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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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
At Light Dental Studios, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services, all under the expert care of our esteemed board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that encompasses a wide array of surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. It is a critical branch of dentistry that deals with complex issues, from wisdom teeth extraction and dental implant placement to corrective jaw surgery and the treatment of facial trauma.
We have Puget Sound’s premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons who practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal.
Our experienced oral surgeons also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures.
We take pride ourselves on making each patient’s experience as easy and effective as possible while providing the highest quality treatment.
Trust your oral health to the expertise of Dr. Michael Tsai, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Light Dental Studios. Comprehensive surgical solutions for your dental and facial concerns.
Dr. Michael Tsai, with his extensive training and years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and surgical expertise to our practice.
He is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to our patients, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being throughout their surgical journey. His compassionate and patient-centric approach allows individuals to feel at ease, knowing that they are in the capable hands of a skilled and caring surgeon.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth for many reasons:
Bone Grafting
Over time the jaw bone may become atrophied. In order for dental implants to be placed, adequate bone volume must be present in an area. Bone grafting, also known as ridge augmentation, is a surgical procedure that grows bone in an area of the jaw where it is deficient. The graft not only replaces missing bone, but also helps your body to regenerate its own bone.
This new bone growth strengthens the grafted area by forming a bridge between your existing bone and the graft material. This bone loss can be reversed. Over time your own newly formed bone will replace much of the grafted material.
Prior to recommending a bone graft, you will be seen for an exam, radiographs and possibly a 3D scanned image of your jaw. Our oral surgeons will discuss the procedure with you and outline the expected results.
Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery)
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Light Dental Studios to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, the "third" molar at both ends of the top and bottom row of teeth. As the wisdom teeth begin to grow, they can become impacted, or trapped in the jawbone and/or gums. As they continue to grow beneath the gum line in an angled or horizontal direction, displacement of the original line of teeth and wearing into the back molars can occur. Wisdom teeth that are unable to "erupt" above the gum line can lead to inflammation and infection. In the case of a partial eruption, a pocket often forms under the gumline, which can lead to the formation of a cyst or tumor. If left untreated, wisdom teeth cause permanent damage, including cavities, nerve damage, gum infection, bone infection, and a weakening of the jaw. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth often grow unnoticed until they cause problems in the mouth or outlying areas, such as the face. These problems can cause headaches, pain in the ears, neck, upper or lower jaw.
Wisdom teeth should be extracted when our oral surgeons first conclude that the teeth are impacted and pose a risk to the patient. In certain cases, surgery may require an incision into the gums, partial bone removal, and/or sectioning of the tooth before removal. The procedure is almost always performed in the dentist's office, on an outpatient basis. The surgery is usually performed in less than an hour, depending on the depth of the impacted teeth and their angle of growth. The surgeon will recommend using a local anesthesia, a mild sedative, or a general anesthesia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
No, you do not typically need a referral. You can directly schedule an appointment with our in-house specialists for consultations and treatments.
Our in-house specialties offer convenience, coordinated care, and a familiar, comfortable environment. You can receive comprehensive dental services from a trusted team under one roof.
Yes, you can easily request a consultation or find more information about our in-house specialties on our website or by contacting our office.
In-House Specialties
Dental Sleep Medicine specializes in treating sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea. It offers solutions to help you achieve better sleep, improved health, and increased quality of life.
Our in-house denture lab ensures faster turnaround times for fittings, adjustments, and repairs, providing you with well-fitting, comfortable dentures without lengthy wait times.
We offer a range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, to address alignment issues and create a straight, healthy smile.
Our periodontists offer dental implant procedures to address tooth loss and provide periodontal treatments to manage gum disease, ensuring optimal oral health.
Our oral surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgeries, and more, to address dental and facial concerns.
Coverage varies by insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage for each specialty.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. A sleep study or consultation with our Dental Sleep Medicine specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis.
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.