Smiles Made Easy: Who We Are at FUNtastic Pediatric Dental
Imagine a dental office where your child actually wants to go, complete with ceiling TVs, toys, games, and a team that truly gets kids (and their parents).
Some even call it the “Disneyland of dental offices” and for good reason!
That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to a truly magical place: FUNtastic Pediatric Dental in Long Beach.
Who We Are: FUNtastic Pediatric Dental
Located down the street from Cal State Long Beach since 2003, FUNtastic Pediatric Dental is referred to by many parents as the ‘Disneyland of dental offices,’ a comparison that both flatters and inspires Dr. Robert Stella, DDS, the practice owner. “It’s a great compliment, because Disneyland is one of the best places a child can go. It’s not only the rides or the characters that make it a special place, it’s the whole experience, and that’s what we’ve tried to do here.”
While he was attending dental school, Dr. Stella developed a passion for creating a unique practice for children. “I always knew I wanted to be a children’s dentist. I remember going to the dentist as a child and it wasn’t much fun. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, ‘I hate going to the dentist.’ Well, it doesn’t have to be that way.” And after living in Long Beach for several years, he loved the sense of community and diversity of Long Beach residents, so he decided to open up the practice in the Los Altos area of Long Beach.
Dr. Stella aims to make a trip to the dentist an easy and fun proposition for children and their parents. Our dental theme park is chock full of games and toys that draw a child’s attention away from the dental experience. There’s TV’s mounted on the ceiling so children can watch movies as they receive dental care. These special touches put each youngster – or their parents – more at ease That can lead to a better dental outcome.
At FUNtastic Pediatric Dental, we use the latest and greatest technology to make your child feel comfortable. As an example, for regular procedures such as fillings or baby root canals, we use a computerized delivery device to administer anesthetic called The Wand. It’s an alternative to the chrome syringe you might be used to! We also use a mini micro-drill system to tend to cavities without the noise associated with a traditional drill.
Some children, based on their age or medical circumstances, need additional help when undergoing more complex work. FUNtastic Pediatric Dental offers Sleep Sedation, where children are asleep but breathing on their own with the assistance of a medical anesthesiologist that visits the office at least once a month.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff and dental associates committed to making your child’s visit as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Parents appreciate how our team interacts with children and explain what we’re doing. We tend to children on the Spectrum and any special care needs they may have.
Although we’re in the field of pediatric dentistry, it’s essential that we deal with both children and their parents. As a staff, we want to make the whole dental experience amazing for the entire family.
The first appointment usually involves a thorough dental examination. This includes checking the teeth, gums, and jaw. It’s also an opportunity for the dentist to talk about good dental habits. Most importantly, the visit will be conducted in a manner that builds trust and helps alleviate any fears your child may have.
Be sure to join our No Cavity Club! FUNtastic Pediatric Dental developed the No Cavity Club to help motivate parents and kids to take better care of their teeth and live healthier lives. Every six months our patients enter their name into a raffle for a chance to win a big prize like a brand new bike that’s just their size or a Nintendo Switch!
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Your child’s first visit to FUNtastic Pediatric Dental should be a stepping stone to a lifetime of dental health. Preparation, a warm environment, and education are the key elements that make this milestone a success. Our pediatric dental practice will see your child until they have all their adult teeth – then it’s time to ‘graduate’ them to our General Dentistry, which has all the friendly staff just like our Pediatric practice.
After the first appointment, regular check-ups every six months are highly recommended to keep those young smiles healthy and bright.
Remember, the journey to a happy, healthy smile starts with one small step—make it a positive one. Call or text us at (562) 627-8800. Looking forward to meeting you and your family!
