Sandcastle Pediatric Dentistry

Our comprehensive pediatric dental care focuses on preventive treatments and early intervention. We provide routine checkups, cleanings, and developmental assessments for children aged 1 through adolescence. Our approach emphasizes education and positive reinforcement to establish lifelong oral health habits.

We utilize Solea laser technology for minimally invasive cavity treatments. This FDA-cleared system often eliminates the need for anesthesia injections and traditional drills. Patients experience reduced discomfort, faster healing, and quieter procedures compared to conventional methods.

Our sedation options help anxious children receive necessary dental care comfortably. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation under close supervision by board-certified specialists. This service ensures safe, stress-free treatment for patients with special needs or extensive dental requirements.

We provide prompt care for dental emergencies including toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and facial trauma. Our team offers after-hours emergency line support and same-day appointments during office hours. Treatment includes pain management and stabilization for various dental injuries.

Our digital radiography system captures high-resolution images with 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. These detailed images help diagnose hidden dental issues and monitor tooth development. The technology allows instant viewing and enhanced patient education through screen displays.

Dr. Ortega earned his dental degree from UCLA and completed pediatric residency at University of Washington. He teaches at UCLA School of Dentistry and specializes in hospital dentistry and special needs patients. He has practiced in Southern California since 2017.

Dr. Worden graduated from University of the Pacific dental school and completed residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He has practiced in Long Beach since 2003 and specializes in soccer coaching alongside pediatric dental care. He maintains active board certification.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age 1 to establish preventive care and monitor development.

We use Solea laser technology that often eliminates drilling and anesthesia while providing precise, comfortable cavity treatments for children.

Call our office and follow emergency prompts to reach the on-call dentist. We provide same-day emergency appointments during regular office hours.

We participate with most insurance carriers and file claims as a courtesy. Please contact our office for specific insurance verification.

Our board-certified specialists have advanced training in pediatric care, child behavior management, and developmental needs unique to children's dental health.

Yes, we offer CareCredit financing to help manage treatment costs while ensuring your child receives necessary dental care.

Aggressive treatment plan to my kids! My son is only 6 years old, has gravity. I visited Dor Worden to get a consultation, and we did X-ray before which is showing not hurt the nerve yet. Dr. Worden said he have to make 5 crowns, need hours surgery, and general anesthesia! I was scared, and find other dentiest for help, finally, we just fill it, only finished 1 hour without general anesthesia. The filling works great so far. Dr. Worden's solution is too aggressive and very costly, he only want the money, never care about the suffering of patient, even to a 6 years kid! so be very careful my friends! Worst management of billing!

Not only, just for the 5 minutes conversition with doctor they charge $200 dollars, and I have already given them my insurance card, and to confirm it I give them many times over phone and email, however they never file claim correct, and finally I recieved collection! What a terriable experience, please be very careful with them!

I have three children under the age of six and they love seeing the dentist. The office is quick and efficient. All the employees are kind and great with kids. My kids love the treasure box. But Dr. Worden is the best part. He educated parents well. I have always had terrible teeth and dreaded the dentist but this dentist actually educates on what is happened with the teeth. He goes over diet, mouth breathing and development. I trust him with my kids. We highly recommend him to other parents who want a more holistic dentist experience for their kids.

Dr. Worden is an amazing pediatric dentist. Our children have seen Dr. Worden since they were babies. Our kids like Dr. Worden and his staff. He is empathetic and easy to understand when explaining things. Our kids have beautiful teeth and have had great dental care. We highly recommend Dr. Worden.

Always a great experience when we bring our son here. Dr. Worden is the best. Our visit today is during the COVID pandemic, and they made sure all extra space protocols were in place and followed. Highly recommend!

Dr. Worden cares about his patients & his community in a way that is so admirable! Dr. & staff are top notch! My kids have outgrown him now, but I wanted to share my experience for anyone with kids who's looking for a great children's dentist in Long Beach!

Dr. Worden is a highly informative and proactive pediatric dentist. He invites the parents into the examination room for either the whole procedure or the final instructions on what's been done and what needs to be done. His staff is friendly and easy to work with, and the office is clean, appealing, well organized, and stocked with plenty of play options for the little ones.

Great dentist and knows how to talk with kids about what is happening. His staff are always really nice. My kids have only ever gone to him and so they actually like going to the dentist. Many people have a fear of the dentist, but not my kids. They get a toy out of the toy box every time they go. Even has a few toys my 12 year old will like. He is on time always.usually you are in the room within 5 minutes of your appointment time, which is really important to me since I want my kids to miss as little school as possible.