EXPERT
Dr. William P. Smith, D.D.S.
Dentist
Dr. William P. Smith D.D.S. is a top Dentist in Sedona, AZ. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. William P. Smith D.D.S. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. William P. Smith D.D.S. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. William P. Smith D.D.S. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Sedona, AZ, Dr. William P. Smith D.D.S. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
60 years
Experience
Dr. William P. Smith, D.D.S.
- Sedona, Arizona
- University of Missouri at Kansas City, School of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
I will have a filling without an injection tomorrow. Is it painful? How can I prepare?
"I will have a filling without an injection tomorrow. Is it painful? How can I prepare? "Is it painful? Teeth for one person are very sensitive, for another, there is very little...
Can a root canal save a tooth?
A tooth abscess is the result of infection inside the root canal area infecting the area around the end of the root. Root canal treatment removes the infection inside the canal READ MORE
A tooth abscess is the result of infection inside the root canal area infecting the area around the end of the root.
Root canal treatment removes the infection inside the canal and fills the canal.
Now the source of the abscess is gone, and it is up to the body to heal the abscess area.
Frequently an infection of the root canal is caused by a cavity extending deep into the canal and infecting it with bacteria from the mouth.
To prevent this problem, never allow a cavity to get that deep.
Or better yet never get another cavity.
The best information available on how to never get a cavity is found in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
It is available from Archway Publishing.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Root canal treatment removes the infection inside the canal and fills the canal.
Now the source of the abscess is gone, and it is up to the body to heal the abscess area.
Frequently an infection of the root canal is caused by a cavity extending deep into the canal and infecting it with bacteria from the mouth.
To prevent this problem, never allow a cavity to get that deep.
Or better yet never get another cavity.
The best information available on how to never get a cavity is found in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
It is available from Archway Publishing.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Is a root canal a serious procedure?
Root canal treatment is simply removing infected material from the canal space, cleaning the canal well, and filling it to prevent reoccurrence of infection in that area. It is READ MORE
Root canal treatment is simply removing infected material from the canal space, cleaning the canal well, and filling it to prevent reoccurrence of infection in that area.
It is amazing a dentist can do this without seeing into the canal.
The canal twists and turns, yet it is possible do the above.
How can the dentist provide this treatment to the end of the canal, and not beyond, without any vision to the end of the root canal?
Your dentist deserves a huge thank you for having the skill to complete such a task.
In my mind, this is a more difficult procedure than open heart surgery.
Thank you for your excellent question.
root
Can you drink alcohol with partial dentures?
Whether or not you drink alcohol depends more on your general health. An alcohol drink will not harm a partial denture. I have had more than one patient lose a partial denture READ MORE
Whether or not you drink alcohol depends more on your general health.
An alcohol drink will not harm a partial denture.
I have had more than one patient lose a partial denture down the toilet throwing up from too much alcohol. That could be a problem.
An alcohol drink will not harm a partial denture.
I have had more than one patient lose a partial denture down the toilet throwing up from too much alcohol. That could be a problem.
Can I get a dental bridge on my front teeth?
The short answer is yes you can. There are many different ways to replace a missing front tooth. Each has advantages and disadvantages for you to discuss with your dentist after READ MORE
The short answer is yes you can.
There are many different ways to replace a missing front tooth. Each has advantages and disadvantages for you to discuss with your dentist after a careful and complete examination.
Implant into the bone with a crown to cover it
Place crowns on the teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These support a replacement for the missing tooth.
Bond support for a replacement tooth to the back side of the adjacent teeth.
Other.
Only a dentist familiar with your circumstances can advise you about the above.
Thank you for your question.
There are many different ways to replace a missing front tooth. Each has advantages and disadvantages for you to discuss with your dentist after a careful and complete examination.
Implant into the bone with a crown to cover it
Place crowns on the teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These support a replacement for the missing tooth.
Bond support for a replacement tooth to the back side of the adjacent teeth.
Other.
Only a dentist familiar with your circumstances can advise you about the above.
Thank you for your question.
Are braces the best way to straighten teeth?
Crowded teeth can be the result of an inadequately developed, narrow arch. This results in a narrow nasal airway and reduced tongue room. A sleep disorder is oftentimes the result. READ MORE
Crowded teeth can be the result of an inadequately developed, narrow arch. This results in a narrow nasal airway and reduced tongue room. A sleep disorder is oftentimes the result. Treatment to enhance jaw development is the preferred first treatment. With a larger arch there's room for the teeth and treatment can be completed. Diagnosing the reason for the crowded teeth can result in a treatment plan more oriented toward improved health. Treatment can include orofacial myofunctional therapy to learn healthy swallowing and breathing habits.
Do dentures cause gum disease?
Dentures cannot cause gum disease. If there is a bone unevenness under the gum, a sore spot can occur, when the denture rubs that area. This is different that gum disease. Gum READ MORE
Dentures cannot cause gum disease. If there is a bone unevenness under the gum, a sore spot can occur, when the denture rubs that area. This is different that gum disease.
Gum disease is the result of bacteria collecting on the gum around a tooth or implant.
Gum disease is the result of bacteria collecting on the gum around a tooth or implant.
How many surgical procedures are usually required for an implant procedure?
Thank you for your interest in caring for your oral health. Replacing missing teeth is important. When adequate bone is already present, only one appointment is needed. Treatment READ MORE
Thank you for your interest in caring for your oral health.
Replacing missing teeth is important.
When adequate bone is already present, only one appointment is needed.
Treatment to add the needed bone can increase appointments needed.
If your need for an implant involved dental decay, you may be interested in never having dental decay again.
The best source of information on this is:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
The information is relevant to all ages with teeth.
Replacing missing teeth is important.
When adequate bone is already present, only one appointment is needed.
Treatment to add the needed bone can increase appointments needed.
If your need for an implant involved dental decay, you may be interested in never having dental decay again.
The best source of information on this is:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
The information is relevant to all ages with teeth.
Are fluoride treatments harmful?
Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and are not harmful. The fluoride treatment soaks into the surface of the tooth and makes it more difficult for bacteria to start READ MORE
Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and are not harmful.
The fluoride treatment soaks into the surface of the tooth and makes it more difficult for bacteria to start a cavity.
With time this protection can wear away. Thus, fluoride treatments are important to have each time your teeth are professionally cleaned.
Using toothpaste with fluoride helps slow the loss of the fluoride treatment.
The best answer to this question can be found in the book "Growing A Healthy Child, Secrets From A Wise Old Doc". It also carefully explains how you can never have another cavity. Many have followed the advice found there, with the result of no new cavities.
Thank you for your excellent question.
The fluoride treatment soaks into the surface of the tooth and makes it more difficult for bacteria to start a cavity.
With time this protection can wear away. Thus, fluoride treatments are important to have each time your teeth are professionally cleaned.
Using toothpaste with fluoride helps slow the loss of the fluoride treatment.
The best answer to this question can be found in the book "Growing A Healthy Child, Secrets From A Wise Old Doc". It also carefully explains how you can never have another cavity. Many have followed the advice found there, with the result of no new cavities.
Thank you for your excellent question.
X-ray shows dark area at root tip advised to have a root canal, but have never had any symptoms should I wait
It is possible for the tissue inside a tooth to die with no symptoms. This can produce a dark area at the root end on an x-ray. Should bacteria reach the inner dead tissue a painful READ MORE
It is possible for the tissue inside a tooth to die with no symptoms. This can produce a dark area at the root end on an x-ray. Should bacteria reach the inner dead tissue a painful abscess with swelling can result. Patients often prefer to have the dead tissue removed before an abscess and pain occur. The tooth can be tested before treatment to determine if the inner tissue has died. This can be done by a general dentist or by an endodontist
What are the cons of Invisalign?
Oftentimes the arches need to be widened to make room before aligners are used. The aligners can be used after the widening is completed with a different treatment method. The READ MORE
Oftentimes the arches need to be widened to make room before aligners are used. The aligners can be used after the widening is completed with a different treatment method.
The chapter on orthodontics is the book GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC is the best source of information on this subject.
The chapter on orthodontics is the book GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC is the best source of information on this subject.
Can I whiten my teeth at home?
Your dentist can provide all you need to whiten your teeth at home. At home whitening with your dentist's help is better than in office whitening. In office whitening is faster. OTC READ MORE
Your dentist can provide all you need to whiten your teeth at home.
At home whitening with your dentist's help is better than in office whitening.
In office whitening is faster.
OTC products are less effective.
At home whitening with your dentist's help is better than in office whitening.
In office whitening is faster.
OTC products are less effective.
Sores on hard palate
I am glad you are interested in your health and keeping an eye on things. I am unable to recognize the sores you are concerned about. Your palate appears within normal limits to READ MORE
I am glad you are interested in your health and keeping an eye on things.
I am unable to recognize the sores you are concerned about. Your palate appears within normal limits to me.
I am concerned that you may have a narrow palate. It so, that could lead one or more problems in the future. They could include clicking popping noises in the jaw joints, sleep disturbances, sinus issues, and/or ear issues. For more information about this see the chapter on orthodontics in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
Thank you for writing.
I am unable to recognize the sores you are concerned about. Your palate appears within normal limits to me.
I am concerned that you may have a narrow palate. It so, that could lead one or more problems in the future. They could include clicking popping noises in the jaw joints, sleep disturbances, sinus issues, and/or ear issues. For more information about this see the chapter on orthodontics in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
Thank you for writing.
Can brushing too hard cause enamel damage?
No, the enamel is very hard. Hard brushing can cause the gums to recede from the teeth exposing the root dentin. Dentin at this point is soft and can be worn away. Dentin at READ MORE
No, the enamel is very hard.
Hard brushing can cause the gums to recede from the teeth exposing the root dentin.
Dentin at this point is soft and can be worn away. Dentin at the gum line is subject to wear from hard brushing.
See the book "GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC" for the best information about safely cleaning the teeth 360 degrees around each tooth. There is much additional information in the book for adults.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Hard brushing can cause the gums to recede from the teeth exposing the root dentin.
Dentin at this point is soft and can be worn away. Dentin at the gum line is subject to wear from hard brushing.
See the book "GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC" for the best information about safely cleaning the teeth 360 degrees around each tooth. There is much additional information in the book for adults.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Is Invisalign safe for gums?
You ask is Invisalign safe for gums? It is important to clean 360 degrees around each tooth that you want to keep every day. You would need to slip the Invisalign off in order READ MORE
You ask is Invisalign safe for gums?
It is important to clean 360 degrees around each tooth that you want to keep every day.
You would need to slip the Invisalign off in order to do that.
If you will clean 360 degrees around each tooth every, The Invisalign will not harm your gums.
It is important to clean 360 degrees around each tooth that you want to keep every day.
You would need to slip the Invisalign off in order to do that.
If you will clean 360 degrees around each tooth every, The Invisalign will not harm your gums.
Are veneers safe for my teeth?
Generally, yes. However, some of your tooth is usually removed before placement. That tooth structure is gone. Sometimes veneers last a very long time, and the improved esthetics READ MORE
Generally, yes.
However, some of your tooth is usually removed before placement.
That tooth structure is gone.
Sometimes veneers last a very long time, and the improved esthetics is worth it.
However, some of your tooth is usually removed before placement.
That tooth structure is gone.
Sometimes veneers last a very long time, and the improved esthetics is worth it.
Can I brush dentures with toothpaste?
You ask an excellent question. You may use any gentle toothbrush a person would use on natural teeth. Toothpaste has an abrasive in it. It is best to use a liquid soap. There are READ MORE
You ask an excellent question.
You may use any gentle toothbrush a person would use on natural teeth.
Toothpaste has an abrasive in it. It is best to use a liquid soap.
There are a number of products made to soak dentures with to clean places a toothbrush cannot reach.
You may use any gentle toothbrush a person would use on natural teeth.
Toothpaste has an abrasive in it. It is best to use a liquid soap.
There are a number of products made to soak dentures with to clean places a toothbrush cannot reach.
Bad breath?
This is a frequent concern. Breath odors can come from sources such as: tonsils, lungs, sinus, bacteria below the gum, system wide disorders, imagined, others. A very common problem READ MORE
This is a frequent concern.
Breath odors can come from sources such as:
tonsils, lungs, sinus, bacteria below the gum, system wide disorders, imagined, others.
A very common problem is unseen bacteria beneath the gum. A history of limited cleaning between the teeth, and lack of professional cleanings can allow this problem.
The best solution would be a visit with your dentist to confirm or rule out this possibility. With this answer you can move forward with treatment for it, or search one of the above mentioned possibilities.
For the best information about how to clean 360 Degrees around each tooth, for every age, or medical condition, study the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Breath odors can come from sources such as:
tonsils, lungs, sinus, bacteria below the gum, system wide disorders, imagined, others.
A very common problem is unseen bacteria beneath the gum. A history of limited cleaning between the teeth, and lack of professional cleanings can allow this problem.
The best solution would be a visit with your dentist to confirm or rule out this possibility. With this answer you can move forward with treatment for it, or search one of the above mentioned possibilities.
For the best information about how to clean 360 Degrees around each tooth, for every age, or medical condition, study the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
Thank you for your excellent question.
Should you wear a retainer every day?
It needs to be worn for at least several hours every day. For best results, you should also look for help from an orofacial myofunctional therapist. By improving muscle activity, READ MORE
It needs to be worn for at least several hours every day. For best results, you should also look for help from an orofacial myofunctional therapist. By improving muscle activity, you improve the pressures placed on your teeth. These improved pressures help with retention rather than against retention. For the best additional information on this subject study the book: GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC. Thanks for your excellent question.
What can I do for red gums my tooth?
Red gums can be a symptom of a gum infection. You are smart to be concerned. Gum infections can get into the bloodstream and cause problems in distant body parts.
The best READ MORE
Red gums can be a symptom of a gum infection. You are smart to be concerned. Gum infections can get into the bloodstream and cause problems in distant body parts.
The best treatment is 360 degrees cleaning around the teeth you want to keep. Sometimes this needs to be done under the gums with anesthesia by the dentist as well.
It is important that you clean 360 degrees around your important teeth at least once every day. You do not have to clean the ones you do not want to keep.
Red gums can also be the result of a body-wide problem other than just the gums. A professional examination can help with this question. This is important. You do not want to ignore a body-wide problem or a red gum problem.
The best source of additional information can be found in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
The best treatment is 360 degrees cleaning around the teeth you want to keep. Sometimes this needs to be done under the gums with anesthesia by the dentist as well.
It is important that you clean 360 degrees around your important teeth at least once every day. You do not have to clean the ones you do not want to keep.
Red gums can also be the result of a body-wide problem other than just the gums. A professional examination can help with this question. This is important. You do not want to ignore a body-wide problem or a red gum problem.
The best source of additional information can be found in the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC.
What's the best toothpaste for gingivitis?
I am glad you are wanting to keep your gums healthy. Gingivitis is an infection caused by bacteria. The best treatment for gingivitis is very clean teeth to keep the bacteria READ MORE
I am glad you are wanting to keep your gums healthy.
Gingivitis is an infection caused by bacteria. The best treatment for gingivitis is very clean teeth to keep the bacteria at bay.
Very clean teeth means 360 degrees around each tooth.
Most any toothpaste can be used to clean the sides of the teeth. You will need floss or something similar to clean in-between the teeth.
For the best additional information on this subject, study the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC
Thank you for your excellent question.
Gingivitis is an infection caused by bacteria. The best treatment for gingivitis is very clean teeth to keep the bacteria at bay.
Very clean teeth means 360 degrees around each tooth.
Most any toothpaste can be used to clean the sides of the teeth. You will need floss or something similar to clean in-between the teeth.
For the best additional information on this subject, study the book:
GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC
Thank you for your excellent question.
