Pediatric Dentistry in Littleton
Dental Care for
Smaller Smiles
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. At Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we create a calm, kid-friendly space that helps young patients feel safe, seen, and supported.
Dr. Scott Pankratz takes the time to explain each step in a gentle, encouraging way—so your child understands what’s happening and knows they’re in good hands.
Pediatric Dental Services
in Littleton
From baby teeth to braces, we’ve got your child’s smile covered. Dr. Scott makes visits fun, informative, and easy for both kids and parents. Our care is gentle, our space is welcoming, and our team is here to support your child’s dental health at every stage.
Our Services
We provide comprehensive pediatric dental services designed to keep your child’s smile healthy from the very beginning. These include:
- Regular exams & cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Stainless steel & white crowns
- Extractions (baby teeth & select permanent teeth)
- Space maintainers
- Mouth guards (sports & nighttime grinding)
- Hospital dentistry under general anesthesia
- In-office anesthesia
- Care for children with special healthcare needs
Pediatric Dental Treatments
At Southwest Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Scott and the team offer a full range of care for your child’s smile.
Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is all about stopping problems before they start. Dr. Scott believes prevention is the foundation for lifelong oral health—and that starts in childhood.
When dental visits are part of your child’s routine from an early age, we’re able to monitor development, catch concerns early, and keep their smile on track.
Preventive care includes regular exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments—all designed to keep teeth healthy, strong, and cavity-free. It also gives us a chance to build trust with your child, educate them on home care, and create a positive experience at the dentist.
Minimally Invasive Pediatric Dentistry
We take a conservative approach to care—always prioritizing the least invasive solution possible. Minimally invasive pediatric dentistry focuses on preserving natural tooth structure and avoiding unnecessary procedures. When we do need to intervene, we use the gentlest tools and techniques available.
From monitoring teeth as they erupt to using treatments like silver diamine fluoride or preventive sealants, Dr. Scott and our team provide care that’s thorough but never overdone. Every decision we make is based on your child’s comfort, long-term health, and developmental needs.
Regular Exams & Cleanings
Routine checkups are the foundation of healthy smiles. During your child’s visit, we examine their teeth and gums, monitor growth, and check for signs of early decay or bite issues. These visits allow us to catch problems while they’re small—and easier to treat.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach. We keep the experience gentle and positive, helping your child build confidence in the dental chair from a young age.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to cavities. At our office, we apply a safe, concentrated fluoride varnish during routine visits. It’s quick, painless, and provides lasting protection—especially for kids at higher risk of tooth decay.
Fluoride works best when combined with daily brushing, regular cleanings, and a healthy diet. Our team will help you understand how it fits into your child’s overall care.
Sealants
Sealants are a fast, simple way to protect your child’s back teeth from cavities. These teeth have deep grooves that are hard to clean and easy for food to get stuck in. A thin coating seals off the chewing surface, keeping bacteria and buildup out.
We typically apply sealants to molars once they’ve erupted. The process is painless, and the added layer of defense can help prevent decay for years.
Fillings
When a cavity does form, a filling is the most common way to restore the tooth. We use tooth-colored composite that blends in with your child’s natural enamel, offering a strong and discreet repair.
Fillings help stop decay from spreading and restore full function to the tooth. With gentle care and clear explanations, we make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Pediatric Crowns
For baby teeth that are badly decayed, fractured, or weakened, a pediatric crown offers full protection. These custom restorations cover the entire tooth and help preserve it until it’s ready to fall out naturally.
We offer stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns depending on the tooth’s location and visibility. Crowns allow your child to chew, speak, and smile with confidence while maintaining important spacing in the mouth.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards help protect your child’s teeth from injury, especially during contact sports. We create custom-fit guards that are comfortable to wear and offer reliable protection.
We also offer nightguards for kids who grind their teeth in their sleep. These help reduce enamel wear, relieve jaw pressure, and prevent long-term damage caused by bruxism.
Comfort Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Laughing gas is a safe, effective way to help anxious kids feel more relaxed during dental treatment. Delivered through a small mask that fits over the nose, it creates a calming effect within minutes.
Once the procedure is complete, your child will breathe pure oxygen to clear the gas from their system. The effects wear off quickly, so they can return to their normal routine the same day.
Special Needs
Dr. Scott has extensive experience working with children who have special needs, high anxiety, or sensory sensitivities. His calm demeanor, gentle approach, and use of supportive tools—like weighted blankets and essential oils—help create a more comfortable in-office experience.
In most cases, Dr. Scott is able to provide complete care without the need for sedation or hospital-based treatment.
Outpatient Care
Our goal is always to keep care simple, safe, and in-office whenever possible. We use comfort measures like weighted blankets, essential oils, and laughing gas to help your child feel at ease during their visit.
When deeper sedation is necessary, we offer in-office general anesthesia treatment in a controlled setting—ensuring your child receives the safest care possible.