Pediatric Dentistry in West Hills
Children's teeth do a lot of work long before the adult ones arrive. Baby teeth help kids chew, speak clearly, and hold space for permanent teeth. That's why we treat them with the same care we give adult smiles. At 805 Dentistry, we see children ages 4 to 14, and many West Hills families make the drive to our Thousand Oaks office so their kids can be cared for by the same team that looks after the rest of the family.
Most of our pediatric visits are preventive. A typical checkup includes a dental exam, a gentle cleaning, and cavity detection to catch small problems while they're still easy to fix. Depending on what we see, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel or dental sealants, a thin protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and plaque tend to collect.
These visits also give us a chance to coach both kids and parents. We talk through brushing and flossing at home in practical terms, like how to reach the back molars, how much help a younger child still needs, and when they can start doing it on their own. For West Hills parents juggling school and activities, regular preventive appointments are usually the simplest way to avoid bigger, more time-consuming treatment later.
Kids don't always arrive with a clean slate. Some come in because a tooth feels sensitive, a cavity was spotted elsewhere, or a baby tooth was lost too early. We offer dental fillings to repair decay. When a baby tooth comes out ahead of schedule, a space maintainer can hold that gap open so neighboring teeth don't drift into the space meant for the permanent tooth.
We also watch how a child's bite and smile are developing as they grow. Because our practice offers orthodontics, including traditional braces and clear aligners for children and adults, we can keep an eye on alignment over time and talk with you about options when the timing makes sense. Other concerns we can address in-house include frenectomy procedures, and we make sports mouth guards for young athletes who need protection on the field or court.
Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
Yes. Parents are welcome in the treatment room. Many children feel calmer with a familiar face nearby, and many parents like seeing exactly what's happening and asking questions as we go.
For kids who feel anxious, we take things at a pace that works for them, explaining each step in simple language before we do it. When extra help is needed, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, and our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. We'll walk you through whether any sedation option is appropriate for your child's age, needs, and the treatment involved. Here's what most families can expect at a visit:
- A friendly introduction and a chance for your child to get comfortable in the chair
- A gentle exam and cleaning, with cavity checks as needed
- Clear explanations for you and your child before any treatment
- Practical home-care tips you can use that same evening
What if my child has a dental emergency?
Call us right away. We offer emergency dental appointments, and our practice has a board-certified endodontist on staff who treats traumatic dental injuries and cracked teeth. That's helpful when a fall at the playground or a collision during a game damages a tooth.
When you call, let us know what happened and how your child is feeling so we can advise you on next steps. After any treatment, we'll give you specific aftercare instructions, such as what to eat, how to keep the area clean, and what signs mean you should call us back. For families coming from West Hills, having emergency care and specialists under one roof means fewer referrals and fewer separate appointments.
How do insurance and payment work for pediatric visits?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we file pediatric dentistry claims as a General Practitioner. Our team will help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins, so you know what to expect.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for families who'd prefer to spread out the cost of care. If you have questions about coverage or costs, just ask when you schedule. We're glad to help West Hills families plan for their children's dental care without surprises.