Sleep Dentistry in Los Angeles | Connect Periodontics
Does anxiety keep you from getting the dental care you need? You’re not alone. Millions of people delay treatment because they dread sitting in the chair. Fortunately, sleep dentistry offers a calm, comfortable way to receive care without stress. At Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Dr. Josh Shayefar provides personalized sleep dentistry options designed to match your needs, your procedure, and your comfort level—so you can finally move forward with a healthy smile.
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
In simple terms, sleep dentistry uses safe, carefully controlled medications to help you relax before and during dental treatment. Although the name suggests sleep, most approaches keep you conscious but deeply at ease, with little to no memory of the visit afterward. Because every patient is different, we tailor sleep dentistry to your medical history, the complexity of care, and your personal preferences.
Who Benefits from Sleep Dentistry?
- Patients with dental anxiety or phobia
- Individuals with a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities
- Those who need longer or more complex procedures (implants, grafts, extractions)
- People with difficulty getting numb or staying comfortable
- Anyone seeking a smoother, more efficient appointment
Because sleep dentistry reduces fear and muscle tension, your care can often be completed more efficiently and comfortably. Moreover, you may consolidate multiple treatments into fewer visits, which saves time and simplifies your plan.
Types of Sedation We Offer
Every patient deserves an option that fits their comfort level. Therefore, our practice offers a spectrum of sleep dentistry methods, each monitored by trained professionals for your safety.
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)
Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sleep dentistry delivered through a small nasal mask. It produces a calm, floating sensation within minutes. Then, as soon as treatment ends, oxygen flushes out the gas and the effects wear off quickly—so you can usually resume normal activities the same day.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before your visit. With this sleep dentistry option, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and less aware of time. Because drowsiness can linger, you’ll need a companion to drive you to and from the appointment. Even so, the experience feels smooth and stress-free for most patients.
IV Sedation (Moderate Sedation)
For longer or surgical procedures, IV sedation allows precise control over your level of relaxation. This form of sleep dentistry is administered and monitored by trained professionals, and it’s often preferred for dental implant placement, bone grafting, or multiple extractions. Additionally, because medication works quickly and can be adjusted in real time, IV sedation helps maintain steady comfort throughout your visit.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
The ideal sleep dentistry plan depends on your anxiety level, medical history, and the treatment being performed. During your consultation, we’ll review your goals, discuss each option, and recommend a personalized approach. Furthermore, we’ll coordinate any pre-visit instructions, such as fasting, medication timing, and transportation arrangements, to keep everything simple.
What to Expect—Step by Step
- Comfort-first consultation: We talk through your concerns, review relevant medical details, and design a sleep dentistry plan you feel good about.
- Clear pre-visit guidance: You’ll receive written instructions tailored to your sedation type (for example, when to stop eating, what to bring, and who should accompany you).
- Calm, monitored care: On the day of treatment, we confirm your plan, monitor your vital signs, and proceed at a pace that prioritizes comfort.
- Easy recovery tips: After sleep dentistry, we review aftercare instructions with you and your companion. Most patients rest comfortably and resume normal routines by the next day.
Why Patients Choose Sleep Dentistry
- Less anxiety, more comfort: You remain relaxed and at ease throughout care.
- Fewer visits: Multiple procedures can often be completed in one sleep dentistry appointment.
- Reduced gag reflex: Sedation helps minimize triggers that complicate treatment.
- Improved precision: Stillness and relaxation allow us to work more efficiently.
- Better overall experience: Many patients report little to no memory of the visit.
Popular Procedures Paired with Sleep Dentistry
Although sleep dentistry can make any appointment easier, it is especially helpful for:
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting and sinus lifts
- Surgical or multiple extractions
- Comprehensive periodontal therapy
- Full-arch implant solutions (All-on-4)
Because these services can take longer or require more precision, sleep dentistry helps create the ideal conditions for comfort and quality.
Safety, Monitoring, and Peace of Mind
Patient safety is at the heart of our approach to sleep dentistry. We review your health history, medications, and potential contraindications before proceeding. Additionally, during care we continuously monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Our team is trained to follow strict protocols so you can relax, knowing your well-being comes first.
After Your Visit: Recovery and Care
After sleep dentistry, many patients feel pleasantly drowsy and calm. Therefore, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. We’ll provide written instructions for hydration, meals, and medications and will schedule any follow-up appointments needed for suture checks or prosthetic steps. Moreover, we’ll give you a direct contact for questions that arise at home.
Answers to Common Questions
Will I be fully asleep?
Not typically. Most sleep dentistry methods keep you conscious but very relaxed. You can respond to instructions while feeling deeply at ease. However, you may remember little or nothing about the appointment.
Is sleep dentistry safe if I have medical conditions?
We routinely coordinate care with your physician when needed. Because we take a thorough medical history and adjust dosages accordingly, sleep dentistry is safe for many patients with controlled conditions. Nonetheless, we’ll customize your plan to protect your health.
How will I feel afterward?
With nitrous oxide, you’ll likely feel normal within minutes. With oral or IV sleep dentistry, you’ll feel drowsy for several hours and must have a companion drive you home. Even so, most patients are back to light activities the next day.
Can I combine treatments in one visit?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of the biggest advantages of sleep dentistry. By keeping you relaxed for longer, we can complete multiple steps—like extractions plus grafting, or multiple implants—efficiently and comfortably.
Why Choose Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry?
- Expert surgical care: Dr. Josh Shayefar focuses on periodontics and implants, pairing precision with comfort-centered techniques.
- Personalized plans: We tailor sleep dentistry to your needs, your procedure, and your schedule.
- Modern monitoring: Continuous, professional oversight keeps your visit safe and predictable.
- Clear communication: You’ll receive written instructions and a direct point of contact for peace of mind.
Take the First Step Toward Stress-Free Dentistry
Ready to experience care without tension or fear? Explore our Sleep Dentistry service page to learn more about options and candidacy. Then, schedule a consultation to create a plan that fits your goals. With the right sleep dentistry approach, you can finally receive the care you’ve been putting off—comfortably and confidently.
Request an appointment to discuss sleep dentistry with Dr. Shayefar and discover how relaxed, modern care can transform your experience.
Contact & Location
Practice Name: Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Doctor’s Name: Dr. Josh Shayefar
Address: 11600 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 308, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 473-8770
When you’re ready for a calmer, easier visit, sleep dentistry is ready for you—right here in Los Angeles.