Sedation and Sleep Dentistry in Beverly Hills

Yes, and you are far from alone: most people feel some level of anxiety about dental visits. It often starts with a painful experience in the past, but it can also be picked up from family and friends, or from how dentists are shown on television. Whatever the cause, telling us about it helps us plan your care around it, and our article on whether dental anxiety is learned looks at where it comes from.

Oral sedation is a pill you take before your appointment, which leaves you drowsy and relaxed, and some patients drift into a light sleep. IV sedation is given through a small line into a vein, works more deeply, and usually leaves little or no memory of the procedure. Which one suits you depends on the length of your treatment, how anxious you feel, your health history and your own preference, and Dr. Frey confirms it with you at your consultation. Our article on why you might need dental sedation explains both in more detail.

No. General anesthesia leaves a patient completely unconscious, while the oral and IV sedation we offer is often called conscious sedation: you are deeply relaxed and drowsy rather than fully unconscious. Our article on sleep dentistry and dental fear describes the different levels of sedation.

Yes. Sedation is used with cosmetic care as well as general and restorative treatment, so work such as porcelain veneers or a smile makeover can be done while you rest. Let us know about any worries when you schedule, so the sedation can be planned together with your treatment.

There are other ways we can help, starting with a conversation about what makes you uneasy. We take time so you do not feel rushed, explain each step before we do it, and agree on a signal you can use whenever you need a break. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member, or music and headphones for the appointment, and our article on dental visit anxiety has more ideas.