Pediatric Dentistry
Emergency Dental
Monday - Friday

Parvathi Pokala, DDS & Associates

San Diego Pediatric Dentistry

Come see why parents in San Diego chooses us – the trusted pediatric dental office for your child’s smile!”

My Child Needs An Appointment

We’ll never share your information with anyone.

Is your child suffering from a dental emergency,
sensitivity, or tooth pain?

    • Dental Pain and Discomfort: Is your Child suffering from toothaches, sensitivity, or jaw pain?
    • Dental Emergencies: Does your child need urgent dental care for a broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, or severe pain?

    Our Practice has you covered

    OUR VISION

    In Our Practice, our vision is to support children in our community, from infants to teens, and their families by building positive healthcare relationships as a foundation for your child’s well-being. Designed with your child in mind, our practice is a safe and welcoming space where every smile is celebrated.

    We take the time to get to know your family and work together on realistic, personalized approaches that fit your lifestyle, helping your child achieve optimal oral health for life. Expect gentle, thoughtful, engaging, and thorough care with us. We can’t wait to meet you and share many smiles together! 🦷😊

    Why Choose Us ?

    Watch your kid pretend, play, and giggle. Our office is curated with TVs, a Pacman arcade station , a kid’s play area, toys, stickers, and fun giveaways for kids of all ages.

    You’re a parent, your say matters. Collaboration is at the core of what we do at Pediatric Dentistry of San Diego. Whatever your child’s needs are, trust that we will listen to your instincts and input.

    We use the latest dental equipment for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

    Our office is designed to make you feel at ease.

    Dental emergencies in children can arise for a number of reasons. Recognizing the fact that children have active lifestyles, means there is always a chance an accident involving a hit or blow to the mouth or teeth can occur. These traumatic injuries can happen at home, in the playground or on the playing field. Common injuries to the teeth and oral cavity seen in a pediatric dental office include everything from soft tissue lacerations of the lips, cheeks or tongue to chipped, fractured, dislodged or “knocked out” teeth. Equally frequent reasons for children to require urgent dental care are painful toothaches, dental infections, and mouth ulcerations. Whatever the dental emergency may be, prompt and effective care is required to alleviate a child’s discomfort and to prevent more serious consequences to their oral health and overall well-being.

    Our pediatric dental practice offers a comfortable, prevention orientated environment that helps parents achieve and maintain optimal oral health. For pediatric patients with special healthcare needs accepting dental care in the traditional dental office setting we offer Nitrous Oxide sedation, oral sedation and IV sedation. We also offer dentistry under general anesthesia at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Each patient is assessed individually before we make a recommendation for any type of sedation. Our doctors have been members of the medical staff for over 25 years and are very comfortable providing dental care in the operating room.

    Our Services

    Pediatric Dentistry

    Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

    Preventive Procedures

    Preventive dental care means practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist.

    Restorative Procedures

    A crown is a “cap” cemented onto an existing tooth. This restorative procedure can improve the shape or strength of a tooth.

    Special Needs Dentistry

    We provide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental care to patients who have special healthcare needs.

    Sedation Dentistry

    We have in-clinic general sedation options available. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures or for patients with dental phobia or who find it difficult to sit still.

    Emergency Dentistry

    Pediatric dentists are trained in all facets of dental care for children and are well equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies.

    Our patients love us!

    ….and their new smiles😁

    • Waiting time is always long after appointment. 30 minutes on average. Even at 8:30 am.

      Jomally Fernandez Avatar Jomally Fernandez
      March 14, 2025

      Great staff, very attentive and considerate to my special needs toddler! Would recommend this facility/providers who have a child with sensory issues and are on... read more

      Nia Armas Avatar Nia Armas
      March 13, 2025

      Dr.Pokala is an amazing dentist. The staff are outstanding. I am always grateful to dr.Pokala and her associates.. Both my son's love coming to Dr.Pokala's... read more

      Shankar sundaram Avatar Shankar sundaram
      March 1, 2025
    • A sido una muy buena experiencia para mis hijos ser atendidos por la Dr. Arielle Ganas, todos aqui han sido muy amables conmigo.En lo personal... read more

      Karla Hernandez De Sanchez Avatar Karla Hernandez De Sanchez
      February 22, 2025

      Dr. Pokala and her team were super friendly and professional. We didn’t have to wait too long, which was great. I highly recommend them!

      taykris10 Avatar taykris10
      February 15, 2025

      My daughters have been going to Dr Pokala, since they were 6 months old, my eldest is now 11 years old. The entire team is... read more

      Elizabeth Lopez Avatar Elizabeth Lopez
      February 15, 2025
    • We’ve had such a great experience with Dr. Pokala! She was so patient and great with my kid. You can tell she really cares... read more

      Navaneet Reddy Danda Avatar Navaneet Reddy Danda
      February 15, 2025

      Dr. Pokala has been wonderful since we were first introduced to her dental office several years ago. She is incredible with children, and I have... read more

      miranda wagner Avatar miranda wagner
      January 15, 2025

      Even though my children are teenagers, they still want to come to Dr. Pokala’s office. They love the friendly staff and customized care they individually... read more

      Elizeth Tippetts Avatar Elizeth Tippetts
      January 15, 2025
    • Wonderful experience, as usual with Dr. Pokala

      LYNN MOODY Avatar LYNN MOODY
      January 15, 2025

      Dr. Pokala has the most calming and soothing voice and genuinely cares for her patient as well as the parent. She made sure I had... read more

      Christine Minami Avatar Christine Minami
      January 15, 2025

      Everyone was super helpful! Great energy, I felt very welcomed

      diana nova Avatar diana nova
      December 15, 2024

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the first dental visit by a child’s first birthday.
    Early visits help establish a “dental home”, where growth and oral habits are guided from the start.


    Book a consultation with Parvathi Pokala, DDS & Associates
    to give your child a healthy smile.


    Baby teeth play key roles in chewing, speech development,
    and guiding permanent teeth into place. Healthy baby teeth prevent pain and infection, allowing your child to eat, sleep, and thrive.

    Keep your child’s oral health on track by
    booking a consultation at our San Diego office today.


    Children should have checkups every six months to monitor development, apply preventive care like sealants,
    and catch problems early.

    Stay proactive by scheduling your child’s
    next visit with Parvathi Pokala, DDS & Associates.


    Pediatric dentists use gentle techniques, positive language, and a child-friendly environment to ease anxiety. Parents can prepare kids with office tours and storybooks before visits.

    Our San Diego pediatric dental team is experienced in creating stress-free experiences.
    Book a consultation today.

    We understand that children with autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities may need extra support. Our practice provides a calm, flexible approach with options like
    sedation dentistry, desensitization visits, and sensory-friendly adjustments.

    At Parvathi Pokala, DDS & Associates, we are proud to be a trusted
    special needs pediatric dentist in San Diego.
    Book a consultation today.


    Avoid sugary snacks, sticky candies, and juice bottles at bedtime to prevent cavities.
    Instead, encourage healthy snacks like cheese, fruits, and vegetables.

    For personalized nutrition tips,
    schedule a consultation with our San Diego pediatric dentists.

    Child getting special needs dental help in san diego ca

    “San Diego Pediatric Dentistry: Where Every Child — Including Those with Special Needs — Finds Comfort, Care, and a Smile”

    (San Diego, CA) — In a world where many parents struggle to find a dentist who truly understands their child’s unique needs, San Diego Pediatric Dentistry, led by Dr. Parvathi Pokala, is changing the story. Known as one of the most trusted and compassionate pediatric dental practices in San Diego, this office has become a safe haven for families of neurodivergent and special needs children.

    Parents describe it as more than a dental visit — it’s a place where gentle hands, warm smiles, and sensory-friendly care come together to make even the most anxious child feel at ease. From autism-friendly dental appointments to pain-free pediatric procedures, the team is redefining what compassionate dentistry looks like.

    For families across San Diego, it’s not just about healthy teeth — it’s about trust, patience, and the peace of knowing their child is in caring hands. That’s why more parents are turning to San Diego Pediatric Dentistry, the local leader in special needs and neurodivergent pediatric dental care.

    Get Your Child Started Today