For most people, visiting the dentist is just a part of life. For some people however, going to the dentist causes extreme anxiety and terror, it also represents an extreme challenge. In some cases, it may keep them from visiting the dentist at all, which puts their oral health at risk.

If you are one of the 30 to 40 million people who suffer from dental anxiety, or you have tried Sedation but it did not work well for you, and you want to be ‘put to sleep’ for your procedure, we have the solution for you. At Ashburn Dental group, we offer General Anesthesia for the all kinds of dental procedures including Pediatric Dentistry. We create beautiful smiles while you sleep and you wake up not remembering a thing!

General Anesthesia at our Ashburn office pairs the spectrum of hospital anesthesia with the personal, comfortable, and convenient office setting. Most importantly, General Anesthesia at our office is delivered by physician anesthesiologists. Physician anesthesiologists are medical doctors with the most comprehensive anesthesia, airway, and emergency management training. 

General anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness produced by an anesthesiologist where the patient is completely unconscious and does not remember or feel anything during the procedure.  In addition, the patient remains still and does not move. The anesthesiologist must monitor the patient continually and ensure that the patient remains safe until the patient emerges from anesthesia. Due to the complexity of this type of care, our office has special monitoring and emergency equipment to ensure patient safety. General Anesthesia is recommended to patients who have a high tolerance for IV sedation as well as extremely anxious patients or for complex oral surgery and wisdom teeth impactions.

Pre-operative Consultation and Exam

First, the patient should meet with both the dentist and the anesthesiologist for a consultation prior to the day of surgery. During this consultation, the dentist will decide if the treatment requires general anesthesia.  Not all patients are good candidates for general anesthesia in an office. During the consultation, the anesthesiologist will also review the risks and benefits of anesthesia, answer all your questions, and review pre and post-operative instructions. One of these instructions is the last time you can eat or drink before your surgery appointment. You should also get a chance to see the facility itself.

Induction of General Anesthesia, IV, and Endotracheal Tube

On the day of surgery, your anesthesiologist will again check to make sure that you are healthy and ready for anesthesia that day. All of your questions will be answered by the anesthesiologist.  General anesthesia can then be started in one of several ways – by IV, by breathing through a mask, or by an injection (much like a vaccine). Once asleep, an IV is placed (if not already placed) and an endotracheal tube is inserted.  The endotracheal tube works like a snorkel, allowing the patient to breath and protecting the airway when the dental work is being done.

During the procedure, unlike regular sleep, you will not dream, nor will you wake up until after the dentist completes your care. Your anesthesiologist and the support staff will be with you until it is time to wake up and you emerge from anesthesia.

What does General Anesthesia Cost?

The various types of sedation have different costs associated with them. While some Insurances do cover moderate sedation, dental insurances typically do not cover General Anesthesia. The cost is usually based on an hourly rate for the anesthesiologist. The cost of the anesthesia will be in addition to the cost of the dental procedure. We will discuss the cost and length of your dental procedure with you during your consultation appointment.

General Anesthesia for Pediatric Dentistry

To keep your child safe and comfortable during a dental procedure, your child’s dentist might decide to use general anesthesia in the operating room. General anesthesia also may be used if your child needs extensive or complicated procedures that will take a long time to complete, or needs several procedures done all at the same time.  Your child will sleep through the procedure and have no memory of it.

• Once your child has been scheduled for the procedure, the anesthesiologist will meet with you and your child to review your child’s vital signs, weight & medical history to decide which kind of sleep medication your child should receive. As the parent or legal guardian, you will be asked to sign a consent form before the anesthesia is given.
• When anesthesia is needed, there are special rules for eating and drinking at home before the procedure which the anesthesiologist will be discuss with you.
• During the procedure, your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital functions will be closely monitored.
• You should plan to stay at the dental office until the anesthesia has completely worn off and it is safe for your child to go home.
• Once the procedures have been completed, your child will be monitored until they awake. The effects of general anesthesia can last for a few hours.
• Upon returning home, your child may only have minimal activity for the remainder of the day.

Your child will have some restrictions after the procedure.

• Your child’s nose, mouth, and throat may remain numb for 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure, their throat may remain slightly sore for 1 to 2 days after general anesthesia.
• Use caution when your child eats and drinks for about 30 to 40 minutes after the procedure, your child may feel dizzy or feel like vomiting. Give your child only soft foods for the first few hours after undergoing anesthesia.
• Your child is not to return to school or day care that day, and you may need to see how he or she feels the next day. Sometimes the effects from general anesthesia — usually tiredness — can last into the next day. Your child will need to remain at home where an adult can monitor him or her.