonderful way to get children excited about brushing their teeth. Kids usually respond more to song rather than words, so making the experience a fun, musical one is definitely a way to get the on the right track of wanting to take care of their smile. No matter how you choose to make brushing teeth a fun experience, make sure your child’s smile is the top priority, and accomplishing great oral care will be a breeze!

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Make Your Smile Complete with Cosmetic Bonding

April 23, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic bonding, cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding, Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 7:43 pm

Whether your favorite suit needs to be taken in or your jewelry needs to be polished, all things go through life’s hard knocks, and it is important to make sure you take care of those things. Believe it or not, your teeth are no different. A few chips here and there can really start to take its toll on your smile, and you may think there is nothing you can do about it. Luckily, Dr. Chris Cofer is able to give his patients a new smile with the help of cosmetic bonding.

Cosmetic bonding is simple yet effective, as it gives you the ability to have a seamless smile with ease! It works by mixing a bonding liquid and a plastic resin, then placing it on your teeth. Once the bonding is set, Dr. Cofer will smooth and polish it to look like your natural tooth! At the end of the procedure, you are left with nothing but a beautiful, flawless smile!

One of the benefits to cosmetic bonding is the fact it can restore the confidence you may have lost feeling insecure about your smile. When you are not one hundred percent confident in your smile, you may find it hard to be around others or make a memorable first impression. With this simple procedure, you will be able to be secure in the fact that your smile is magnificent! If you are interested in cosmetic bonding and how Dr. Cofer is able to help change your smile in a single visit, call our office and we will be more than happy to assist you!

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We Welcome Everyone!

March 31, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Rick Cofer, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 3:10 pm

There is no doubt that our patients are what make us a successful practice. We appreciate each and every single one, but some people may not know they can come here! We want to open our doors to as many people as possible, especially those who did not think they would be able to!

Baylor University is less than five minutes away, and we love helping students have a healthy, beautiful smile while making good grades! And because we have so many payment options, Baylor students will be able to have all of their dental needs taken care of without worrying about breaking the bank. Our office overlooks Hillcrest Baptist Medical, and we love our patients at L-3 Communications! We do not just see college kids, either, as our practice is welcomes Waco and Midway ISD students! No matter where you come from, Dr. Rick Cofer along with the entire Premier Family Dental team are here to welcome everyone with open arms and friendly smiles!

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Premier Family Dental and Your Insurance

March 21, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dental insurance, Dr. Rick Cofer, general dentistry, Hewett, Lorena, Premier Family Dental, Robinson, Waco — Dr. Rick Cofer @ 2:54 pm

It is estimated that over 64 million Americans have periodontal disease. Although it is a startling realization, it is the unfortunate truth. What can be even more frustrating is when you discover your dental practice does not accept the insurance you have. At Premier Family Dental, we are proud to accept many forms of insurance and payment plans to make our patients’ lives easier!

Our practice accepts many of the major insurances, including GEHA, United Healthcare, and United Corncordia. More than likely, you will have no problem with us accepting your insurance. Also, if you do not see your insurance listed, you are more than welcome to send us a question on our financial options page!

We also accept CareCredit and Springleaf, both companies able to help you get the dental work you need done while working with you and your financial needs. Also, in order to help your appointment and entire experience go as smoothly as possible, we will file your dental insurance claims for you! Either way, our main goal at Premier Family Dental is that your experience is second to none!

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