Question 1

What is a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. Pediatric dentists complete additional specialty training after dental school focused on children's growth and development, behavior guidance, dental injuries, and treating young or anxious patients.

Question 2

Why choose a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist or my family dentist for my child?

Accepted Answer

Both general /family dentists and pediatric dentists can provide dental care for children, but pediatric dentists receive additional specialty training devoted specifically to children's oral health. Baby teeth are different than permanent teeth and require a more advanced approach. This includes child development, behavior guidance, pediatric dental procedures, dental trauma, and caring for children who may be anxious or have special healthcare needs.

Question 3

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early visits allow us to monitor dental development, help prevent cavities, and give parents practical guidance for caring for their child's teeth at home- especially for first time parents.

Question 4

Are you accepting new patients at your Westwood pediatric dental office?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Westwood Kids Dental welcomes new patients from infancy through adolescence. Our pediatric dental office in Westwood, Los Angeles is designed specifically to make dental visits comfortable, positive, and kid-friendly.

Question 5

What ages do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We care for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and patients with special healthcare needs. Some children may require earlier consultation within the first 10-14 days of life for a lip tie or tongue tie. Starting dental visits early can help children become comfortable with the dentist and establish healthy habits that last into adulthood.

Question 6

What pediatric dental services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Westwood Kids Dental provides comprehensive children's dentistry, including dental exams and cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, tooth-colored fillings, pediatric white and silver crowns, pulp therapy, extractions, space maintainers, emergency dental care, lip tie/tongue tie with laser therapy/excision, sedation (conscious or IV) and behavior guidance. We also offer options for children who need additional support to comfortably complete dental treatment including private rooms, weighted blankets, TVs for each kiddo and noise cancelling headphones.

Question 7

Do you see children with dental emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We evaluate pediatric dental emergencies including toothaches, dental infections, broken or chipped teeth, dental trauma, knocked-out teeth, swelling, and injuries to the mouth. If your child has a dental emergency, contact our Westwood office so we can help determine the appropriate next step.

Question 8

Do you offer sedation dentistry for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sedation options may be available for children who are anxious, have difficulty tolerating dental treatment, require more extensive dental care, or have certain special healthcare needs. The appropriate approach depends on your child's age, medical history, behavior, and treatment needs. Our pediatric dentist will discuss the safest and most appropriate options with you.

Question 9

What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Accepted Answer

Dental anxiety is common, and pediatric dentistry is specifically designed around helping children become more comfortable with dental care. We use age-appropriate communication, positive reinforcement, distraction, and behavior guidance techniques tailored to each child's personality and comfort level. Our goal is to build trust rather than simply get through an appointment.

Question 10

Do you treat children with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. We can adapt appointments, communication, behavior guidance, and treatment planning based on your child's individual needs and tolerance for dental care.

Question 11

Do you see babies and toddlers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Infant and toddler dental visits focus heavily on prevention or lip tie/tongue tie consultation for feeding support. We evaluate developing teeth and gums, assess cavity risk, discuss brushing and fluoride, review diet and feeding habits, and help parents understand what to expect as their child's teeth develop.

Question 12

What should I do if my child's baby tooth gets knocked out?

Accepted Answer

Do not attempt to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket, as doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Contact a pediatric dentist promptly so the injury can be evaluated and any additional trauma can be identified. You can always send photos or videos to our office phone number or email so we can assist in determining best next steps, even if it's after hours or over the  weekend.

Question 13

What should I do if my child's permanent tooth gets knocked out?

Accepted Answer

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a true dental emergency. Handle the tooth by the crown (the part we usually see) rather than the root, and contact a dentist immediately. Do not touch or wipe the root, it  can be lightly rinsed under running water if there is visible dirt or debris. f possible, the tooth should be gently repositioned in the socket or kept moist while you seek urgent dental care. If repositioning or putting it back in place is not possible, you may place in cold whole milk or in Save-a-tooth, also known as Hank's Balanced Salt Solution.   Call your dental office immediately and consult with a specialist as soon as possible. The sooner treatment occurs, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Question 14

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Accepted Answer

Most children benefit from dental examinations and preventive visits approximately every six months. Some children with a higher risk of cavities, higher sensory needs or other dental concerns may benefit from more frequent visits every three or four months. We recommend a schedule based on each child's individual needs to encourage happy visits and a more preventative approach to having a healthy smile.

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