Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics
UCMG physicians within the Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics provide a broad range of services for children with routine, comprehensive and orthodontic needs. Their primary focus is disease prevention designed to maintain normal growth and foster appropriate development and appearance. UCMG dentists treat patients beginning at birth and continuing through 18 years of age, however treatment may continue beyond that point if childhood diseases or disorders threaten to cause problems during early adulthood.
A primary factor in good oral treatment is clinical expertise. UCMG members in the Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics include highly trained pediatric dentists, oral surgeons and orthodontists. In addition to routine and specialized care, they combine their skills to provide a multidisciplinary approach to treating orthonagthic craniofacial abnormalities (cleft lip and palate) and other congenital disorders affecting children.
Occasionally, certain diseases not directly related to the mouth can result in significant dental problems. Steroids used to treat some disorders can cause gingival hyperplasia, requiring gingivectomy. In AIDS patients, prevention of mouth infections is paramount. Patients with cancer and blood-related diseases may require an extensive work-up in preparation for possible chemotherapy, bone marrow harvesting or bone marrow transplantation. These patients can develop significant oral discomfort. Whether routine or not, the Division physicians are able to meet all types of dental and orthodontic challenges.
Description of Programs and Services
- Oral examination
This is a visual examination and usually involves a probe and mirror to examine teeth and gums for decay and enamel defect.
- Full-mouth x-rays
X-rays generally follow a visual examination and are used to detect or confirm the presence of cavities.
- Flouride prophylaxis
Usually recommended biannually, cleaning with fluoride generally accompanies an examination and x-rays.
- General dental restorations
Division physcians perform general dental restorations, including fillings and crowns and tooth extraction.
- Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning for medically compromised patients eliminates the significant plaque buildup often found on teeth of patients who have difficulties with the dentist, including patients with autism, mental retardation, seizure disorders and cerebral palsy.
- Gingivectomy
UCMG physicians provide gingivectomy to eliminate gum disease. Laser treatment is available.
PHYSICIANS
- Randall Niederkohr, D.D.S., Division Head
- Sofise K. Chen, D.D.S.
- John N. Groper, D.D.S.
- Charlie C. Hsieh, D.D.S.
- John S. Kishibay, D.D.S. - Orthodontist
- Linda D. Lott, D.D.S.
- Laura Matsunaga, D.D.S.
- Richard Mungo, D.D.S., MSD, M.S.Ed.
- Margaret A. Paul, D.D.S.
- Sumalee Sangsurasak, D.D.S.
- Kanoknuch "Connie" Shiflett, D.D.S.
- Peter S. Suh, D.D.S.
- Winnie Tan, D.D.S.
- Dennis-Duke R. Yamashita, D.D.S. - Oral Surgeon
- Stephen L.K. Yen, D.M.D. - Orthodontist
- Walden Y. Yu, D.D.S.
HOW TO CONTACT US
The Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics welcomes your inquiries. To contact us you can:
|
|
|
Call the Division directly at |
(323) 669-2130 |
|
Write to us at |
Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd., #116 Los Angeles, CA 90027-6062 |
|
Physicians who wish to contact a faculty member, consult about a patient or refer a patient can also call 1-800-ASK-PACE (1-800-275-7223). Please note, this service is for physicians ONLY. |
||