Gentle Pediatric Dental Care for Your Child in Westwood, NJ

Gentle, Stress-Free Dental Care for Children

At Suh Family Dentistry, our board-certified pediatric dentist provides specialized care for infants, children, and teens in a calm and comfortable environment that helps build healthy habits and confident smiles from an early age.

Your Child's Smile Deserves Specialized Care

Children’s dental needs are different from adults. Their teeth are constantly growing and changing, their enamel is more vulnerable, and their experience at the dentist shapes how they feel about oral health for the rest of their lives.

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care focused entirely on the oral health of babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers. It includes monitoring tooth development, preventing and treating cavities, and creating an environment where children feel safe and understood.

At Suh Family Dentistry, our pediatric dentist Dr. Ga Young Suh brings board-certified expertise and a gentle, patient approach to every appointment. She works closely with both children and parents to make dental care feel straightforward, not stressful.

We Understand Your Concerns as a Parent

It’s completely normal to worry about your child’s dental visit. You may be thinking:

Will my child be scared?

Will it hurt?

Will they cooperate?

At Suh Family Dentistry, we are experienced in helping children feel comfortable. We use a slow, step-by-step approach so your child knows exactly what to expect.

It’s completely normal to worry about your child’s dental visit. You may be thinking:

Will my child be scared?

Will it hurt?

Will they cooperate?

At Sola Family Dentistry, we are experienced in helping children feel comfortable. We use a slow, step-by-step approach so your child knows exactly what to expect.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

Starting dental visits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Here is what consistent pediatric care does for your child.

Prevents Cavities Before They Start

Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay, especially during the years when baby teeth and early adult teeth are developing. Regular check-ups and preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants significantly reduce the risk of cavities and the need for more complex treatment later.

Catches Problems Early

Early detection of bite issues, crowding, or developmental concerns gives us more options and makes treatment simpler. Identifying these issues during childhood is far easier and less costly than addressing them in adolescence or adulthood.

Protects Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are not just temporary. They hold space for adult teeth, support speech development, and allow your child to chew and eat properly. Keeping them healthy until they fall out naturally is an important part of your child’s overall development.

Builds Positive Dental Habits

Children who have calm, positive experiences at the dentist grow up without dental anxiety. We take time to explain everything in age-appropriate language and move at a pace your child is comfortable with.

Supports Jaw and Facial Development

Regular monitoring allows us to track how your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure are developing — and intervene early if anything needs attention.

Pediatric dentist examining a young girl’s teeth during a dental checkup

Pediatric Dental Services We Offer

We provide specialized pediatric dental care at Suh Family Dentistry in Westwood, NJ. Each service is designed to support your child’s comfort, development, and long-term oral health.

We recommend your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first. During this gentle visit, Dr. Suh examines early tooth development and gum health, answers your questions about teething and feeding habits, and helps your baby become familiar with the dental environment in a calm, unhurried way. Early visits are the single best way to prevent problems before they start.

Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities form. Both treatments are quick, painless, and highly effective at protecting your child’s teeth during the years they are most vulnerable. We recommend these preventive treatments as part of every child’s routine care plan.

When a cavity reaches the inner part of a tooth, pulp therapy — sometimes called a baby root canal — removes the affected tissue and preserves the tooth. A crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it and restore full function. Saving the baby tooth is important because it holds space for the incoming adult tooth and supports normal chewing. Dr. Suh performs these procedures with great care to keep your child comfortable throughout.

For children who feel anxious or nervous about dental treatment, nitrous oxide — commonly known as laughing gas — is a safe, gentle option that helps them relax. It works quickly, wears off within minutes after the visit, and has an excellent safety record in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Suh discusses all sedation options with parents in advance so you feel fully informed and confident before we proceed.

Meet Dr. Ga Young Suh — Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Ga Young Suh of Suh Family Dentistry Westwood, NJ
Dr. Ga Young Suh
Experienced Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Ga Young Suh is a board-certified pediatric dentist with advanced specialty training in the dental care of infants, children, and adolescents. She earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and completed an accredited pediatric dental residency, where she received focused clinical training in child development, behavior management, and age-specific dental treatments.

Board certification in pediatric dentistry requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, demonstrating a higher standard of clinical knowledge and commitment to the specialty.

Dr. Suh is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel genuinely comfortable. She takes time to connect with each child at their own level and works closely with parents to develop care plans that support healthy growth and long-term oral health.

Credentials at a glance:

What to Expect at Your Child's Visit

We know the first visit can feel unfamiliar. Here is exactly what happens when you bring your child to see us.

01

Warm Welcome

From the moment you arrive, our team works to make your child feel at ease. We greet kids at their level, speak in friendly and simple language, and give both parents and children a clear picture of what the visit will involve. There are no surprises.

02

Gentle Examination

Dr. Suh carefully examines your child's teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. She looks for early signs of cavities, alignment concerns, or developmental changes that may need monitoring. Everything she finds is explained clearly to you and, when appropriate, to your child as well.

03

Cleaning & Preventive Care

If your child is ready, we perform a gentle cleaning to remove plaque buildup and polish the teeth. We also provide age-appropriate guidance on brushing technique, flossing, and diet habits that make a real difference between visits.

04

Preventive Treatments

If your child would benefit from fluoride or sealants, we apply these during the same visit whenever possible. These quick, painless treatments provide lasting protection against cavities.

05

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

We end every visit by answering your questions, reviewing what we found, and outlining a care plan going forward. You leave with a clear understanding of your child's oral health and exactly what to watch for at home.

Insurance & Payment

We Work With Your Insurance

We accept most major dental insurance plans and handle the paperwork so you can focus on your care.

Most plans accepted

We work with Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, and most other major dental insurance providers in New Jersey. If you do not see your plan listed, contact us — we likely still accept it.

We file claims for you

As a courtesy to our patients, our team submits insurance claims on your behalf. We handle the administrative side so your visit stays simple and stress-free.

No Unexpected Costs

Before any treatment begins, we review your coverage and provide a clear breakdown of your estimated costs. We want you to feel fully informed before you commit to any procedure.

Not sure what your plan covers? Call our office at (201) 666-3402 and we will provide a complimentary insurance benefits review before your first visit.

Don’t see your insurance listed? Contact us — we likely still work with your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry in Westwood, NJ

Suh Family Dentistry: Board-certified dentist
Still have a question?
When should my child have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits allow us to check that teeth are developing normally, guide parents on home care, and help your child become comfortable with the dental environment before any treatment is ever needed. Starting early prevents problems and makes future visits much easier for everyone.

Most children benefit from a dental check-up and cleaning every six months. However, children who are more prone to cavities or who have specific developmental concerns may need to be seen more frequently. Dr. Suh will recommend a schedule based on your child’s individual oral health needs at each visit.

Yes. Dental X-rays for children use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe. We follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to determine when X-rays are necessary, and we only take them when they provide information that cannot be obtained through a visual exam alone. X-rays allow us to detect cavities between teeth and monitor the development of permanent teeth that have not yet erupted.

A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school, focused specifically on child development, behavior management, and the treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Ga Young Suh is board-certified in pediatric dentistry, meaning she has met the highest standards set by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. While a general dentist may treat children, a pediatric dentist brings specialized expertise in every aspect of a child’s dental development.

Dental anxiety in children is very common, and our entire approach is designed around making children feel comfortable and in control. We explain every step before we do it, use child-friendly language, and never rush. For children who need additional support, we offer nitrous oxide, which is a safe and gentle option that helps them relax during treatment. Dr. Suh has extensive training in pediatric behavior management and is experienced in working with anxious children of all ages.

Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, and MetLife. Our team submits insurance claims on your behalf and reviews your child’s benefits with you before treatment begins so there are no unexpected costs. If you are unsure whether your plan is accepted, call our office at (201) 666-3402 and we will check for you.

  • You can begin using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste — about the size of a grain of rice — as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Once your child turns three, increase this to a pea-sized amount. Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride and supervise brushing until your child is around seven or eight years old to make sure they are brushing effectively and not swallowing toothpaste.

Yes. If your child experiences a dental emergency — including a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a dental infection — call our office immediately at (201) 666-3402. We do our best to provide same-day care for pediatric emergencies so your child gets relief as quickly as possible. If an emergency occurs outside of office hours, our voicemail provides guidance on next steps.

Serving Families Across Westwood and Bergen County

Suh Family Dentistry welcomes pediatric patients from Westwood and throughout the surrounding Bergen County communities. We understand that parents want a pediatric dentist who is not only clinically skilled but also genuinely good with children — and that is exactly what Dr. Suh provides at every appointment.

We proudly serve children and families from Westwood, Emerson, Oradell, Washington Township, Hillsdale, Harrington Park, River Vale, Paramus, Ridgewood, Ho-Ho-Kus, Glen Rock, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, River Edge, Closter, Old Tappan, Northvale, and Norwood.

Serving Westwood and Nearby Areas

Our dental office is conveniently located at 157 3rd Ave in Westwood, NJ, serving families throughout Bergen County. We offer morning appointment times to fit your schedule.

Address: 157 3rd Ave Westwood, NJ 07675

Phone: (201) 666-3402

Hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

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