Dr. Smith is a native of Bessemer, Alabama and attended The University of Alabama, where he was a walk on football player for Coach Paul Bear Bryant. After graduating with a B.S. in 1976, he entered The University of Alabama School of Dentistry graduating near the top of his class in 1980. He then entered a residency program in endodontics with The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and the Birmingham V.A. Hospital completing his specialty training in 1982.
Since then he has continued his endodontic training with many years of continuing dental education, including specialized training in microsurgical endodontic techniques with Dr. Gary Carr (father of the dental operating microscope) in San Diego, CA. Dr. Smith was one of the first two endodontists in the state of Alabama to use the dental operating microscope while performing root canal treatment and periradicular surgery.Since 1995, he has performed more than 21,000 procedures using the microscope.
He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UAB School of Dentistry and teaches in the Endodontic Department on Fridays. Dr. Smith is the co-author of a clinical research paper published in the Journal of Endodontics in November 2014. He lectures to dental groups across the country about endodontics and most recently the GentleWave procedure.
We onlytake necessary radiographs and images. Without the use of these technologies, predictable diagnosis and treatment would be impossible. We want our patients to be able to see the images of their teeth and the problem for which they were referred.
CBCT, or cone beam imaging, sometimes referred to as a CT, is relatively new in dentistry. Our office was one of the first dental practices in the areato own and utilize CBCT technology. The radiation in the CBCT is a fraction of its medical counterpart. The images from our machine give us a 3-D view of a tooth vs. a 2-D view, whichis of particularly valuable in retreatment cases. These images are invaluable in determining why the tooth failed to respond to the initial treatment and in helping the doctor to determine a predictable treatment plan. This can also help prevent unnecessary treatment for the patient.
Digital x-rays reduce the radiation dose by up to 90%. It is a more patient-friendly technology thefilms used in the past. The procedures are quicker, reducing the time to obtain diagnostic images. The images can be instantly manipulated to give a better view of the patients tooth.
Digital imaging technologies and digital radiographs are stored on our file server, making them available to transfer electronically to the referring dentist the day of treatment. Many insurance companies require copies of CBCT images and radiographs, which are easily and quickly suppliedby using a digital system.