Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry in Oklahoma City: Fluoride and Behavioral Approach for Young Children
Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry is a solo pediatric dental practice in Oklahoma City that limits its patient base to children from infancy through age 17, using behavioral guidance techniques and nitrous oxide sedation rather than general anesthesia to manage anxiety during treatment.
What Smiling Faces Actually Is
Smiling Faces operates as a specialty dental clinic focused solely on children. The practice does not treat adults, and it does not offer orthodontics. Its scope covers preventive care (cleanings, fluoride applications, sealants), restorations (fillings), primary tooth extractions, and early interceptive care for bite problems. The practice sits squarely in the conservative, behavioral-management segment of Oklahoma City pediatric dentistry, meaning it relies on communication and desensitization before turning to sedation.
Services and Pricing
Preventive visits typically include a cleaning, exam, and fluoride application. A standard check-up and cleaning costs between $80 and $140, depending on the child's age and cooperation level; verify current pricing by calling ahead, as routine preventive rates shift periodically. Fluoride varnish applications run $35 to $60 per application. Sealants (plastic protective coatings applied to back molars to prevent decay) cost roughly $25 to $45 per tooth.
Fillings range from $100 to $200 per tooth, depending on size and material (resin composite is standard). Extractions of primary teeth (baby teeth) typically cost $75 to $150 per tooth, not including sedation. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for anxious children and costs an additional $50 to $100 per appointment, depending on duration.
The practice accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna. Insurance verification is recommended before the first visit, as out-of-pocket costs depend heavily on individual plan benefits and deductibles. The practice does not advertise a formal payment plan for out-of-network or uninsured care; ask directly about cash-pay discounts during scheduling.
How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentists
Oklahoma City has several pediatric dental options: Pediatric Dental Specialists at Edmond (a multi-provider group offering general anesthesia for highly anxious children), Kids Dental Hub (which emphasizes digital technology and evening availability), and several general dentists who treat children but lack pediatric specialty training.
Choose Smiling Faces if your child has mild to moderate anxiety and benefits from a calm, one-on-one behavioral approach. Its solo-provider model means consistent relationships with the same dentist across visits, which many anxious children find reassuring. The practice's reliance on nitrous oxide rather than general anesthesia also appeals to parents seeking lower-risk sedation for routine care.
Choose Pediatric Dental Specialists at Edmond if your child has severe dental anxiety, autism, or sensory processing challenges that make in-office nitrous alone insufficient; that group has hospital-based operating rooms for deep sedation. Choose a general dentist if your child is already comfortable with dental care and you prioritize appointment availability and proximity to your home or workplace.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Smiling Faces works well for children aged 2 to 17 with typical anxiety levels, early cavities, or preventive-only needs. The behavioral guidance approach suits kids who respond to explanation, distraction, and gradual exposure. Families that value continuity of care and a low-sedation approach will find this practice aligned with their preferences.
The practice is not ideal for children under 18 months (too young for typical pediatric dental exams), those with severe behavioral or medical complexity requiring general anesthesia, or families seeking a large multi-provider group with extended hours or multiple locations.
What the First Visit Involves
Initial appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes. The dentist will conduct a full exam, take X-rays if appropriate, discuss oral hygiene with both parent and child, and perform a cleaning and fluoride application. A behavioral history questionnaire helps the dentist understand your child's previous medical or dental experiences and any specific fears.
If cavities are found, the dentist will discuss treatment options and schedule a separate restorative appointment. No treatment beyond cleaning and fluoride is usually performed on the first visit; this approach reduces overwhelm and builds the child's trust in the environment.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Smiling Faces operates Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited Friday availability; hours may vary seasonally and during holidays. Verify current hours before booking.
The practice is located in a strip plaza with free off-street parking. Appointments are by scheduling only; walk-ins are not accepted. The office is wheelchair accessible and has a small waiting area with children's books and a TV to help young patients acclimate before their appointment.
Insurance forms and records requests can be submitted by phone or email, though online patient portals are not available. Plan to allow 15 minutes for check-in on the first visit.
Smiling Faces fills a clear niche in Oklahoma City pediatric care for families seeking a calm, relationship-based alternative to large group practices or hospital-based sedation. Its transparent approach to behavioral management and consistent single-provider model make it a solid choice for children with straightforward dental needs and mild anxiety.
