Children's Dentistry in West Edmonton
Healthy Habits Start Here
The experiences children have at the dentist early in life shape how they feel about dental care for decades. At La Perle Dental Centre, we take that seriously. Our team is experienced with young patients at every stage, from toddlers seeing a dentist for the first time to teens managing their oral health independently. Every visit is unhurried, gentle, and designed to build confidence rather than fear.
We Make Kids Feel Safe
Nervous kids are not a problem to manage. They're patients who need a different pace, a little more reassurance, and a team that knows how to listen. We work at your child's speed and never rush through an appointment.
A Space Designed for Families
Our dedicated kids' play area keeps little ones comfortable and entertained while the rest of the family gets their care. Family scheduling means everyone can come in together, so one trip takes care of everyone.
We Catch Problems Early
Children's teeth change quickly. Regular checkups let us monitor development, catch cavities before they become painful, and identify orthodontic concerns while there's still plenty of time to act.
Accepting the Canadian
Dental Care Plan
Starting Early Makes Everything Easie
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday. Early visits do more than check for cavities. They:
- Help children become familiar with the dental environment before any treatment is needed
- Give parents practical guidance on brushing, diet, and what to watch for as teeth develop
- Allow us to spot developmental concerns early when they're easiest to address
- Build a foundation of comfort that makes every future visit easier
Children who start coming in early tend to grow up with less dental anxiety, better oral health habits, and fewer serious problems down the road. The first visit doesn't need to involve any treatment at all. It can simply be a chance to meet the team, sit in the chair, and get comfortable with the idea of coming in.
Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think
A common misconception is that baby teeth don't matter much because they fall out anyway. In reality, they play an important role in your child's overall development:
- They hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth to grow in correctly
- They help children chew properly, which supports nutrition and healthy development
- They support speech development and pronunciation
- They set the foundation for healthy jaw growth and alignment
Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems with how permanent teeth come in. Treating decay in a child's tooth isn't just about that tooth. It's about protecting the development happening underneath it.
What to Expect at Your Child's Visit
We know that bringing a nervous child to the dentist can feel stressful. Here's what we do to make it easier:
- We introduce ourselves calmly and let your child get comfortable before anything starts
- We explain everything in age-appropriate language so there are no surprises
- We work at your child's pace and never force anything they're not ready for
- We use digital X-rays when needed, which are fast, comfortable, and much lower in radiation than traditional film
- We involve parents throughout the visit so you always know what's happening and why
- We end every visit on a positive note so your child leaves feeling good about coming back
What We Offer
Infant and Toddler Exams
Early dental visits establish a baseline for your child's oral health and give parents practical guidance on brushing, diet, and what to watch for as teeth develop. Starting early makes every visit that follows easier.
Children’s Exams
A thorough check of your child's teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development at every visit. We monitor how teeth are growing in, flag any early orthodontic concerns, and make sure everything is developing on track.
Fluoride Treatments
A quick, painless application of fluoride after cleaning that strengthens enamel and significantly reduces the risk of cavities. Especially important for children whose enamel is still developing.
Sealants
A thin protective coating applied to the grooved surfaces of back teeth where decay most commonly starts in children. Sealants are one of the most effective preventive tools available and can last for years.
Fillings
When cavities do develop, we treat them quickly and gently using tooth-coloured composite fillings that blend naturally with the tooth. Treating decay early prevents pain, infection, and more complex treatment later.
Emergency Dentistry for Children
Dental injuries happen. A knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth from a fall, or sudden severe pain all require prompt attention. We see children for same-day emergency appointments and act quickly to relieve pain and protect the tooth.
Orthodontic Monitoring
We keep an eye on how your child's teeth and jaw are developing and let you know early if orthodontic treatment is likely to be beneficial. Catching alignment concerns early often means simpler treatment when the time comes.
Oral Health Education
We teach children how to brush and floss properly in a way that actually sticks. Good habits formed early make a lifetime of difference, and we make sure kids leave every appointment knowing what to do at home.
A Team That Listens Before It Acts
We Handle Complex Cases In-House
We Focus on Results, Not Recommendations
Dental Care That Works for Your Life
Fees Below Alberta Fee Guide
Direct Billing
to Insurance
Open Evenings and Weekends
Same-Day
Emergency Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Does La Perle accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan for children?
Yes. We fully participate in the CDCP and do not charge families the fee difference. If your child is eligible, their care is covered at our standard rates with no extra cost to you.
How can I help my child brush properly at home?
Children typically need help brushing until around age seven or eight. Use a soft-bristled brush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for toddlers, and a pea-sized amount for older children. Brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss once daily when teeth start to touch. We're happy to demonstrate proper technique at any visit.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
For a permanent tooth, act quickly. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently without scrubbing and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in a small container of milk. Call us immediately. For a baby tooth, do not attempt to reinsert it. Call us and we'll advise you on what to do next.
My child grinds their teeth at night. Should I be concerned?
Some teeth grinding in children is normal and often resolves on its own as they grow. If it's causing wear, jaw pain, or sleep disruption, we'll assess the situation and discuss options. Let us know if you've noticed it and we'll take a closer look.
What are sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities most commonly develop in children. They're one of the most effective preventive treatments available. We'll let you know if your child's teeth are good candidates based on the exam.
Are X-rays safe for children?
Yes. We use digital X-rays, which expose children to far less radiation than traditional film. We only recommend them when there's a genuine clinical need, not as a routine at every visit.
How often should children come in for checkups?
Every six months is the standard recommendation for most children. Some children with a higher risk of decay may benefit from more frequent visits. We'll let you know what makes sense based on what we find.
Do baby teeth really need to be filled?
Yes, in most cases. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help children chew and speak properly. An untreated cavity can become painful, lead to infection, and affect how the permanent tooth beneath it develops. Treating decay early is almost always better than waiting.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
Let us know before you come in. Our team is experienced with anxious children and takes a gentle, unhurried approach. We introduce each step before it happens, work at your child's pace, and never force anything they're not ready for. Most children who start out nervous leave feeling proud of themselves.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by your child's first birthday. Early visits are low-key and mostly about getting comfortable, but they give us a chance to catch any early concerns and guide parents on home care.
Located in West Edmonton
La Perle Dental Centre is in the heart of the La Perle neighbourhood, serving families across West Edmonton. Free on-site parking. Easy access from 182 Street NW.
Free parking is available on site. We are near West Jasper Place Community Health Centre at 9710 182 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 3T9.
