Capital Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is centered on protecting your child's oral health through every stage of growth, from the first baby tooth through the teenage years. At Capital Dental Group, children receive thoughtful, age-appropriate care in an environment designed to support both healthy development and a positive dental experience. Dr. Soudabeh Sharafi provides pediatric dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, with a focus on prevention, comfort and individualized care. As a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Sharafi understands that children need more than routine dental services. They need care that is tailored to their stage of growth, behavior and clinical needs. Pediatric dentistry helps build the foundation for a healthy smile while also supporting confidence and comfort with dental care from an early age.
What is Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is the specialty area of dentistry dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special healthcare needs. It focuses on monitoring growth and development, preventing dental problems early and providing treatment that is tailored to the unique needs of younger patients.
Because children's teeth, jaws and habits change over time, pediatric dentistry involves much more than routine cleanings. It includes guidance on home care, nutrition, cavity prevention, dental development and early evaluation of concerns that may affect long-term oral health. Dr. Sharafi provides comprehensive pediatric dental care in Bakersfield with an emphasis on patient safety, family education and personalized treatment planning, helping children receive the care they need in a setting built for them.
Request AppointmentWhen is Pediatric Dentistry Recommended?
Pediatric dentistry is recommended as soon as your child's first tooth appears or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. This early visit gives your family the opportunity to establish healthy habits, monitor oral development and address any concerns before they become larger problems. Early dental visits can also help your child become familiar with the dental office in a low-stress, supportive setting.
After the first visit, most children should continue with routine dental visits every six months for exams and hygiene appointments, unless a different schedule is recommended based on their needs. Regular visits allow Dr. Sharafi and the team to monitor growth, protect developing teeth and identify concerns as early as possible. Pediatric dental care may be especially important if your child is prone to cavities, has dental anxiety, needs orthodontic evaluation or would benefit from a more specialized approach to behavior management and comfort.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
These services allow Dr. Sharafi and the team to provide care that is responsive to both immediate concerns and your child's long-term oral health.
Preventative Care
Including routine exams and hygiene visits
Restorative Dentistry
Including fillings and crowns
Porcelain Crowns
To restore and protect damaged teeth while supporting a natural-looking smile
Dental Sealants
To help protect cavity-prone teeth
Extractions
When a tooth cannot be preserved or when removal supports oral development
Pulpotomies
To treat infection or damage within a primary tooth and help maintain the tooth when possible
Orthodontics
Evaluation and guidance
Sedation Options
Including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, when appropriate for your child's needs
Pediatric Dental Visits
What to Expect at the First Visit
Your child's first visit is designed to be welcoming, educational and age-appropriate. Depending on your child's age and needs, the appointment may include a gentle exam, evaluation of tooth and jaw development, discussion of feeding or oral habits, review of brushing and hygiene routines and recommendations for preventive care. If appropriate, the visit may also include a professional cleaning or digital imaging.
Just as importantly, the first visit helps your child begin building trust with the dental team. Parents have the opportunity to ask questions about home care, diet, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, cavity prevention and developmental milestones. The goal is to create a positive experience while establishing a clear plan for your child's ongoing oral health.
What Happens During Pediatric Visits
Pediatric dental visits are designed to be thorough while also meeting your child at an age-appropriate level. Depending on your child's needs, visits may include a routine exam and hygiene cleaning, digital imaging, cavity prevention, monitoring of oral development and discussion of home care habits. The goal is not only to care for the teeth that are present now, but also to support healthy development moving forward.
Dr. Sharafi is known for a patient-centered approach that emphasizes comfort, safety and individualized care. She has extensive experience treating children and adolescents in both private practice and hospital settings, including more complex cases. That depth of experience helps families feel supported whether their child needs preventive care, restorative treatment or a more advanced treatment plan.
Pediatric Dentistry and Long-Term Oral Health
One of the greatest strengths of pediatric dentistry is its long-term perspective. Children's oral health is constantly changing, and early care can influence how their teeth develop, how they feel about dental visits and how well they maintain their smiles over time. Monitoring small concerns early can help prevent more extensive treatment later.
Pediatric dentistry also creates space for education and partnership with parents. From brushing habits to diet to development, every stage offers opportunities to support healthier outcomes. At Capital Dental Group, Dr. Sharafi combines experience, specialty training and a compassionate approach to help families feel informed and confident in their child's care.
Dr. Sharafi
Orthodontic Care With Dr. Sharafi And Dr. Floyd
Orthodontic care is an important part of monitoring how your child's smile develops over time. At Capital Dental Group, Dr. Sharafi and Dr. Floyd work together to evaluate developing teeth and jaws, identify concerns early and determine when orthodontic treatment may be beneficial. Early orthodontic evaluation can help detect issues related to bite alignment, spacing, crowding and jaw growth before they become more complex.
By including orthodontic care as part of your child's overall dental experience, the team can take a more complete approach to oral development. Whether your child needs monitoring, guidance on timing or active orthodontic treatment, Dr. Sharafi and Dr. Floyd help families understand their options and next steps.
Support Your Child's Smile From the Start
If you are looking for experienced, specialized dental care for your child, call Capital Dental Group at 661-861-8000 to schedule a visit with Dr. Sharafi and learn more about pediatric dentistry in Bakersfield, CA.
Request AppointmentStill Have Questions? Our Top FAQs.
We understand that choosing the right dental care for your child comes with many questions. Our team at Capital Dental Group is here to help every step of the way. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from families about pediatric dentistry.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Starting early gives Dr. Sharafi the opportunity to monitor your child's development, provide guidance on home care and create a comfortable and positive relationship with dental visits from the beginning.
How often should my child have dental checkups?
Most children benefit from routine dental visits every six months for an exam and professional cleaning. Depending on your child's individual needs, cavity risk or development, Dr. Sharafi may recommend a different schedule. Regular visits allow the team to catch concerns early, reinforce healthy habits and support ongoing oral development.
What is a pulpotomy, and does my child need one?
A pulpotomy is a procedure used to treat a primary tooth when decay or injury has reached the inner pulp. It removes the affected portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy root structure and keeping the tooth in place until it is ready to fall out naturally. Dr. Sharafi will recommend this treatment only when it is the best option for your child's oral health and development.
Does my child need dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities. They are often recommended for children who are cavity-prone or have deep grooves in their molars. During your child's visit, Dr. Sharafi will evaluate whether sealants are appropriate and explain the benefits based on your child's specific needs.
What sedation options are available for children?
We offer several sedation options including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, depending on your child's age, anxiety level and treatment needs. Dr. Sharafi will discuss these options with you and help determine the safest and most comfortable approach. All sedation is provided with your child's wellbeing as the top priority.