Drs. Pinedo, Cheng and Mann are all mothers themselves, and as such, have a special insight into pediatric dental care. Their main goal is always to make sure that children have a positive experience in the dentist’s chair. The entire team is aware that early perceptions are usually carried forever and that positive lifelong habits can be established at an early age. Great strides are made to ensure that no trauma is associated with the dentist’s office. We keep children relaxed and busy with games and movies and after the check-up is completed, there is a treasure box waiting, full of goodies. We want our young patients to ride home thinking that a trip to see the dentist can be comfortable and fun.
Our practice is a proactive one and pediatric molars are of particular concern. Children’s adult molars erupt in their mouths at the same time that they lose their first tooth, which is usually around age 5.
Nature forms two types of surfaces on molars, either very smooth or covered with nooks and crannies. Even the best enamel and healthiest diet won’t protect the deep grooves in molars from collecting debris and accelerating decay. We have found that a gentle cleaning out of the nooks and crannies and then placing filling in the deep grooves will leave the molar smooth. This effectively seals against food trapping in the crevices and thereby stopping decay formation. This makes the molars much easier to keep clean. When tooth structure is preserved in this way, it is much less likely that the tooth will ever need a crown when the child grows up.
We love working on children. Our goal is to show them a positive environment so that dentistry will be something that they’re never afraid of as they grow up, and that positive experiences will be carried into a lifelong enthusiasm for good dental care.
Call Dr. Pinedo at (310) 530-8800 or Contact Us and see how a truly caring and nurturing practice positively transforms the perception of dentistry in the minds of our
young patients.