Meridian South Family Dentistry Logo

Tag: Dental checkups

What Does A Cavity Look Like? How To Know If You Have One And What to Do Next

What Does a Cavity Look Like? How to Know If You Have One and What to Do Next

Cavities are one of the most common issues seen by dentists in Puyallup, Graham, Tacoma, and surrounding areas. But they are sneaky. One day, your tooth feels fine, and the next, you are wincing every time you have a sip of something cold. Even a small cavity can lead to discomfort, damage, and costly treatments […]

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter: General Dentistry in Puyallup, WA

Routine dental checkups are necessary for ensuring maximum oral health and avoiding possible dental problems. Though most individuals go to the dentist in Puyallup, WA, and surrounding areas only when they feel pain or discomfort, preventive dentistry is instrumental in evading expensive and intricate procedures in the future. At Meridian South Family Dentistry, we prioritize […]

Testimonials

Meridian South Family DentistryExcellentMeridian South Family Dentistry4.5★★★★☆ Based on 300 reviews fromSee all reviews review us onGeorge PayneGeorge Payne ★★★★★ My first appointment with Meridian South Family Dentistry was a FANTASTIC experience. Patient care thoroughly exceeded my expectations - NO, it blew away any expectations I had! Best in class professional services, impeccable administrative support and and a genuine family atmosphere are qualities that tell me this is my new home for Dental Care.Alicia SchwaderAlicia Schwader ★★★★★ As usual my last visit with Dr Tomlinson was amazing. As someone who HATES going to the dentist Dr. Tomlinson makes it a lot more bearable. She tells me what she is doing and what to expect while the procedure is going on.She makes me feel safe and secure. If you have anxiety about going to the dentist GO SEE DR. TOMLINSON. You will be happy you did!Caitlin PlanckCaitlin Planck ★★★★★ Im a newer patient and I have dental anxiety. I needed a filling for a back tooth. They were gentle, quick and so patient with me. Best dental experience I've ever had!Brittany LBrittany L ★★★★★ Love this place. They make going to the dentist something to look forward to. I went here as a child/teen and recently moved back to the area and immediately scheduled an appointment. I remembered how kind and thorough they were and found out today that nothing has changed! Thank you, Meridian South Family Dentistry!mary majetichmary majetich ★★★★★ It is always a pleasure to get my dental work done at Meridian South. I strayed and went somewhere closer to home once…I instantly regretted it and promptly returned to Meridian South. It’s worth the drive to get quality, professional cleanings and work. Customer for life.✨Shari LienShari Lien ★★★★★ I have been looking for a good dentist for awhile now. Co worker told me of south family and I'm so happy she did. They are all so friendly and take the time to explain everything. Genuinely cared 🥰binbin ★★★★★ I have always been scared of the dentist, and I always leave this place smiling.The front desk staff is wonderful and I feel so cared for the whole time I'm there. The dentists are gentle and make sure I'm not feeling any pain, and the assistants who do the numbing needle are very skilled - I normally do not even feel the sting.There is not a bad thing I can say about this place. The atmosphere is great, and hearing the smalltalk between the staff always puts me at ease. The waiting room is cozy, even their bathroom is spotless and has great smelling soaps!Their prices seem to be similar to other dentists in my area, but this place feels like a hidden gem that I got so lucky to find.Thank you for all the great appointments, look forward to many more.Ingrid.Marlene StaleyMarlene Staley ★★★★☆ It has been some time since I have been seen at your practice. It was with great regret that I had to leave the area due to an extremely hostile and dangerous living situation and could not complete my dental care with you.I wanted to say thank you for your outstanding dental services. My dentist, her assistant, the front desk staff, and especially my amazing dental hygienist were professionally proficient in providing me the best care. I have yet to find a dental facility as on Point as yours.The only exception was the one female staff member who informed me that I did not require teeth in order to sing, which stung.But that doesn't take away the fact that you are one of the best dental practices in the NW.Stong Work!Cheryl MyrickCheryl Myrick ★★★★★ Dentists and dentistry are my least favorite physical appointments. I literally would rather have my left arm removed. However, I had an emergency and HAD to see a dentist. From Nicole answering the phone and answering my questions up front, all the way to the end of the visit with Dr Ladowski and Wendy I felt I was dealing with honest, caring moral characters! No money hungry, seeking fame and fortune characters here!I have found my home with dentistry.Knowledge, honesty, efficiency and respect still exist.Grateful to have found my forever dental staff.Shari LienShari Lien ★★★★★ I have been looking for a good dentist for awhile now. Co worker told me of south family and I'm so happy she did. They are all so friendly and take the time to explain everything. Genuinely cared 🥰Kathy BKathy B ★★★★★ Almost painless injections! I have a phobia about going to dentist. They were all so nice.Probably the best dental experience I've had!Ronald ThalheimerRonald Thalheimer ★★★★★ These guys are awesome.1). Pulled back right on time.2) immediately made me feel comfortable.3) doc came in and he just brings confidence, enough conversation and any explanations (although they are all trained well on what to communicate and how. Top notch operation.You might back off just a bit on the reminders. Perhaps three total at strategic times?Special thanks to Valerie. Ryder and I pray for her! The commitment this team has should be enough to choose them. Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.I can’t believe I’m writing this after he pulled my tooth out today! with little empathy:). JkOk I just had a new experience. The best ever. I was in a serious bind because I broke my bridge on a Thursday night. I have to fly to Ca at 8 am on Monday which includes presentations. So long story short I got to see Nicole and Jessica in action. There was not a dentist on site but available by text and pictures. Together a decision was made to care for me and it worked. It shouldn’t have. I broke it bad. I saw teamwork and client care at its finest today! I recommend checking them out. They are so awesome!Steve WrightSteve Wright ★★★★★ Great appt today for a cleaning! Really appreciated the hygienist. She was thorough, friendly, professional, and talked through the process to help me understand what was happening.Ronald ThalheimerRonald Thalheimer ★★★★★ These guys are awesome.1). Pulled back right on time.2) immediately made me feel comfortable.3) doc came in and he just brings confidence, enough conversation and any explanations (although they are all trained well on what to communicate and how. Top notch operation.You might back off just a bit on the reminders. Perhaps three total at strategic times?Special thanks to Valerie. Ryder and I pray for her! The commitment this team has should be enough to choose them. Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.I can’t believe I’m writing this after he pulled my tooth out today! with little empathy:). JkElizabeth RossiElizabeth Rossi ★★★★★ I had a great experience here. The hygienist, Jessica, made my visit especially enjoyable. She was very personable and made sure I was always comfortable. She also did a great job with my cleaning!J RobertsJ Roberts ★★★★★ Meridia South family dentistry always does a great job getting my teeth clean in a fast efficient way and also double-checking that there are no problem areas or anything else to be watching out for with my teeth and gums. They are very thorough in everything they do. The entire staff is always very welcoming, cordial, & great at putting you at ease.Office and workspace is very clean and enjoyable to relax in while waiting.All their dentist chairs are super comfortable and it would be hard not to fall asleep. I have been going here for years.And every person that I have ever had treat me is wonderful.Nicole HoskinsNicole Hoskins ★★★★★ This was the best dental experience I have ever had! The Dr and Valerie were amazing. The office is very clean and the entire staff was professional and kind.Stephanie HembroffStephanie Hembroff ★★★★★ Wonderful care! They always make you feel welcomed and cared for. Office staff if so personable! They called me ahead of time to let me know they were running about 15 mins late for my appointment and that I could come late for my appointment or come wait. (Due to previous power outage from storm) I really appreciate this!!They were short staffed but everyone were helping each other. You could see it and hear it in communication.Having worked in an office previously myself I truly appreciated this!I’m so glad I transferred my care here.Cher-L BolzenthalCher-L Bolzenthal ★★★★★ I've been coming to Dr. Ladowski for almost 30 years, and I highly recommend you come here!From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel like family—everyone is so kind, welcoming, and professional.I always get a bit nervous before my appointments, but my hygienist, Megan, is amazing at putting me at ease. She’s thoughtful, caring, and always takes the time to make sure I’m comfortable.Dr. Ladowski and the entire team truly go above and beyond to make every visit a positive experience. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for top-notch dental care!Frank MFrank M ★★★★★ Dr. LAWRENCE R. LADOWSKI is the best Dentist I’ve ever had. Absolutely no pain, and you can tell he really values his patients. The rest of the staff is super good as well.BARB GEORGEBARB GEORGE ★★★★★ Having recently moved to the Graham area, I was apprehensive about finding a dentist that was close to my home and that I would feel comfortable at. I have some issues with light (brain trauma) and the staff accommodated me with ease and understanding. The visit went very well and I am grateful for finding them. The office was highly recommended by a former co-worker who grew up in the area and went to Meridian South Family Dentistry throughout her childhood.Kristi LuquetteKristi Luquette ★★★★★ The office is very welcoming, organized and comfortable. The staff were all polite and informative. I am very glad to have found this dentist and will continue to get my dental care here.Charlene MollettCharlene Mollett ★★★★★ Today was my first dental check up in a couple years and I was nervous. Megan, dental hygienist, was so kind and patient. The doctor did a thorough, gentle exam. I will definitely be returningJ RobertsJ Roberts ★★★★★ Meridia South family dentistry always does a great job getting my teeth clean in a fast efficient way and also double-checking that there are no problem areas or anything else to be watching out for with my teeth and gums. They are very thorough in everything they do. The entire staff is always very welcoming, cordial, & great at putting you at ease.Office and workspace is very clean and enjoyable to relax in while waiting.All their dentist chairs are super comfortable and it would be hard not to fall asleep. I have been going here for years.And every person that I have ever had treat me is wonderful.Chris SuseeChris Susee ★★★★★ Not only does Meridian South Family Dentistry get to know their clients, they deeply care about them as well. From checking in, to hygienist, to dentist, and checking out I felt like I was important.I highly recommend.BARB GEORGEBARB GEORGE ★★★★★ Having recently moved to the Graham area, I was apprehensive about finding a dentist that was close to my home and that I would feel comfortable at. I have some issues with light (brain trauma) and the staff accommodated me with ease and understanding. The visit went very well and I am grateful for finding them. The office was highly recommended by a former co-worker who grew up in the area and went to Meridian South Family Dentistry throughout her childhood.Gail HirschkornGail Hirschkorn ★★★★★ My new hygienist, Megan was very nice & knew what she was doing. I totally relaxed and enjoyed have my teeth cleaned. Excellent appointment!Shelley MalmstromShelley Malmstrom ★★★★★ I just started going to Meridian South Family Dentistry. I have been twice for an abscessed tooth and the staff is all very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend them for sure!m vm v ★★★★★ I first started going here when I had a dental emergency. Dr. Lagowski and his girls took very good care of me. They are all highly skilled and knowledgeable. During my experience, they were very patient and allowed me the time to be able to accomplish my dental goals. A no pain experience is definitely one of their top priorities. A very customer service oriented staff.TheRyan668TheRyan668 ★★★★★ Megan and the staff was awesome as usual. I would recommend this dental office. I have been with Dr. Tomlinson for a long time and this was by best appointment!Tasha BovanTasha Bovan ★★★★★ My kids and I are very happy with Meridian South Family Dentistry. We switched to go somewhere that was closer for us. Dr. Tomlinson is amazing, treats on the conservative side and is a mom so she understands kids. Brought my 13 year old in for a cleaning. I had to drop her off and run to GK for another kid. She said she was scared. When I picked her up, she was smiling and said that her Dental Hygienist was so nice! They had cotton candy flavor tooth polish and fluoride. She said it tasted so good. I recommend Meridian South Family Dentistry. They have always been so good to us and my kids like it there. The front office staff is super friendly also.Marilyn EubankMarilyn Eubank ★★★★★ We have been patients of DR Ladowski’s Dental clinic for over 23 years. The absolutely best dentist, hygienist, and staff we have ever experienced. The most comfortable environment for going to the dentist possible. We have recommended the clinic to all our friends. The very best you will ever experience….id give six stars but 5 is the max. You will not be disappointed.Don CookDon Cook ★★★★☆ i did not have to wait long to get in at my appointment time. the technician was nice polite and informative. the procedure by Dr. Tomlinson was painless and much quicker than i had planned.Miranda Mitchell-DerrickMiranda Mitchell-Derrick ★★★★★ I had not been to a dentist for at least 5 years due to, like many people fear and anxiety of going to the dentist. This staff was amazing! Very kind and caring, made me feel very comfortable. I am very thankful to have found such a wonderful dental office to return to for future needs.Jerry Dean WilliamsJerry Dean Williams ★★★★★ We moved from California to Washington I never had very good luck with any dentist, so when I need one here my wife went to this one and she really like them I was very happy they were very friendly nice and explained every step very happy .Patrick JosephPatrick Joseph ★★★★★ I received a wonderful service during checkin at the clinic this morning. I was 10 minutes late to my appointment and was promptly ushered to the clinic by a dental tech I forgot her name. The dental tech was very professional took lots of X-rays and did some dental exam and tooth cleaning. Dr. Ladowski was very courteous and professional. He was very thorough doing the dental exam and educated me on proper dental hygiene. It was my first time at this clinic. My wife and I are going to make this our new family dentistry. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone without hesitation.Gary VeachGary Veach ★★★★★ Staff friendly and professional even though office was short staffed by two assistants. Doctor was great kept me informed on everything. Explained what treatment would be and answered questions. Never felt the shots given to get numb and entire procedure went great.Marc KenyonMarc Kenyon ★★★★★ Relocated back to Graham area from Little Rock, ARNeeded a new Dentist, the staff I came into contact with from my life experience is truly genuine. Staff is friendly and at the same time a professional dental team…..I had my mind set if I could not find a local Dentist I would not hesitate to fly back to L.R. Arkansas for treatment.Dr Tomlinson has a matter of fact but pleasant bedside manner. Bottom line , looking forward to my next appointment.V/R MarcGary VeachGary Veach ★★★★★ Staff friendly and professional even though office was short staffed by two assistants. Doctor was great kept me informed on everything. Explained what treatment would be and answered questions. Never felt the shots given to get numb and entire procedure went great.Patrick JosephPatrick Joseph ★★★★★ I received a wonderful service during checkin at the clinic this morning. I was 10 minutes late to my appointment and was promptly ushered to the clinic by a dental tech I forgot her name. The dental tech was very professional took lots of X-rays and did some dental exam and tooth cleaning. Dr. Ladowski was very courteous and professional. He was very thorough doing the dental exam and educated me on proper dental hygiene. It was my first time at this clinic. My wife and I are going to make this our new family dentistry. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone without hesitation.Rebecca McElroyRebecca McElroy ★★★★★ I just switched dental office and I was very impressed with my visit. The office is very clean and organized. The staff is courteous and nice and my dental hygiene was super gentle.I saw Dr Tomlinson and I liked her a lot because she was very detailed with her exam and very gentle as well. She recommended I get a couple of fillings to protect some tooth recession, but wasn’t pushy. Also, the estimate was very affordable making it so that I will take care of my teeth for sure. My next 6 months cleaning is already scheduled and I love the convenience of the office being very close to home. I loved the TV on the ceiling; it helps making the exam less stressful.Patti WilliamsPatti Williams ★★★★★ I recently moved to Washington from out of state.It was an amazing experience as my first time here!Atmosphere was warm and inviting.The Doctor and all the staff was so friendly and very knowledgeable.Definitely found my new dentist family🤗Patti WilliamsJ BJ B ★★★★★ As a new patient, with dental anxiety, I was happy with the staff. The hygienist was careful and compassionate, and the dentist thoroughly explained the recommended course of treatment in which she suggested I see a different dentist who offered full sedation in light of my anxiety about being difficult to numb properly. I felt they were kind and professional (which has not always been the case elsewhere) and will return for my first recommended treatment.Tammy OpelTammy Opel ★★★★★ Dr Ladowski, his assistants and front office staff are always so kind, and genuinely care! Make me feel like family. I have been going for over 20 years, and highly recommend.Liz RothLiz Roth ★★★★★ Dr. L is a consummate and kind professional who knows how to give a nerve block like no other!! I am THAT patient; the one who always has an unusual amount of “injection anxiety” yet, he never fails to surprise me with his painless administration of just the right amount of pain-prevention. He a true and trustworthy medical practitioner. Thank you.C FC F ★★★★★ My sibling’s root canal was done quickly and painlessly. This was important to me because my brother is an elderly, disabled man who required special care. Dr. Ladowski did not hesitate to take on this challenging patient. Dr L is highly skilled and brings modern techniques to his practice. Our entire family have had various procedures done over the last 25+ years. His staff is friendly and helpful, many have been there as long as we’ve been patients. It’s the kind of established dental practice that alleviates the stress and anxiety sometimes associated with dental care. I highly recommend.Karen HendersonKaren Henderson ★★★★★ I always like the cheerful atmosphere there. Natasha, my hygienist was very personable. We’ve been there since 1983 when they opened. THANKYOU Dr. Ladowski for all your service to our family!Gma BGma B ★★★★★ I had an urgent matter. They got me right in. All staff were very nice. They patiently listened to me ramble on. I was seen quickly and got a referral to an endodontist near by. I definitely recommend Meridian South Family Dentistry : )Tim PortugueTim Portugue ★★★★★ Excellent care! They are always striving to minimize the pain factor. My new crown was made in-house and fits perfectly. Thank you Meridian South Family Dentistry team!!!Sgt JaySgt Jay ★★★★★ Amazing staff, Amazing care, super great experience every time I see them. If you want great care, Meridian South Family Dentistry is it! With other dental offices in the area, this is the one to go to. I have been to others, before I found MSFD. I will go nowhere else.Linda Brown-ClarkLinda Brown-Clark ★★★★★ My 2 sons come see Dr Ladowski and Dr Tomlinson. Both have major physical and mental challenges. Everyone in the office is so kind to them! They are treated with so much kindness and respect!!! Their questions are answered directly! The hygienist explains everything before they so the boys are not afraid!!! I am very grateful we found this dentist group!! Thank you to each person there!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!The Brown-Clark FamilyTrent EdwardsTrent Edwards ★★★★★ Dr. Tomlinson and the staff are wonderful. They’re very nice and great at what they do. Dr. Tomlinson is really thorough and found a cavity that my last dentist missed. She also did my mother’s crown(s). They make the crowns right in office which is really convenient. Her father (Dr. Ladowski) is also a great dentist who works there. So there are 2 dentists in the office.Mark J.Mark J. ★★★★★ Every time I went here, I was treated just like I was the only patient in the office. Service was excellent. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with all...Mary FrielMary Friel ★★★★★ They have all been so great!! Caring, friendly, they have always been on time, and are quick while also being very thorough. My family has been very happy with everyone in the whole practice!GP FordGP Ford ★★★★★ I always like getting my teeth cleaned at Meridian South Family Dentistry. Kim is very funny and I love hearing stories about her talking parrot. Hilarious!Also, I’mA little bit older and she never has hurt me when she is cleaning my teeth. She is very careful and is fast and gentle.Doctors Ladowski and Tomlinson are both top notch.I would have and do recommend them to anyone. I dont mind driving out to Graham past a lot of other dentists to keep going there. 😎MatthewandSamantha McMullinMatthewandSamantha McMullin ★★★★★ Fantastic Family Dentistry! They were so friendly from start to finish and have the personal touch of being a caring family practice! I can see my family coming here for our dental needs for years to come!UPDATE: took all my kids here today. They did a great job for all of my kids! Even my 5 year old who was very nervous loved being there and told me she loved her Dentist!Terry SickmanTerry Sickman ★★★★★ Every person from front to back had smiles and the most welcoming attitudes. The receptionist was more than helpful in finding info I could not provide and the dentist and assistant were calming and pleasant... keeping me at ease through it all.Debbie SaulsmanDebbie Saulsman ★★★★★ I’ve been going to this dentist office for years. The staff have been the same, which usually means they are happy where they work. It also means they are happy when working on my teeth! I’m getting close to retirement, so over the many years I’ve used other dental offices and have never been 100% happy time after time. I can’t say that about this office, every time I’ve had an awesome experience. Keep up the good work!😍Donna WoldDonna Wold ★★★★★ Everyone is so professional yet friendly here.. I love that the Dr gave me honest assessments and didn’t try to pressure me into doing things that are costly and actually said I should wait on my partial until I have healed more so I wouldn’t have to come in for a reline as soon if I waited. Also she noticed that I was better ( health wise) since I last saw her (a few months ago) Most places would not have noticed. I’ve always gotten excellent care, and I will continue to go there.Toni AndersonToni Anderson ★★★★★ This is an exceptional dentistry. Have been going for years. My lasr review was a bit negative---and should not have been. I had some more oral surgery and r Ladowski helped me out. All staff kind, considerate and knowledgeable. I highly recommend. Good people. Toni L. AndersonDebbie VieselmeyerDebbie Vieselmeyer ★★★★★ My family has been going here for years! Absolutely the BEST in town! Today I had a new hygienist who was a temp! She was amazing and would be a great asset to the team! I believe her name was Jessica! Thanks Jessica for the royal treatment today! 👍👍👍Tracy FisherTracy Fisher ★★★★★ I refer my friends, family and loved ones to Meridian South Family Dentistry only. They always make sure you are comfortable and they truly care about what is best for you. Meridian South Family Dentistry has provided my dental care for 20 years.Justin H.Justin H. ★★★★★ Best dentist office. Treat you well, frequently have mini competitions where patients can win prizes. They do fantastic with children, both my 4 and 6 year...js_loader
0 +
Happy Patients
0 +
Online Appointments
0 +
Combined Years Of Experience
0 +
Doctors and Staff

Dental Treatments

Cosmetic Dentistry

Prevention & Gum Care

Meridian South Family Dentistry

Call Us:253 847-4388

© 2025 Meridian South Dental. All Rights Reserved.

Call Us:253 847-4388
Contact Us
Transform Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening