Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Pediatric Dental Care in San Diego | Lil' Smiles
At Lil' Smiles, we specialize in compassionate pediatric dental care, providing gentle and personalized treatment for children starting at age one. Our underwater-themed office creates a fun, welcoming environment designed to ease anxiety and make dental visits enjoyable for young patients. With services ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to advanced restorative treatments, we prioritize preventive care and education to establish lifelong oral health habits. Dr. David Toppi, a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience, leads our team in delivering high-quality care tailored to each child's unique needs.We are committed to transparency, ethical practices, and fostering trust with families through clear communication and exceptional service. Our state-of-the-art facility features digital workflows, advanced imaging systems, and amenities like in-ceiling TVs to enhance comfort. As a United Concordia Tricare provider, we proudly serve military families and accept all PPO insurance plans. Every aspect of our practice reflects our dedication to making dental care a positive experience for children and their parents.
Services
Dental Exams
X-Rays
Cleanings
Composite Fillings
Stainless Steel Crowns
Pulpotomies
Sedation Dentistry
Fluoride Treatments
Home Care Guidance
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of specialized pediatric dental expertise.
- Our underwater-themed office reduces anxiety with child-friendly amenities.
- We provide IV sedation for complex procedures or anxious patients.
- Our digital workflow streamlines appointments with online forms and check-in.
- We are a United Concordia Tricare provider serving military families.
What people say
Kind and patient
Office is AMAZING
Kids loved the cartoons
No wait time
Affordable visits
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Comprehensive dental exams for children ensure early detection of oral health issues. Our exams include diagnostic X-rays, oral cancer screenings, and evaluations for gum disease and tooth decay. We emphasize preventive care, providing tailored guidance on brushing, flossing, and dietary habits. Each visit includes a thorough review of medical history and personalized recommendations to maintain optimal oral health, ensuring children develop positive associations with dental care through our engaging, underwater-themed environment.
Composite Fillings
We restore decayed or damaged teeth with durable, aesthetic composite fillings that match natural tooth color. The procedure involves removing decay, cleaning the affected area, and applying a medicated filling for protection. Ideal for visible areas, these fillings bond securely to teeth, offering long-lasting results. Post-treatment care instructions ensure longevity, with follow-up guidance on maintaining oral hygiene to prevent future decay in a supportive, child-friendly clinical setting.
Pulpotomies
Pulpotomies preserve severely decayed primary teeth by removing infected pulp tissue while maintaining the tooth's structure. Using specialized techniques, we clean the pulp chamber, apply medicated materials, and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection. This treatment alleviates pain, prevents premature tooth loss, and supports proper dental development. Our approach prioritizes comfort, employing sedation options and gentle techniques to ensure a stress-free experience for young patients.
Sedation Dentistry
We offer IV sedation for children with dental anxieties or complex treatment needs. Administered by a licensed anesthesiologist, this safe, controlled method ensures a pain-free, stress-free experience while completing all necessary procedures in one visit. Sedation is ideal for patients with special needs, extensive dental fears, or those requiring lengthy treatments. Our team closely monitors vital signs throughout the process, ensuring safety and comfort in a supportive environment.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride applications strengthen enamel and prevent decay in developing teeth. We apply a concentrated varnish to clean teeth, reinforcing resistance to acid attacks from plaque and sugars. This quick, painless treatment is recommended biannually during routine checkups. Combined with home care education, fluoride treatments proactively safeguard against cavities, promoting strong, healthy smiles while aligning with our preventive-focused dental philosophy.
People
David M. Toppi
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. David Toppi earned his dental degree and pediatric specialty training at Nova Southeastern University and Miami Children's Hospital. With over 15 years of experience, he focuses on gentle, child-centered care, emphasizing preventive dentistry and early intervention. Active in community oral health education, he balances his practice with car restoration and family travel.
Russell J. Toppi
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Russell Toppi completed his orthodontic residency at Columbia University and has practiced for 25+ years. A board-certified specialist, he provides expert orthodontic care with a focus on children's dental alignment. He maintains memberships in leading dental associations and enjoys family time with his wife and daughters.
Questions
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Children should have dental checkups every six months, starting by age one. Regular visits ensure early detection of issues and establish comfort with dental care.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. We use low-radiation digital X-rays with protective measures like lead aprons. X-rays are essential for detecting hidden decay and monitoring dental development safely.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Our team employs gentle techniques, sedation options, and a playful underwater-themed environment to ease anxieties. Positive reinforcement and gradual acclimation help children feel secure during visits.
Do you accept Tricare insurance?
Yes. We are a United Concordia Tricare provider and work with all PPO insurance plans to ensure accessible care for military families.
What payment methods are available?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and offer a 5% discount for cash payments. Our digital system streamlines billing and insurance processing for convenience.
How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?
Combine daily brushing/flossing with biannual professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dietary guidance. Our team provides personalized home care education to reinforce preventive habits.
