Office Introduction

Depending on your child's needs and behavior, he/she will receive an exam from Dr. Diamond, possible x-rays, and if applicable on that day, a professional cleaning. Parents are welcome to come back with their children since this is a new environment for them. On this day, any treatment planned will be explained to you and an estimated cost of treatment and insurance coverage (if applicable) will be discussed.

Each appointment is designed to provide the optimum amount of treatment, without overtiring the patient. Younger children, under about 6 years of age, should be seen in the morning for major treatment appointments. Children are fresher then and more prepared physically and emotionally to cooperate. Afternoon and after-school appointments are not the best time for major treatment appointments. An appointment that interferes with school time is rarely a problem as they are an excused absence. After-school appointments are reserved for shorter planned visits. When preparing for these visits, it is best to not mention words like "needle", "shot", or "hurt/pain". This could create more anxious or fearful behavior. Our recommendation is to tell your child to ask Dr. Diamond questions when they are here, so that they can have a pleasant experience.

Preventive exams and cleanings are usually suggested at 6-month intervals. Some patients need more frequent cleanings due to their specific condition, and some patients need less frequent cleanings. These appointments involve a thorough examination of the teeth and gums, professional cleaning of the teeth and gums, and topical fluoride application for patients 13 and under (or if oral conditions suggest the need- i.e. Braces). X-rays are only taken as necessary. Recommendations for home care and brushing/flossing demonstrations are given as needed.

Our Los Alamitos dentist office is generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. We see patients approximately every other Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emergency coverage is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call our office whenever an emergency arises.

Our team is experienced in caring for the needs of your child. We cannot easily establish rapport, understanding, and trust with your child through the parents. It is best done directly, one on one. We feel that we must establish this relationship to effectively treat your child. There may be times when a parent does and should accompany the child during a visit. When this occurs, we ask that the parent be a silent supporter to ensure the child's focus on the doctor. Your cooperation with this guideline is appreciated.

When a patient misses a scheduled appointment, it deprives our office the opportunity to provide services to others needing our care. Often times, there is a waiting list of patients desiring treatment in our office. We try to accommodate these patients with openings created from cancellations. Therefore, if you foresee a reason for having to cancel your appointment, we request that your give us at least 48 hours notice. We can then offer your appointment to others needing care.

We make every effort to confirm your scheduled appointment in our office. In the event that a patient misses an appointment without proper prior notification, it is possible a $50 charge will be applied. Since your appointments are specially reserved times for you and the doctor, your promptness is appreciated. Significantly late appointments are considered missed appointments. Thank you for your understanding regarding this matter.

We accept most insurance plans and will gladly process your claim. Please bring the necessary information with you on your first visit.

Insurance policies generally cover only a portion of the total treatment cost. Unless other arrangements have been made, we ask that you pay your portion of the bill at the time of treatment. It is your responsibility to pay any balance not paid by your insurance company. If payment is not received from your insurance within 60 days of our billing, you will be responsible for full payment of the balance.

For your convenience, we also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Financing is available through Care Credit.

We provide several options for our patients so that they can remain comfortable during treatment. Some patients may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. These options are also offered so that your child may cooperate and limit movement to avoid injury. They include: Relaxing Air (Nitrous Oxide), Oral (Conscious) Sedation, and I.V. Sedation. If you or your child is apprehensive, we will explain the best option.

Nitrous Oxide, better known as laughing gas, is used to alleviate mild anxiety, and help with gagging. It is a safe, effective technique to calm a patient's fear of the dental visit. A flavored, rubber nose will be placed over the patient's nose allowing him/her to breathe a combination of nitrous oxide (usually 30%) and oxygen (usually 70%) before and during the procedure. This will allow him/her to react more positively if they are mildly sensitive to sight, sounds, and sensations. Upon completion of treatment, pure oxygen will be given to the patient for a few additional minutes to remove all the effects of the Nitrous Oxide.

Oral Sedation is used for patients (usually young children) that have a moderate level of anxiety that prevents them from behaving in a cooperative fashion during a dental procedure. The liquid medicine (tablets for older patients) given will enable the patient to cooperate easier while still being awake and relaxed/drowsy. Within approximately 30 minutes after taking the medication, the patient will have a decreased perception of the environment around them. We can combine oral sedation with some Nitrous Oxide for an added effect if needed. Oral Sedation is routinely used by dentists to help a moderately fearful patient become more relaxed.

I.V. Sedation is used for patients (children or adults) with severe anxiety/fear and an inability to cooperate while awake. This is a type of anesthesia, or deep sedation, where the patient is asleep and breathes on his/her own. There is no memory of anything done during the procedure. This is the safest way to prevent injury to a patient who would normally be too active or fearful during treatment. I.V Sedation is a safe technique administered and monitered by a Board-Certified Dentist Anesthesiologist, in our office.