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Park Smiles NYC offers nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia for children who feel anxious at the dentist. Sedation also helps very young children, children with special healthcare needs and children who need a lot of treatment. Pediatric dentists Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan and Dr. Dascher Branch-Elliman lead your child’s care. IV sedation and general anesthesia are provided by oral surgeon Dr. Aryeh Mahana or a trained anesthesiologist with pediatric experience.
Call the children’s line: +1-212-461-9120 · Book a consultation
Sedation Options for Children
The right level of sedation depends on your child’s age, anxiety, health and the treatment needed.
| Option | How your child feels | Best for | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | Awake, calm and relaxed | Mild to moderate anxiety, shorter visits | Clears within minutes after oxygen |
| IV sedation | Deeply relaxed or asleep; usually remembers little | Moderate to severe anxiety, longer treatment | Drowsy for several hours |
| General anesthesia | Fully asleep | Very young children, special healthcare needs, extensive treatment in one visit | Rest at home for the day |
Comfort Comes First, Before Any Sedation
Many anxious children do well without sedation. The pediatric team uses these techniques first:
- Tell-show-do. Each step is explained in simple words and shown before it happens.
- Distraction. Children’s programs on overhead screens, music and conversation keep attention away from the treatment.
- Gentle numbing. Topical gel is applied first, and computer-controlled delivery makes local anesthetic more comfortable.
- Short, positive visits that build trust over time.
When these are not enough, the dentist discusses sedation with you.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Sedation
- Your child panics, cries or cannot sit still at dental visits.
- Your child has a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities.
- Your child is very young and needs several fillings or extractions.
- Your child has special healthcare needs that make treatment difficult while awake.
- Your child needs a long or complex procedure, such as multiple teeth treated at once.
How Park Smiles Keeps Sedation Safe
Safety planning starts before the visit and continues until your child goes home.
- Medical review. The team reviews your child’s health history, medications, allergies and airway.
- Clear instructions. You receive written eating and drinking rules for the hours before the visit.
- Continuous monitoring. Oxygen level, heart rate and breathing are monitored throughout.
- Trained providers. IV sedation and general anesthesia are given by Dr. Mahana or a trained anesthesiologist.
- Supervised recovery. Your child stays until awake and ready to go home.
Children with snoring, enlarged tonsils or mouth breathing need extra airway planning. See mouth breathing and airway care for children.
Preparing Your Child for a Sedation Visit
- Follow the eating and drinking instructions exactly. They protect your child’s airway.
- Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves.
- Call if your child has a cold, cough or fever. The visit may need to move for safety.
- Plan for one adult to stay with your child for the rest of the day after IV sedation or general anesthesia.
- Keep the day free. Children should rest at home after deeper sedation, not go to school.
Why Families Choose Park Smiles for Pediatric Sedation
- Pediatric dentists and anesthesia in one office, so care does not move to a hospital for most children.
- Every level of sedation, from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia.
- Treatment in fewer visits. Children who need extensive care can often have it completed in one appointment.
- Experience with special healthcare needs.
Meet Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan, or see all services on our pediatric dentistry page and our Upper East Side pediatric dentist page.
Sedation Cost and Insurance
Nitrous oxide is a small added fee and is covered by some dental plans. Coverage for IV sedation and general anesthesia varies. Some medical plans cover anesthesia for young children or children with special needs. The team verifies your benefits and explains costs before treatment.
Pediatric Sedation FAQs
Is sedation safe for children?
Yes, when it is planned and monitored by trained providers. Park Smiles reviews each child’s health history and monitors oxygen, heart rate and breathing throughout the visit.
What is the difference between nitrous oxide and general anesthesia?
With nitrous oxide, your child stays awake and relaxed and recovers in minutes. With general anesthesia, your child is fully asleep and needs the rest of the day to recover.
Will my child remember the treatment?
With nitrous oxide, most children remember the visit as pleasant. With IV sedation or general anesthesia, most children remember little or nothing.
Can my child eat before sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation. You receive exact eating and drinking instructions before the visit, and following them is required for safety.
Can my child go to school after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, yes. After IV sedation or general anesthesia, your child should rest at home with an adult for the rest of the day.
What if my child is sick on the day of the visit?
Call the children’s line. A cold, cough or fever can affect breathing under sedation, so the visit may need to be rescheduled.
Does insurance cover sedation for children?
Coverage varies by plan and by the type of sedation. Park Smiles verifies your dental and medical benefits before treatment.
Book a Calm, Comfortable Visit for Your Child
A consultation helps you choose the right level of comfort for your child. Call the children’s line at +1-212-461-9120 or book online.
We Provide Superior Results
At Park Smiles NYC in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Carnegie Hill.
Our skilled team in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, NYC is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental Treatments
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
Oral Surgeon
Finance Your Treatment With Cherry Payment Plans
With Cherry we offer our patients the best “buy now, pay later” solution with high approvals, low cost, and a seamless experience.
Visit Our Office
Park Smiles NYC is proud to serve the historic Carnegie Hill community. Our office at 1175 Park Avenue is nestled among some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. We are:
Two blocks East of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park.
South of 96th Street, making us easily accessible via the 6 Train or the M1, M2, M3, and M4 bus lines on Madison and Fifth Avenue.
Walking distance to Museum Mile, including the Cooper Hewitt and Jewish Museum.
Easily accessible Upper East Side practice, located just two blocks from the 93rd Street entrance to Central Park and a short walk from the 96th St Q and 6 Subway stations.
- Park Smiles NYC Cosmetic Dentistry
- 1175 Park Ave # 1d, New York, NY 10128, United States
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Business Hours:
Monday: 9AM-5PM
Tuesday: 9AM-7PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 9AM-7PM
Friday: 9AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed - +1-212-988-6724
We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today!
Schedule an Appointment with a Highly-Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Carnegie Hill at Park Smiles NYC
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
Or Call +1-212-988-6724
