General Anesthesia Dentistry in Northern Virginia

For patients with special needs, uncooperative children, and individuals who experience severe dental anxiety, past trauma, strong gag reflexes, or difficulty tolerating dental treatment, dental care can feel overwhelming or even impossible.

General anesthesia dentistry allows patients to receive dental care fully asleep, without pain, fear, or memory of the procedure.

At NOVA Dental Anesthesia in Burke, general anesthesia is a core specialty, not an add-on. We help patients across Northern Virginia — including special needs patients and children who cannot safely cooperate during dental care — move forward with treatment in comfort and peace of mind.

What Is General Anesthesia Dentistry?

General anesthesia places you into a controlled state of complete unconsciousness during dental treatment. You are fully asleep, unaware, and will not feel pain or remember the procedure.

Medications are delivered intravenously and adjusted throughout treatment. Your breathing and vital signs are continuously monitored, and local numbing is used to support a smoother recovery.

Who Benefits from General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia may be recommended for patients who:

• Have special needs
• Are children who cannot safely cooperate during dental treatment
• Have severe dental anxiety or dental phobia
• Cannot tolerate dental treatment while awake
• Have a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities
• Require long or complex dental procedures

It is commonly used to support extractions, dental implants, root canals, and full-mouth dental treatment.

Before recommending general anesthesia, a thorough medical review is completed to ensure this approach is safe and appropriate.

What to Expect

Consultation
We review dental needs, anxiety concerns, medical history, medications, and any past anesthesia experiences. For children, we also discuss behavior, safety concerns, and prior dental attempts. Clear preparation instructions are provided.

Treatment Day
You or your child arrive with a responsible adult. IV general anesthesia is administered, and treatment is completed while the patient remains fully asleep.

Recovery
Patients are monitored after treatment and sent home with written aftercare instructions. Most patients rest for the remainder of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Anesthesia Dentistry

Is general anesthesia appropriate for children?
Yes. General anesthesia may be recommended for children who are unable to safely cooperate during dental treatment due to age, anxiety, special needs, or sensory challenges.

Will my child feel pain or remember anything?
No. Patients are fully asleep and do not recall the procedure.

Is general anesthesia safe in a dental office?
Yes. When administered by a trained dentist anesthesiologist, general anesthesia can be safely provided with continuous monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Do children still receive local numbing?
Yes. Local anesthesia is used to support comfort and smoother recovery.

Do I need to stay during treatment?
A parent or responsible adult must bring the patient, remain available during treatment, and take them home afterward.

Don’t Let Fear, Special Needs, or Safety Concerns Delay Care

When dental care isn’t possible while awake, general anesthesia provides a safe, controlled solution — for adults and children alike.

Contact NOVA Dental Anesthesia to schedule a consultation and learn whether general anesthesia is the right option for you or your child.