We offer several flexible payment options to meet your needs.
Does your child get anxious or scared at the thought of having their teeth cleaned? Would they rather deal with a toothache than visit the dentist? They’re not alone. Many children feel nervous about going to the dentist and may even avoid treatment because of it. At Park Smiles NYC, we’re committed to making dental visits as stress-free and comfortable as possible for both kids and parents. That’s why Dr. Mahana offers pain-free dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, to help your child relax during their appointment. Our pediatric sedation dentistry services are designed to create a calm and reassuring environment for anxious children.
For the safety and comfort of our young patients, Park Smiles NYC has an on-site operating room at our Park Avenue office, accredited for both children and adults by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). We were one of the first maxillofacial surgery practices in Manhattan to receive this prestigious accreditation, recognized as the Gold Standard for safety and quality in outpatient care. Our trained team includes specialists with extensive experience in pediatric dental anesthesia and dental sedation techniques.
No need to worry or feel scared! Many kids (and even grown-ups) feel nervous about visiting the dentist, sometimes even for weeks before their appointment. But with sedation dentistry, your child can feel calm and relaxed the whole time. As soon as they sit in the chair, their fears will fade away, making their visit much easier and more comfortable! Pediatric sedation dentistry helps eliminate bad memories associated with dental care.
No pain at all! Many kids (and parents) worry that a trip to the dentist might hurt, but with sedation dentistry, there’s nothing to be scared of. Your child won’t feel any pain in their teeth, gums, or mouth. In fact, they’ll feel so relaxed that they won’t even worry about it! A comfortable, pain-free visit is what every parent wants for their child—and that’s exactly what sedation dentistry provides. The calming effect of sedation ensures maximum comfort.
Easier for your child and the dentist! When kids feel nervous, they might wiggle or tense up in the chair, which can make treatment take longer. With sedation dentistry, your child stays calm and relaxed, making it easier for the dentist to work quickly and gently. This means a smoother, stress-free visit for everyone! Sedation helps manage behavior challenges and reduces the risk of discomfort during dental procedures.
Your child can still respond to the dentist! With IV sedation, your child will be very relaxed but still awake, so they can follow simple instructions like opening their mouth wider if needed. If a deeper sleep is necessary, general anesthesia can be used so they stay asleep during the whole procedure. Either way, they’ll be comfortable and stress-free! Our trained team continuously monitors sedated patients to ensure the child’s safety throughout the procedure.
Makes the visit feel quick! If your child needs a longer treatment, sitting still can feel tough—especially if they’re feeling nervous. But with sedation dentistry, they’ll feel calm and relaxed, and before they know it, the appointment will be over. It helps time fly by, making their visit easy and stress-free! This benefit is especially important for children requiring extensive dental treatment or dental surgery.
Dr. Mahana at Park Smiles NYC offers IV sedation as well as deep sedation and general anesthesia. All methods are safe, effective, and have been used by millions of people to achieve strong, beautiful smiles. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who undergo general anesthesia. Our pediatric dentistry team has extensive experience with all levels of dental sedation for children of all ages.
Minimal sedation — you are awake but relaxed. This light level of sedation provides a calming effect while maintaining full awareness.
Moderate sedation (formerly called “conscious sedation”) — You may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure. This commonly used level provides deeper relaxation while maintaining responsiveness.
Deep sedation — you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened. This level requires careful monitoring by trained professionals.
General anesthesia — you are completely unconscious. This is the deepest level of sedation used for extensive dental procedures or dental surgery.
The duration of sedation dentistry effects varies depending on the type of sedation used, the individual’s metabolism, and whether the patient is an adult or a child. Various factors, including age, body weight, and medical history, can influence how long sedation effects last.
Generally, sedation can last anywhere from a few hours to the better part of a day. For children, the effects of sedation tend to last slightly longer overall due to their smaller body size and lower tolerance. Nitrous oxide typically clears their system quickly, similar to adults, but oral sedation may leave children feeling groggy or sleepy for several hours or even longer. Parents are usually advised to monitor their child closely after the procedure and ensure they avoid strenuous activities until fully alert.
Our team provides detailed post-sedation instructions tailored to each patient’s needs to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. Whether for adults or children, our team prioritizes comfort and safety every step of the way. We discuss all recovery expectations and provide complete guidance for post-procedure care to support your child’s well-being.
Inhaled minimal sedation: You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. The rapid onset and quick recovery make nitrous oxide ideal for shorter dental procedures.
IV sedation, or moderate sedation: You receive the sedative drug through a vein using intravenous delivery, so it goes to work very quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation. Our trained professionals monitor sedated patients continuously to ensure optimal safety and comfort.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia: You will receive medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious — deeply asleep — during the procedure. General anesthesia provides complete unconsciousness and is administered by our trained anesthesiologist with extensive experience in pediatric dental anesthesia.
Proper preparation can make your child’s sedation appointment smoother and help them feel more comfortable about the process. Here are some key steps to follow before the appointment:
Your dentist will provide specific instructions on when your child should stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This is crucial to ensure the sedation is administered safely and effectively. Typically, children are advised to avoid solid food for 6-8 hours and clear liquids for 2-4 hours before sedation. These guidelines help minimize risk and prevent complications during the procedure.
Help your child understand what to expect without overwhelming them. Using age-appropriate language to explain the sedation will help them relax and make the procedure easier. Also, make sure to reassure them that they will be cared for the entire time. Your dentist can help with this process as well, ensuring your child is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Discussing the procedure in advance can help reduce fears and anxiety.
Choose loose, comfortable clothing for your child to wear on the day of the appointment. This helps them stay relaxed and ensures the dental team can monitor vital signs with ease. Comfortable clothing also facilitates easier monitoring of sedated patients and allows our trained staff to provide optimal care.
If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal, bring it along to help them feel more at ease before the procedure. Familiar items can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment and help maintain a calm atmosphere. This simple technique can significantly reduce dental anxiety and create positive associations with dental visits.
Dental visits can feel overwhelming for children, but sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective way to ease their anxiety and ensure a comfortable experience. At Park Smiles NYC, we prioritize your child’s safety and well-being, adhering to trusted guidelines and providing continuous monitoring during every procedure. From understanding their unique needs to tailoring sedation plans, we are dedicated to making dental care stress-free and reassuring for you and your family. Our pediatric sedation dentistry practice serves families throughout Manhattan, New York, and the surrounding areas.
Our trained team has extensive experience with pediatric dental sedation and follows the latest research and safety protocols. We understand the importance of addressing dental anxiety in children and adolescents, and we work closely with parents to discuss all options and address concerns. Our comprehensive approach to pediatric dentistry ensures that every child receives personalized care tailored to their individual needs and behavior.
If your child struggles with dental anxiety or requires extensive treatment, our team is here to help. Contact us today at (212) 988-6724 or book an appointment through our contact form to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can benefit your child. Let Park Smiles NYC provide a safe, supportive environment for all your family’s dental care needs. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible to all families.
212-988-6724 or
Please note that we do not accept Medicaid at this time.
Our skilled team at Park Smiles NYC, led by Dr. Aryeh Mahana, is highly skilled and dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental services in New York City. We use our extensive expertise in crafting the highest level of quality care. Our commitment to pediatric sedation dentistry excellence and child safety sets us apart as a leader in pediatric dental care throughout Manhattan and the surrounding population.
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.
