Sedation Dentistry in Burke VA | Northern Virginia

If dental visits make you anxious, overwhelmed, or fearful, you’re not alone. Many people delay care for years because sitting in the dental chair feels stressful or unmanageable.

At NOVA Dental Anesthesia in Burke, we focus on helping patients receive dental care comfortably and safely using sedation and anesthesia. Our office is built around treating patients who struggle in traditional dental settings — including those with dental anxiety, special needs, medical complexity, or difficulty tolerating procedures.

Sedation dentistry allows you to relax, feel more at ease, and move forward with care without fear taking over.

We proudly serve patients throughout Northern Virginia, including Burke, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Vienna, Woodbridge, Chantilly, Ashburn, and Loudoun County.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help reduce anxiety, tension, and awareness during dental treatment. Depending on the option used, you may feel calm and relaxed, drowsy, or fully asleep.

Sedation can also allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits, which is especially helpful for patients who find dental appointments exhausting or overwhelming.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry may be helpful if you have :

• Anxiety or fear
• Strong gag reflex
• Difficulty getting numb
• Special needs 
• Extensive dental treatment
• Complex medical conditions

Our goal is to meet you where you are and recommend only the level of sedation you truly need.

Sedation Options We Offer

We provide multiple levels of sedation so care can be tailored to each patient.

General Anesthesia (Fully Asleep Care)

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

This option is often recommended for:

• Patients with special needs
• Uncooperative children
• Severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Complex or lengthy dental treatment

Learn more on our General Anesthesia Dentistry page

IV Sedation

IV sedation provides deep relaxation without full unconsciousness. Medication is delivered through a small IV and adjusted throughout treatment.

Patients often feel as though they slept through the visit and remember very little afterward, while continuing to breathe on their own.

Learn more on our IV Sedation Dentistry page

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking medication in pill form before treatment. You remain awake but feel calm, drowsy, and less aware of the procedure.

This option may be appropriate for patients with mild to moderate anxiety who want more support than nitrous oxide.

Care Led by a Dentist Anesthesiologist

All sedation and anesthesia care is overseen by Dr. Wissam Ali, a certified dentist anesthesiologist with advanced hospital-based training.

Dr. Ali’s role is to focus on patient safety, comfort, and continuous monitoring while dental treatment is performed. This allows us to safely care for patients who may not be well supported in a traditional dental office setting.

What to Expect

Your care begins with a conversation. We review your dental needs, anxiety concerns, medical history, and past experiences. We explain your sedation options clearly and help you decide which approach fits best.

On treatment day, your vital signs are monitored throughout the visit. Afterward, you’ll rest until it’s safe to go home, with clear aftercare instructions provided.

We are proud to offer free consultations and free second opinions.

Take the Stress Out of Dental Care

Avoiding dental care often leads to bigger problems over time. Sedation dentistry gives you a way to receive treatment without fear, panic, or overwhelm.

If dental visits have been holding you back, help is available.

Contact NOVA Dental Anesthesia today to schedule a consultation and learn which sedation option is right for you or your loved one.