David Earnest, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in San Marcos, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to delivering comprehensive General Dentistry care. Registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act), Dr. Earnest understands that General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (512) 392-1214 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. David Earnest, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in San Marcos, TX and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine in 2011. With over 10 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. His approach to dentistry emphasizes a patient-centered philosophy, as exemplified by Comal Dental's "no fear dentistry" program. This program begins with a thorough, individual conversation, utilizes advanced technology for comprehensive diagnoses, and ensures clear explanations throughout the visit. By tailoring individual prevention and treatment programs, Dr. Earnest ensures he meets the needs of each patient. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Earnest is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Earnest provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and early disease detection. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, fostering open communication and collaboration to address each patient's unique needs. His practice integrates oral health with overall systemic well-being, ensuring patients receive a holistic and effective treatment plan.
By working together, you and Dr. Earnest can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Earnest offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is gum inflammation, often causing redness, swelling, and bleeding gums; your dentist can diagnose and manage it to prevent further gum disease.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is the absence of one or more teeth, and a general dentist can help replace missing teeth with dentures, bridges, or implants.
- Toothache: Don't suffer with a toothache! Your dentist can identify what's causing the pain, whether it's a cavity, infection, or other dental problem, and offer solutions for relief.
- Dry Tooth Socket: When a tooth is pulled, a blood clot should form; if it doesn't (dry socket), your dentist can treat the pain and infection with medication and other procedures.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: If your jaw clicks when you open or close your mouth, your dentist can assess if it's a TMJ issue and recommend treatment options like splints or exercises.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Broken teeth, jaw fractures, or soft tissue injuries to the mouth resulting from trauma can all be addressed by a general dentist.
- Ankylosis of Tooth: If a tooth is ankylosed, it's essentially 'frozen' in place due to fusion with the jawbone, impacting its function; your dentist can determine the best course of action.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Earnest offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped or cracked teeth, improve their appearance, and close gaps between teeth.
- Dental Bridge: Dental bridges restore your natural bite and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
- Dental Crown: If a tooth is severely weakened or cracked, a crown can provide the necessary support and protection.
- Dental Implant: If you're missing teeth, dental implants can act like real tooth roots, supporting crowns or dentures for a natural-looking and functioning smile.
- Denture Repair: If your dentures are cracked, loose, or uncomfortable, repair services can restore their usability.
- Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, crowding, or infection, extraction is a surgical procedure to remove them.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are custom-made appliances that replace missing lower teeth, improving your bite and overall oral health.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses problems with existing dental implants, such as loose or broken components, improving their stability and longevity.
- Root Canal: Root canal therapy is a treatment that addresses the inner portion of a tooth to save it from extraction when it's severely damaged or infected.
- Root Planing: This procedure, often done along with scaling, targets the root surfaces of your teeth to get rid of harmful bacteria and improve gum health.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures provide a full set of upper teeth, improving the appearance and function of your smile and restoring your ability to chew properly.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Earnest is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their gingivitis, experiencing a noticeable reduction in gum inflammation and bleeding. This improved oral health contributed to a significant boost in their overall well-being.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient regained confidence in their smile and improved their ability to eat comfortably, thanks to the restoration of missing teeth.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
312 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX, 78666
Phone: (512) 392-1214
View on Map
- The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio Dental School (Other Education) - 2011
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School) - 2011
- The University Of Texas At Arlington (Undergraduate School) - 2007
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Earnest:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about your teeth; it's an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Earnest can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow the dental team to remove tartar buildup and catch problems like small cavities or early gum disease before they become painful or expensive to treat.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Earnest will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, worn-down enamel, or other issues. Dr. Earnest can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, and check for cavities or cracked teeth.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Earnest, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Many root canals can be performed right here in the office by Dr. Earnest.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing strength and protection.
312 Cheatham St
San Marcos TX 78666
Phone: (512) 392-1214
David Earnest, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1841585973
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. David Earnest are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.