 "First time dentist for my daughter and since the first day walking through the doors, they have made the experience wonderful. Lots of toys to play, movies to watch while they clean their teeth is a nice touch and balloons and gold coins are great. Every time we leave, my daughter always ask if we could come back the next day. If your looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Reno, you won't find a better one than Zeff. The entire staff is great and makes the whole experience great for kids."
-Randy S.  "Dr. Zeff and her assistant Rachelle are amazing! My daughter had such a positive experience at this dental office that she is excited to go back and get her teeth taken care of. The ladies in this office really take the time to make sure the child is comfortable and that they know the dentist is a good thing! They were very informative and assured me that my child is going to receive the necessary treatment for a healthy mouth. I can't mention enough how nice they are! The office super clean and cute too!"
-Sierra D. Zeff Pediatric Dentistry in South Reno!
Come visit our new, state-of-the art children’s dental practice. We are located in South Reno at the Southcreek Shopping Center. Our families have enjoyed the local shops and restaurants at Southcreek. Now we can say that our office is part of that enjoyment and positive energy. Dr. Rasika Zeff is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and has been practicing dentistry for the last 14 years. Your child will get to know Dr. Zeff easily as she will be the doctor to see your child each and every visit. We are honored to help make the memories of your child’s growing years and we can’t wait to partner with you. Our mission is to have your kids love coming to our office and to educate our families to promote healthy, happy, kids! We specialize in infants, toddlers, children and teens, including those with special needs. We offer a personalized approach to your child’s dental needs. We strongly believe in prevention and love to provide information to our patients and parents. They can leave here feeling prepared and confident about maintaining their child’s dental health. Does your child really need sealants?
Yes! As your child gets his or her new adult molars, it is highly recommended they get those molars sealed and protected. Sealants can last for over a decade, making this a wise dental investment for his or her childhood and early adult years. It’s a good idea to get the sealants done as fast as those molars grow in since it cannot be done over a tooth that has been calcified or decayed. The great thing is, most insurances cover sealants under preventative care. Once sealants are in, your child has less risk of getting a cavity, which lead to more expensive fillings. A sealant is not a full-proof replacement to good dental hygiene, however. Keep up your child’s brushing and flossing habits, as well as eating right and we’ll see them smile every time they are in our office! When administered correctly, local anesthesia is safe for children. Our team is highly trained in anesthesia delivery, and we always communicate to children in an age appropriate manner prior to administering the anesthetic.
Back to list Morning appointments are usually best for preschool children because they are generally more awake and and have not had an opportunity to be too tired from the day.
Back to list Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each patient. We ask that you please notify our office 48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you need to reschedule. That way we have enough time to notify and help another patient. We realize that unexpected things happen, and your assistance in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Back to list Primary or “baby” teeth help children speak clearly, chew naturally, and aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to come in, or “erupt.”
Back to list Tooth decay is an infection that can spread, possibly causing impairment of general health, pain and premature loss of baby teeth if neglected. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.
Back to list Four things are necessary for cavities to form: a tooth, bacteria, sugar or other carbohydrates and time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless form of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.
Back to list Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. We will provide you with individualized instructions for brushing, flossing and other treatments, and we will teach parents how to supervise and teach their children to follow our guidance. In-home treatments, regular dental visits and a balanced diet will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
Back to list In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, no later than his or her first birthday. The first visit involves a check-up and a fluoride treatment, if appropriate.
For more information on what to expect during your child’s first visit at any age, please visit the Services section. Back to list We invite you to stay with your child during their initial examination. Our goal at Zeff Pediatric Dentistry is to establish a close rapport with your child, gain their trust, build their confidence in us and help them overcome apprehension. When treatment is needed, Dr. Zeff and parents will discuss all options before a plan is implemented.
Back to list We recommend a check-up every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental issues. However, we will always let you know how often your child should visit based on their specific needs and your child’s risk level. Children with high risk levels may be indicated to see the pediatric dentist at more frequent intervals.
Back to list Eating the right foods is essential to great dental health. Your child needs a balanced diet, including one serving each of fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, dairy and protein (meat, fish or eggs) each meal. Limit their intake of sugars and starches to help prevent decay. We discuss your child’s diet needs during your dental visit.
Back to list Around 6 months old, the two lower front teeth (central incisors) will erupt, followed shortly thereafter by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth appear during the next 18 to 24 months in random order. All of your child’s primary “baby”teeth should be in between the ages of 2 and 3 years old… all 20!
Back to list Unlike a family dentist, Pediatric dentists only treat children. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school, and we are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
Back to list We evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride, which may happen if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride, we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
Back to list Bruxism is very common. You’ll know if your child is grinding their teeth because you’ll hear a grinding sound while the child is sleeping. Teeth may also appear shorter over time. Most children outgrow tooth grinding around 6 to 9 years old as the permanent dentition develop, and this habit usually stops by age 12 when baby teeth are gone.
Back to list We accept all insurances. Please call our office to learn if the office is a preferred provider for your insurance.
Back to list Soft plastic mouth guards are used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports‐related injuries. A custom‐fitted mouth guard will protect your child from injuries to the teeth and face, as well as provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Back to list Avoid nursing children to sleep at bedtime, or putting anything in their bottle other than water at night. If it’s necessary to nurse at night, wash or wipe the teeth, gums and mouth prior to putting the child to bed.
Back to list Nitrous oxide and oxygen are very safe. Most children are able to tolerate nitrous oxide very easily. It also has a rapid onset and can be reversed or adjusted in various concentrations. Nitrous oxide is also non‐allergenic. When breathing it, your child remains fully conscious, retaining all of their natural reflexes.
Back to list First, it’s important to remain calm. If possible, find the tooth and, holding it by the crown (top) rather than the root (where the tooth meets your gums), put it back it its socket. Hold the tooth in place with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in its socket, place the tooth in a clean container of milk and bring your child and the tooth to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
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