Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry specifically treats children with special needs and complex medical issues who are age 14 or under. We provide a full range of dental procedures to improve our patients’ health and overall wellbeing in a calm setting. We’re experienced in using various relaxation techniques to help your child feel more at ease during their dental visit.

To provide the highest level of coordinated patient care, our dental specialists work closely with many of the surgical and medical divisions at Texas Children’s, including Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, Texas Children’s Heart Center and Plastic Surgery. Patients may be treated as outpatients, inpatients or in operating rooms.

Because of the value we place on advanced education in pediatric dentistry, our partnership with the University of Texas School of Dentistry gives residents experience with treating special needs patients.

Texas Children’s in Houston is one of only a few hospitals in the nation with a Pediatric Dentistry Division. Our office is located in Houston, Texas on the 5th floor of the Wallace Tower on Fannin Street, which houses various pediatric specialty services.

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the oral health of infants, children and adolescents. In our practice, we specialize specifically in children with special needs or complex medical conditions.

Pediatric dentists undergo additional training after dental school, equipping them with the expertise to address the unique dental needs of children, from preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments to managing complex oral health issues.

Pediatric dentistry is different from a general dentist or family dentist. While a general dentist may provide care for children, pediatric dentists offer tailored treatments in a child-friendly environment designed to reduce anxiety and build trust. Parents often choose pediatric dentists for their child’s dental care to ensure age-appropriate, expert care that promotes healthy smiles from a young age.

Why see a pediatric dentist?

Visiting a pediatric dentist ensures your child receives specialized care tailored to their unique dental needs. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the oral health of infants, children and teens, offering services like preventive cleanings, cavity treatments and guidance on proper oral hygiene habits. Their expertise extends to understanding child behavior, making visits less stressful and more comfortable for young patients.

Pediatric dental offices are often designed with children in mind, featuring kid-friendly environments that help reduce dental anxiety. Choosing a pediatric dentist provides your child with expert care in a supportive setting, promoting healthy dental habits and a confident smile as they grow.

Choosing a pediatric dentist at Texas Children’s takes this expertise one step further. We understand the needs and spectrum of abilities within medically complex children and have extensive experience in meeting families where they are to provide appropriate, expert dental care.

Children we serve with pediatric dentistry

We specialize in treating pediatric patients with underlying pre-existing health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Behavioral or developmental challenges
• Cancer
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Heart conditions
• Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy

Learn more about the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic at Texas Children’s.

Pediatric dentistry services in Houston

We offer a comprehensive range of pediatric dentistry services, including:

• Comprehensive dental care: Routine cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants to promote oral health and prevent cavities.
• Dental surgery: Dentists work closely with other surgical and medical divisions to perform procedures such as tooth extractions, dental implants and gum grafting.
• Emergency dental services: Treatment for dental injuries, infections or urgent oral health issues.
• Orthodontic screening: Early assessment and intervention for alignment issues or jaw development concerns. Learn more about our Orthodontic Clinic specializing in children who have congenital craniofacial anomalies and/or cleft palates.
• Preventive education: Guidance for parents and children on maintaining proper oral hygiene and establishing healthy dental habits.
• Sedation and general anesthesia: Options for children who have severe anxiety, have special needs or need extensive dental procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.