General Dentistry
Checkups & Cleanings
Routine checkups and cleanings are the foundation of maintaining optimal oral health, and Light Dental Studios is committed to delivering exceptional care in this regard.
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When you schedule a routine checkup at Light Dental Studios, you're taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your smile. These appointments are designed to be thorough and comprehensive, ensuring that every aspect of your oral health is carefully examined.
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During your checkup, our skilled dental professionals will conduct a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, and overall oral structures. This includes X-rays to detect any hidden issues and visual examinations to identify potential concerns such as cavities, gum disease, or signs of oral cancer. By catching these problems in their early stages, we can provide timely and effective interventions, preventing more extensive and costly dental issues down the road.
Retainers are a crucial component of orthodontic treatment, ensuring that the results achieved through braces or other corrective methods are maintained over time. Our skilled team at Light Dental Studios customizes retainers to fit each patient's unique dental anatomy precisely. These personalized retainers work by holding the teeth in their corrected positions, preventing any undesirable shifts or relapse.
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Consistent retainer use is recommended according to the treatment plan, usually transitioning from full-time wear to nighttime use. This approach ensures that the beautiful, straight smile achieved through orthodontic work remains intact, giving our patients the confidence they deserve.
Retainers, Night Guards & Bleach Trays
Night Guards
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For those grappling with the discomfort and potential damage associated with teeth grinding or clenching, Light Dental Studios offers expertly crafted night guards. Bruxism, as it's known, can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and dental problems such as cracked or worn-down teeth.
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Our night guards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces generated during grinding or clenching. This not only safeguards the teeth but also alleviates discomfort, helping individuals achieve a peaceful night's sleep.
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Our night guards are customized to ensure a comfortable fit and maximum effectiveness.
Bleach Trays
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Light Dental Studios also provides bleach trays, offering patients a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, our bleach trays are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. This personalized approach ensures even distribution of professional-grade whitening gel, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the process. Whether you're seeking to address discoloration from years of coffee consumption or simply want to enhance your smile's natural radiance, our bleach trays can help you achieve stunning results.
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At Light Dental Studios, we believe that every aspect of your oral health and well-being is important. Retainers, night guards, and bleach trays are just a few examples of the many services we offer to cater to our patients' diverse needs. With our commitment to quality, personalized care, and the latest dental technology, you can trust that you're in capable hands when you choose Light Dental Studios for your dental accessory needs. We are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
TMJ/TMD Disorders
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, which acts as a hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMD, on the other hand, encompasses a range of conditions that affect this joint and the surrounding muscles. Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD disorders include jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, and difficulty in jaw movement.
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Our approach to TMJ/TMD disorder treatment at Light Dental Studios is highly personalized. We begin with a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose the root cause of your symptoms. Our experienced dental professionals use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques to assess your jaw joint, bite alignment, and muscle function. This comprehensive evaluation helps us develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Treatment options for TMJ/TMD may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, and dental appliances like splints or nightguards. Lifestyle changes such as stress management, dietary adjustments, and relaxation techniques can significantly alleviate symptoms. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve jaw function and reduce muscle tension.
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Dental appliances, like splints and nightguards, can play a pivotal role in TMJ/TMD treatment. These custom-made devices are designed to stabilize the jaw joint, alleviate pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles, and prevent clenching or grinding of teeth. By providing support and reducing strain on the TMJ, these appliances can alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing for improved jaw function.
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In severe cases of TMJ/TMD where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. Our team at Light Dental Studios includes experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons who can perform surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis or joint surgery, to address structural issues and provide long-term relief.
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We understand the impact that TMJ/TMD disorders can have on your daily life, and our goal is to help you regain comfort and functionality. Light Dental Studios is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. We are dedicated to improving your oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life by effectively managing and treating TMJ/TMD disorders.
We understand that dental emergencies can be both stressful and painful. That’s why Light Dental Studios is dedicated to providing fast, compassionate emergency dental care at our many convenient locations across the Puget Sound. Whether you're in Tacoma, Lakewood, Olympia, or the surrounding areas, there’s a nearby office ready to help. If your closest location doesn’t have availability, we’ll promptly connect you with another office so you can be seen without delay. For the most comprehensive care, our Puyallup campus—our largest location—offers all dental specialties in-house, ensuring seamless treatment for urgent dental needs.
Emergency Dental
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Recognizing a dental emergency is crucial for timely intervention. Common dental emergencies include:
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Severe Toothaches: Persistent pain may indicate cavities or infections.
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Knocked-Out Teeth: Immediate action can save your tooth.
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Cracked or Broken Teeth: Injury to teeth causing sharp edges or exposed nerves. Quick restoration can prevent further damage.
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Lost Fillings or Crowns: Restorative work that has come loose or fallen out.
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Abscesses or Swelling: Often signs of a serious infection and potentially life-threatening.
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Soft Tissue Injuries: Trauma to soft tissues in the mouth, such as cuts or tears in the gums or cheeks.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek emergency dental care promptly.
Why Choose Us for Emergency Dental Care?​
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Same-Day Appointments: We prioritize urgent cases to relieve your pain swiftly.
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Comprehensive Services: From pain management to restorative procedures, we offer a full spectrum of emergency dental services.
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Experienced Team: Skilled professionals dedicated to your oral health, including all dental specialties in-house.
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Convenient Locations: Multiple offices to serve you across the South Puget Sound.
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Affordable Emergency Exam Pricing: Get a same-day emergency visit for just $86 (exam and x-ray, normally $125). Mention this offer at your appointment!
What to Do Before Your Appointment:
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While waiting for your emergency dental appointment, consider the following steps:
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For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently with water. If possible, try to place it back in the socket or store it in a container with milk, saliva, or saline. DO NOT put it in water. Make sure to bring it with you to your appointment.
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For Broken Teeth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
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For Toothaches: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and avoid placing aspirin directly on the affected area.
These initial steps can help alleviate discomfort and improve the outcome of your emergency dental care.