Special Needs Dentistry with Sedation & General Anesthesia in Northern Virginia

Dental care can be difficult for children and adults with special needs. Sensory sensitivities, anxiety, difficulty sitting still, medical conditions, or past dental experiences can make traditional dental visits overwhelming or impossible.

At NOVA Dental Anesthesia in Burke, we provide special needs dentistry in a calm, supportive environment designed around IV sedation and general anesthesia. Our goal is to make dental care safe, respectful, and achievable for patients who need a different approach.

Families throughout Northern Virginia turn to us when dental care hasn’t worked elsewhere — and we take that responsibility seriously.

What Is Special Needs Dentistry?

Special needs dentistry focuses on patients who require additional planning, flexibility, and advanced comfort support to receive dental care safely.

We regularly care for children and adults with conditions including:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Angelman syndrome
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• ADHD / ADD
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Intellectual or cognitive disabilities
• Muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia

Every patient is different. Our role is to adapt the dental environment, the pace of care, and the level of sedation so treatment can be completed without fear or force.

Why IV Sedation and General Anesthesia Matter

For many special needs patients, IV sedation or general anesthesia is what makes dental care possible.

IV sedation allows patients to remain deeply relaxed with little awareness or memory of the procedure while continuing to breathe on their own.
General anesthesia allows treatment to be completed while the patient is fully asleep, with no awareness of the procedure.

The appropriate level of care is chosen carefully based on each patient’s needs and medical history.

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 reviews medical history, coordinates with physicians when needed, and continuously monitors breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and overall safety throughout treatment. This level of expertise allows us to care for patients who are often referred out or declined elsewhere.

What to Expect

Every visit begins with listening.

During your consultation, we take time to learn about your loved one — their medical history, sensory needs, behaviors, past dental experiences, and what helps them feel comfortable. Caregivers are an essential part of this process.

This allows us to tailor:

• The dental environment
• The pace and structure of visits
• The safest sedation or anesthesia option
• A treatment plan that feels manageable and respectful

Some first visits focus only on familiarity and comfort. Treatment is never rushed.

Dental Care for Special Needs Patients

We focus on prevention whenever possible, including cleanings and protective care. When treatment is needed, we provide fillings, crowns, extractions, gum therapy, and tooth replacement when appropriate.

When medically safe, IV sedation or general anesthesia is used to ensure care can be completed comfortably and without trauma.

Our priority is long-term oral health — without pushing limits.

Support for Families and Caregivers

We work with families, not around them. Caregivers know what works best, and we value that insight.

You’ll receive clear explanations, written aftercare instructions, and ongoing support. We are proud to offer free consultations and free second opinions.

Special Needs Dental Care That Truly Works

Finding dental care for someone with special needs should not feel impossible. With thoughtful planning, advanced sedation, and experienced anesthesia care, treatment can feel calm, safe, and achievable.

Contact NOVA Dental Anesthesia today to schedule a consultation and learn how we support children and adults with special needs throughout Northern Virginia.