Dental FAQs

A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional years of specialized training focused on the gums, the bone that supports your teeth, and dental implants. Dr. Karl Smith, for example, spent years as a general dentist before pursuing his specialty, which gives him a well-rounded perspective most specialists don’t have. While your general dentist handles routine cleanings and fillings, a periodontist steps in when there’s gum disease, bone loss, or more complex implant work involved.

Gum disease doesn’t always hurt, which is part of what makes it tricky. Some of the most common signs include bleeding when you brush or floss, gums that look red or swollen, teeth that feel loose, persistent bad breath, or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth. If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth getting checked out. Catching gum disease early makes treatment a lot more straightforward.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. Regular cleanings focus on the surface of your teeth. Scaling and root planing goes deeper, removing buildup from below the gumline and smoothing out the root surfaces so your gums can reattach and heal. It’s one of the most common periodontal treatments we provide and is often the first step before considering anything more involved.

Yes, and it’s one of our specialties. Sedation is a big focus for us because we know that dental anxiety is real and it keeps a lot of people from getting the care they need. We cater to patients who feel nervous, have had difficult dental experiences in the past, or who simply want to feel more relaxed during their appointment. If you’ve been putting off treatment because you’re anxious about it, please reach out. We can talk through your options.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once they fuse with the bone, they support a crown, bridge, or denture. They look and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. Good candidates are generally adults with healthy bone and gums. During your consultation, Dr. Smith will take a close look at your jaw structure, often using our cone beam 3D imaging, to give you a clear picture of what’s possible.

Laser therapy is a modern approach to treating gum disease and other soft tissue concerns. Instead of traditional surgical tools, we use a precise laser to target infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue alone. It tends to be more comfortable, involves less bleeding, and often means a faster recovery. We use Biolase, a water laser, which is a technology we’re really proud to offer our patients.

We accept most insurance plans in the area. We also work with patients on financing through CareCredit and offer in-house financing options as well. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you’re not sure whether your plan is accepted, just contact our office and we’ll help you figure it out before your visit.

Absolutely, and we genuinely love helping those patients. A big part of what makes our practice different is how much we focus on the patient experience. Dr. Smith and his team take time with each person. Nobody gets rushed, nobody gets treated like a number. If you’ve avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety, you’ve found the right place.

New patients can take advantage of a comprehensive exam and full set of X-rays for $209. It’s a great way to get a thorough picture of your oral health without a big financial commitment upfront.