For most children, a dental visit is no big deal. But for some, even a routine cleaning can feel genuinely overwhelming, and for children with significant anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or complex treatment needs, that fear can make it nearly impossible to receive the care they need. Sedation dentistry exists to solve exactly that problem, allowing children to get the treatment their oral health requires while staying calm, comfortable, and safe from start to finish.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Westbury, NY, Dr. Sunaina Vohra and Dr. Jessica Barzideh offer carefully selected sedation options for children throughout Nassau County and Long Island. Every recommendation is made with your child’s specific needs, medical history, and the nature of the procedure in mind.
Why Some Children Need Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety in children is more common than many parents realize. A systematic review published in the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed Central found that approximately 5 to 20 percent of children experience dental phobia, a level of fear significant enough to interfere with their ability to receive necessary treatment. Left unaddressed, that anxiety can lead to avoided appointments, untreated decay, and a cycle of worsening oral health.
Sedation may also be the right choice for children who require lengthy or complex procedures, children who have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult, or children with special needs who have trouble remaining still in the chair. In each of these situations, sedation makes it possible to complete necessary restorative treatment safely and thoroughly in a single visit.
Sedation Options We Offer
Not every child needs the same level of sedation, and our team evaluates each child individually before making any recommendation. The options we use most frequently are chosen for their strong safety profile and their effectiveness in a pediatric dental setting.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the most frequently used option for mild to moderate dental anxiety. It is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose and takes effect within minutes, producing a relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling while leaving your child fully conscious and able to respond to our team. The effects wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed, meaning most children are completely back to normal before they leave the office. Nitrous oxide is appropriate for a wide range of procedures and is our first recommendation for children who need a little extra help relaxing.
Oral sedation
For children with more significant anxiety or those undergoing more involved procedures such as tooth extractions or multiple restorations, oral sedation may be recommended. A liquid or pill medication is given before the appointment, producing a deeper state of relaxation. Your child will remain conscious but will feel drowsy and may have little memory of the procedure afterward. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and arrange transportation home, as the effects last several hours beyond the appointment.
Our team will review the right option for your child at the consultation, walk you through what to expect before and after, and answer every question you have before anything is scheduled.
How We Keep Your Child Safe
Safety is the foundation of every sedation appointment at Little Roots. Before any sedation is administered, we conduct a thorough medical history review, discuss any allergies or medications, and assess your child’s overall health. Vital signs are monitored throughout the entire procedure, and our team is trained to respond to any changes quickly and appropriately.
Parents are involved at every step. We provide clear pre-appointment instructions, including fasting guidelines where applicable, and detailed aftercare guidance so you know exactly what to watch for at home. We do not move forward with sedation until we are confident it is the right choice for your child and that you feel fully informed.
Why Nassau County Families Choose Little Roots Pediatric Dental
Dr. Vohra is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned her degree in molecular and cellular biology from Johns Hopkins University, completed her dental training at the University of Pittsburgh, and served as chief resident at the Woodhull Medical Center Pediatric Dental Program in Brooklyn. Dr. Barzideh brings the same depth of training and a genuine commitment to making every child, including the most anxious ones, feel safe and cared for in the chair.
At Little Roots, sedation is never used routinely. It is recommended when it is truly the right tool for the child in front of us, and always with your full understanding and consent. To learn more about Dr. Barzideh’s background and approach, visit her provider bio. We welcome new patients from across Nassau County, Westbury, Long Island, and the greater New York area. Many insurance plans are accepted, and FSA and HSA funds can be applied toward treatment costs. When you are ready, reach us through our contact form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Here are answers to the questions parents most often bring to us about sedation dentistry for children.
Is sedation dentistry safe for young children?
Yes, when administered by trained providers following established protocols, sedation dentistry is safe for children. At Little Roots, every sedation appointment begins with a thorough health evaluation, and your child’s vital signs are monitored continuously throughout the procedure. The options we use, nitrous oxide and oral sedation, are both well-supported by pediatric dentistry guidelines and have long track records of safety when used appropriately.
What is the difference between nitrous oxide and oral sedation?
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small nasal mask and produces mild relaxation while keeping your child fully awake and responsive. Its effects wear off within minutes after the mask is removed, and most children leave the office feeling completely normal. Oral sedation involves a medication taken before the appointment that produces a deeper level of drowsiness. The child remains conscious but relaxed, and the effects last several hours, so a responsible adult must be present for pickup and for the remainder of the day.
Will my child remember the procedure?
With nitrous oxide, most children are fully aware during the procedure and remember it normally. With oral sedation, children often have little to no memory of the appointment due to the amnesic properties of the medication used. This can actually be beneficial for children with significant anxiety, as it prevents the formation of negative dental memories that could make future visits harder.
How do I know if my child needs sedation?
The decision is made collaboratively between our team and you. Children who may benefit from sedation include those with significant dental anxiety, those who have had a difficult experience at the dentist before, children who need extensive treatment in a single visit, children with a strong gag reflex, and children with special needs that make it hard to remain still. Our team will evaluate your child and discuss all options with you before any recommendation is made.
What should my child avoid before a sedation appointment?
Pre-appointment instructions vary depending on the type of sedation being used. For nitrous oxide, no special fasting is typically required. For oral sedation, your child will generally need to avoid eating or drinking for a set number of hours before the appointment to reduce the risk of nausea. Our team will provide detailed, specific instructions tailored to your child’s sedation plan well in advance of the appointment.
