In-House Specialties
At Light Dental Studios, our in-house specialties ensure you receive expert care and convenience, from dental sleep medicine to oral surgery.
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Dental Sleep Medicine
STOP-Bang Questionnaire
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is one of the most widely accepted screening tools for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). Please fill out the form below and bring it to our office.
Now you can have a sleep test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea done at home in the comfort of your own bed! Contact our Tacoma Mall Blvd office at 253-474-3223 with any questions and for a discounted rate on your in home sleep test.
(If you order through the website without contacting our office, the cost is up to 3x higher!) For details, give us a call or go to SleepTest.com
Dental Sleep Medicine is a specialized field at Light Dental Studios that focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders, with a primary emphasis on sleep apnea.
We understand the significant impact that sleep disorders can have on one's overall health and quality of life, and our dedicated team of experts is here to provide effective solutions that can lead to better sleep and improved well-being.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, and a host of other health issues.
Our Dental Sleep Medicine specialists are highly trained to identify the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and offer tailored treatments to address this condition.
Our dentist, Shelly Bedayse, DDS, D.ABDSM is Board Certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. We are adept at processing medical insurance for coverage on these appliances.
More than 100 million Americans of all ages regularly fail to get a good night’s sleep. There are at least 84 disorders that affect sleep and lead to a lowered quality of life and reduced personal health. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most important and undiagnosed of these disorders with symptoms ranging from excessive daytime sleepiness to hypertension and other heart problems.
OSA is a disorder involving frequent partial or complete collapse of the breathing passageways during sleep.
During sleep, the muscles in the throat and tongue relax, making the airway more susceptible to collapse. When the airway is totally blocked, no breathing occurs and oxygen levels drastically drop.
People with OSA will awaken themselves in order to breath again. If your sleeping partner snores and awakens frequently gasping, then they should be evaluated by a physician trained in this area.
There are treatments available including CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) and oral repositioning appliances both of which keep the airway open for these patients.
Dr. Shelly Bedayse has attained credentialed status in the treatment of OSA by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and has dedicated her practice to the dental treatment of OSA.
The only other alternative would be surgery by a medical doctor or surgeon.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
OAT is an alternative to CPAP therapy or surgery. The oral appliance is custom manufactured and fitted by a dentist trained in Sleep Dentistry. The appliance is a small form fitted device that is not much larger than a sports guard.
It gently protrudes the lower jaw preventing the tongue from falling back into the throat while keeping the airway from collapsing during inhalation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
A multi-disciplinary approach to treating OSA takes more than a dentist. It can’t be achieved through a sleep study alone and your primary care physician will not be able to do it alone either.
In order to diagnose and effectively treat OSA, all parties need to work together for the benefit of the patient. An approved and effective sleep study must be performed at a sleep center or through the use of a home sleep test device provided by a physician. A sleep specialist will review the results and make a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and provide suggestions for treatment.
What is an Oral Appliance?
An oral appliance is a removable, small acrylic (BPA free) device that is gently placed orally and is similar to an athletic mouth guard. The appliance brings your lower jaw forward to allow more room into the airway and improve breathing which will help reduce Sleep Apnea and Snoring.
The Benefits of Oral Appliances
What Appliance Should I Get?
For effective treatment of OSA your oral appliance MUST be custom designed and fitted by a dentist. The FDA has very strict regulations and limitations as to what is an acceptable OAT.
Our office only uses FDA approved appliances and all of them are custom fitted by a dentist only. With Dr. Shelly Bedayse's experience you are sure to get the best device for you. Here are two examples of appliances we use:
SomnoDent Classic
SomnoDent Herbst Advanced
The first dental office in Puget Sound to offer compliance recording
All our SomnoDent™ devices can be fitted with a compliance recorder to measure clinical treatment, especially among CPAP intolerant patients.
Many physicians are interested in their patients’ compliance and now that can be recorded by the compliance recorder and compliance is objectively measured.
For the transport & airline industries compliance recording will be essential for drivers or pilots diagnosed with OSA who wish to maintain their license to drive or operate an aircraft.
SomnoDent™ devices with wearable compliance micro-recording are also FDA 510(k) approved and covered by most medical insurance.
Professional Reporting
Clean, concise and easy to read. Every report designed to make it easy to find information quickly. Our office has the ability to download the reports.
Does My Insurance Cover OAT?
In most cases, your medical insurance will cover a portion of oral appliance therapy.
Insurance will likely pay as long as you have had a:
We can assist you with all of the above…help you with getting the diagnosis and also we can request the letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician. We also work with your medical insurance company to make sure all goes smoothly for you.
The greatest compliment we can receive is a recommendation. And people do love Light Dental Studios! We have received 1,441 reviews with 4.8 average rating. *
* As of June 2024. Number of reviews and average rating across all Light Dental Studios offices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Light Dental Studios is a comprehensive dental care provider that has been serving the Puget Sound area since 1971.
We have 30 convenient locations throughout the Puget Sound area to serve you better.
Light Dental Studios offers a range of services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, in-house denture lab, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.
Yes, we offer specialized care for our younger patients to ensure they have a smile worth showing off at every age.
We offer a range of cosmetic treatments including cosmetic bonding, Invisalign®, dental Botox®, teeth whitening, veneers, and more to help your smile shine brighter than a polished molar!
Checkups & Cleanings
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential for preventive care. It's generally recommended to schedule them every six months to maintain good oral health, but your dentist may suggest a different frequency based on your individual needs.
During a checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and oral structures for any issues. X-rays may be needed to detect problems not visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth or issues below the gumline.
Retainers, Night Guards & Bleach Trays
Retainer use varies, but it's typically recommended full-time for several months after orthodontic treatment and then at night for an extended period to maintain the corrected tooth positions. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Night guards are dental appliances that create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They help alleviate the effects of bruxism by preventing tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches caused by grinding or clenching during sleep.
Yes, dentists can provide custom bleach trays for teeth whitening. They are often more effective and safer than over-the-counter products because they are customized to your teeth and use professional-grade whitening gel.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken dental restorations, and oral injuries. Contact your dentist immediately for guidance on accessing emergency care. Many dental offices offer emergency services.
For a knocked-out tooth, rinse it gently, place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk, and seek immediate dental care. For severe toothaches, rinse your mouth, floss to remove debris, and contact an emergency dentist.
While not all emergencies can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing protective gear during sports, avoiding chewing ice or hard objects, and seeking regular dental checkups can reduce the risk of dental emergencies.
TMJ / TMD Disorder Treatment
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. Common symptoms include jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty in jaw movement.
Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a dentist or specialist. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, or dental appliances like splints or nightguards. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Yes, non-surgical treatments are often preferred and can be highly effective. Surgical intervention is considered when conservative methods fail or when there are structural issues that require correction.
Lifestyle changes may include stress management, avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing relaxation techniques, and maintaining good posture. Your dentist can provide personalized recommendations.
Yes, successful TMJ/TMD treatment can alleviate associated symptoms like headaches and neck pain, as these often result from muscle tension and jaw misalignment.
Treatment coverage varies by insurance plans. It's advisable to check with your provider about coverage for TMJ/TMD treatments. Dental offices often offer payment plans and financing options to make treatments more accessible.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with our doctors for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions. For any questions or concerns, please call our office.