Information for Patients and Parents

Patients we treat

At Chicago Dental Anesthesia, we care for patients of all ages—including pediatrics, adults, and individuals with special needs. We understand that dental treatment can bring fear, anxiety, or discomfort, and that every patient has unique medical and emotional needs. Our dentist anesthesiologists are here to create a calm, supportive experience so treatment can be completed comfortably and confidently.

To ensure safety and optimal care, we may request a recent medical history, physical examination, and when appropriate, additional testing. This allows us to fully understand you (or your child’s) current health status and design the most appropriate anesthetic plan.

Anesthesia services may benefit patients who experience:

  • Fear or anxiety surrounding dental care

  • Sensitive gag reflex

  • Low pain tolerance

  • Difficulty with dental numbing in the past

  • Complex medical conditions

  • Cognitive decline or advanced age

  • Physical or developmental disabilities

Our goal is simple: to make dental care comfortable, safe, and accessible—so every patient can achieve a healthy smile with confidence.

A young girl with puffy hair sitting in a dental chair, smiling happily while talking to a dentist wearing a mask. Chicago Dental Anesthesia sedation Illinois

Benefits of Working with Chicago Dental Anesthesia

  • Comfort & Convenience for Patients

    CDA brings anesthesia directly to your dental practice, creating a calm, familiar setting that helps patients—especially children and anxious individuals—feel safe and at ease. No hospital visits, no overwhelming environments, just compassionate care where they’re most comfortable.

  • Fewer Appointments, More Efficiency

    Our anesthesia services allow your dentist to work efficiently in a still, stress-free environment. This often reduces multiple visits down to a single appointment, saving families time and helping providers complete more treatment comfortably and predictably.

  • Pain-Free, Stress-Free Experiences

    With CDA, patients can rest peacefully throughout their procedure, avoiding the fear of needles, drills, or unfamiliar equipment. Our modern, gentle anesthesia approach supports a positive experience for patients of all ages—including those with anxiety, special needs, or limited cooperation.

FAQ

  • We offer the full spectrum of anesthesia services, ranging from mild and moderate sedation to general anesthesia. Because every patient and procedure is unique, one of our dentist anesthesiologists will determine and discuss the safest and most appropriate anesthetic option for you or your child.

  • Once your procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed pre-appointment instructions, along with guidance for post-procedure care and recovery at home.

  • Fasting guidelines are essential for your safety during anesthesia. If these instructions are not followed, please notify your dentist anesthesiologist, as your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

    • No food or drink for 8 hours prior to your procedure.

    • Exception: Clear liquids such as water, clear juices (without pulp), and black coffee (no milk or cream) are allowed up until 2 hours before the appointment.

  • If you or your child develop symptoms such as fever, cough, congestion, nausea, or vomiting, please contact us as soon as possible. Certain illnesses can make anesthesia unsafe, and advance notification allows us to determine whether rescheduling is necessary.

  • Patient safety is our highest priority. A dentist anesthesiologist remains with you or your child for the entire procedure, with all necessary emergency equipment and medications immediately available. Our clinicians are certified and fully equipped to manage anesthetic complications and emergency situations, including BLS, ACLS, and PALS. If you have concerns about anesthesia, we are always available to address them directly.

  • All medical procedures and anesthetics carry some degree of risk, ranging from minor to potentially serious. We take extensive measures to minimize these risks, including a thorough review of medical history, comprehensive pre-anesthesia assessment, and continuous hospital-grade monitoring throughout the procedure. We carefully weigh the risks and benefits of every anesthetic plan and will review these considerations with you beforehand.

  • No. Because food and drink intake cannot be reliably monitored in these environments, please do not send your child to school or camp on the day of their procedure.

  • Unless instructed otherwise by your dentist anesthesiologist, prescribed medications should be taken as usual, including inhalers. Medications should be taken with only a small sip of water at least 2 hours before the appointment.

  • To maintain a safe environment, similar to a hospital operating room, only trained clinical personnel may be present during anesthesia and treatment. Parents or caregivers are often encouraged to join their child in the recovery area as they awaken.

  • Chicago Dental Anesthesia is out-of-network with all private insurance carriers. Upon request, we will provide the codes associated with your anesthesia services. Please allow up to one week to receive this information, as each request is completed manually by our practice manager. You may submit these documents to your insurance company for potential reimbursement; however, reimbursement rates vary widely, and we cannot guarantee coverage of any anesthesia fees. We recommend contacting your insurance company in advance for additional information.

  • Anesthesia fees are time-based. Most procedures require a minimum charge for the first hour, with the remaining anesthesia time billed in prorated increments.

  • Yes. We partner with CareCredit and Cherry to provide flexible financing options, including 6-month repayment plans.

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Hear What Patients Are Saying

  • “He went above and beyond for my special needs son. He truly is 1 in a million. I am very thankful to have had him as my sons anesthesiologist. Outstanding all around.”

    Anonymous

  • “I really appreciated the kindness and genuine care. I appreciate all my questions being answered without being made to feel like a bother. It can be scary with the whole ordeal but i felt completely safe with putting my child in your care. Thank you for your patience.”

    Rebecca L.

  • “Wonderful - I am an anxious mother and he has gone above and beyond to reassure me ”

    Tyler P.

  • “Great experience. Everything was explained throughout the process! Very appreciative of the care our family received.”

    Anonymous

  • "We felt so comfortable- no rushed- well taken care of. Love how James bonded with my daughter as well."

    Jennifer H.

  • "Dr. Kunzler is a true professional and made our experience as smooth as possible so thankful we were able to have the pleasure of working with him."

    Taryn P.

  • "The anesthesia team and recovery staff were just as thoughtful as the dental team. Even though it was difficult for me to see my child go under anesthesia, they handled him with such tenderness and professionalism. Four hours later, he's home eating (soft foods, of course), smiling, and acting like himself again, a true testament to the quality of their care. So thankful and grateful, their entire team is fantastic."

    Ashley P.

  • "Thank you, doctor. And I am grateful to you for giving this kid, who had bad previous experiences, now has a good experience with sedation. That should make future medical procedures less anxiety provoking and traumatic for her."

    Maria G.

  • "Of the care team today, Dr. Kunzler was the warmest and the person who got my child comfortable before the surgery. Thank you for being so personable, professional and efficient. "

    Laura H.