Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Pediatric Dentists in El Cajon, CA
Established in 1975, our practice has served as the longest-operating pediatric and orthodontic dental office in El Cajon, California. We specialize in comprehensive dental care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults, combining advanced technology with personalized attention to create a comfortable environment for young patients. Our team, led by Dr. Michael Maurer and Dr. Gary Olen, has been recognized as San Diego's #1 Pediatric Dentists for 10 consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to excellence in pediatric oral health. We prioritize preventive care, emergency treatment, and specialized services such as sedation dentistry and orthodontic solutions, ensuring every child receives tailored care that evolves with their developmental needs.Backed by decades of experience and membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize education, community outreach, and innovative techniques to foster lifelong dental wellness. Our practice serves El Cajon, Alpine, Lakeside, Ramona, and surrounding San Diego areas, maintaining a reputation for trust, expertise, and compassionate service since our founding.
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Braces
Sedation Dentistry
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Sealants
Emergency Care
Orthodontic Treatment
Nitrous Oxide
Mouthguards
General Anesthesia
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of combined experience in pediatric dentistry
- Voted San Diego's #1 Pediatric Dentists for 10 consecutive years
- Specialized training in treating children with special needs and anxiety
- Emergency dental care available for urgent pediatric cases
- State-of-the-art technology in a child-friendly environment
Associations and certifications
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
'Best dental experience'
'Gentle with kids'
'Emergency care saved a tooth'
'10-year excellence winner'
'Special needs expertise'
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Our pediatric dentistry services focus on preventive and restorative care for infants, children, and adolescents. We specialize in early oral health education, cavity prevention, and trauma treatment, using child-friendly techniques to ensure positive dental experiences. Our approach combines developmental expertise with gentle care to establish lifelong oral hygiene habits.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry helps children with dental anxiety or special needs receive necessary treatments comfortably. We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options, ensuring safe and stress-free procedures. Our team is specially trained to monitor sedated patients while maintaining a calming environment for young patients.
Braces
Our orthodontic services address teeth alignment and bite issues for children and teens. We provide traditional metal braces, clear aligners, and interceptive treatments to correct malocclusions. Early orthodontic intervention helps guide jaw growth and prevent future dental complications, ensuring optimal oral function and aesthetics.
Emergency Care
We prioritize urgent dental care for children, treating knocked-out teeth, fractures, and infections. Our emergency services include immediate reimplantation procedures, pain management, and trauma assessment. We maintain same-day availability to preserve dental health and minimize long-term damage from accidents or injuries.
Sealants
Dental sealants protect children's molars from decay by sealing deep grooves where food particles accumulate. This preventive treatment involves applying a thin plastic coating to back teeth, significantly reducing cavity risk. Sealants are a quick, painless solution for maintaining strong enamel in developing teeth.
People
Dr. Michael Maurer
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Maurer earned his DDS from UCLA and specializes in pediatric dental care. With over 45 years of clinical experience, he focuses on creating positive dental experiences for children. He emphasizes preventive care and advanced treatment techniques for young patients.
Dr. Gary Olen
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Olen graduated top of his class from Marquette University School of Dentistry. He specializes in pediatric dentistry with expertise in sedation techniques and orthodontic treatments. He prioritizes patient comfort and family education in his practice.
Questions
When should my child have their first dental visit?
We recommend the first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. Early exams help establish good oral health habits and detect developmental issues.
What happens during a pediatric dental emergency?
Call immediately for urgent care. We reserve time daily for emergencies like knocked-out teeth, fractures, or severe toothaches, providing same-day treatment to preserve dental health.
Do you offer sedation options for anxious children?
Yes, we provide nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for children with anxiety or special needs. Our team ensures safe, comfortable treatment experiences for all patients.
How do sealants protect children's teeth?
Sealants fill deep grooves in molars where food collects, preventing 70% of cavities. This quick, painless procedure creates a smooth surface that's easier to clean and maintain.
What orthodontic treatments are available for kids?
We offer early interceptive orthodontics, traditional braces, and clear aligners. Treatment timing depends on developmental needs, typically starting around age 7 to address alignment and bite issues.