Avoiding dental treatment because of fear leads to worsening infection, tooth damage, and complex procedures. At Smile Boutique Group, sedation dentistry is delivered under experienced clinical leadership with structured monitoring and modern technology.
Dr. Joseph Stan brings over 20 years of clinical experience in cosmetic, reconstructive, and implant dentistry. Dr. Dan Shaer holds a Permit for IV Conscious Sedation and has advanced training in implant and surgical procedures. Together, they provide controlled, safety-focused sedation dentistry across Smile Boutique Group locations.
If anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or past trauma has delayed your care, call your nearest Smile Boutique Group office today to schedule a sedation consultation.
A sedation dentist is a licensed dental provider who uses controlled medication to help patients remain relaxed during dental treatment. Sedation reduces anxiety, lowers physical stress responses, and improves comfort while allowing the patient to remain conscious and responsive.
Sedation dentistry is designed for individuals who experience dental fear, heightened sensitivity, or difficulty tolerating longer procedures. The level of sedation can range from mild relaxation to deeper conscious sedation, depending on the patient’s medical profile and treatment needs.
Unlike general anesthesia, sedation dentistry does not render a patient unconscious. It creates a calm, controlled state that supports safe and efficient dental care.
IV conscious sedation is administered through an intravenous line to produce a deeper level of relaxation. Patients remain responsive but often feel little awareness of the procedure. This option is commonly recommended for individuals with severe dental anxiety or extensive treatment needs.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before the appointment to promote calmness and reduce anxiety. It creates a relaxed state while the patient remains awake and able to communicate. This option is suitable for mild to moderate dental fear.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask to provide fast-acting relaxation. Its effects begin quickly and wear off soon after the mask is removed. It is typically used for shorter procedures or patients with mild anxiety.
Problem: Elevated heart rate, panic response, and long-term avoidance of dental care.
Solution: IV or oral conscious sedation helps reduce stress response and supports controlled, safe treatment completion.
Problem: Multiple restorative or surgical procedures across several areas.
Solution: Sedation allows longer, structured appointments, reducing the number of total visits required.
Problem: Difficulty tolerating impressions, radiographs, or restorative procedures.
Solution: Sedation reduces reflex sensitivity and improves procedural efficiency.
Problem: Heightened sensitivity to injections or operative sensations.
Solution: Sedation supports relaxation while local anesthesia manages procedural discomfort.
Problem: Anticipatory anxiety related to oral surgery or implant placement.
Solution: IV sedation provides monitored relaxation during surgical care.
Problem: Psychological stress associated with past dental treatment.
Solution: A sedation dentist can provide structured, controlled care to improve treatment tolerance.
Before sedation is approved, your dentist reviews your medical history, current medications, and relevant health factors. Blood pressure and baseline vital signs are recorded. Candidacy for sedation is determined through clinical assessment to ensure safe eligibility.
Dr. Dan Shaer, who holds a Permit for IV Conscious Sedation, selects the appropriate sedation method based on procedure type, treatment duration, and overall health profile. The sedation level is tailored to provide relaxation while maintaining responsiveness.
IV sedation is administered chairside with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure. Oral sedation or nitrous oxide may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Dental treatment proceeds once the patient reaches a stable level of relaxation. Local anesthesia is still used to control procedural discomfort while sedation supports stress reduction.
Stage | Estimated Time | What It Includes |
Sedation Consultation | 30–60 minutes | Medical history review, evaluation of sedation eligibility, treatment planning, and discussion of sedation options. |
Sedation Appointment | 1–3 hours | Sedation administration, continuous monitoring of vital signs, and completion of planned dental treatment. |
Recovery Monitoring | 30–60 minutes | Post-treatment observation until discharge criteria are met. IV and oral sedation patients require an adult escort home. |
If you notice any of these signs, contact Smile Boutique Group immediately for a consultation.
| Sedation Type | Estimated Cost Range | What Influences Cost |
| Nitrous Oxide | $75–$150 per visit | Duration of use and procedure length |
| Oral Sedation | $200–$500 per visit | Medication type and appointment duration |
| IV Sedation | $500–$1,200 per visit | Time under sedation and monitoring requirements |
| Sedation with Implant or Surgical Treatment | Varies | Procedure complexity and treatment scope |
Note: Final cost depends on overall treatment planning and location. Sedation fees are separate from the dental procedure itself.
Insurance coverage varies by plan and medical necessity. Our team reviews benefits and provides a written treatment estimate before care begins so you understand your financial responsibility.
Learn more about coverage and payment options here
Dr. Dan Shaer provides care in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry. He holds a Permit for IV Conscious Sedation, allowing him to administer IV sedation in accordance with state regulations.
Dr. Shaer completed advanced training in implant procedures, including full-arch and aesthetic zone implant placement. He is also a co-founder of the Dental Technologies Club at USC. His practice incorporates digital intraoral scanning and Digital Smile Design to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision.
Sedation care at Smile Boutique Group is delivered within a structured clinical framework, ensuring patient safety, monitoring, and comprehensive treatment oversight.
Untreated dental conditions do not improve on their own. Delayed care often leads to more complex procedures and higher overall treatment costs.
If dental anxiety has prevented you from moving forward, schedule a sedation consultation at Smile Boutique Group. Our experienced team provides structured evaluation and monitors IV sedation care across our California offices.
Call your nearest location today: Beverly Hills, Northridge.
You will receive a clear treatment plan, a sedation eligibility review, and a medically supervised approach designed to help you proceed with confidence.
IV sedation is administered by a permit-holding provider under continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen levels. A medical history review and clinical evaluation are completed beforehand to determine eligibility and ensure safe administration.
IV conscious sedation places you in a deeply relaxed state, but you remain responsive to verbal cues. You are not unconscious like with general anesthesia. Most patients have limited memory of the procedure afterward.
The duration depends on the type of sedation and procedure length. IV sedation effects may last several hours, and patients are monitored until discharge criteria are met before leaving the office.
Yes. Patients receiving IV or oral sedation must have a responsible adult escort them home. Driving or operating machinery is not permitted for the remainder of the day following sedation.
Insurance coverage varies by provider and medical necessity. Some plans may partially cover sedation for surgical or complex procedures. Our team reviews benefits before treatment and provides a written estimate for clarity.
You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting guidelines and medication adjustments. Following these instructions carefully helps ensure safe sedation and reduces the risk of complications.
Sedation availability depends on the provider and office location. During scheduling, our team will confirm whether IV or oral sedation services are offered at your selected Smile Boutique Group office.
Temporary drowsiness, mild nausea, or dry mouth may occur after sedation. Most effects resolve within several hours. Your dentist will review potential risks and post-treatment instructions before the procedure.
Eligibility is determined during a consultation that includes a medical history review, medication assessment, and evaluation of treatment needs. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate sedation option if clinically suitable.
