At DentalSpa, your family will receive the comprehensive, expert dental care necessary to keep everyone smiling for years.
Family Dentistry with Dr. Amy Marckese
DentalSpa offers general dental services to patients of all ages in a warm, family-friendly setting. Dr. Amy Marckese provides family dentistry in Indianapolis, IN. This means children can be treated alongside their parents or caregivers for their dental health needs.
Bringing your children to the dentist early will set a lifetime of healthy oral habits in motion. Our focus is on preventive dental care and early detection of dental diseases. When your children can see the same dentist as you, it can help ease their worries. Dr. Amy Marckese and her staff are committed to making every member of your family feel comfortable.
Family dentistry can provide many benefits to patients:
- Reduces anxiety for pediatric dental patients by enabling them to experience dentistry alongside a parent or caregiver
- Busy families can coordinate appointments, and all can be seen and treated under one roof
- Emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral health as we age
- Allows dentists to consider familial and genetic factors in diagnosing and treatment planning
- Family dental offices offer a wider range of services and treatments
We Provide a Full Range of Dental Services for Busy Families
Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN offers a range of cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry necessary to keep everyone’s smile healthy and functional. She also provides pediatric dental services that are important for the growing child’s dental health:
- Dental sealants
- Custom sports mouthguards
- Wisdom tooth extraction
Over 50% of first-graders and 80% of 17-year-olds have cavities. This is why your children need to receive regular dental care. Good habits start early in life. At DentalSpa, we take the time to teach even the youngest patients how to care for their oral health between visits effectively.
Our staff dedicates themselves to becoming partners in your overall health care and understanding your unique needs and desires regarding your smile.
Anxiety-Free Dentist Office Atmosphere
DentalSpa is designed to be a comfortable and relaxing environment. With all our spa amenities, you might forget you’re at the dentist. We offer treatment rooms equipped with TVs, music, and personal noise-canceling headphones. Children and teens love watching their favorite television shows while here. We also have a professional masseuse and paraffin wax treatments to calm patients.
We also take extra time to explain every aspect of your treatment. Dr. Marckese wants you to feel calm, confident, and in control while receiving expert dental care. For patients who need a little extra, we also offer nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. Laughing gas is inhaled through a nosepiece. Even though you remain awake the whole time, you are actually in a relaxed state. This form of sedation dentistry is completely safe, and the effects disappear quickly after the nosepiece is removed.
Age-Specific Dentistry
Oral health is a lifelong journey, and each stage of life comes with unique dental needs. Age-specific dentistry ensures patients receive care tailored to their age, development, and health status.
Pediatric Dentistry (Ages 1–12)
Children require gentle, preventive dental care to build a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Pediatric dentists focus on monitoring the growth of teeth and jaws, providing early interventions when necessary, and educating parents and children on proper hygiene habits. Common treatments at this stage include fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and dental sealants to protect newly erupted molars from cavities.
Beyond procedures, behavioral care is a critical part of pediatric dentistry. Dentists work to create a positive, stress-free experience that helps children develop trust and confidence during dental visits. Early checkups also allow for early detection of issues like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or developmental concerns, which can be addressed before they cause lasting problems.
Adolescents and Teenagers (Ages 13–19)
Teenagers face a unique combination of oral health challenges due to hormonal changes, dietary habits, increased independence, and sometimes inconsistent hygiene. Orthodontic treatment is often a central focus during these years, with many teens receiving braces or clear aligners to correct misalignments. As wisdom teeth begin to develop, dentists also monitor for potential complications such as impaction or crowding.
Cosmetic concerns often become more prominent during adolescence. Teens may be interested in treatments like professional teeth whitening or minor reshaping to improve the appearance of their smile. Dentists also play an important educational role during this time, discussing the effects of sugary drinks, tobacco use, and oral piercings on dental health.
Young and Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 20–50)
Adulthood is when oral health shifts toward a blend of prevention, restoration, and aesthetics. Adults often seek treatments to enhance their smile, such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign® for discreet orthodontic corrections. At the same time, dentists closely monitor gum health, as periodontal disease becomes more common in this age group and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Many adults may need restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals due to past dental issues or wear and tear. Conditions like TMJ dysfunction or bruxism (teeth grinding), often linked to stress, may also arise and require treatment. This stage is often where the investment in regular cleanings and early care pays off, but it’s also a time when neglect can lead to more invasive treatments later on.
Seniors (Ages 60 and Older)
For older adults, dental care often centers on function, comfort, and managing age-related health issues. Many seniors experience tooth loss and may benefit from dental implants, bridges, or full or partial dentures. Restoring a full, functional smile helps support overall nutrition and quality of life.
Age-related dry mouth, often caused by medications, increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Seniors may also struggle with dexterity, making daily oral hygiene more difficult. Dentists provide solutions like modified hygiene tools and personalized cleaning techniques. Regular screenings for oral cancer and monitoring for bone loss in the jaw are also crucial, especially for patients with a history of tobacco use or systemic conditions like diabetes.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Our family dental practice offers quality care for patients at every stage of life. The accessibility, preventive focus, patient education, and complete care make family dentistry an invaluable resource for our patients and their families. If you have questions about our family dental services, please reference the common questions we get asked below. You can also contact us during regular business hours.
What are the benefits of a family dentist?
Having a family dentist handle your household’s oral care has many benefits. It is easy to schedule everyone’s appointments around each other so that you are only making one trip to the dentist, vs. one per child. Family dentists have strong connections with their clients, making dental visits more comfortable. A family can track their family’s dental history to be on top of potential issues before they occur.
When should a child first go to a family dentist?
It’s crucial for children to have their first dental visit at an early age to ensure their dental health is on the right track. You should schedule your child’s first dental appointment before they turn one year old. Early visits allow our dental team to assess your child’s oral development and provide advice on proper dental care from the beginning.
If your child’s first tooth erupts earlier, please book their first appointment. The dentist will thoroughly examine their teeth, gums, and oral tissues to ensure everything is developing as it should. We will advise you on how to care for your child’s teeth and gums, including proper brushing techniques and the importance of a healthy diet for their dental health.
What are some tips for choosing a family dentist?
When looking for a family dentist, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you want to find a dentist who makes you and your family feel comfortable and at ease. Trusting them with your family’s oral health is vital. Ask your kids if they feel safe and relaxed during their visits.
Don’t be afraid to visit a few different dentists before deciding. This way, you can compare their practices, get a feel for their offices, and find the best fit for your family. Word of mouth recommendations can be super helpful.
What does family dentistry mean?
Family dentistry deals with all stages of oral health. From infants and children to teens and adults, family dentists have experience working with all ages. They are similar to general dentists but typically spend more time working with children and families.
How often should I schedule my child’s dentist appointments?
Booking regular dental appointments for your child is vital to good oral health. As a rule of thumb, we suggest bringing them in every 6 months or twice a year. These regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor your child’s dental development, catch any problems early, and provide preventative care.
During these appointments, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and oral health. They may also clean and polish the teeth, apply fluoride treatments, and give guidance on oral hygiene. By catching any problems early, your child can get the treatment they need and have a healthy smile for years.
What is the difference between a family dentist and a general dentist?
Family and general dentists both provide dental care, but serve different populations. Family dentists are unique in seeing patients of all ages, from young children to adults and seniors. A family dentist knows the oral health needs of each age group and can create a custom plan for all.
A general dentist mostly sees adults. They can see and treat younger patients, but their expertise addresses the more complex dental issues that adults face. So while both types of dentists provide dental care, family dentists offer a family approach so every member of your family gets the dental care they need.
Schedule a Dental Exam with Dr. Amy Marckese, a Local Dentist in Indianapolis, IN
Are you looking for a family dentist in the Indianapolis area? DentalSpa is accepting new patients. We strive to make your family’s visit to the dentist easy and stress-free. Our office accepts most major dental insurance carriers and submits claims electronically on your behalf. Contact our office or schedule an appointment online today for you and your family.