Pediatric dental treatment under sedation for Forest Hills families
When your child needs a lot of dental work, or can't manage treatment in a regular dental chair, littleGRINS completes it in one visit while they sleep, at EMU Health in nearby Glendale or Queens Surgical Center in Flushing.
Who littleGRINS is for
Forest Hills parents often start searching for a pediatric dentist when a routine checkup turns into a long treatment plan. littleGRINS is not a checkup-and-cleaning office, and we don't have an office in Forest Hills. We are a pediatric dental practice that treats children under general anesthesia in hospital and surgical-center operating rooms. Families typically come to us when:
- their child's dentist has found several cavities, an infected tooth, or teeth that need crowns;
- a toddler or preschooler needs more work than they can handle across many chair visits;
- a child has strong dental anxiety, gag reflex issues, or a past visit that went badly;
- a child has special health care needs, autism, or sensory sensitivities.
Your child keeps their regular dentist for checkups, cleanings, and fluoride. We handle the treatment, then send them back to that dentist for ongoing care.
Where Forest Hills families are treated
Most Forest Hills families choose EMU Health at 8340 Woodhaven Blvd in Glendale, our closest location. Woodhaven Boulevard connects Forest Hills and Rego Park with Glendale, so many families reach it with a short drive along the boulevard or the local bus lines that run on it. Families closer to the Long Island Expressway or Flushing Meadows sometimes prefer Queens Surgical Center at 36-36 Main St in Flushing. Our coordinator will help you choose the location and date that fit your family when you book. Treatment days start early, so plan your route and parking the night before.
How treatment works
we review your child's X-rays, health history, and treatment plan with you and answer your questions.
white fillings, baby root canals, crowns, and space maintainers when a tooth is lost early are completed while your child sleeps.
a board-certified medical anesthesiologist provides and monitors anesthesia throughout, so the dentist can focus fully on the dental work.
your child wakes up in the recovery area and goes home with you the same day.
Back teeth with large cavities are usually restored with durable zirconia crowns or stainless steel crowns, designed to last until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
When is sedation recommended?
Treatment under general anesthesia isn't right for every child. It is usually considered when a child needs a lot of work, is very young, has anxiety that makes safe treatment in the chair unrealistic, or has a medical, developmental, or sensory condition that makes long visits hard. If your child has autism or other special needs, our special needs dentistry page explains how we adapt the day. At the consultation, the dentist will explain whether general anesthesia makes sense for your child and what the alternatives are.
Preparing for treatment day
Your child will need a pediatrician visit and medical clearance within 30 days of treatment, using the facility form from our forms page. You'll receive clear instructions about eating and drinking the night before. Bring a comfort item, a change of clothes, and something easy for the ride home. Our before and after surgery guide walks through each step, including what recovery at home usually looks like. When you're ready, request a free consultation or call (917) 979-6579.
Related treatments
Nearest littleGRINS locations
Is there a littleGRINS office in Forest Hills?
No. Forest Hills families are usually treated at EMU Health on Woodhaven Blvd in Glendale, our closest location. Queens Surgical Center in Flushing is another option.
Will my child still see their regular dentist?
Yes. littleGRINS focuses on treatment under general anesthesia. Your child keeps their regular dentist for checkups and cleanings before and after treatment.
Who gives the anesthesia?
A board-certified medical anesthesiologist provides and monitors anesthesia the entire time, in a hospital or surgical-center operating room.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. The consultation is free with no obligation. Call (917) 979-6579 or request a visit online.