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
No results found
How can I make flossing easier?
Smoking impairs the healing process after an extraction in two ways. First, the chemicals in smoke are armful and leads to overall slowed healing. Secondly, the action of smoking READ MORE
Smoking impairs the healing process after an extraction in two ways. First, the chemicals in smoke are armful and leads to overall slowed healing. Secondly, the action of smoking dries out the oral cavity and the sucking action may dislodge the blood clot (this is also true of vaping).
The net result is a more painful, delayed healing and an increased chance of developing a dry socket. A dry socket is when a blood clot does not form or is removed prematurely resulting in exposed nerves, and is very painful. The best advise is to give up smoking or vaping for good. If this is not possible, then don’t smoke for 5 days following an extraction or other oral surgery.
The net result is a more painful, delayed healing and an increased chance of developing a dry socket. A dry socket is when a blood clot does not form or is removed prematurely resulting in exposed nerves, and is very painful. The best advise is to give up smoking or vaping for good. If this is not possible, then don’t smoke for 5 days following an extraction or other oral surgery.
Can a tooth with a root canal hurt years later?
A root canal treated tooth can develop an infection, which results in pain. Also, a root canal treated tooth can fracture, this is often also painful. Have the tooth evaluated READ MORE
A root canal treated tooth can develop an infection, which results in pain. Also, a root canal treated tooth can fracture, this is often also painful. Have the tooth evaluated by an endodontist (a root canal specialist).
How long does it take to get dentures after teeth are pulled?
You can have (and should have) dentures fabricated prior to extractions and delivered immediately after teeth are removed. These dentures can then be relined or remade in the READ MORE
You can have (and should have) dentures fabricated prior to extractions and delivered immediately after teeth are removed. These dentures can then be relined or remade in the months following for a better fit. You should also consider implant supported or retained dentures, these approximate the function of teeth much better then conventional dentures,
How should I deal with the pain of a wisdom tooth?
Make an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon ASAP and address the cause of the pain. Pain medications would just be masking what could be a potentially life threatening READ MORE
Make an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon ASAP and address the cause of the pain. Pain medications would just be masking what could be a potentially life threatening infection.
