Dr. Sam Abettan
DDS · Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Education & training
- NYU College of Dentistry, DDS
- NYU, Pediatric Dentistry Residency
Dr. Sam Abettan is a board-certified pediatric dentist, certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Raised in Brooklyn, he earned his dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry and stayed at NYU for his post-graduate residency in pediatric dentistry.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Abettan helps train the next generation of pediatric dentists as faculty in the pediatric dental residency program at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Abettan lives on Long Island with his wife and three children. He enjoys time with family and friends, movies, travel, surfing, hiking, and reading.
Treatments Dr. Sam Abettan provides
Dr. Sam Abettan cares for children under sedation and general anesthesia in hospital and surgical-center operating rooms. Common treatments include:
About sedation
Is general anesthesia safe for children's dental work?
When it is given by a qualified anesthesia provider in a properly equipped hospital or surgical center, general anesthesia has a strong safety record. At littleGRINS, anesthesia is provided by board-certified medical anesthesiologists, and your child is monitored continuously throughout treatment and recovery.
How long does the procedure take?
It depends on how much treatment is needed. Many cases take one to two hours. Your dentist will give you an estimate based on your child's treatment plan.
Will my child remember anything?
Most children do not remember the procedure. They fall asleep before treatment begins and wake up in recovery.
Can I stay with my child?
A parent or legal guardian stays with the child until they are asleep and is with them again in recovery. At least one parent or legal guardian must be present on the day of treatment.
What's the difference between sedation and general anesthesia?
Sedation ranges from light relaxation to deep sleep. General anesthesia is the deepest level, where your child is fully asleep and unaware. Your anesthesiologist decides the right approach for your child's health and treatment plan.
Why is treatment done in a hospital or surgical center?
These settings have full anesthesia equipment, monitoring, and recovery staff. It's the safest place for deep sedation and general anesthesia in children.
Preparing
Does my child need a medical check-up first?
Yes. Your child must be seen by their pediatrician within 30 days of the sedation appointment.
When does my child need to stop eating and drinking?
Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure time. Plain Jell-O is allowed up to 4 hours before, and water up to 2 hours before.
Which forms do I need?
Download the form for your facility on our forms page: South Brooklyn Health or EMU Surgery Center.
Recovery
How long until my child can go home?
After you receive full post-op instructions, most children are ready to go home within about 30 minutes.
What's normal after treatment?
Grogginess, some soreness, nausea, a temperature of 99 to 100°F, and mild swelling are all normal. Call us for a temperature above 101.5°F, vomiting lasting more than 5 hours, or any difficulty breathing.
When can my child go back to school?
Most children return to normal activities the next day. Plan for a quiet day at home after treatment.
Meet the rest of our team
