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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Can I get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes! Even decades later. In some cases the surgeon may need to graft bone to the achieve the desired result.
Is it safe to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at once?
Usually yes. However, you should consult with the treating surgeon first.
Do I need to see a dentist for pericoronitis?
YES! Periodontitis will not resolve without treatment and will eventually worsen and may lead to tooth loss.
How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve?
Only a dentist can tell with an X-ray.
Can you eat with removable partial denture?
Yes. Cast partial dentures are the most stable, but fixed prosthesis like a bridge or implants are always going to feel and function more like natural teeth.
Are all on four implants removable?
Technically yes. Your dentist will remove it to clean the implants and service it if needed.
Can you sleep in partial dentures?
Unless directed by your dentist, you should never sleep in partial or full dentures!
How many teeth can be pulled safely at one time?
Theoretically all of them. However, this question cannot be answered without a detailed medical history and exam.
Can dentures be put in permanently?
Yes, sort of. An All-on-4 is type of screw retained "dentures" that can only be removed by your dentist. Basically 4 implants and a prosthetic made of either titanium and acrylic READ MORE
Yes, sort of. An All-on-4 is type of screw retained "dentures" that can only be removed by your dentist. Basically 4 implants and a prosthetic made of either titanium and acrylic or ceramic that is attached to them. Your dentist will remove it to clean the implants and service the prosthetic.
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?
Avoid all hot and cold food/beverages and call your dentist. There are many reasons for toothaches from transients forms like mild trauma to severe infections and only your dentist READ MORE
Avoid all hot and cold food/beverages and call your dentist. There are many reasons for toothaches from transients forms like mild trauma to severe infections and only your dentist can tell you what’s going on.
Do you need braces to fix a few teeth?
Minor crowding can usually be corrected with Invisalign or other clear aligned system. Ask your dentist what’s best for you.
Can a toothbrush cause sore gums?
Yes, only use soft tooth brushes. Hard ones are great for scrubbing grime in the kitchen, but leave them out of the mouth.
Can a filling turn into a root canal?
Sometimes a tooth can become symptomatic after a deep fiiling and start to hurt. This is called pulpitis, or inflamtion of living tissue inside the tooth The tooth normaly READ MORE
Sometimes a tooth can become symptomatic after a deep fiiling and start to hurt. This is called pulpitis, or inflamtion of living tissue inside the tooth The tooth normaly recovers, but sometimes if the symptoms don't stop we call this irreversible pulpitis. If this happens, the only way to make the pain stop is to remove the nerve and replace it with a synthetic substance - this is a root canal.
Can dentures be done in one day?
Dentures can be placed immediately after teeth have been removed. You can even have implants and implant dentures placed in one day. However, the fabrication of dentures takes READ MORE
Dentures can be placed immediately after teeth have been removed. You can even have implants and implant dentures placed in one day. However, the fabrication of dentures takes some time and a few steps and can normally not be accomplished on one day - so before the one day dentures there will be a few appointments and some time for the lab do fabricate them.
What does it mean when I tap my dental implant and it hurts?
Implants should not hurt. If there is any pain with an implant you need to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon. The implant could be failing and need to be replace or have a READ MORE
Implants should not hurt. If there is any pain with an implant you need to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon. The implant could be failing and need to be replace or have a gum issue that needs treatment.
Do gaps in teeth get bigger with age?
They usually don’t once you have finished growing, but they can. Increased spacing can a sign of periodontal diseases or malocclusion. If you notice that your teeth are shifting READ MORE
They usually don’t once you have finished growing, but they can. Increased spacing can a sign of periodontal diseases or malocclusion. If you notice that your teeth are shifting or spreading apart, please see your dentist.
How do I keep my breath fresh with Invisalign?
Brush your teeth, floss and keep your trays clean. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals may help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCQ8LKV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ye9bEb90VGB0P
At what age do adults need to consider dentures?
Hopefully never. Dentures are no longer the standard of care, there are several permanent or semi permanent implant options available. With good oral hygiene and regular dental READ MORE
Hopefully never. Dentures are no longer the standard of care, there are several permanent or semi permanent implant options available. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care most people should never have to replace their teeth!
