Pediatric Dentistry in Woodland Hills
It's a familiar moment for many Woodland Hills parents: your seven-year-old mentions that a back tooth "feels funny" when eating something cold, or you notice a new tooth coming in behind a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet. You want a calm, thorough answer, and you want your child to feel comfortable getting it. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office cares for children ages 4 to 14, and we regularly welcome families from Woodland Hills who want one dental home for every member of the household.
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental needs of growing children, from the years when baby teeth dominate the smile through the arrival of most permanent teeth. Between ages 4 and 14, a child's mouth changes constantly. Baby teeth loosen and fall out, permanent molars erupt, and the jaw grows. Each stage brings its own risks, such as cavities in the deep grooves of new molars or crowding when adult teeth come in. Our goal is to keep up with those changes, catch problems while they are small, and help children build habits that last.
For Woodland Hills families, part of the appeal is that we are a general, family, and cosmetic practice led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS. Parents, older siblings, and younger children can often be seen in the same office, which simplifies scheduling. We file pediatric insurance claims as a general practitioner, and our pediatric visits are part of that broader family-focused care.
Children's dental care covers a wide range of situations. Some families come in for routine checkups. Others have a specific concern, such as a suspected cavity, a chipped tooth from a playground fall, or questions about bite and spacing. Because we offer many services under one roof, we can address most of these needs without sending your child elsewhere.
Depending on your child's age and needs, care may include:
- Dental exams and cleanings to monitor development and remove plaque buildup
- Cavity detection and tooth-colored dental fillings when decay is found
- Fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect vulnerable chewing surfaces
- Space maintainers when a baby tooth is lost early and the gap needs to be held open
- Sports mouth guards for kids active in athletics
- Frenectomy when tissue attachments affect function
- Emergency dental appointments for injuries or sudden pain
As children grow, some will benefit from orthodontic evaluation. We offer traditional braces and clear aligners for children and adults, so if spacing or bite concerns come up during routine visits, we can talk through options as your child's smile develops.
What happens during my child's visit?
Your child's visit begins with a relaxed conversation and a gentle exam, and parents are welcome in the treatment room the entire time. Many children feel more at ease with a parent nearby, and many parents appreciate seeing exactly what we see and hearing our explanations firsthand.
During a typical checkup, we look at each tooth, check how permanent teeth are coming in, and clean away plaque and buildup. If we find something that needs attention, such as an early cavity, we explain what it is, why it matters, and what we recommend, using words your child can understand. For children who feel nervous about treatment, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, often called laughing gas, which can help them feel calmer during a procedure. We'll discuss whether it's a good fit for your child.
How do we keep our child's teeth healthy between visits?
Healthy habits at home matter as much as what happens in our office. We'll give you practical guidance based on your child's age, such as how much help a younger child needs with brushing, when to start flossing between teeth that touch, and how snacks and drinks throughout the day can affect cavity risk.
After specific treatments, we provide clear instructions. Following fluoride treatment, for example, we'll tell you how long to wait before eating or drinking. After a filling, we'll explain what to expect as any numbness wears off and how to keep your child from biting their cheek or lip in the meantime. Regular checkups let us track how sealants and fillings are holding up and spot new concerns early.
How can we pay for our child's dental care?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your child's coverage applies before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients, so families without dental insurance can still schedule care for their children.
For treatment costs that don't fit neatly into this month's budget, financing is available. We're happy to walk you through your options during your visit so you can make decisions with confidence. If you're a Woodland Hills parent looking for a welcoming, family-centered dental home for your child, we'd be glad to meet you both.