Kids & Family Dental Services in Compton

What it is: A welcoming visit that may include a health-history review, an age-appropriate look at the teeth and gums, and guidance about brushing, diet, and prevention.

Commonly for: Babies, toddlers, and children visiting Wonderkids for the first time.

Purpose: Help families establish routine dental care, identify concerns early, and build confidence around future visits.

Related care: Exams & Cleanings and preventive care.

What it is: A dental exam checks the teeth, gums, bite, and development. A professional cleaning removes plaque and buildup that brushing may miss; X-rays are taken only when appropriate.

Commonly for: Children, teens, and family members who need preventive or follow-up care.

Purpose: Monitor oral health, identify concerns early, and provide personalized home-care guidance.

Related care: Dental Sealants, Dental Fillings, or Deep Cleaning when clinically indicated.

What it is: Sealant material is placed over the grooves of chewing teeth to create a protective barrier.

Commonly for: Children and teens with deep tooth grooves or areas that are difficult to brush.

Purpose: Help keep food and cavity-causing plaque from collecting in vulnerable grooves.

Related care: Exams & Cleanings; Dental Fillings if decay is already present.

What it is: The damaged or decayed part of the tooth is treated and the area is restored with filling material.

Commonly for: Teeth with cavities or limited damage that can be repaired without a full-coverage crown.

Purpose: Restore the tooth’s shape and function while helping prevent further damage.

Related care: Pulpotomy / Stainless Steel Crown (SSC) when a baby tooth needs more support.

What it is: A pulpotomy removes affected pulp tissue from the crown portion of a primary tooth while preserving healthy tissue in the roots. A stainless steel crown is a durable cap that covers and protects a baby tooth.

Commonly for: Deep cavities that have reached or approached the pulp, or primary teeth that are too weakened or damaged for a small filling alone.

Purpose: Restore and protect the tooth and help preserve it until it is naturally ready to fall out.

Related care: An examination and dental X-rays help the dentist determine which treatment is appropriate. An SSC may follow a pulpotomy, but many SSCs do not need pulp treatment. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, other options may be discussed.

What it is: Also called scaling and root planing, this treatment removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to support gum healing.

Commonly for: Patients diagnosed with gum disease, deeper gum pockets, or buildup below the gumline.

Purpose: Help control gum inflammation and infection and protect the tissues supporting the teeth.

Related care: Periodontal maintenance and routine exams after treatment.

What it is: Root Canal Treatment addresses damaged or infected pulp inside a tooth. A PFM crown is a protective tooth-shaped cap with a porcelain exterior supported by metal. These are separate treatments that may be recommended alone or together.

Commonly for: Permanent teeth affected by deep decay, infection, trauma, or significant structural weakness.

Purpose: Help preserve the natural tooth and restore strength and function when appropriate.

Related care: Dental examination, X-rays when indicated, and restorative follow-up.

What it is: Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small nose mask. The child remains awake and able to communicate during treatment. It is not oral sedation or general anesthesia.

Commonly for: Children who experience dental anxiety, have a sensitive gag reflex, or may benefit from additional support during treatment.

Purpose: It may reduce anxiety and help make dental care easier to tolerate, although each child responds differently.

Related care: Nitrous oxide does not replace local anesthesia when numbing is needed. The dentist reviews medical history, nasal breathing, and planned treatment before recommending it and provides preparation or aftercare instructions.