Poway Pediatric Dentistry
We Help Kids Love the Dentist
Compassionate, Quality Dental Care for Growing Smiles
At Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, in Poway, CA, we want your family look forward to the dentist. With more than a few mothers on our staff, including Dr. Ellen, we know how to put young patients at ease—and parents, too. Relax knowing that your child will receive the very best in preventative dentistry and personalized, compassionate care that’s just right.
Dental Examinations
When everyone knows what to expect during dental visits, checkups and cleanings are a breeze! Kids feel acknowledged, and they can relax for extra gentle cleanings and quality care.
During your child’s exam, we’ll inspect the health and development of their jaw, teeth and gums, looking for early signs of common oral health concerns. Our Poway dental team will perform a thorough, gentle cleaning of the teeth. If we see any minor issues, Dr. Ellen will advise on improvements to hygiene habits and/or technique. She’ll also suggest minor dental work (like sealants to protect cavity-prone spots), as needed.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Checkup in Poway
Laser Dentistry
Maxillary Frenulectomy (Tongue-Tied)
At Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are proud to offer laser dentistry for certain procedures. A maxillary frenulectomy consists of releasing the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion. Children may be born with a condition called a tongue-tie, which causes restrictions in movement that can lead to difficulty with breastfeeding, and in some instances, other health problems. These issues can generally be corrected by a simple procedure done with our soft tissue laser that we have in-office.
There are several benefits of laser dentistry. Lasers sterilize at touch therefore have less risk of infection. There is very little discomfort with the laser, some babies and children sleep through the procedure. The healing is very quick – because the laser stimulates bio-regeneration and healing. The result is beautiful tissue, and an increase in overall oral health.
Special Needs Dental Care in Poway
At Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that dental care for patients with special needs requires specialized care. Whether your child’s condition is congenital, developmental, or the result of disease or trauma, Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry can provide guidance and raise awareness of his or her special dental care needs. At our Poway office, we have the experience necessary to provide suitable dental care while keeping in mind the unique nature of the patients we see.
It is our goal to create a dental home for your child, where dental treatment can be delivered safely and ideal dental health can be achieved.
Athletic Mouth Guards
A mouth guard helps to protect any physical impacts on the teeth. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. For children involved in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking — any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth, Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics strongly encourages bringing your child in for a custom athletic mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports minimizes the risk of breaking or chipping front teeth.
Athletic mouth guards typically cover the upper row of teeth, and are designed to protect against blows to the face or head that can cause broken teeth, cut lips and other damage to your mouth. If you wear braces or other fixed dental appliances on your lower jaw, Dr. Ellen Im may suggest a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well. It also prevents tooth damage during bruxism. We offer custom-made mouth guards that will fit your child’s mouth. A well fitted mouth guard is going to protect teeth, gum and tongue properly.
Dr. Ellen Im
A Dentist That Parents Trust and Kids Love
Dr. Ellen has always had a special way with children. She grew up in Orange County, CA, and, as a teenager, spent her spare time tutoring younger kids. So it’s no surprise that, when she decided to pursue a career in dentistry, she was drawn to serving younger patients.
After completing her DDS, Dr. Ellen founded Northern Virginia Pediatric Dentistry, and word spread quickly about the exemplary care that she provided—earning her the #1 ranking on Dr. Oogle reviews for pediatric dentistry in her area. She attributes the success, in part, to her ability to build rapport with kids.
“During my undergrad, I majored in biology and minored in studio art at the
University of California at Irvine. It was the perfect mix for me, because
I love art—making things beautiful—but I wanted to work in healthcare, where
I could make a positive difference on people’s lives. Now I can do both.”
~Dr. Ellen
She found the perfect balance in dental care, where she helps kids maintain good oral health and improve the look of their smiles.
Today, Dr. Ellen is proud to bring exceptional pediatric dentistry to the community of Poway, CA. At her practice, Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, she and her “dream team” serve children, ranging from infants to adolescents, with a range of preventative and restorative dental care.
And of course, true to her roots, she enjoys tutoring—or educating—children and parents on good oral health!
