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James A. Snyder, DDS, MS
Dental Anesthesia Alexandria
Frequently Asked Questions
We strive to answer all your questions and address all your concerns when you visit the Center for Dental Anesthesiology in Alexandria, serving Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, and surrounding communities throughout Virginia and Maryland. Read our frequently asked questions and then contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.
How do I know if I am a candidate for sedation or anesthesia?
Will I experience any pain during treatment?
Will I be in pain after the procedure?
How long will it take?
Can I return to work after the appointment?
Can I get all of my work done at one time?
Can you handle children?
Will my insurance pay for anesthesia?
What if I don't have insurance, is it expensive?
Is office anesthesia safe?
How do I know if I am a candidate for sedation or anesthesia?
If you resist getting regular dental care because you hate going to the dentist or have been unable to get satisfactory dental care due to a medical problem or handicap, then you are almost certainly a candidate. The best way to know for sure is to visit our office in Alexandria for a sedation consultation. We never perform any anesthesia or sedation without an initial consultation. This helps us understand your treatment needs and what the best pain and anxiety control option will be for you.
Will I experience any pain during treatment?
You can be confident that with anesthesia you will experience no pain during treatment, in fact, you will be asleep! If you have any pain during treatment, the cost of your visit will be free of charge, we guarantee it!
Will I be in pain after the procedure?
Post-operative pain depends on the type of treatment that you undergo. You may experience some mild discomfort, particularly after a surgical procedure. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate medications as needed after treatment to minimize any discomfort.
How long will it take?
The length of your appointment is determined by the amount of dental work that is scheduled to be done, consequently appointment times vary. With anesthesia, the dentist is able to do multiple procedures during one appointment, completing the work more quickly and efficiently; which is usually shortens total treatment time.
Can I return to work after the appointment?
On the day of sedation/anesthesia, you will be unable to work. You will prefer to sleep for the majority of the day. You must not drive an automobile or operate any dangerous devices or make important decisions for at least 12 hours after leaving the office. It will be necessary to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Can I get all of my work done at one time?
When general anesthesia is used, most dental work can be done in one visit. Additional visits may be required to insert any work that was required to be sent to the dental lab (crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, etc.).
Can you handle children?
Yes, we see many children in our office. While most children don't require sedation or anesthesia for routine dentistry, anesthesia makes it easy to treat any child, regardless of age, past experience in the dental office, medical problems, or handicaps.
Will my insurance pay for anesthesia?
Because every insurance policy is different, the best thing to do is come into our office in the Alexandria and Washington, D.C. area for a consultation and our administrative staff will help you to determine what level of financial help can be expected from your insurance plan. Please note that your insurer, not the doctor, determines coverage, therefore we cannot guarantee coverage.
What if I don’t have insurance, is it expensive?
We can help you work out a payment plan that allows you to receive care that fits into an affordable monthly budget. We work with several patient finance companies to do this and we are almost always able to find a solution that works for each patient. Many of these programs are interest free.
Is office anesthesia safe?
While anesthesia does present some risk, when done by a qualified dentist anesthesiologist with the appropriate equipment, it is very safe. We have personally treated thousands of patients with anesthesia with no difficulties at all.
Contact The Center for Dental Anesthesiology
For more information, please contact our practice, providing general, cosmetic, reconstructive and restorative dentistry to Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, Virginia, and surrounding communities. Dr. James Snyder or another member of our team would be pleased to answer your specific questions during a confidential, one-on-one consultation.