-DDS-147560-circle_medium__v1__.png)
Average time it takes to be seen by a provider
Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating
In the business of finding quality care for patients
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Pediatric Dentist in Los Angeles, book an appointment, and see the Pediatric Dentist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles and book appointments instantly. You can search for Los Angeles Pediatric Dentists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Los Angeles Pediatric Dentists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Los Angeles Pediatric Dentists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Pediatric Dentists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Pediatric Dentist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Pediatric Dentists in Los Angeles. Many Pediatric Dentists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dental caries, or cavities, are one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Experts estimate that nearly 50% of children develop cavities in their primary teeth. However, cavities in children are avoidable, and a specific category of dental professionals can assist.
Pediatric dentists, also called pedodontists, diagnose and treat dental problems in newborns, children, and adolescents. They cater to the specific dental concerns that can arise in the gums, teeth, and jaw as the children's bodies grow.
Children develop their primary teeth during the first six months of life. Baby teeth start falling out at the age of six or seven and are replaced by adult or secondary teeth. While baby teeth do not last into adulthood, it is critical to begin caring for them at a young age. Lack of dental care might result in prolonged decay and diseases that could last a lifetime.
Pediatric dentists complete four years of dental school following their undergraduate studies. They are also required to complete a minimum of two years of dental training for children from infancy to late adolescence.
Taking your kid to see a pediatric dentist by the time they are one ensures they receive the necessary screening and treatment to avoid future dental problems.
Children, unlike adults, cannot always be cooperative and patient during a dental exam. Pediatric dentists understand how to diagnose and treat children safely and comfortably. Furthermore, pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment in organized and equipped facilities to meet children's needs. During your child's pediatric dental exam, the dentist may conduct any of the following procedures:
One of the goals of your child's first pediatric dental visit is to make them feel at ease with the dentist. You should schedule the first dental appointment for your child at 12 months of age or within six months after the first tooth development.
Give your child's comprehensive health history to the dentist on the first visit. Tell the dentist if your child is stubborn, uncooperative, anxious, or frightened in other settings before scheduling a restoration appointment, such as having a cavity repaired.
The first visit usually lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, there may be a comprehensive exam of the teeth, bite, jaws, gums, and oral tissues to monitor growth and development. If necessary, your child may also receive a light cleaning. The procedure includes polishing the teeth and removing plaque, tartar, and discoloration. The pediatric dentist may demonstrate effective home cleaning techniques, including flossing, and educate you on the importance of fluoride.
Since baby teeth fall out, dentists rarely perform dental X-rays. Your child's dentist, however, can suggest X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on the child's age. X-rays are also used to determine whether the root of a jammed baby tooth is harming an adult tooth. In general, children should not get dental X-rays unless absolutely necessary.
It would be best if you took your child to a pediatric dentist every six months. Some dentists may arrange appointments more frequently, such as every three months. This might help the child feel more comfortable and confident. More regular visits can also help to monitor a development issue.
Without the necessary dental care given during childhood, a child may face early tooth decay ​and gum disease. A child's poor oral health can impact their overall learning abilities and performance at school. If left untreated for long periods of time, decayed teeth can lead to infection and acute pain. This may have a strong impact on children and families. It may lead to difficulties in eating or chewing and embarrassment from discolored and damaged teeth. Oral disease may also lead to early tooth loss, which can result in impaired speech development and reduce a child's self-esteem. It may also cause a child's appetite to decrease, which can result in nutritional deficiencies, thereby negatively impacting a child's performance in school, behavior and cognitive development, and ability to perform complex tasks.
Consistent dental care and visiting a pediatric dentist near you for routine checkups can help maintain your child's oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. Here are ways parents or caregivers can improve their child's dental hygiene at home-
It is essential to look for qualified pediatric dentists for the specific treatment children need. You can easily do that with Zocdoc.
Sign up on Zocdoc and enter your location, symptoms, specialty, and gender in the search query. Once done, our comprehensive healthcare directory will access profiles of top-rated and experienced pediatric dentists in Los Angeles.
Zocdoc offers a unique filter option to look for providers who accept your insurance plan. To utilize this filter, you must include your insurance carrier's name in the search query while filtering dentist profiles. If you have multiple insurance plans, you may add all of them (medical, dental, and vision) to your Zocdoc account. In the last step of the booking process, mention your secondary carrier and plan in your notes for the provider. If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you may add your secondary insurance plan while filling out your forms online. Note that while you can add your insurance plans to your account, you can search for and book an appointment with only one insurance plan at a time. For more insurance-related information, be sure to check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
Each profile displays the dentist's educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, certifications, and spoken languages. It also informs you about previous patient ratings and reviews. You may filter hundreds of dentist profiles based on your child's unique oral case requirement and preference.
Once you select the best pediatric dentist near you to help you with your case, you must click on the 'book appointment option, and Zocdoc shall assist you in instantly booking an in-person or virtual appointment for your first session.
All bookings with Zocdoc are entirely free, fast, and secure.
According to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health, California ranks 47th among the 51 states and the District of Columbia for pediatric dental disease. The survey found that around 14.8% of the children in California aged 1 to 17 had developed decayed teeth or cavities in the previous 12 months studied.
The Los Angeles Times reported that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not even 60% of California's population receives fluoridated water. It is necessary to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, although many California children fail to meet that requirement. Some families cannot afford toothpaste or toothbrushes, and many are unaware of the fundamentals of oral hygiene. There is a shortage of proper education for both children and parents.
Your child can attain optimal dental health with proper oral hygiene and timely visits to a pediatric dentist in your area.
Standford Medicine Children's Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Nationwide Children's Hospital
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.