Common Dental Procedures in Lakewood and Steilacoom, WA

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Regular Exams & Cleanings

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall well-being. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings allow us to identify concerns early, protect your smile, and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come.

More Than a Cleaning

During your comprehensive exam, we take the time to look beyond what you can see or feel. Your visit may include:

A thorough examination for cavities and tooth decay
Evaluation of your teeth, gums, and supporting tissues
Screening for gingivitis and periodontal disease
A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
Personalized recommendations based on your individual oral health needs

Your regular exam and cleaning typically takes about 55 minutes, giving us the time to provide thorough care without feeling rushed.

Prevention Starts With You

Regular visits give you an opportunity to discuss questions, concerns, and changes in your oral health with your dentist. By identifying potential problems early, we can often provide simpler, more conservative treatment and help you avoid more extensive dental concerns down the road.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

That means taking the time to listen, educate, and create a dental experience centered around you—not just your teeth.

We recommend regular exams and professional cleanings based on your individual needs. Contact Quality Dentistry today to schedule your next visit and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

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Bonding

bonding

Dental Bonding

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

A Simple Way to Refresh Your Smile

Dental bonding is a conservative, versatile treatment that can improve the appearance of teeth that are slightly chipped, discolored, uneven, or misshapen—often without removing significant amounts of natural tooth structure.

During bonding, we apply a tooth-colored composite material directly to the tooth. The material is carefully shaped and polished to complement your smile and create a natural-looking result.

Natural-Looking. Minimally Invasive.

Because dental bonding can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, it blends seamlessly with your smile. It can be used to:

Repair small chips and cracks
Improve the shape or appearance of individual teeth
Mask minor discoloration
Close small spaces between teeth
Restore teeth affected by decay
Replace noticeable silver-colored amalgam fillings with tooth-colored restorations

Bonding can be used on both front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of the repair.

Beautiful Results in One Visit

One of the advantages of dental bonding is its convenience. In many cases, treatment can be completed comfortably in a single visit, making it an excellent option when you want to improve your smile without extensive treatment.

Bonding is also generally more affordable than other cosmetic options, such as porcelain veneers.

While composite bonding is durable, it can be more susceptible to staining and chipping than porcelain. If your bonding ever becomes damaged, it can often be repaired or refreshed without replacing the entire restoration.

Personalized Care. Natural Results.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe cosmetic dentistry should enhance your smile while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

We take the time to understand what you want to change, explain your options, and recommend an approach that fits your smile, goals, and lifestyle.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Bridges

bridges

Dental Bridges

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Restore Your Smile. Replace What's Missing.

Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. They can change the way you chew, affect your bite, allow neighboring teeth to shift, and even contribute to changes in the shape of your face.

A dental bridge is a proven way to replace one or more missing teeth while restoring the look and function of your smile. The replacement teeth are supported by neighboring natural teeth or dental restorations, effectively bridging the space left by missing teeth.

Designed for a Natural Look

Modern dental bridges can be crafted from high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. We select the option that best fits your individual needs, goals, and smile.

A well-designed bridge can help you:

Restore your ability to chew comfortably
Improve the appearance of your smile
Maintain the natural shape of your face
Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
Restore balance and function to your bite

A Strong Foundation Matters

The long-term success of a bridge depends on the health and strength of the teeth, gums, and bone supporting it. That's why we carefully evaluate your overall oral health before recommending a bridge and provide guidance to help protect your investment.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe replacing a missing tooth is about more than restoring a space—it's about helping you feel comfortable, confident, and healthy. We take the time to understa

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Crowns

fillings

Dental Crowns

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Strength. Function. A Natural-Looking Smile.

When a tooth has been significantly damaged by decay, wear, cracks, or injury, a dental crown can restore its strength, shape, and appearance while helping protect the remaining natural tooth.

A crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over the visible portion of a tooth, creating a strong, protective outer surface. Modern crowns are designed to look and feel natural, blending beautifully with the surrounding teeth.

Precision Designed for Your Smile

Today’s crowns can be made from advanced materials including high-strength porcelain and ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. For many patients, tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic provides an ideal balance of strength, durability, and natural aesthetics.

A crown may be recommended when:

A tooth is significantly weakened or cracked
Extensive decay has compromised the tooth
A large filling no longer provides adequate support
A tooth is worn or damaged
An existing crown needs to be replaced
You want to restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth

For teeth that don't require full coverage, an onlay or partial crown may provide a more conservative alternative while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Designed Around Your Bite

Every smile and every bite is unique. Your crown is custom-designed using precise impressions or digital measurements of your teeth. This allows the restoration to be carefully shaped to complement your smile and work naturally with your bite and jaw movements.

The result is a restoration that doesn't simply cover a damaged tooth—it is designed to look natural, function comfortably, and protect your smile for years to come.

Dentistry Centered Around You

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe restorative treatment should be as personalized as the patient receiving it. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate solution for your individual needs.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Dentures

dentures

Dental Crowns

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Strength. Function. A Natural-Looking Smile.

When a tooth has been significantly damaged by decay, wear, cracks, or injury, a dental crown can restore its strength, shape, and appearance while helping protect the remaining natural tooth.

Precision Designed for Your Smile

A crown may be recommended when:

A tooth is significantly weakened or cracked
Extensive decay has compromised the tooth
A large filling no longer provides adequate support
A tooth is worn or damaged
An existing crown needs to be replaced
You want to restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth

For teeth that don't require full coverage, an onlay or partial crown may provide a more conservative alternative while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Designed Around Your Bite

The result is a restoration that doesn't simply cover a damaged tooth—it is designed to look natural, function comfortably, and protect your smile for years to come.

Dentistry Centered Around You

People are at the heart of everything we do.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Extractions

extractions

Tooth Extractions

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Gentle Care When a Tooth Needs to Be Removed

Our goal is always to help you maintain your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when removing a tooth is the healthiest or safest choice for your smile.

A tooth may need to be removed because of:

Extensive decay or damage
Infection that cannot be successfully treated
A baby tooth that isn't falling out properly
Orthodontic treatment needs
Wisdom teeth that are causing problems
A tooth that cannot be restored predictably

When an extraction is recommended, we will take the time to explain why it is necessary, what to expect, and what options are available to replace the tooth if needed.

Your Comfort Comes First

We understand that the thought of having a tooth removed can cause anxiety. Compassion is an essential part of quality dental care.

Our team will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and discuss comfort and sedation options with you before treatment. We never want you to feel rushed, pressured, or uncertain about your care.

The procedure itself is typically straightforward. After gently loosening the tooth from the surrounding tissues, we carefully remove it while taking every precaution to protect the surrounding bone and teeth.

What Happens After an Extraction?

Removing a tooth is only one part of restoring your oral health. Depending on your individual situation, we may recommend replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or another restorative option.

Replacing a missing tooth can help maintain your bite, support comfortable chewing, prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, and preserve the overall balance of your smile.

Care You Can Feel Good About

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we combine advanced techniques and modern technology with integrity, compassion, and personalized attention. We understand that every patient has different needs, concerns, and comfort levels—and we tailor your experience accordingly.

Whether an extraction is routine or more complex, you will be treated with patience, respect, and genuine care.

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Fillings

crowns

Dental Fillings & Restorations

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Restore Your Tooth. Keep Your Smile Natural.

When a tooth is affected by decay or minor damage, a filling can restore its strength, function, and appearance while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Modern dentistry offers a variety of restorative materials, including tooth-colored composite resins and advanced ceramic materials. These materials can be carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth, creating a restoration that blends beautifully with your smile.

Conservative Care. Natural Results.

Depending on the location and extent of the damage, we may recommend different types of restorations:

Direct fillings
A direct filling is placed directly into the prepared tooth, often allowing treatment to be completed in a single visit. Tooth-colored composite materials provide a strong, natural-looking option for many areas of the mouth.

Indirect restorations
When a tooth needs additional support or a more extensive restoration, an indirect option may be recommended. These restorations are carefully crafted outside the mouth and can include inlays, onlays, and other custom ceramic restorations.

Your Care, Your Comfort

We understand that even a simple dental procedure can create questions or anxiety. That's why we take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment before we begin.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe exceptional dental care combines advanced technology and clinical expertise with compassion, integrity, and genuine personal attention. Our goal is to preserve your natural smile while making your experience comfortable and stress-free.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Fluoride

flouride

Fluoride Treatment

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

An Extra Layer of Protection

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Professional fluoride treatments can provide an added layer of protection, particularly for patients who may be more susceptible to decay or enamel wear.

During an in-office treatment, a concentrated fluoride application is gently applied to your teeth. The process takes only a few minutes and is designed to give your enamel the support it needs to stay strong and healthy.

Personalized Prevention

Not every patient has the same dental needs. Based on your oral health, risk for tooth decay, and individual circumstances, we may recommend professional fluoride treatments as part of your preventive care.

Your dentist will help determine how often treatment may be beneficial—whether that's every three, six, or twelve months, or as needed.

Following treatment, you may be asked to avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing for approximately 60 minutes so the fluoride has time to work effectively.

Prevention With Compassion

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe great dental care isn't just about treating problems—it's about helping you prevent them. We take the time to understand your individual needs and provide recommendations that are thoughtful, personalized, and never one-size-fits-all.

With advanced dentistry, personalized care, and genuine compassion, we're here to help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Implant Restoration

implants

Dental Implants

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Expertise You Can Trust. Care You Can Feel.

Dental implants offer a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth while restoring the strength, function, and appearance of your smile. Because implants are designed to function much like natural teeth, they can help you eat comfortably, speak confidently, and maintain the health and structure of your smile.

At Quality Dentistry, implant care combines advanced technology, extensive clinical experience, and a personalized approach. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to the individual patient, from the initial consultation through restoration and ongoing care.

Experience That Extends Beyond the Practice

Dr. Timothy Miller is not only an experienced implant dentist—he is also an educator to other dental professionals.

Dr. Miller serves as a Course Director for Advanced Dental Implant Research Education Company, where he teaches dentists advanced implant concepts and techniques. Through his work as an educator, Dr. Miller continues to stay at the forefront of implant dentistry while sharing his knowledge and experience with other dental professionals.

Teaching other dentists is an important part of Dr. Miller's commitment to continued learning and excellence. It allows him to bring the same principles of precision, education, and evidence-based care to the patients he serves every day.

A Personalized Approach to Implant Care

Replacing a missing tooth is about more than filling a space. We consider your overall oral health, bone structure, bite, aesthetic goals, and long-term needs when developing your treatment plan.

Depending on your situation, implant treatment may be used to:

Replace a single missing tooth
Replace multiple missing teeth
Support a bridge or denture
Restore function and chewing ability
Help preserve the jawbone after tooth loss
Create a more natural-looking, confident smile

People Are at the Heart of Everything We Do

People are at the heart of everything we do.

We understand that choosing implant treatment is a significant decision. That's why we take the time to listen, explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with every step of your treatment.

Compassion is just as important as clinical expertise. Our goal is to provide exceptional implant dentistry while creating an experience where you feel heard, respected, informed, and cared for.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Mouthguards

mouthguard

Sports Mouthguards

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Protect Your Smile. Play With Confidence.

Whether you're competing at a high level or enjoying a recreational sport, protecting your teeth should be part of your game-day routine.

A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect your teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw from injuries caused by contact and impact. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for athletes participating in contact sports, but they can be beneficial for many high-impact activities as well.

And you don't have to wear braces to benefit from one. Athletes of all ages can benefit from a mouthguard designed for their individual needs.

A Better Fit Means Better Protection

Not all mouthguards are created equal. There are three common options:

Stock Mouthguards
Pre-made and ready to wear, but they provide the least personalized fit and may feel bulky or uncomfortable.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Softened in warm water and molded at home for a closer fit than a stock mouthguard.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Professionally designed and fitted by your dentist for a precise, comfortable fit and secure protection. Custom mouthguards can also be designed with orthodontic treatment in mind.

A well-designed mouthguard should be comfortable, durable, secure, easy to clean, and allow you to breathe and communicate naturally.

Protection That's Personalized to You

Your mouth, bite, and dental needs are unique. We can help you choose the appropriate type of mouthguard based on your sport, age, dental history, orthodontic treatment, and level of protection needed.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe prevention is an important part of compassionate dental care. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and recommend protection that fits both your smile and your lifestyle.

Our goal is simple: help you protect your smile so you can focus on doing what you love.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Nightguards

nightguard

Nightguards for Bruxism

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Do you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, facial tension, or ear discomfort? Do you notice yourself clenching or grinding your teeth?

You may be experiencing bruxism, the unconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth. Because it frequently occurs during sleep, many people don't realize they're doing it until their dentist notices signs of wear or damage.

Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, chips, cracks, damaged restorations, and significant stress on the teeth and jaw.

Comfortable, Custom Protection

A custom nightguard is a simple, non-invasive way to help protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.

Your nightguard is custom-made to fit your unique teeth and bite and is worn over either the upper or lower teeth. It creates a protective barrier between the opposing teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and minimize the effects of grinding.

Because your comfort matters, a professionally fitted nightguard is designed to feel secure and natural while you sleep.

Care That Starts With Listening

People are at the heart of everything we do.

We understand that jaw pain, headaches, and dental discomfort can affect more than your smile—they can affect how you feel every day. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns, carefully evaluate your teeth and bite, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

With compassion, advanced technology, and personalized care, our goal is to help protect your smile while making your experience comfortable and stress-free.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Root Canals

root canals I

Root Canal Treatment

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Relieve Pain. Preserve Your Natural Tooth.

When the inner tissue of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal can often save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

Although the words root canal can make some patients anxious, modern techniques and technology have made treatment more comfortable and predictable than ever. Our goal is not only to treat the infection, but to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout the process.

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is a small space containing nerves and blood vessels, known as the pulp. When deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental treatment causes the pulp to become infected or severely inflamed, treatment may be necessary.

During a root canal, the affected tissue is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed to help prevent reinfection. The tooth can then be restored to return it to normal function.

Root canal treatment can help:

Relieve tooth pain and sensitivity
Treat infection and inflammation
Prevent infection from spreading
Preserve your natural tooth
Restore comfortable chewing and function

Experienced Care Close to Home

Dr. Stephens provides root canal treatment at Quality Dentistry, giving our patients access to this important restorative care within our practice.

Having treatment provided by a dentist you know and trust can make the experience feel more comfortable and familiar. Dr. Stephens takes the time to explain the procedure, answer questions, and make sure patients understand their options before treatment begins.

Compassion

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Sealants

Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in-between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Dental Sealants

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

A Simple Step Toward Preventing Cavities

Some teeth have deep grooves and natural pits that can be difficult to clean—even with excellent brushing and flossing. These areas can trap plaque and food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection by coating these vulnerable grooves with a thin, tooth-colored protective material. Once applied, the sealant creates a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean and helps prevent bacteria and plaque from settling into hard-to-reach areas.

Prevention for Every Age

Sealants are commonly recommended for children and teens as their permanent molars erupt, helping protect these new teeth during cavity-prone years. However, adults can benefit from sealants too when healthy teeth have deep grooves or are at increased risk for decay.

Because every smile is different, we evaluate each patient individually and recommend sealants when they can provide meaningful protection.

Quick. Comfortable. Preventive.

Applying a dental sealant is a simple, non-invasive procedure that typically takes just a few minutes per tooth. No drilling or significant removal of tooth structure is required.

Sealants can last for several years, and we check them during your regular dental visits to make sure they remain intact and continue providing protection. If a sealant becomes worn or comes off, it can often be repaired or replaced.

Prevention With Compassion

People are at the heart of everything we do.

At Quality Dentistry, we believe some of the best dentistry is dentistry that helps you prevent problems before they start. We take the time to understand your individual oral health, explain your options, and recommend preventive care based on what is right for you—not simply a one-size-fits-all approach.

With compassion, education, and advanced dental care, we're here to help you and your family maintain healthy smiles for years to come.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

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Veneers

veneers

Dental Veneers

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

A Beautiful Smile That Still Looks Like You

If you wish you could change the appearance of chipped, stained, uneven, or misshapen teeth, veneers can provide a refined, natural-looking solution.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to enhance the front surfaces of your teeth. They can improve the shape, color, symmetry, and overall appearance of your smile while maintaining a look that feels natural and uniquely yours.

Designed for Your Smile

Every smile is different, which is why veneers should never be one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand what you want to achieve and carefully plan your treatment around your facial features, smile, and individual goals.

Your veneers are custom designed to create the shape, shade, and proportions that complement your appearance. Depending on your needs, a small amount of tooth preparation may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic result while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Natural-Looking Results

Modern porcelain veneers are designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural enamel. Their translucency, shape, and color can create a beautifully balanced smile without looking artificial.

With proper care, veneers can provide long-lasting results. Porcelain is also highly stain-resistant, although maintaining good oral hygiene and limiting substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help keep your smile looking its best.

Your Smile. Your Goals. Our Care.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

Cosmetic dentistry is about more than creating a beautiful smile. It's about listening to you, understanding what you want to change, and helping you feel confident in the result.

At Quality Dentistry, we combine advanced technology and clinical expertise with education, integrity, and compassion. We believe the best cosmetic dentistry is personalized, thoughtful, and designed to enhance—not change—what makes your smile uniquely yours.

Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Wisdom Teeth

wisdom teeth

Wisdom Teeth Removal

People are at the heart of everything we do.
Advanced dentistry. Personalized care. A better experience.

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to develop, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Because the jaw may not have enough room for them to fully erupt, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they remain partially or completely beneath the gums or grow at an unfavorable angle.

When wisdom teeth become impacted or difficult to clean, they can contribute to pain, swelling, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to neighboring teeth. In some cases, removing them before problems develop can help protect your long-term oral health.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are often evaluated during the late teenage years and early twenties. At this stage, the roots may not yet be fully developed and the surrounding bone may be less dense, which can make removal easier and recovery more comfortable.

Every patient is different, however. Our team will carefully evaluate your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health to determine whether removal is recommended and when the timing is best for you.

Comfortable, Personalized Care

Wisdom tooth removal is performed using IV moderate sedation. Our goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible throughout treatment. We offer noise canceling headphones, warm towlettes, blankets, aroma therapy, and eye masks for added relaxion.