General Dentistry
Discover comprehensive General Dentistry at Light Dental Studios. Our expert team provides checkups, cleanings, nightguards, retainers, emergency care, and TMD/TMJ disorder treatment to ensure your oral health and well-being.
Let's talk about your smile.
Home / Dentist Near Me / Tacoma Lincoln District / Services / General Dentistry
Overview
General dentistry encompasses a wide range of essential dental services aimed at maintaining and improving oral health.
Regular checkups and cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive care. These routine appointments, typically recommended every six months, allow dentists to assess the overall oral health of patients, detect potential issues early on, and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Checkups also include thorough examinations, X-rays when necessary, and discussions about oral hygiene practices, ensuring that patients receive personalized guidance to maintain their dental well-being.
These visits play a crucial role in preventing more serious dental problems from developing, saving patients both discomfort and expenses in the long run.
Retainers, Night Guards & Bleach Trays
For those seeking to enhance their smiles, our cosmetic dentistry services offer transformative solutions. From teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to smile makeovers, we use advanced techniques and materials to achieve stunning results. Our orthodontic expertise extends to braces and clear aligners, allowing you to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
When it comes to restorative dentistry, we offer a range of solutions to address dental issues, from dental fillings and crowns to dental bridges and dental implants. Our in-house specialties include oral surgery, periodontics, and dental sleep medicine, ensuring that you receive comprehensive care under one roof. Whether you require wisdom teeth removal, gum disease treatment, or solutions for sleep apnea, our specialists are here to provide expert care.
We understand that dental emergencies can be distressing, and our same-day emergency exams offer swift relief and solutions when you need them most. Additionally, our in-house denture lab ensures fast and efficient denture fittings, adjustments, and repairs.
At Light Dental Studios, we are committed to delivering exceptional dental services in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Your oral health and overall well-being are our top priorities, and our dedicated team is here to support you in achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
Emergency Dentistry
Emergency dentistry plays a crucial role in addressing unforeseen dental issues that require immediate attention. Dental emergencies can range from severe toothaches and knocked-out teeth to broken crowns or injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Prompt care is essential to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and protect oral health.
Dental professionals who offer emergency services are equipped to handle urgent situations, providing timely relief and effective solutions, which can make all the difference in a patient's comfort and well-being.
TMJ / TMD Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to as TMD, affect the jaw joints and the muscles that control jaw movement. These conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and limitations in jaw function.
TMD treatment involves a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, dental appliances like splints or nightguards. These devices help alleviate symptoms by stabilizing the jaw and reducing the strain on the TMJ. TMD treatment aims to restore normal jaw function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing these often debilitating conditions. It underscores the importance of addressing not just the teeth but also the overall well-being of the oral and facial structures.
Your life is always busy and you can't make time for your dental visit. Light Dental Studios now offers same day, Saturday, and evening appointments.
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.
Be in the know
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 21 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.