Pediatric dental treatment under sedation for Staten Island families
If your child needs extensive dental work or can't manage treatment in a regular dental chair, littleGRINS completes it in one visit while they sleep, in a hospital operating room just across the Verrazzano Bridge in Brooklyn.
Who littleGRINS is for
Many Staten Island parents search for a pediatric dentist after a checkup turns up more than a filling or two. littleGRINS is not a neighborhood checkup office. We are a pediatric dental practice that focuses on treating children under sedation and general anesthesia, in hospital and surgical-center operating rooms. Families usually come to us when:
- their child's regular dentist has found several cavities, infected teeth, or teeth that need crowns;
- a toddler or young child is too young to sit still for a long series of appointments;
- a child has strong dental anxiety, or a past visit didn't go well;
- a child has special health care needs, autism, or sensory sensitivities that make treatment in the dental chair difficult.
Your child keeps their regular Staten Island dentist for checkups, cleanings, and fluoride. We take care of the treatment, then send them back to their dentist for ongoing care.
Where Staten Island families are treated
There is no littleGRINS location on Staten Island. Most Staten Island families are treated at South Brooklyn Health in Coney Island, 2601 Ocean Parkway, which is our closest location to the island. Driving families generally cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and continue along the Belt Parkway toward Coney Island. Treatment days start early, so plan your route the night before and leave extra time for bridge traffic. If a date at another location works better for your family, EMU Health in Glendale, Queens is also an option, and our coordinator can go over choices when you book.
How treatment works
we review your child's X-rays, health history, and treatment plan with you and answer your questions.
crowns, fillings, baby root canals, and extractions are completed while your child sleeps, instead of over many separate appointments.
a board-certified medical anesthesiologist provides and monitors anesthesia the whole time, so the dentist can focus on the dental work.
children recover in the hospital's recovery area and go home with you the same day.
Back teeth with large cavities are often restored with durable zirconia crowns or stainless steel crowns, so the repair lasts until the baby tooth falls out on its own.
When is sedation recommended?
Treatment under general anesthesia isn't needed for every child. It is usually considered when a child needs a lot of work, when they are very young, when anxiety makes safe treatment in the chair unrealistic, or when a medical, developmental, or sensory condition makes a long visit hard. For children with autism or other special needs, see our special needs dentistry page. At the consultation, the dentist will explain whether sedation makes sense for your child and what the alternatives are.
Getting ready for treatment day
Before treatment, your child will need medical clearance from their pediatrician within 30 days of treatment, along with the South Brooklyn Health pre-op form from our forms page. You'll get clear eating and drinking instructions for the night before. Bring a favorite comfort item and a change of clothes 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 on Staten Island?
No. Staten Island families are usually treated at South Brooklyn Health in Coney Island, our closest location, across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. EMU Health in Glendale, Queens is another option.
Will my child still need a regular dentist?
Yes. littleGRINS focuses on treatment under sedation and general anesthesia. Your child keeps their regular dentist for checkups and cleanings after treatment.
Who provides the anesthesia?
A board-certified medical anesthesiologist provides and monitors anesthesia throughout treatment, in a hospital or surgical-center operating room.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. The consultation is free and there's no obligation. Call (917) 979-6579 or request a visit online.