Crocodile Smiles Children's Dentistry in Oklahoma City: Pediatric Care with Sedation Options
Crocodile Smiles Children's Dentistry, operated by Dr. Liz Kellner and her associates, is a pediatric dental practice in Oklahoma City that serves children from infancy through the teenage years, with particular strength in managing anxious or special-needs patients through nitrous oxide sedation and other calming protocols.
What Crocodile Smiles Actually Is
Crocodile Smiles is a dedicated pediatric dental office, not a general family practice that also sees children. The difference matters: pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing on child psychology, behavior management, and the unique needs of developing teeth. Dr. Kellner's practice structures visits around keeping children at ease, using language and pacing suited to younger patients, and avoiding unnecessary anxiety. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and offers payment arrangements for families without coverage.
Services and Pricing for Children's Dental Care
The practice handles routine preventive care (cleanings and exams), fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative work (fillings) for cavities. For children with significant dental anxiety or behavioral challenges, the practice offers nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), which allows procedures to proceed while the child remains conscious and responsive. General anesthesia is not offered in-office; cases requiring that level of sedation are referred to surgical centers.
Specific pricing is not publicly listed online, but typical Oklahoma City pediatric dental practices charge between $150 and $250 for an initial exam and cleaning, and $200 to $350 for a filling, depending on size and location. Sedation adds $150 to $300 to a procedure cost. Contact the office directly to confirm current fees and payment plan eligibility.
How Crocodile Smiles Compares to Other Oklahoma City Pediatric Options
Oklahoma City has several other dedicated pediatric dental practices, including Kids' Dental Center and Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. The key comparison points are sedation availability, appointment wait times, and insurance network participation. Crocodile Smiles' explicit focus on anxious children and availability of nitrous oxide sedation positions it well for families whose children have had negative dental experiences or have developmental or sensory challenges. Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry also offers sedation but operates under a different fee model; confirm with each practice whether your insurance is in-network before scheduling. If your child is a calm, cooperative patient and cost is the primary concern, a general family dentistry practice (like those associated with Integris or OU Health) may offer comparable preventive care at a lower price, though those doctors will have less specialized training in pediatric behavior management.
Who Crocodile Smiles Suits and Who It Does Not
This practice is ideal for:
- Children who are anxious about dental visits or who have had traumatic experiences
- Patients with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other developmental conditions that affect behavior in clinical settings
- Families who value a pediatric specialist's experience with child psychology and communication
- Parents seeking sedation options for more complex or lengthy procedures
Crocodile Smiles is less necessary for:
- Children who are calm and cooperative at dental appointments and see a general dentist regularly
- Families seeking only basic annual check-ups with no behavioral concerns
- Patients needing orthodontic treatment (the practice focuses on primary and early mixed dentition; orthodontic referrals are typical by age 7 or 8)
What the First Visit Involves
The initial appointment includes a visual examination of the child's teeth, a conversation with parents about oral hygiene habits and dietary factors (especially sugar intake), and X-rays if the child's age and development allow. The dentist will explain findings in child-friendly language and outline a plan for any needed treatment. Parents should bring insurance information and a list of any medications or allergies. The appointment typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Crocodile Smiles staff usually ask parents to remain in the operatory for very young children and may invite them to step out for older, more independent patients, depending on the child's comfort and the dentist's assessment.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Crocodile Smiles is located in a medical office building in northwest Oklahoma City. The practice typically operates Monday through Thursday and closes by 5:00 p.m., accommodating working parents. Parking is available in the building lot. Confirm current hours by phone before scheduling, as pediatric practices sometimes adjust seasonal schedules. The practice accepts most major insurance plans; call ahead to verify coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before the appointment.
Crocodile Smiles fills a focused need in Oklahoma City's pediatric dental landscape: families managing anxious or developmentally complex children have a specialist who can offer sedation and evidence-based behavior guidance, reducing the likelihood of long-term dental avoidance or phobia.
