EXPERT
Dr. KARL SMITH, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Karl Smith earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire, and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. Thereafter, he entered the Lutheran Medical Center’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, and underwent postdoctoral clinical training in Boston.
Prior to moving to Tacoma, Dr. Smith worked in dental practices in Clark and Snohomish counties, as well as on the East Coast. He has extensive experience in many areas of dentistry, and performs complex extractions, restorative procedures, fixed and removable prosthodontics, endodontics, esthetic dentistry and nitrous oxide sedation.
Dr. Smith strives to be attentive to his patients’ needs and to provide top-notch dental care that is delivered with compassion and respect. He also stays current on dental issues and techniques through courses in continuing education.Dr. Smith also participates in advanced dental education courses and is a member in good standing with the following professional dental organizations:
Academy of General Dentistry
Pierce County Dental Society
Washington State Dental Association
American Dental Society.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Prior to moving to Tacoma, Dr. Smith worked in dental practices in Clark and Snohomish counties, as well as on the East Coast. He has extensive experience in many areas of dentistry, and performs complex extractions, restorative procedures, fixed and removable prosthodontics, endodontics, esthetic dentistry and nitrous oxide sedation.
Dr. Smith strives to be attentive to his patients’ needs and to provide top-notch dental care that is delivered with compassion and respect. He also stays current on dental issues and techniques through courses in continuing education.Dr. Smith also participates in advanced dental education courses and is a member in good standing with the following professional dental organizations:
Academy of General Dentistry
Pierce County Dental Society
Washington State Dental Association
American Dental Society.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
21 years
Experience
Dr. KARL SMITH, DDS
- Tacoma, WA
- Howard College of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
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Are dental sealants good?
If done correctly dental sealants will protect the teeth from getting cavities in the deep grooves on the top of the teeth.
Can I get a deep cleaning with braces?
Yes, just ask the orthodontist to remove the wire first.
How long will I have pain after zirconia crown placement?
Normally there is no pain after any crown placement. Occasionally there is some discomfort from the removal of excess cement. If there is pain following a crown placement, please READ MORE
Normally there is no pain after any crown placement. Occasionally there is some discomfort from the removal of excess cement. If there is pain following a crown placement, please contact your dentist if it does not resolve or improve in 24 hours.=20
How can I lose my partial denture?
Only a dentist or a denturist, a lab technician with additional training to see patients, should adjust a partial denture. My advice is to return to the clinician who manufactured READ MORE
Only a dentist or a denturist, a lab technician with additional training to see patients, should adjust a partial denture. My advice is to return to the clinician who manufactured the partial.=20
Can I get a filling on a root canal?
Yes, a root canal treated tooth can get a filling. Teeth in the back if the mouth that have been root canal treated normally need crowns to prevent them from fracturing. =20
Is there an alternative to gum surgery?
There may be more than one option to treat a a particular issue. I would see a periodontist and discuss your concerns and options.
Do you stay overnight after a root canal?
What? This is a simple outpatient procedure like almost all dental procedures.
Can you repair broken partial dentures?
Many times yes. A dentist or a denturist can repair them. A denturist is usually quicker and cheaper.
What are the options to fix an overbite?
Consult with an orthodontist. This question is too difficult to answer without seeing the patient, but there are ways to correct it.
Does pericoronitis go away with antibiotics?
NO! Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that needs to be treated by a dentist. Antibiotics are sometimes used in the course of treatment, but very rarely.
What is the best painkiller for tooth nerve pain?
Mix of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen works well.
How do you stay cavity-free with braces?
Same way as normally: brush and floss. Your orthodontist will give you special flossers to help.
Does placing a crown on an implant hurt?
Normally no.
Can a dentist do a gum graft?
A dental specialist called a periodontist does gum grafts. There has been a lot of progress in this field, so finding a good one, who is up to date with the most recent techniques READ MORE
A dental specialist called a periodontist does gum grafts. There has been a lot of progress in this field, so finding a good one, who is up to date with the most recent techniques is important.
What are my options for replacing a missing front tooth?
Implants are generally the best options. But sometimes other options like a bonded bridge works better. As a temporary solution a denture would work.
How long should your jaw hurt after a filling?
There might be some discomfort around the infection site for one or two days, otherwise the jaw should not hurt after a filling. The tooth may hurt for a while after a filling READ MORE
There might be some discomfort around the infection site for one or two days, otherwise the jaw should not hurt after a filling. The tooth may hurt for a while after a filling and sometimes needs a root canal if the filling came very close to the nerve. If the jaw or tooth hurts after a filling call your dentist.
Is there an alternative to dentures?
Implants can be a great alternative to dentures. 4 - 6 implants can usually support all a fixed "denture" that does not move and stays in place. Talk to your dentist about this READ MORE
Implants can be a great alternative to dentures. 4 - 6 implants can usually support all a fixed "denture" that does not move and stays in place. Talk to your dentist about this option
Can you leave Sensodyne on teeth overnight?
Yes! Brush it on dry, no water needed. Spit all you can and don’t rinse.
Can I have a filling without anesthesia?
Yes you can. At our office we use a laser that allows us to “drill” in a tooth without getting it numb first.
