Pediatric Treatment Options

At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego, we’re dedicated to helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Our experienced team cares for infants, kids, and teens with a focus on prevention, education, and creating positive dental experiences from the very first visit. With gentle care and a kid-friendly environment, we make dental visits enjoyable while guiding young patients toward healthy habits that last a lifetime.

At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego, professional cleanings are an important part of your child’s oral health routine. For most kids over the age of three, visiting the dentist twice a year helps keep their smiles healthy by removing buildup that regular brushing might miss. These visits typically involve gently clearing away plaque and tartar from around the gums and giving the teeth a smooth, polished finish to help prevent cavities and gum issues.

Oral surgery for children may be recommended by our doctors to address concerns like damaged teeth, necessary extractions, or other structural issues affecting the mouth. Before moving forward, our team will walk you through everything you need to know—from how to prepare your child to what to expect during recovery. We’re here to support your family every step of the way and are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.

Sealants act as a protective barrier over the deep pits and crevices of your child’s molars—areas that are especially prone to trapping food and bacteria. The application process is quick, painless, and typically doesn’t involve any anesthesia. When properly maintained, sealants help safeguard these hard-to-reach teeth from developing cavities over time.

Typically, a baby tooth remains in place until the adult tooth beneath it naturally emerges. However, there are times when a child may lose a tooth earlier than expected—whether due to injury or decay. In such cases, your pediatric dentist might suggest a space maintainer. This small device helps keep the gap open, ensuring nearby teeth don’t shift and interfere with the proper alignment of incoming permanent teeth. Using a space maintainer can also help reduce the chances of crowding later on.

At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego, we understand that childhood comes with its share of bumps and unexpected dental injuries. If your child experiences a mouth or tooth injury, our team is ready to provide the care they need.

In any urgent situation, your child’s safety is the top priority—serious injuries should always be treated at an emergency medical facility first. For dental-related concerns, contact our office right away, and we’ll do our best to see your child promptly and ease any discomfort.

Fillings are used to repair teeth that have been affected by decay, helping them return to their natural appearance and function. If your child needs one, we begin by gently clearing away the decayed portion, cleaning the area thoroughly, and placing a durable material to seal the space. This helps protect the tooth from future damage by blocking out harmful bacteria. At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego, we use tooth-colored fillings on all teeth to ensure a natural-looking result.

Crowns are custom-made coverings designed to protect and rebuild teeth that have been significantly weakened or broken. They provide added durability while also helping the tooth look and function normally. In some cases, crowns are placed on teeth that have undergone procedures involving the nerve, such as pulp therapy, to offer long-term support and protection.

Pediatric Pulp Therapy at Juni Smiles in San Diego
At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we provide gentle nerve treatments to save baby teeth affected by deep decay or trauma. When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes irritated or infected, our team may recommend a procedure to preserve the tooth and prevent further issues.

Partial Nerve Treatment (Similar to a Pulpotomy)
When only the upper portion of the tooth’s nerve is impacted—typically in the crown above the gumline—we may remove just that part while leaving the nerve in the roots intact. This approach helps maintain the health of the remaining tooth structure and supports natural development until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Full Nerve Treatment (Similar to a Pulpectomy)
If the infection has reached deeper or the nerve tissue throughout the tooth is no longer viable, a more complete treatment is needed. In this case, we remove all affected tissue from both the crown and roots, then carefully clean, shape, and fill the root canals to protect the tooth from further damage.

These procedures help prevent pain, stop the spread of infection, and support the healthy development of your child’s smile.

Sports Mouthguards
Keeping your child’s teeth safe during physical activities is a top priority. Whether they play contact sports or enjoy recreational games, accidents like bumps or blows to the face can easily happen. That’s why Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego offers custom-made athletic mouthguards, designed for a secure and comfortable fit. We can also guide families in selecting suitable store-bought options for added convenience and protection.

Nighttime Grinding Protection
Some children unconsciously clench or grind their teeth while they sleep, which can lead to jaw discomfort and damage to tooth enamel over time. To help minimize these effects, we provide night guards that act as a cushion between the teeth during rest. These appliances are a simple yet effective way to protect your child’s smile and promote more comfortable sleep.

Breaking habits like thumb sucking, nail-biting, or tongue thrusting can be challenging for children. Yet, if these behaviors continue over time, they may lead to changes in the shape of your child’s jaws, facial structure, and teeth alignment. To help prevent these problems from progressing, Juni Smiles provides custom devices tailored to your child’s mouth that gently discourage these habits and support healthy oral development.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
At Juni Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we often use nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” to help children feel calm and at ease during their dental visits. This gentle sedation is delivered through a mask and promotes a relaxed state. When needed, it’s combined with a local anesthetic to ensure your child’s treatment is completely comfortable and pain-free.

IV Sedation
For cases requiring deeper sedation, IV sedation may be recommended. Before placing the IV, a mild medication is given to help your child relax and reduce any anxiety or discomfort. Once the IV is in place, the sedative helps your child drift into a peaceful sleep throughout the procedure, similar to the experience of wisdom teeth removal. Our trained medical staff closely monitors your child’s vital signs the entire time, so the dentist can concentrate on providing excellent care for your child’s smile.