Pediatric Dentistry Specialist

Westside Dentistry

Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in Santa Monica, CA

Seeing a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry ensures your child receives the best, most comprehensive dental care available. At Westside Dentistry in Santa Monica, California, father-daughter team Charles Wood, DDS, and Jennifer Wood, DDS, treat kids of all ages, including babies, children, and teenagers. Book your child’s next dental appointment with Westside Dentistry by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.

Pediatric Dentistry Q & A

 

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is dental care from providers who specialize in treating children’s unique dental needs. The Westside Dentistry team offers compassionate, personalized care that puts even the most anxious young dental patients at ease. They offer the latest advances in pediatric dentistry technology and techniques to ensure your child receives the best care possible.

Which pediatric dentistry services are available?

Some of the many pediatric dentistry services available at Westside Dentistry include:

Teeth cleaning

Getting your child’s teeth cleaned every six months helps prevent or treat tooth decay before serious complications occur. Your child’s provider gently cleans their teeth using special dental tools, toothpaste, and floss.

Dental exams

After a dental cleaning, your child’s dentist examines their teeth and gums to look for signs of decay and other oral health problems. They also take dental X-rays to detect or rule out complications. 

Sealants

Your child’s dentist places dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of their teeth to protect them from decay and other damage.

Fillings and crowns

If your child has tooth decay, their dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and applies a filling or crown, which is like a cap that fits over the entire tooth, to repair it and protect the tooth from further damage.

Extraction

If your child has baby teeth that don't fall out on their own, impacted wisdom teeth, or crowding, their dentist can perform dental extraction to remove teeth. They use local anesthesia and sedation to make extractions feel comfortable.

Emergency dentistry

If your child experiences an emergency dental situation, such as a loose permanent tooth, knocked-out tooth, infection, or mouth trauma, the expert team at Westside Dentistry offers same-day and after-hours appointments.

How can my child care for their teeth at home?

Until your child turns 7 or 8 years old, help them thoroughly brush their teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and food particles. Encourage your child to brush twice daily and floss every day. 

Use a rice grain's worth of toothpaste for children under 3 years old, a pea-sized amount for kids older than 3, and fluoride-free toothpaste for babies and very young children. See the Westside Dentistry team every six months for routine cleanings and dental exams, and call your dentist at the first sign of tooth decay or pain.

The next time your child is due for a dental visit, book an appointment with Westside Dentistry by calling the office or using the online scheduler today.