Ronald Blankenship, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive oral health care in Wichita Falls, TX. He is a registered practitioner with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, and serves all ages. Dr. Blankenship understands that oral health is intimately connected to overall systemic health, and as a primary care provider for oral health, he focuses on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address these connections. He is currently accepting new patients and encourages you to call (940) 692-5093 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Ronald Blankenship, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Wichita Falls, TX, with extensive experience and a deep commitment to his patients. A native of Wichita Falls and a graduate of WFHS, he earned his degree from Bay Hospital Medical Center, followed by a BS degree in Chemistry and Biology, Summa Cum Laude, from MSU, and ultimately graduated with honors from Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Blankenship has been a trusted provider in the Wichita Falls community since 1980, maintaining his practice on Southwest Parkway. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the 13th District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, and American Dental Association, and has served as past President of the 13th District Dental Society. He is a Delta Dental Premier Provider and provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Blankenship is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Blankenship provides comprehensive general dentistry care, emphasizing preventative measures and the connection between oral and overall health. He excels at diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, and performing oral cancer screenings. His patient-centered approach focuses on clear communication and a personalized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Blankenship can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Blankenship offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Dental Disorders: From cavities and gum disease to missing teeth and oral infections, dental disorders are addressed by general dentists through various treatments and preventive care.
- Gum Disease: Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are signs of gum disease, a serious condition your dentist can detect and treat to help preserve your teeth and overall oral health.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage includes chips, cracks, or breaks in your teeth, and your general dentist can repair these issues with fillings, crowns, or bonding.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, and your general dentist can drain it, prescribe antibiotics, and potentially perform a root canal to save the tooth.
- Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth a general dentist can provide treatment options to stabilize the teeth or replace them if necessary to maintain your oral health.
- Broken Tooth: Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage to your broken tooth and recommend the best treatment option, such as bonding, a filling, or a crown.
- Toothache: A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, and your general dentist can diagnose the cause (like a cavity or infection) and provide treatment like fillings or root canals.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth is a break or fracture in the tooth's enamel, and your general dentist can repair it with bonding, a filling, or a crown.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile, but a general dentist offers various solutions like implants and dentures to restore your teeth.
- Grinding of Teeth: Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night, a problem your dentist can help manage to protect your teeth and alleviate discomfort.
- Tooth Demineralization: When your teeth lose minerals, a process called demineralization, they become vulnerable to decay; regular checkups with your general dentist help detect and reverse early stages of demineralization.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, is damage to your tooth's enamel caused by bacteria, and your dentist can fill cavities to prevent further damage and pain.
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. Blankenship offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Bonding: Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can fix minor imperfections in your teeth, such as discoloration or small gaps, making your smile look better.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are tooth-colored materials used to repair cavities and restore damaged teeth.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions remove teeth that are damaged, decayed, or causing other oral health problems.
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling, often combined with polishing, helps maintain fresh breath and a brighter, healthier smile.
- Dental Bridge: A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that's cemented into place, providing a long-lasting replacement for missing teeth.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are custom-fitted to replace all of your upper teeth, offering a comfortable and natural-looking restoration.
- Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that smooths the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria and tartar buildup causing gum disease.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
- Denture Repair: If your dentures are cracked, loose, or uncomfortable, repair services can restore their usability.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Through restoration, your dentist can address complications with your dental implants, such as gum recession or infection, and make them healthy again.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: This specialized cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, preventing cavities and gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: This treatment aims to prevent gum disease from worsening by addressing inflammation and infection with scaling and root planing.
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. Blankenship 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 thorough examination and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their chronic gum disease, preventing further complications and restoring a healthy smile.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for gum disease, a patient experienced noticeably less gum inflammation and bleeding, improving their overall oral health. Regular check-ups and diligent at-home care allowed them to effectively manage the condition and maintain healthy 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
4446 Southwest Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX, 76308
Phone: (940) 692-5093
View on Map
- Bay Hospital Medical Center (Medical School)
- Midwestern University (Undergraduate School)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Blankenship:
- 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. Blankenship can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Blankenship can reline existing dentures to reshape them for a better fit, or create a new set if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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. Blankenship will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for 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 significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, strengthening and protecting it.
- 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 like a natural tooth, and can help preserve the jawbone. Dr. Blankenship can assess your jawbone health to determine if implants are a good option for you.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Blankenship, 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. Blankenship.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Tooth sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Blankenship can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
4446 Southwest Pkwy
Wichita Falls TX 76308
Phone: (940) 692-5093
Ronald Blankenship, 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): 1457551673
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. Ronald Blankenship 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.