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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.

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    Home / Services / General Dentistry / TMJ & TMD Disorders

    TMJ / TMD Disorders

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    Checkups & Cleanings

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    Retainers, Night Guards & Bleach Trays

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    Emergency Dentistry

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    TMJ/TMD Disorders

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    At Light Dental Studios, we understand that Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can be debilitating conditions that affect not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate TMJ/TMD disorder treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

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    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.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    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.

    Our 30 locations are spread across the Puget Sound area including Auburn, Bellevue, Bonney Lake, Burien, Covington, Fircrest, Kent, Lacey, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Lilly Road in Olympia, Olympia, Pacific Avenue in Parkland, Puyallup, Orthodontics in Puyallup, Renton, Ruddell Road in Lacey, 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Tacoma Mall Boulevard in Tacoma, and University Place to provide easy access to quality dental care.
     

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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.
    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.

    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.

    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.

    TESTIMONIALS

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    Different Story.

    5 Star
    Light Dental Studios of Puyallup
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    Based on 395 reviews
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    OtakuRo
    22:42 17 Oct 24
    Great service, great providers and staff.
    Jin Xu
    03:14 13 Oct 24
    My wife cracked her tooth and got a crown from Dr. Udod and Hailey. We were beyond happy with the care we received here. Hailey went out of her way to make my wife felt comfortable and at ease. Dr. Udod was quick, gentle, and meticulous with his work. Both of them were friendly and professional. It was a great experience for us!
    Joanna Felt
    00:14 12 Oct 24
    Came in for chipped teeth from fall. Harleen was so kind and made every effort to make me comfortable. Dr Lee explained what the process was and what could happen down the road with the tooth. From beginning to end it was 45 minutes and I was back to work. I was so happy made appointment for teeth cleaning in 2 weeks. Great experience for someone who is not big fan of going to dentist 😊😊
    Ellie Bates
    19:05 04 Oct 24
    Dr. Benoit and Allie were so kind and patient. Super quick appointment with a comfort focus.
    Jennifer Cope
    00:35 04 Oct 24
    What a wonderful experience we have had. Our experience was the best !
    David Caprara
    17:28 19 Sep 24
    I have been going here for 10 years. Why? Because of their excellent customer service and phenomenal technical expertise. Starting with the front office. They hire people like Shailee, who takes the time to answer my questions with a smile. You can tell they hire people who like working here and that is seen with the excellent customer service. Shailee took the time to explain a refund I was getting and she didn't act like it was a bother. My dentist, Dr. Benoit and Hailey, her dental assistant, provided exceptionally great service explaining every step in the process of taking care of my cavity. Hailey was a great help with the doctor by being ahead of every next step and working well with the doctor. Dr. Benoit seemed like she was a perfectionist and very detailed in her work. Yet she was very pleasant to talk with even taking time to explain what she was doing. It is like that every time I come in for a visit. The people may change but you get the same excellent service each time you go in there. Great organization 👏 👍 👌 🙌 ❤️
    Bruce McDowell
    16:13 12 Sep 24
    I have found my experiences with Light Dental to be very positive. Dr. Yin, who is giving me a tooth implant, and her assistant Jan have been great. They clearly explain everything that will be happening. The procedure itself thus far (implant base is in) has been painless. They are also good humored and nice to be around. Dr. Yin’s CV is amazing.
    tylor dyer
    22:11 16 Aug 24
    The dentists are good at their jobs, but the real shining stars are their support staff. I have severe dental anxiety and have never gotten through dentist appointments without crying, often hysterically. Both Ashley's (hygienist and assistant) are so warm, friendly, supportive, and accommodating. Kate at the front desk is validating, advocates for patients, and makes me feel so heard and cared about! All three of them have gone above and beyond with me to make me feel safe, comfortable, and important. Often times I feel like a set of teeth at the dentist, but they make me feel like a whole human. They remember me when I walk through the doors or call. Going to the dentist is still an ordeal for me, but I am so grateful for them. I live in Olympia knowing full well Light Dental Studios has a (probably just as great) location so much closer to me, but they don't have the Ashley's or Kate!
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