Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
When your toddler’s Dentist mentions your child needs a filling, that familiar parent worry kicks in immediately. You start replaying every bedtime bottle, every missed brushing session, wondering where things went wrong. Here’s the truth, small cavities in baby teeth happen more often than you’d expect, and when we catch them early, treatment can be quick and seamless.
Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley understand what you’re feeling right now. They’ve guided countless families through their child’s first filling experience, and they know how to make this process feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Our approach focuses on doing only what’s necessary while keeping both you and your little one comfortable every step of the way.
If you’re looking for comprehensive pediatric dentistry services in Los Angeles, they’re here to help guide you through this process.
Here’s something that might surprise you, baby teeth are way more important than most people realize. Yes, they fall out eventually, but they do some pretty crucial jobs while they’re in your children’s mouth. They help your child learn to speak clearly, chew food properly, and save space for the permanent teeth coming later.
Most cavities in toddlers show up between teeth, where food gets stuck. You know those back molars? Food loves to hide there. We also see decay when kids fall asleep with bottles containing milk or juice. The sugar sits on their teeth all night long and wears down the teeth.
The good news is when we catch these small spots early, taking care of them is straightforward. We don’t jump into treatment just because we can. Sometimes we’ll recommend just keeping an eye on an area or improved flossing if that tooth is going to fall out soon anyway.
We believe in doing only what’s truly necessary for your child’s dental health.Â
If they do recommend a filling, they use tooth-colored materials whenever possible. These white fillings blend nicely with your child’s natural teeth. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley take the time to explain the process to both you and your child in ways you can understand.
You won’t feel rushed here. If your little one needs a break, we stop and give them time to feel better before continuing.
We know your child’s first experiences with dental treatment shape how they’ll feel about dentist visits for years to come. Our office is designed to help kids feel relaxed and comfortable. Children can watch their favorite shows during treatment, and we always have prizes waiting at the end of each visit.
Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley have funny and warm personalities that help put kids and parents at ease. They’re the kind of people who can make your three-year-old giggle while getting their dental treatment done. We give families plenty of time during appointments because nobody should feel rushed when they’re nervous.
Our preventive care approach means we’re always thinking about how to make future visits easier and more comfortable for your family.
A typical filling appointment usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. We start by carefully numbing the area around the tooth so your child won’t feel anything during the procedure. For very young children or those who feel anxious, we can discuss different comfort options to make sure everyone feels safe and calm.
Once the area is comfortable, we remove the cavity, and then we place the tooth-colored filling material. The whole process is much quicker and easier than most parents expect, especially for small cavities caught early.
Your child might feel a little numb for an hour or two afterward. We’ll give you specific instructions about what to expect and when to call us if you have any concerns.
Here’s the best news: most cavities in young children are completely preventable. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily makes a huge difference. So does limiting sugary drinks and sticky snacks between meals. Keeping up with regular checkups every six months helps us catch any potential problems early.
We’ll show you exactly how to brush your toddler’s teeth effectively. We’ll also talk about which foods and drinks to avoid, and when it’s okay to give your child that special treat.
Many parents worry about genetics or think their family is just prone to cavities. The truth is, dental decay comes down to habits more than genes. When you bring your child in for visits starting around age one, we can catch any potential problems early and teach you everything you need to know to keep those little teeth healthy.
We accept most PPO insurance plans and work hard to make dental care accessible for families. Our team will help you understand exactly what your insurance covers before any treatment begins. You’ll never be surprised by unexpected costs.
We’re in-network with plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta, Guardian, and many others. If you have questions about whether we take your specific insurance plan or need to discuss payment options, our friendly front office team is here to help.
Whether your child needs a filling or you’re simply looking for a pediatric dentist who takes a careful, child-friendly approach to dental care, we’re here for you. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley have helped hundreds of families navigate their children’s dental health with patience and genuine care.
We understand the unique concerns of new parents and create a welcoming environment where both kids and adults feel comfortable. Located just east of the 405 freeway in Culver City, we serve families from Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice, Mar Vista, and surrounding areas.
Have questions about your child’s filling or want to schedule an appointment? Contact us at (310) 329-9009 or complete a contact form to learn more. We accept most PPO insurance plans, making quality pediatric dental care accessible for your family.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
