Pediatric Dentistry in Westlake Village
Children's teeth need a different kind of attention than adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, guide how the bite develops, and shape how a child feels about the dentist for years to come. At 805 Dentistry, we care for children ages 4 to 14, and many of the families who visit our Thousand Oaks office come from Westlake Village. Parents can bring their kids for preventive visits and treatment with the same team that cares for the rest of the family.
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental needs of growing children. Between ages 4 and 14, a child's mouth changes constantly. Baby teeth loosen and fall out, permanent molars come in, and the jaw continues to develop. Our goal during these years is to keep teeth healthy, catch problems early, and help children become comfortable with dental care.
Our pediatric services draw on the full range of care we offer as a family practice. That includes dental exams, cleanings, cavity detection, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. When a problem does appear, we can provide fillings, simple extractions, and space maintainers, which hold room open for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost early. For young athletes in Westlake Village, we also make sports mouth guards to help protect teeth during games and practice.
Bringing your child to a family practice means fewer offices to keep track of. Parents in Westlake Village often tell us they appreciate scheduling their own visits and their children's visits in one place, with one team that knows their family's history.
Treating children within a full-service practice also helps as kids grow older. If a child later needs orthodontic care, such as traditional braces or clear aligners, or has a dental emergency, those services are available at our office as well. Some of the practical benefits families value include:
- One office for parents and children, which keeps records and scheduling simple
- Preventive care, such as sealants and fluoride, aimed at stopping problems before they start
- Parents welcome in the treatment room, so children can see a familiar face
- Emergency dental appointments available when an unexpected injury or toothache comes up
- Orthodontic options in the same practice as your child gets older
What age should my child start seeing your office?
We see pediatric patients starting at age 4, through age 14. Children in this range are often ready to sit for an exam and cleaning, and it is a good time to set up a routine of regular checkups.
If your child is already older than 4 and has not had a dental visit yet, that is fine. We will start with a gentle exam, talk with you about any concerns, and build a plan from there. If your child is anxious, we can talk with you about nitrous oxide sedation, which is among the options we offer, and decide together what makes sense for your child.
What happens during my child's dental visit?
A typical visit includes an exam, a cleaning, and a conversation with you about what we found. We check each tooth for signs of decay, look at how teeth are coming in, and review your child's brushing and eating habits.
You are welcome to stay in the treatment room with your child. Many young patients feel more at ease with a parent nearby, and it gives you a chance to ask questions as we go. If we recommend sealants or fluoride, we will explain what they do and why we suggest them. If a filling or other treatment is needed, we will walk you through the steps and schedule it at a time that works for your family.
How do we care for our child's teeth between visits?
Good home care between appointments makes a real difference, and we will give you guidance tailored to your child's age and needs. That usually includes brushing twice a day, flossing as teeth begin to touch, and paying attention to snacks and sugary drinks.
After a treatment such as a filling, we will tell you what to expect and when your child can eat normally again. If something doesn't feel right afterward, or if your child has a dental injury, call our office. We offer emergency dental appointments, so Westlake Village families have somewhere to turn when an urgent problem comes up.
Will insurance cover my child's dental care?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file pediatric dental claims as a general practitioner. Our team can help you understand how your plan applies to your child's visits before treatment begins.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for families who would like to spread out the cost of care. If you have questions about coverage or payment, our office staff is glad to go over your options when you call to schedule your child's visit.