Introduction

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Perfect White SmileSmile Makeover

Sedation dentistry simply allows patients to relax while undergoing restorative and cosmetic dental procedures with Dr. Frey. Sedation enables patients to overcome various levels of anxiety, all the way up to phobia about even visiting the dentist. Plus, sedation allows you to group various procedures into a single office visit, making it a better use of your time. And in the end, you have little or no recollection about your visit.

Sleep Dentistry
In BEVERLY HILLS, CA

Some people experience deep anxiety when thinking about going to the dentist. This can keep them from getting the preventive care they need, much less the restorations that could be necessary. That’s a shame because our Beverly Hills practice offers sedation dentistry to relax and calm our patients. In fact, we even have an anesthesiologist on-site just for our IV sedation. Sedation dentistry with Dr. David S. Frey makes it easy to keep your smile looking great.

Sleep Dentistry In Beverly Hills

Am I A Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?

Patients can confuse sedation and pain relief. Our patients feel nothing during any procedure due to our anesthetics. Dr. Frey offers sedation, not for pain, but to help patients deal with strong feelings of fear and anxiety that arise when they visit the dentist. After receiving sedation and successfully completing their appointment, patients often change the entire way they view dental appointments going forward. Sedation could be a great option if you:

● Have difficult overcoming anxiety about the dentist
● Have a low pain threshold
● Have very sensitive teeth
● Have a very strong gag reflex
● Need a large amount of work done

Once you are sedated and comfortable, we then properly numb, or anesthetize, the area we are working on, ensuring that your procedure is pain-free.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

It’s simple: you’re given a small pill to take 1 hour before your appointment, and you will feel very drowsy by the time you arrive. At the office, you’re given a thick, warm blanket, and we make sure you’re absolutely comfortable.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

We closely monitor the dosages for our sedation dentistry patients, plus our IV sedation is handled by an anesthesiologist, so you can be assured you’ll be properly sedated and comfortable, yet completely safe.

What Types Of Sedation Is Offered At David S. Frey, DDS?

At Dr. Frey’s, we offer two forms of sedation, oral or IV sedation. Both methods deliver a similar sort of relaxation and a kind of twilight sleep, where you’re awake but totally relaxed. Both methods also tend to have an amnesia type of effect afterward, where you don’t remember much about your appointment.
Types of Sedation

Sedation Vs. Sleep Dentistry

This is a bit of a misnomer. Patients sometimes think they will be put “under,” as they are with general anesthesia. This is not the case. With both oral and IV sedation, the patient is always awake but sedated.

What Is Oral Sedation?

With oral sedation, a pill, usually similar to Valium, is given about 30 minutes to an hour before the start of your procedure. This will make you drowsy, but you’re still awake and you can still respond to certain directions from Dr. Frey. If you prefer moderate sedation, we can simply increase the dosage.
Oral Sedation

How Long Does Oral Sedation Last?

For most patients, the effects of oral sedation last from two to four hours after their appointment. You need a ride to and from your appointment, plus shouldn’t drive for an additional 12 hours.

What Are The Risks With Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral sedation also has an amnestic effect. While technically a side effect, most patients see this as a benefit because they have no recollection of their dental visit. Oral medications can also cause dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and occasional nausea, but these all pass quickly.
Sedation

What Is IV Sedation?

At Dr. Frey’s, we have an anesthesiologist who handles our IV sedation. This type of sedation is delivered intravenously and works instantly. An advantage to IV sedation is that we can adjust the levels continually, for instance when Dr. Frey may need you to respond to more instructions, we can lighten the level for a bit and then increase it again.

How Long Does IV Sedation Last?

For some patients, IV sedation wears off almost immediately after the administration is stopped. For others, they can feel its effects for a few hours after their appointment is over. Patients shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for 24 hours afterwards.

Can I Drive After Sedation Dentistry?

With either oral or IV sedation, you should not drive afterwards (12 hours for oral sedation and 24 hours for IV sedation). So, plan on getting a ride to and from our offices.

Can Sedation Dentistry Allow Me To Handle More Involved Appointments?

Another great thing about sedation dentistry with Dr. Frey is that it allows you to handle longer, more involved appointments. Often more complex procedures, such as smile makeovers or root canals can involve more time for your appointment, or could often require multiple appointments. When a patient is sedated, however, Dr. Frey is able to perform more work in a single session.
Sedation Dentist
Sore gums can be rejuvenated, crowns and dentures can be replaced, yellow or stained teeth can be whitened, and chipped teeth can be bonded or covered with veneers — all while you’re basically in twilight sleep. Afterwards, you won’t remember much, if anything, about your lengthy session. How great is that?!

What Our Patients Have To Say

“Dr. Frey and his staff are kind and professional. The work is solid, worth every cent. I’ve always felt nervous about dental visits. With Dr. Frey it’s easier for me to relax because I trust his work and the care that he, and his staff, provides. Two thumbs up!” -Garuda L.

What Are The Risks Associated With IV Sedation?

The biggest risk with IV sedation is over-sedation. Reaching too deep a level of sedation can be dangerous for medically compromised patients. Over-sedation can also lead to respiratory depression. Continual monitoring of the patient’s vital signs mitigates these risks. That’s why an anesthesiologist handles all of our IV sedation patients.

Can I Have Sedation With Any Dental Procedure Or Only Surgery?

We can provide sedation for any procedure. If you’re anxious about having something as simple as your teeth cleaned, there is no reason for that. Simply ask for sedation, and you’ll feel relaxed and without worry.

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about our Sedation Dentistry options, contact us today at 310.276.4537. Our practice serves Beverly Hills, CA and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do braces last longer than Invisalign?

For most patients, Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months. However, those with very mild cases often see results within the first 6 months, while those with more severe cases may need up to 24 months. Traditional braces usually take about 12 to 18 months, with some patients needing up to 24 months. Very rarely does it take less time to treat malocclusion with traditional braces.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Some dental insurance providers will cover dental insurance, while others will not. Our office staff will be happy to contact your provider to determine coverage. We strive to help you get the most out of your benefits.

What teeth are not suitable for Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are not suitable for baby teeth or for teeth that are severely rotated or with large gaps between them.

Is it OK to get Invisalign from a dentist?

Yes, you can get Invisalign treatment through a general dentist. However, it is important to make sure that they are an Invisalign provider. This is because this treatment option requires specialized treatment to ensure the best results.

Is Invisalign still braces?

Yes, Invisalign clear aligners are considered a type of orthodontic treatment. However, this option is much more comfortable, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces.

How many times a day can I remove Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners can be removed as many times as necessary- but the time should not exceed 4 hours. While the aligners need to be removed when eating/drinking or when brushing/flossing, the longer they are worn, the more effective they will be.

Who is a bad candidate for Invisalign?

Patients who still have baby teeth or who have teeth with wide gaps between them or teeth that are severely rotated should not consider Invisalign treatment. It is possible to use Invisalign after other methods for more precise movements.

What is the success rate of Invisalign?

The success of Invisalign depends on several factors including the type and severity of the malocclusion, as well as the compliance of the patient. Most patients have been satisfied with their results.

How long do you need to wear Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Each set should be worn for 1 to 3 weeks. This will be outlined in your treatment plan, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.

Why is Invisalign so expensive?

One of the primary reasons that orthodontic treatment in general is expensive is because of the additional training the dentist needs. Invisalign is slightly more expensive due to the many benefits it brings.

Is Invisalign costlier than braces?

One of the biggest concerns that patients have is Invisalign cost. However, the average cost is comparable to that of traditional braces. Unfortunately, while many dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment, many others still classify this as a cosmetic procedure and will not cover any portion of it.

If you do not have insurance or if your provider does not cover treatment, we offer some financing options as well.

How much does Invisalign cost in California?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors including the type and severity of your malocclusion the location of the clinic and the experience/expertise of the dentist. The average cost in California ranges from around $4,500 to $9,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.

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