Where Little Smiles
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Where Every Little Smile Matters
At Little Flower Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child is wonderfully made and deserves to feel known, loved, and cared for. Inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux and her “Little Way,” our practice is built around creating a gentle, joyful, and welcoming experience for little smiles and their families.
We’re here to make each visit feel like more than just another dental appointment. Our team is focused on building trust through genuine connection with each child. We recognize that every child is unique, which is why we tailor our care to meet each child where they are with their individual needs, comfort level, and personality.
We are blessed to walk alongside families and their children as they bloom into who they were created to be.
Meet Dr. Shilpa
Dr. Shilpa Listi is board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 12 years of experience in caring for children and their growing smiles. After years of serving families in Lafayette and surrounding areas, she felt called to create something of her own- closer to home and deeply rooted in the community she loves.
Why A Pediatric Dentist?
Children are not just small adults- and their dental care shouldn’t be either. Pediatric dentists receive specialized training beyond dental school focused specifically on the unique dental, developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs of children. This additional training allows pediatric dentists to care for growing smiles, monitor development of teeth and jaws, recognize and treat concerns early, and provide treatment using techniques and approaches designed specifically for kids.
Preventative Care
We believe the best dental care starts with prevention. Our goal is to help every child build healthy habits and a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning. From regular checkups and cleanings to fluoride, sealants, radiographs, nutrition guidance and oral hygiene instruction, we tailor preventive care to your child’s individual needs.
Sedation Dentistry
For many children, dental treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when more extensive care is needed. Sedation dentistry can help your child feel calm and comfortable and relaxed while allowing us to provide the care they need.
Restorative Care
If your child has a cavity or a tooth that needs a little extra care, our goal is to restore the health and function of their smile. We provide gentle restorative treatment designed with your child’s comfort and individual needs in mind. During their treatment, they will be supported and guided each step of the way with friendly encouragement and compassion.
Special Needs Dentistry
Every child deserves dental care that is patient, compassionate and tailored to their own needs. We provide specialized care for children with developmental, behavioral, sensory, physical or medical needs, taking the time to understand what helps each child feel safe and comfortable.
Dental Emergencies
If your child experiences a dental emergency, please call our office as soon as possible so we can provide guidance and arrange an appointment when needed. For serious injuries involving difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or loss of consciousness, please seek emergency medical care immediately.
Hospital Dentistry
Hospital dentistry may be recommended for children who are very young, have complex medical needs, extensive treatment needs, or unable to tolerate treatment in the dental office. Our team will walk you through the process, explain what to expect, and help you feel comfortable in the care your child will receive.
FAQ
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We recommend that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday. Early visits allow us to check your child’s oral health, discuss healthy habits, and help your little ones become comfortable from the very beginning.
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Most children should visit the dentist every six months for routine examinations and cleanings. Some children benefit from more frequent visits depending on their individual oral health needs, but that is rare.
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That is completely normal and okay! Dental anxiety is common, especially for little ones. At Little Flower, we use age-appropriate language, positive reinforcement, gentle guidance, and plenty of patience to help children feel safe and not scared. Building trust is more important to us than rushing through an appointment.
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Yes! We encourage parents to accompany their child to the clinical area. Our team will always communicate with you what to expect.
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This is probably one of the most common questions in pediatric dentistry. Baby teeth may be only temporary, but they play a BIG role in your child’s health and development. They help your child chew their food comfortable, develop clear speech, and hold the proper space for the incoming permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth also help your child develop positive dental habits and confidence around caring for their smile. When cavities are left untreated, they can cause pain and infection, sometimes affecting the permanent teeth underneath.
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Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, although there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Each child blooms at their own pace, so there is no need to worry if your child’s timeline looks a little different. Baby molars are not commonly lost until the age of 12 or 13 which is another reason it is very important to take great care of those teeth!
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Children are not just small adults- and their dental care shouldn’t be either. Pediatric dentists receive specialized training beyond dental school focused specifically on the unique dental, developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs of children. This additional training allows pediatric dentists to care for growing smiles, monitor development of teeth and jaws, recognize and treat concerns early, and provide treatment using techniques and approaches designed specifically for kids.
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At Little Flower, we believe dental care is about more than just teeth. We want to know your child - their personality, their strengths, their fears, and what makes them comfortable. We cater to each patient and strive to create a dental home where children feel loved, safe, and known while building healthy smiles that can bloom for a lifetime.
Just as St. Therese saw each person as a unique flower in God’s garden, we believe every child is uniquely created and deserving of care that meets them where they are. Little Flower was created with the hope of making a difference in the lives of children and their families through compassionate care, genuine connection, and lots of little acts of love.