Pediatric Dentistry
Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Your Kids
We’re the best pediatric dentist in San Diego because we make kids’ experiences upbeat and stress-free. We do a checkup, cleaning, and screening for gum disease, plus we’ll teach proper brushing and flossing habits. We will also discuss other details, like a diet that keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Our team and Dr.Bagheri will always keep parents informed, every step of the way.
Our smiling staff makes the experience fun and educational. Children can watch Disney movies, play with toys, pretend to brush a stuffed animal’s teeth, and much more. It won’t even feel like a visit to a dental office to them, because they’ll be having fun the whole time. The entire experience is tailored to them, from our colorful walls to the age-appropriate way we explain dental care. We are ALL about kids at Kids Smile Dental & Orthodontics.
New Patient Exam
All of our new patients receive a thorough exam prior to any consultations, recommendations, or procedures. These exams help us to understand your specific situation as best we can. After your initial exam, we can recommend the best treatment to resolve your issue.
Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be painful and scary and just plain inconvenient. If you believe your emergency to be life-threatening, please don't hesitate to call 9-1-1. If it is not life-threatening, give us a call to set up the earliest appointment available. Our team will do our best to provide the urgent care that your situation needs.
We Welcome Children With Special Needs
In fact, we specialize in serving children who have unique needs and abilities. Dr. Bagheri understands that every child must have an individual pediatric dental plan that meets their exact needs. Plus, he’s kind, warm, and welcoming to every child. Kids love him! Visit our Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry page for more about our services for children with special needs.
Sedation Dentistry
A common reason people avoid the dentist is because of anxiety or fear about dental treatments. At Kids Smile Dental and Orthodontics, we recognize this concern and have created a relaxing environment where all of our patients can feel comfortable. Our goal is to have a very gentle touch, and most patients find that having us talk them through their treatment makes each experience less frightening.
For some people, the prospect of undergoing any dental procedure is extremely stressful. Fear can cause these individuals to put off much-needed dental work. As a result, minor health issues can become major problems. At Kids Smile Dental and Orthodontics we provide three sedation options that help provide the sense of calm they need in order to take care of their dental needs. These sedation options include oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Oral Sedation
Dental patients with generalized anxiety, fear of needles and instruments, prior dental trauma, or a general fear of the dentist can take oral medication in order to reduce their anxieties. The sedative effect allows the completion of more dental work in fewer appointments. It also cuts down the time for more complex procedures. The advantages of oral sedation include ease of administration, effectiveness, amnesic effect, and low cost.
In-Office IV Sedation
Intravenous or IV sedation is recommended for patients who need something stronger than oral sedation to relax. Because some patients may have an aversion to needles, we can also prescribe a mild oral sedative prior to administering IV sedation. Alternatively, we simply use a topical anesthetic to numb the area of the hand or arm where the needle is inserted. Like oral sedation, IV sedation helps patients relax, but it typically works much faster and provides deeper sedation. The patient is still able to respond while using IV sedation unless they become relaxed enough to naturally fall asleep. At Kids Smile Dental and Orthodontics we have a highly experienced Dental Anesthesiologist who performs IV sedation and general anesthesia.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is typically used on patients whose fear of dental procedures is so great that they do not want to experience any of it. This particular sedation option also helps patients with physical disabilities and health issues. The patient basically sleeps throughout the dental procedure. The sedative effect lasts longer than oral sedation or IV sedation, and the patient will be observed for some time after the sedation is discontinued. General anesthesia is administered by a highly experienced Dental Anesthesiologist.
Oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia each have their advantages. Patients should carefully consider their anxiety level while discussing the pros and cons of each sedation option with their dentist. If you are particularly fearful of dental treatment, a medical doctor partner in our office can help you relax to relieve your anxiety before your appointment. We will spend time with you discussing your concerns and planning your treatment. The important thing is to let us know about your fears so we can help!