Southridge Dental Arts in Oklahoma City: Pediatric Dentistry With Sedation Options for Anxious Children

Southridge Dental Arts is a pediatric dental practice serving children from infancy through the teenage years in Oklahoma City, with a specific focus on managing dental anxiety through sedation and behavioral techniques.

What Southridge Dental Arts actually is

Southridge Dental Arts operates as a dedicated pediatric practice, meaning the clinical environment, equipment, and staff training are built around treating children rather than adapting an adult practice. The office is designed for younger patients: smaller treatment chairs, child-height sinks, and décor aimed at reducing fear. The practice handles preventive care, restorative treatment (fillings), and extractions. New patients are typically seen starting at age two, though the practice can work with younger children if referred.

Services and pricing

Routine preventive care includes cleanings, fluoride treatments, and bitewings X-rays. A routine cleaning and exam for a pediatric patient typically runs between $100 and $150, though this varies based on the child's age and whether additional services are needed. Fillings for primary (baby) teeth range from $150 to $300 per tooth depending on size and material. Extractions run $200 to $400 per tooth, again depending on complexity. Costs are lower for primary teeth than permanent ones because baby teeth will shed naturally.

Sedation services set this practice apart: Southridge offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) at no additional charge with routine appointments, and oral conscious sedation (typically using medication administered before treatment) starts at $150 to $250 per appointment depending on the type and duration. General anesthesia is not available in-office; children requiring full anesthesia are referred to a hospital or surgical center. Verify current pricing before scheduling, as pediatric dental fees shift with materials and supply costs.

Insurance is accepted; most Delta Dental and United Healthcare plans are honored. The practice works directly with insurance on estimates so families understand out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City pediatric dentists

Oklahoma City has several pediatric options. Pediatric Dental Associates of OKC, located near Mercy Hospital, emphasizes preventive care and early orthodontic screening; they accept similar insurance networks but do not advertise sedation as prominently. Southridge's explicit sedation program is most relevant for parents managing children with high dental anxiety or sensory sensitivities, where behavioral distraction alone will not work. If your child has significant anxiety or requires multiple visits in one session, Southridge's formal sedation protocols are more tailored than a general pediatric office.

For uncomplicated preventive care in a relaxed child, a general pediatric practice may be sufficient and cost-effective. Choose Southridge if anxiety management is your priority; choose a practice emphasizing preventive education and long-term orthodontic guidance if your child is cooperative and you want a broader developmental focus.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Southridge works well for:

• Children with dental anxiety or prior negative experiences at the dentist
• Children with sensory processing concerns or autism spectrum diagnosis who struggle with dental stimuli
• Families needing multiple treatments completed efficiently (sedation allows the dentist to do more in fewer visits)
• Parents seeking a practice specializing in child psychology and behavioral management

It is less necessary for:

• Anxious-free children in need of basic cleanings and checkups
• Families whose insurance does not cover sedation (out-of-pocket cost becomes significant)
• Older teenagers interested in orthodontic planning, where a combined pediatric/ortho practice may be more efficient

What the first visit involves

The first appointment includes a clinical exam, assessment of anxiety level, and discussion with the parent about sedation options. No treatment is typically done on the first visit unless it is an emergency (cavity causing pain, infection, or broken tooth). The dentist and parent jointly decide whether sedation is appropriate for the child's next appointment. If sedation is planned, the practice provides pre-visit instructions on fasting and medication timing (oral sedation requires the child to be without food for 4-6 hours beforehand).

Hours, parking, and logistics

Southridge is located in the Southridge office complex on south Oklahoma City's east side. Standard hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with limited Friday hours; call to confirm Friday availability as it changes seasonally. The office is set back from the street with private parking directly in front. No walk-ins are accepted; all appointments are scheduled. If your child requires sedation, plan for a 90-minute block; without sedation, routine cleanings average 30 to 45 minutes.

Southridge Dental Arts fills a necessary gap in Oklahoma City's pediatric dental landscape for families whose children struggle with conventional dental visits, offering evidence-based sedation rather than behavioral avoidance.