Why sedation helps many children with special needs
A regular dental visit can be overwhelming for a child who is sensitive to noise, light, touch, or new places, or who has a medical condition that makes sitting still difficult. When a child needs several fillings, crowns, or extractions, treatment under deep sedation or general anesthesia lets the dentist complete everything in one visit while your child is asleep and comfortable.
At littleGRINS, treatment takes place in a hospital or accredited surgical center, with a board-certified medical anesthesiologist monitoring your child from start to finish.
Experience caring for children with special health care needs
Several of our pediatric dentists trained specifically in this area. Dr. Madison Ophaug lists special needs care and hospital dentistry among her clinical interests, Dr. Julia Kim worked largely with patients with special needs during her postdoctoral associateship at NYU, and Dr. Na Won Lee trained in hospital-based dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.
Children we often help
- Children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing differences
- Children with ADHD, anxiety, or difficulty tolerating dental instruments
- Children with developmental delays or intellectual disabilities
- Children with medical conditions that make office-based care difficult
Planning a visit that fits your child
Tell us what helps your child feel safe, such as a favorite toy, a specific routine, or how they respond to new people. We'll share it with the team for treatment day. A parent or guardian stays with your child until they fall asleep and is nearby again in recovery. Your child will also need a visit with their pediatrician within 30 days of treatment; see our before and after surgery guide.
Where we provide special needs dentistry
littleGRINS pediatric dentists provide special needs dentistry under sedation at EMU Health in Glendale / Ridgewood, Queens, South Brooklyn Health in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Queens Surgical Center in Flushing, Queens, and Advanced Surgery Center in Pearl River, Rockland County. Families come to us from across New York City and Rockland County.
Medically reviewed by the littleGRINS pediatric dental team. This page is general information and does not replace an exam.