The Foundation For A “Forever Smile: A Guide To Pediatric Dentistry At Our Office
At the Royal Dental Practice, we say that “your smile is forever.” And that forever beautiful and healthy smile is ideally created in childhood. When children are exposed to good habits that promote oral health, these behaviors tend to “stick.” Additionally, visiting our office in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, will be like “second nature” to your child. Since your child will “grow up” in our dental practice, they will not fear or be anxious about visiting us for the care they need.
The Value Of Pediatric Dentistry
Our team enjoys treating children–and it shows! We know how to motivate them, speak in a way that isn’t scary, and “model” or demonstrate things like good cleaning techniques.
Before your child can use a toothbrush, we will get to know your family. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first visit be scheduled no later than a child’s first birthday. These visits are about helping parents and caregivers on how to best clean emerging baby teeth or gums, “tooth-friendly” nutrition, and habits or behaviors to avoid.
During regular visits, we confirm that your child’s teeth and jaws are developing “on schedule.” Healthy baby or “primary” teeth help guide permanent teeth into proper positions. Properly aligned teeth are not only easier to clean, but they also support healthy breathing, an attractive facial appearance, and many other functions.
Preventative Dentistry For Kids
We’ve highlighted some of the services fundamental to preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other damaging oral problems.
- Dental check-ups – These routine visits are scheduled at least twice a year. They include a comprehensive examination by our gentle and skilled dentist, Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian. She has the knowledge and technologies to pinpoint and address problems at their earliest stages before they cause pain or damage. These interventions are less invasive, easier on the patient, and more affordable than restorative treatments to treat later-stage dental disease.
- Prophylaxis – During your check-up, we will provide the “prophy” service, a fancy way of referring to “professional cleaning.” We painlessly remove the causes of gum disease and cavities from the teeth and gum line. By keeping bacteria, plaque, and tartar under control, your child’s attractive, comfortable, and healthy smile is maintained.
- Fluoride treatment – We supplement fluoride from the water supply or toothpaste with specialized rinses, gels, foams, and other professional products. The amount of fluoride prescribed to your child depends on factors such as age, presence of active disease, and risk factors for conditions like cavities. Fluoride is a safe and powerful way to maintain or restore the minerals in the enamel that protect and cover our teeth. Every child, as part of their routine dental check-up and prophylaxis visit, can have their fluoride treatment in different formats (gels, trays, or varnish) to strengthen their enamel and prevent cavities.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) – SDF is a “twist” on standard fluoride treatments. It is an antibacterial solution formulated with fluoride to remineralize the teeth and silver to kill bacteria. Additionally, water and ammonia are added to maintain the concentration and effectiveness of the fluoride and active ingredients. So, once applied easily, quickly, and safely to the teeth as a liquid, SDF can provide maximum cavity protection. It can also stave off further damage to the teeth for those patients with weakened enamel vulnerable to decay.
- Dental sealants – Sealants are a proven way to prevent cavities in decay-prone areas, such as the premolars and molars at the back of the mouth. These teeth contain fissures that tend to trap food debris. The sealant is a safe material applied as a liquid to clean, dry teeth. Once hardened, it literally “seals out” food and other substances responsible for decay.
- Dental pain in kids – We have the knowledge and tools to quickly resolve pain, discomfort, swelling, and other symptoms of oral conditions. Depending on your child’s needs, a pulpotomy could be indicated for children whose baby teeth are severely decayed or infected. This process preserves the roots of the teeth and promotes continued growth. When baby teeth are preserved, they support the proper positioning and development of secondary teeth. If a tooth is not restorable, we encourage using techniques or appliances such as “space maintainers.” When baby teeth are lost, these tiny and innocuous devices “hold” or “maintain” the space. That way, your child’s teeth can develop (erupt) properly. The teeth won’t grow at an angle, and other teeth won’t shift toward the space.
Gentle, Fun Dental Care for Growing Smiles
Creating a positive dental experience for your child starts with compassionate, expert care. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Roya Shoffet offers gentle pediatric dentistry that keeps young patients smiling. From preventive care to restorative treatments, we tailor every visit to your child’s needs, making each appointment comfortable and fun. Our goal is to build healthy habits and trust that lasts a lifetime. Give your child the best start for a lifetime of great oral health—call our friendly team at (818) 334-6655 to schedule their next visit with Dr. Shoffet today!
Book an Appointment NowPediatric Dentistry FAQs
What is pediatric dentistry at Royal Dental Practice?
Royal Dental Practice offers gentle and friendly dental care tailored to infants, children, and teens to keep young patients comfortable, healthy, and confident in their smiles. Dr. Roya Shoffet creates a welcoming environment that helps kids feel at ease, making each visit enjoyable and stress-free for both the child and their family. Our services range from routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to restorative care; all delivered with compassionate expertise.
When should my child start seeing a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit take place by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help detect decay, establish preventive routines, and introduce your child to a dental home where care feels familiar. We encourage parents to schedule early appointments to build healthy habits from the very start.
Why should I choose Royal Dental Practice for my child’s dental care?
Royal Dental Practice combines over 30 years of experience with a warm, child-friendly approach. Dr. Shoffet and her team tailor treatments to each child’s developmental stage, using both expertise and empathy to foster trust and comfort. The office is designed to feel welcoming for families, so children learn to view the dentist as friends, not as a source of anxiety. Our compassionate care lays the groundwork for a lifetime of oral health.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Typically, children should see the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Depending on your child’s oral health, more frequent visits may be recommended. These regular appointments help catch potential issues early and allow the team to reinforce preventive habits like brushing, flossing, and diet choices, all in a tone that’s supportive and fun.
Do baby teeth really need special care?
Absolutely! Primary (baby) teeth play critical roles in chewing, speaking, smiling, and guiding the correct alignment of permanent teeth. Losing them too early can lead to chewing difficulties, speech issues, and misaligned permanent teeth. Maintaining healthy baby teeth prevents pain and infections and supports your child’s overall health. Royal Dental Practice treats these early teeth with the respect and care they deserve.
What preventive services are offered for children?
We provide a full range of preventive care, including professional cleanings, fluoride varnish treatments to strengthen enamel, dental sealants to protect the grooves of molars, and space maintainers to preserve room if a baby tooth is lost too early. We also offer guidance on nutrition, oral hygiene routines, and habit-breaking tools for thumb-sucking or pacifier use, all designed to support healthy development.
Why should I choose Royal Dental Practice to handle the costs and insurance?
Navigating insurance and treatment costs for your child’s dental care doesn’t need to be stressful. We can help you understand your plan’s benefits, provide clear treatment estimates, manage claims, and offer flexible payment options or discount plans as needed, so your child gets the care they need with transparency and support.
Does treatment at Royal Dental Practice hurt my child?
Our approach prioritizes comfort. Cleanings and exams are gentle, often including numbing for any necessary procedures like sealants or fillings. For more advanced treatments, we offer pediatric-friendly options to reduce anxiety and discomfort, ensuring that every visit is as pain-free as possible and builds trust in dental care.
What about emergencies or injuries to my child’s teeth?
Accidents happen, and we are ready with specialist care for dental trauma, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth, and can often treat them promptly to prevent further complications. We’ll guide you on immediate steps at home and ensure your child receives timely, compassionate emergency care if needed.
What can I do at home to support my child’s oral health?
Start early by cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth, even before the first tooth appears. When the first tooth comes in, use a soft-bristle, small-headed toothbrush with just a smear of toothpaste, starting around the age of one. Brush together twice daily and introduce flossing when the teeth touch. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks and model positive habits for lasting impact. At Royal Dental Practice, we reinforce all of this and tailor recommendations to your child’s age and needs.
Why should I choose Royal Dental Practice for my child’s long-term dental home?
Choosing Royal Dental Practice means offering your child more than just treatment; it means providing a dental home where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. With our award-winning expertise, friendly environment, and personalized care, children grow confident in their visits. You’ll appreciate the continuity of care and the peace of mind that comes with partnering with a team that invests in your child’s lifelong smile.
Parents and caregivers also have peace of mind; as noted, we offer options to encourage healthy development, such as those space maintainers following early tooth loss. We prioritize preserving the natural teeth with dental fillings and other safe, natural-looking dental restorations; however, extractions may be recommended for cases like impacted wisdom teeth.
Get your child’s smile off to a great start or back on track. Call Royal Dental Practice at (818) 334-6655 today to schedule an appointment at our office in West Hills, Los Angeles, California.
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