Keith Rice, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his Waco, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care. He is registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). 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. Please call (254) 772-4184 to schedule an appointment.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Keith Rice. I grew up in the DFW Metroplex and received my dental degree from Indiana University in 2002. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed living in Indiana and practiced general dentistry there for several years. I chose to go back to school and received my degree from Baylor School of Dentistry specializing in Pediatric Dentistry in 2009, which also brought me back home to Texas. Through these years I developed a philosophy that has given me a strong foundation for beginning my career in pediatric dentistry. My philosophy entails becoming part of the community, establishing good rapport with patients and their families, and practicing with integrity. I feel deeply about making dental visits a positive experience. Equally important to me is to develop a good reputation throughout the community based on the high quality of care I give my patients. Outstanding service to my patients is my number one goal. On a personal note, I have an eleven year old daughter, Teagan. I enjoy all outdoor activities, golf, football, hunting and fishing. As surprising as it sounds I love to cook! Dr. Keith Rice provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Rice is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Rice's comprehensive general dentistry practice prioritizes preventative care and the overall well-being of each patient. He provides thorough examinations, diagnoses, and treatments for a wide range of dental conditions, including tooth replacement options. He emphasizes clear communication and collaborates with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and systemic health, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
By working together, you and Dr. Rice can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- DentaBlue DPPO
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Rice offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Broken Tooth: Don't ignore a broken toothyour dentist can provide effective treatment to save your tooth and prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
- Cavity: Tooth decay leads to cavities, which are tiny holes in the enamel that your dentist can repair with fillings or other treatments.
- Chipped Tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can cause pain and sensitivity; a general dentist can fix the chip, preventing further problems.
- Dental Disorders: General dentists are trained to identify and manage a variety of dental disorders, ensuring proper oral hygiene and addressing issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
- Gingivitis: If your gums are sore, red, or bleed easily, you may have gingivitis, and your dentist can help you reverse it before it progresses to a more serious condition.
- Grinding of Teeth: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a condition where you clench or grind your teeth, often during sleep, and your dentist can help diagnose and treat it with custom mouthguards or other solutions.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, and your dentist can help manage it with cleanings and treatments.
- Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease or other dental problems, and your general dentist can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan.
- Teething: When babies are teething, their gums can become sore and swollen; your dentist can provide guidance on soothing techniques and safe teething toys.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage can lead to infection, sensitivity, and discomfort, but your general dentist has the expertise to repair and protect your damaged teeth.
- Tooth Decay: When bacteria break down tooth enamel, it creates tooth decay; your dentist can diagnose and treat this with fillings, crowns, or other procedures.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? A general dentist can examine your tooth, determine the source of the pain, and provide effective treatment to eliminate it.
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. Rice offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: A common filling material, amalgam is a mixture of metals that dentists use to fill cavities and restore the function and shape of a damaged tooth.
- Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is a quick and painless procedure that's essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing major dental problems.
- Dental Crown: Crowns are used to cover teeth after root canal treatment, making them strong and durable again.
- Dental Examination: During a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, helping to prevent bigger problems later.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone to provide a stable base for replacement teeth.
- Dental X-Ray: Dental X-rays allow dentists to check for problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses, or cysts that may not be visible during a regular exam.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavities.
- Pediatric Dental Exam: Pediatric dental exams are crucial for maintaining your child's oral health throughout their development and preventing costly dental issues later.
- Root Canal: When decay or trauma deeply affects a tooth, a root canal is performed to remove the infected pulp, disinfect the area, and fill it to prevent future infection.
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. Rice 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 treatment plan, a patient successfully managed a broken tooth, avoiding more extensive dental work and restoring their smile. Their dentist's guidance ensured a swift and effective resolution to the problem.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for a cavity, a patient experienced significant pain relief and restored tooth function. The patient felt confident in their oral health moving forward.
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
1605 Lake Success Dr, Waco, TX, 76710
Phone: (254) 772-4184
View on Map - Practice
1716 W Virginia St, McKinney, TX, 75069
Phone: (972) 542-0146
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Rice:
- 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 the bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth, but also 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. Rice can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, gingivitis. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, changes in your jawbone and gums can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Rice can perform a relining procedure to reshape the denture for a better fit, or create a new denture if needed. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums, exposing the tooth root, or worn-down enamel. Dr. Rice can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for cavities or cracked teeth that may be contributing to the issue.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge that looks and feels natural, and can help preserve the jawbone.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal to provide strength and protection.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual inspection of the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Rice performs this important screening during every routine dental exam, as early detection is key to successful treatment.
1605 Lake Success Dr
Waco TX 76710
Phone: (254) 772-4184
Keith Rice, 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): 1881894632
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. Keith Rice 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.