Pediatric Dentistry in Encinitas – Gentle, Friendly Dental Care for Kids
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we believe that building healthy smiles starts early. While Dr. Skeens is not a pediatric specialist, he is a highly experienced general dentist who welcomes children into our practice and provides gentle, comprehensive care for growing smiles. Our warm, friendly approach to pediatric dentistry in Encinitas helps children feel safe, comfortable, and even excited about visiting the dentist.
We serve kids of all ages with a focus on prevention, education, and personalized attention. We know that positive dental experiences in childhood sets the tone for a lifetime of oral health.
What Is Pediatric Dental Care?
Pediatric dental treatment focuses on the oral health needs of children, from their first baby tooth through their teenage years. It includes everything from preventive care (like cleanings and fluoride treatments) to addressing issues like cavities, gum inflammation, or developmental concerns.
At our office, we offer a full range of kids dentistry in Encinitas, including:
- Gentle dental cleanings
- Digital X-rays for cavity detection and development tracking
- Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
- Cavity fillings with tooth-colored materials
- Oral hygiene education for kids and parents
- Space maintainers for premature tooth loss
- Exams for orthodontic referrals when needed
We work closely with parents to ensure every visit is productive, positive, and suited to each child’s age and comfort level.
First Dental Visits – What to Expect
We recommend a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits help kids get used to the dental setting and allow us to catch any potential concerns early on.
During a child’s first appointment, we’ll:
- Perform a gentle examination
- Review your child’s oral development
- Offer brushing and nutrition tips for caregivers
- Answer your questions with patience and care
- Make sure your child feels at ease
For toddlers and young children, these visits are all about creating a stress-free, positive association with going to the dentist.
Building Healthy Habits Early
Good oral hygiene starts at home—and we’re here to help you and your child every step of the way. Our team provides personalized guidance on:
- Proper brushing and flossing techniques for different age groups
- Managing thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Choosing tooth-friendly snacks and drinks
- Preventing cavities with fluoride and sealants
- Preparing for baby teeth to fall out and permanent teeth to come in
Our goal with children’s dentistry in Encinitas is not only to treat teeth—but to educate, empower, and inspire kids to take care of their smiles for life.
Preventive Care for Long-Term Health
Preventive visits are the cornerstone of pediatric dental health. By scheduling regular checkups every six months, we can:
- Catch small issues before they become bigger problems
- Apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
- Place sealants on molars to protect against cavities
- Monitor the development of adult teeth
- Ensure proper spacing and alignment
- Keep your child feeling confident about their dental care
We keep things upbeat and kid-friendly, using age-appropriate language and gentle techniques so kids leave with a smile.
Treating Cavities and Other Concerns
Even with the best brushing habits, kids can still get cavities—especially in their molars. If your child needs pediatric dental treatment, we offer:
- Tooth-colored fillings for discreet, durable cavity repair
- Pulp therapy (baby root canals) when needed to save primary teeth
- Crowns for baby teeth with extensive decay
- Space maintainers to preserve alignment if a tooth is lost early
We always focus on preserving function, reducing anxiety, and making sure your child feels safe and understood during treatment.
Not a Pediatric Specialist—But We Love Treating Kids
Dr. Gregory Skeens is a general dentist, not a board-certified pediatric specialist. However, he has years of experience treating young patients and helping families feel confident about their child’s dental care.
If your child has more complex needs or would benefit from the care of a pediatric dental specialist, we have trusted local referrals and are happy to coordinate care. Our priority is your child’s comfort, health, and happiness—whether that means treating them in our office or referring out when appropriate.
Why Parents Choose Us for Kids Dentistry in Encinitas
Families across Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and surrounding communities choose us because:
- We create a calm, kid-friendly atmosphere
- Our team is patient, supportive, and experienced with young patients
- We treat your child like family—never rushed or overlooked
- We communicate clearly with parents every step of the way
- We provide continuity of care for the whole family in one office
We understand that every child is different. Some are shy, some are outgoing, and some may have had a tough experience elsewhere. We meet each child where they are and work to earn their trust with every visit.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today
Whether your child is due for their first checkup, has a cavity that needs attention, or just needs a dentist who helps them feel safe and supported, we’re here for you.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 to schedule a visit. Our caring team is proud to provide pediatric dental treatment in a general practice setting where your whole family can feel at home.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pediatric Dentistry
At what age should my child first see the dentist?
Are baby teeth really that important?
What’s the best toothbrush for a young child?
What if my child is very nervous at the dentist?
Do you offer sedation for children?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
