Pediatric Dentistry in Encino

Trusted Children’s Dentist in Encino

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years, including the care of baby teeth, developing permanent teeth, and early bite alignment. At the Dental Practice of Dr. Irena Starchenko in Encino, we provide gentle, comprehensive dental care for children of all ages in a calm, family-friendly environment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits allow us to catch decay before it spreads, guide healthy tooth development, and help your child build a positive relationship with dental care that lasts a lifetime. Families visit us from Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, and across the San Fernando Valley.

Children’s Dental Services We Provide

Our Encino office cares for children at every stage, from a baby’s first tooth through the teenage years. Pediatric services include:

• Checkups and gentle cleanings every six months, adapted to your child’s age and comfort level (teeth cleaning)
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen developing enamel and reverse early signs of decay
• Dental sealants that shield the deep grooves of back molars, where most childhood cavities start
• Tooth-colored fillings for cavities in baby and permanent teeth (dental fillings)
• Growth and bite monitoring, so alignment issues are spotted early
• Orthodontic evaluations and treatment with braces or clear aligners for older children and teens
• Same-day emergency care for knocked-out teeth, chips, and toothaches (emergency dentistry)
• Habit counseling for thumb sucking, pacifier use, and teeth grinding

Your Child’s First Visit

A first dental visit at our practice is short, relaxed, and built around your child’s pace. Dr. Starchenko begins with a gentle look at the teeth, gums, and jaw, checks how the teeth are developing, and cleans the teeth if your child is comfortable. Just as importantly, the visit is a chance for your child to meet the team, sit in the chair, and learn that the dentist is nothing to fear.

Parents are welcome in the treatment room, and we take time to answer your questions about brushing, teething, diet, and fluoride. You can read more about what to expect on our Your First Visit page.

Preventing Cavities Before They Start

Nearly half of children experience a cavity in a baby tooth before school age, and almost all of that decay is preventable. Our prevention program combines:

Sealants. A thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars in minutes, with no drilling and no discomfort. Sealants close off the grooves where toothbrush bristles cannot reach.

Fluoride varnish. Applied at checkups to harden enamel while permanent teeth are still developing, when they benefit from it most.

Hygiene coaching. We teach children how to brush and floss properly for their age, and give parents practical guidance on snacks, juice, and bedtime bottles, the everyday habits that decide whether cavities form.

Treating Cavities in Baby Teeth

When a cavity does appear, treating it early keeps the appointment short and simple. Dr. Starchenko removes the decay gently and restores the tooth with a tooth-colored filling that blends in naturally. Baby teeth matter more than many parents realize: they hold space for the permanent teeth forming underneath, guide jaw growth, and affect speech and chewing. Leaving decay untreated in a primary tooth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to the adult tooth below it.

Helping Nervous Kids Feel at Ease

Many children, and many parents, arrive with some anxiety. Our approach is patience first: we explain each step in kid-friendly language, use a show-and-tell method with the instruments, and never rush a child into the chair. Appointments for young or anxious patients are scheduled with extra time so nothing feels hurried. Families can review our comfort and safety measures before the visit, and our team is experienced at turning a scared first-timer into a kid who looks forward to the dentist.

Dental Care for Teens

Teenagers have their own set of dental needs: wisdom teeth beginning to develop, orthodontic treatment, sports-related dental injuries, and the cavity risk that comes with a teenage diet. We monitor wisdom tooth development with digital imaging and 3D dental scans, coordinate orthodontic timing, and recommend custom mouthguards for athletes. When a wisdom tooth becomes problematic, gentle tooth extraction is available in our office.