Watching your child experience dental anxiety can be heartbreaking for any parent. At Best Dental Spa, Dr. Amy Marckese has spent over 20 years perfecting an approach that transforms nervous kids into confident patients who look forward to dental visits.
From the moment your child walks through our door, they’ll discover that a trip to the dentist can feel more like a treat than a chore. Our unique DentalSpa environment, complete with massage chairs, personal TVs, and calming aromatherapy, helps even the most anxious children relax and feel safe.
Indianapolis family dentist Dr. Amy Marckese has treated thousands of children throughout her 20+ years of practice. While pediatric dentists focus exclusively on children, Dr. Marckese offers the advantage of treating your entire family.
Families from Broad Ripple, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, and throughout the Indianapolis area trust Dr. Amy Marckese for gentle dental care.
The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. More than half of children ages 6-8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. By age 17, approximately 78% of teens have experienced at least one cavity. The good news? With regular dental visits and proper home care, most cavities are completely preventable.
Dr. Marckese and her team at DentalSpa take the time to educate parents and guardians. We give advice on the importance of pediatric dentistry and teach proper pediatric dental care. We can also address common issues such as thumb sucking, tooth decay, orthodontic treatment, and wisdom teeth removal.
Your Child’s First Visit to Our Dentist
Where a pediatric dentist solely focuses on children, our office focuses on the entire family. We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist early so they can become familiar with our dental office. We offer a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and general dental services to patients of all ages.
Most dentists recommend visiting the dentist by age 3 to ensure your child’s teeth are cavity-free and growing correctly. Cavities can form at any age, so it’s key to fix them as soon as possible. This can help avoid more complex dental problems down the road.
Before the Appointment
Talk to your child about the visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way. Avoid using words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “scary.” Instead, explain that Dr. Marckese will count their teeth and make sure they’re growing strong and healthy.
When You Arrive
Our welcoming front desk team will greet you and your child by name. We can show your child around our office and let them see the fun amenities like the massage chairs and TVs.
During the Exam
Parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout the visit. Dr. Marckese will:
- Introduce herself and chat with your child to help them feel comfortable
- Count and examine each tooth
- Check for any signs of decay or developmental issues
- Gently clean teeth
- Apply fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
- Answer any questions you or your child have
First visits typically last 30-45 minutes. We never rush children through appointments.
If Your Child Gets Nervous
Some children need time to warm up, and that’s perfectly normal. Dr. Marckese is patient and understanding. If your child isn’t ready for a full cleaning on the first visit, we’ll take it slow and build trust gradually.
How We Make Every Child Feel Safe and Comfortable
Dr. Marckese founded Best Dental Spa with a specific mission: to change how people feel about going to the dentist. This mission is important for children, who form lasting impressions about dental care based on their early experiences.
Dr. Marckese’s Personal Approach
Unlike busy practices where children are rushed through appointments, Dr. Marckese spends one-on-one time with every child. She takes the time to learn their name, their favorite activities, and what makes them nervous. This personal connection helps children feel seen, heard, and safe.
Explaining Everything in Kid-Friendly Language
Dr. Marckese explains each step of treatment in simple, age-appropriate terms. She shows children the tools she’ll use, lets them touch the equipment, and answers their questions with patience and understanding. No surprises, no scary moments—just gentle care from start to finish.
Our DentalSpa Amenities Help Kids Relax
Children love our spa features just as much as adults do:
- Massage chairs that make them feel pampered and special
- Personal TVs in every exam room so they can watch their favorite shows
- Calming aromatherapy that creates a peaceful atmosphere
- A welcoming, non-clinical environment
Parents Set the Tone
We encourage parents to stay calm and positive during visits. Children look to you for cues about how to feel. When you’re relaxed, they’re relaxed. Many parents tell us their children actually ask when they can come back to see Dr. Marckese!
Why Choose Dr. Amy?
Dr. Amy Marckese has been caring for Indianapolis children and families since opening Best Dental Spa in 2004. With over 20 years of experience treating children of all ages, she understands how to make even the most anxious young patients feel comfortable and safe. As a graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Marckese combines clinical expertise with a gentle, patient-centered approach that puts children at ease.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
If you still have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us. Our goal is to provide your child with a happy and healthy smile.
Do you need to fill cavities in baby teeth?
Yes, absolutely. Many parents wonder if it’s worth treating cavities in teeth that will fall out anyway, but baby teeth play important roles beyond just chewing. They help your child speak clearly, maintain space for permanent teeth to come in properly, and support healthy jaw development
Untreated cavities can cause pain, lead to infections, and even affect the permanent teeth developing underneath. Dr. Marckese treats baby teeth with the same care as permanent teeth to keep your child healthy and comfortable.
What age should a toddler go to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises that a child go to the dentist by age 1. Or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth mostly begin growing in around 6 months of age.
How often should you brush your 2 year old’s teeth?
Toddler teeth need cleaning twice a day. Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for children under two years old. Just use water on the toothbrush until your child is 18 months old, unless your dentist advises you otherwise.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
The most common procedures in pediatric dentistry include cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, and fillings. Pediatric dentists may also recommend orthodontic treatment if they think that early preventive care may be useful for a specific child.
How is pediatric dentistry different?
Pediatric dentistry is different from general dental care because pediatric dentists specialize in children and teen oral health. They also receive training to work with children and understand all of their specific oral needs.
Which injured teeth are most frequent in a child’s mouth?
The most common injured teeth in children are upper front teeth. Many children have overbites, which may cause them to be more prone to injure their front teeth.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Yes, fluoride is safe and beneficial for your child’s dental health. It helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel. Most water sources contain fluoride, and dental topical fluoride treatments contribute to oral health.
While fluoride is safe, it’s possible to get too much. A condition called fluorosis can occur if a child swallows large amounts of fluoride toothpaste regularly, but this is rare. Dr. Marckese will recommend the right amount of fluoride based on your child’s age and needs during routine checkups.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Exam with our Dentist in Indianapolis, IN
If you are looking for an Indianapolis dentist who loves kids, choose Dr. Amy Marckese as the dentist for your whole family. Enjoy the convenience of a family dentist in a state-of-the-art dental practice.
Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN, strives to make your family visit to the dentist easy and stress-free. Our office accepts most major dental insurance carriers and submits claims electronically on your behalf! Call us at 317-207-7171 or schedule an appointment online today.