What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist? (And Why Los Angeles Adults Choose Us for Veneers & Implants)

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you’re Googling, “What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?” Maybe you’re a parent comparing options for your kid. Or maybe you’re an adult in Los Angeles looking for a dentist who actually gets your needs—whether that’s fixing a chipped tooth near Santa Monica Pier or getting same-day implants without the corporate upsells.

Either way, you want answers without the fluff. Let’s break it down.

Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist: The 3 Big Differences

1. They Train Differently (Like a General Doctor vs. a Pediatrician)

A general dentist spends 8 years in school (4 undergrad + 4 dental school). A pediatric dentist? Add 2-3 extra years focusing only on kids’ teeth, child psychology, and how to calm a screaming 4-year-old mid-filling. Think of it like a pediatrician vs. a family doctor.

General Dentist: Works on adult teeth, gum disease, crowns, implants.
Pediatric Dentist: Specializes in baby teeth, growth issues, and handling kids with autism or special needs.

2. The Office Vibes Are Night and Day

Walk into a pediatric clinic, and you’ll see cartoon murals, iPads playing Bluey, and tiny chairs. General dentists? Sleek, quiet, and geared toward adults staring at their Zoom meetings. Pediatric tools are smaller (for baby teeth), and the staff speaks in “kiddie language” (“Let’s tickle your tooth with a magic wand!”).

3. Pediatric Dentists Rarely Treat Adults

Unless you’re an adult with special needs, pediatric dentists typically stop at age 18. General dentists? They’re your go-to for everything from whitening trays to replacing molars lost at your Venice Beach skate session.

“Okay, But I’m an Adult in LA… Why Should I Care?”

Great question. Here’s the deal: If you’re over 18, a general dentist is your MVP. Especially if you want:

Veneers that don’t look like Chicklet stickers.
Implants that let you bite into an In-N-Out burger without fear.
Same-day emergency care when your crown pops off before a big meeting in DTLA.

Pediatric dentists are heroes for kids. But for your smile? You need someone who’s mastered adult mouths.

Why Los Angeles Adults Choose Us Over “Just a General Dentist”

Let’s get real. Not all general dentists are the same. I’m Dr. Babak, a wisdom tooth extraction specialist turned full-service dental entrepreneur. Think of me as the “Elon Musk of oral surgery” (minus the rockets, plus way better bedside manner). Here’s why Beverly Hills to Culver City residents book here:

1. We Treat Adults Like Adults

No lollipops. No cartoons. Just proven results for:

Veneers: From $1,500-$3,000/tooth. Want red-carpet teeth? We handcraft them in LA labs.
Implants: Full mouth? Done in a day. Single tooth? $2,500-$3,200.
Emergencies: Knocked-out tooth? We’ll see you in 60 minutes.

2. Same-Day Service (Because Your Time ≠ Monopoly Money)

Most dentists make you wait weeks. We don’t. Need implants before your Pacific Palisades wedding? Done. Cracked a veneer on the 405? Fixed by noon.

3. Surgical Precision = Better Results

Most general dentists avoid surgery. My 10+ years extracting 5,000+ wisdom teeth? That means your implants are placed with millimeter accuracy. No “oops” moments.

“But How Much Does This Cost in Los Angeles?”

Let’s talk numbers without the sticker shock:

Service	Average Cost in LA	Our Price
Porcelain Veneer	$1,500-$3,000/tooth	$1,400-$2,800
Single Implant	$2,500-$6,000	$2,500-$3,200
Emergency Visit	$50-$550	$0 (if insured)

FAQs (What Other LA Patients Ask)

Can a pediatric dentist do braces?

Some offer minor ortho work, but most refer to specialists. Adults? See an orthodontist or us for clear aligners.

My kid is 17. Should I switch to a general dentist?

Not yet. Pediatric dentists handle teens. After 18, come to us for adult care (or that Invisalign you’ve been eyeing).

Do you take emergencies at 3 AM?

We’re open till 6 PM weekdays and 2 PM Saturdays. For after-hours pain? Call us—we’ll guide you.

Are veneers worth it?

If you want to fix chips, gaps, or stains? 100%. They last 10-15 years and look 100% real.

Ready to Ditch the “Maybe Later” Mindset?

Look, I get it. Dental work feels like a chore. But here’s the truth: 82% of people judge you by your smile first. Whether it’s a Hollywood producer or a date at Griffith Observatory, your teeth talk.

Don’t settle for a “good enough” dentist. Choose a practice that’s:

Fast: Same-day crowns, implants, veneers.
Skilled: 30+ years combined experience.
Transparent: No hidden fees. Ever.

TL;DR: Pediatric dentists = kids. General dentists = adults. But if you’re in LA and want more (veneers that wow, implants that last, emergencies handled ASAP), we’re your team.

Book online now: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com

Citations:

AAPD

Locations

Call Us Today!