Larry Franke, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Karnes City, TX. He is a registered provider with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and adheres to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Franke is dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care, recognizing that oral health is integral to overall well-being. 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.
Dr. Franke is a dentistry practitioner in Karnes City, TX, committed to a collaborative approach to patient care. He utilizes evidence-based medicine and strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered and heard in their healthcare decisions. He is currently accepting new patients and encourages you to call (830) 780-2822 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Larry Franke provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Franke is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Franke provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and the early detection of oral health issues. He emphasizes clear communication and collaboration with patients, creating personalized treatment plans based on individual needs and goals. His practice integrates oral health with overall systemic well-being, ensuring patients receive holistic care.
By working together, you and Dr. Franke 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
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- 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 PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Franke offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Carcinoma Tongue: Tongue cancer, or carcinoma of the tongue, is a serious condition; your dentist plays a vital role in early detection through regular oral exams.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: OSA can cause snoring and daytime sleepiness, and your dentist can assess your oral structures for possible causes and suggest solutions like oral appliances.
- Ankylosis of Tooth: A tooth's root can become firmly attached to the jawbone, a condition called ankylosis, affecting normal chewing and potentially causing other dental problems. A general dentist will diagnose and develop a treatment plan.
- Halitosis: Persistent bad breath, known as halitosis, can be addressed by your dentist through professional cleanings, addressing gum disease, and recommending better oral hygiene practices.
- Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Pain and swelling in the mouth might indicate salivary gland stones or inflammation; your dentist can examine your glands and develop a treatment plan.
- Misshapen Teeth: Misshapen teeth, also known as malocclusion, refer to teeth that are crooked, crowded, or improperly aligned, and a general dentist can help assess and recommend treatment options like braces or Invisalign.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sharp, shooting pains in your teeth triggered by temperature changes or certain foods often indicate sensitive teeth, a problem your general dentist can help resolve.
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. Franke offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Amalgam Filling Removal: This procedure replaces outdated or damaged silver fillings with more modern, and sometimes safer, alternatives.
- Restoring Teeth: Restoring a tooth might involve replacing a missing part with a filling, crown, or other restoration.
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Laser treatment may help create a more comfortable and precise filling procedure, reducing the need for drills in some cases.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings are a type of tooth filling made from a mix of metals, used to repair cavities and protect the tooth from further damage.
- Fluoride Treatment: This treatment involves applying fluoride to your teeth to shield them against acids that cause cavities, keeping your smile healthy.
- Upper Dentures: If you're missing your upper teeth, upper dentures are a prosthetic device that restores your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Apicoectomy: To address a persistent infection at the root tip of a tooth, a dentist may perform an apicoectomy to eliminate the infection and save the tooth from extraction.
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. Franke 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 their carcinoma of the tongue, maintaining a positive quality of life through consistent follow-up care. Regular checkups empowered the patient to proactively address any potential concerns.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and guidance on oral appliances, a patient successfully managed their obstructive sleep apnea, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue.
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
411 N State Highway 123, Karnes City, TX, 78118
Phone: (830) 780-2822
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Franke:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your 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. Franke can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Franke, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be made. Dr. Franke will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding while 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, but if left untreated, it can progress to more serious gum disease.
- 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. Franke 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 is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Franke can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most patients benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if they don't have any pain. These visits help prevent problems like tartar buildup and early cavities or gum disease, which can become costly to treat if left unaddressed.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum changes can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
411 N State Highway 123
Karnes City TX 78118
Phone: (830) 780-2822
Larry Franke, 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): 1679668271
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. Larry Franke 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.