Our Dental Services
Complete pediatric dental care from your child's first tooth through their teenage years. Every service delivered with a gentle touch and a smile.
Cleanings & Exams
Regular dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of your child's oral health. Our hygienists are specially trained to work with children of all ages, using gentle techniques and fun distractions to keep your little one comfortable.
During each visit, we thoroughly clean your child's teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup. Dr. Cat performs a comprehensive examination, checking for cavities, monitoring jaw development, and ensuring everything is growing as it should.
We recommend visits every six months starting from your child's first birthday. These regular check-ups allow us to catch potential issues early and keep your child's smile on track.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to protect your child's teeth from cavities. These thin, protective coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars), where most childhood cavities occur.
The process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or numbing. Sealants act as a barrier, filling in the deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria love to hide. They can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.
We typically recommend sealants as soon as your child's permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. With proper care, sealants can last for several years.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride treatments provide a concentrated dose of fluoride to strengthen your child's tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. These treatments are especially important for children who may be at higher risk for tooth decay.
The treatment is simple and fast. We apply a fluoride varnish to your child's teeth after their cleaning. It comes in kid-friendly flavors that make the experience enjoyable. The varnish dries quickly and continues to work for hours after application.
Fluoride treatments are recommended every six months as part of your child's regular dental visits. Combined with good brushing habits and a healthy diet, professional fluoride application is a powerful tool for cavity prevention.
Sedation Dentistry
Some children experience significant anxiety about dental visits, and that is completely normal. Our sedation dentistry options ensure that every child can receive the care they need in a calm, comfortable setting.
We offer several levels of sedation depending on your child's needs, from mild nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to deeper sedation options for more extensive procedures. Dr. Cat carefully evaluates each child to determine the safest, most appropriate approach.
Safety is our top priority. Our team is extensively trained in pediatric sedation protocols, and we continuously monitor your child throughout the entire procedure. We will walk you through every step so you feel confident and informed.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and we are here to help when they do. Whether your child has knocked out a tooth, chipped a tooth, or is experiencing severe pain, our team is ready to provide prompt, compassionate care.
Common pediatric dental emergencies include knocked-out (avulsed) teeth, broken or cracked teeth, severe toothaches, injuries to the lips or gums, and objects caught between teeth. If your child experiences any of these, call us right away.
Time matters in dental emergencies. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within 30 minutes. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saliva) and get to our office as quickly as possible. Call (818) 703-8888 for immediate assistance.
First Visit & Baby Teeth
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
During your child's first visit, Dr. Cat gently examines their teeth, gums, and jaw. We check for early signs of decay, assess their bite, and make sure everything is developing normally. This is also a great opportunity for parents to ask questions about brushing, diet, and oral health.
We keep first visits short and sweet. The goal is to help your child feel comfortable in the dental chair and associate the dentist with a positive, fun experience. Our cat-themed office and friendly team make that easy!
Fillings & Crowns
When cavities occur, our tooth-colored fillings restore your child's tooth to its natural appearance and function. We use composite resin materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure, so no one will ever know the filling is there.
For teeth with more extensive decay or damage, pediatric crowns provide full coverage protection. We offer stainless steel crowns for back teeth and tooth-colored crowns for front teeth, depending on your child's specific needs.
Dr. Cat takes extra care to make restorative procedures as comfortable as possible. With gentle techniques and our sedation options when needed, your child can relax knowing they are in good hands.
Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or injury, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. This can create alignment problems when permanent teeth are ready to come in.
Space maintainers are custom-fitted appliances that hold the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. They are comfortable, easy to care for, and prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Dr. Cat will assess whether your child needs a space maintainer and explain all your options. These small appliances can save your family time, money, and potential discomfort down the road.
Digital X-Rays
Our digital X-ray technology provides clear, detailed images of your child's teeth and jaw while using up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Images appear instantly on screen, so Dr. Cat can review them with you right away.
X-rays allow us to see what is happening beneath the surface: developing teeth, hidden cavities, bone structure, and more. They are an essential diagnostic tool for catching problems early when they are easiest to treat.
We follow strict guidelines about when X-rays are needed, taking them only when clinically necessary. Your child's safety always comes first.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a baby tooth needs a little help coming out. Whether it is severely decayed, damaged, or not loosening on its own when the permanent tooth is ready, a gentle extraction may be the best option.
Dr. Cat uses the gentlest techniques possible and ensures your child is completely comfortable before, during, and after the procedure. With our sedation options available, even the most nervous children can have a positive experience.
After the extraction, we provide clear aftercare instructions and follow up to make sure your child is healing well. If needed, we may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the spot for the incoming permanent tooth.
Orthodontic Evaluations
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Cat can identify potential alignment issues early and determine the best course of action.
Early evaluation does not mean early treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor your child's growth and development. If treatment is needed, starting early can often simplify and shorten the overall orthodontic process.
We evaluate bite alignment, jaw growth, spacing, and crowding. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, we will refer you to a trusted orthodontist and coordinate care to ensure the best possible outcome for your child's smile.
Habit Counseling
Habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting are normal in young children. However, if they continue past a certain age, they can affect dental development and bite alignment.
Dr. Cat works with both parents and children to address these habits in a gentle, encouraging way. We use positive reinforcement and age-appropriate strategies to help children break habits naturally, without shame or pressure.
We also provide guidance on nutrition, brushing techniques, and other oral health habits that set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Education is a key part of what we do at every visit.
Ready to Schedule?
Give your child the gift of a healthy, happy smile. Contact us today to book an appointment!