Sedation Dentistry in Encino, California 

The Real Reason I Became a Dentist? I Have Dental Anxiety Too.

If you’ve avoided the dentist because of fear, shame, trauma, or just overwhelm… I understand. I know what it’s like to sit in that chair and feel like you might fall apart. 

It still happens to me when I am in the dental chair.  

That’s why I built this dental practice. FOR PEOPLE LIKE US!!!

There’s a Reason You’re Afraid of the Dentist And It’s Definitely Not Your Fault.

Dental anxiety is real. It’s not a weakness.  It’s often the result of pain, trauma, or fear that’s been ignored or dismissed.
I know, because I’ve lived it myself.

Here are just some of the reasons people
stay away from the dentist for years:

Fear of Pain
especially if numbing hasn’t worked

Loss of Control
lying back, unable to speak, unsure what’s happening
Past Trauma
medical or personal experiences that left you feeling unsafe (and yes, that can include past abuse by dental or medical providers.)
Shame
about how long it’s been or how things “look”
Sensory Overload the sound of drills, the lights, the smells
Lack of Trust
you’ve been dismissed, rushed, or judged before

For some people, even making the appointment feels impossible.

That’s not weakness. That’s a nervous system doing its job and trying to protect you. You’re not broken. You’ve been protecting yourself. 

Maybe it’s time to let someone who truly gets where your coming from help protect you from all that anxiety

I Built This Practice for the Anxiety-Ridden Patient I Used to Be

You don’t have to explain yourself here. We already understand.
I know what it feels like to cancel appointments, brace for pain, or panic in the chair. (and feel overwhelmed or embarrassed about it.)
Our dental office is a place where nervous systems are respected, not rushed.

I’ve spent years refining a calm, personalized approach to dental care. It’s rooted in empathy, not pressure.

Here’s how we help you feel safe:

  • 1
    Quiet, private treatment rooms
  • 2
    Noise-canceling headphones (you choose the music or podcast)
  • 3
    Green-tinted calming glasses
  • 4
    Optional sedation: laughing gas, oral medication, or IV
  • 5
    Step-by-step explanations, only if you want them
  • 6
    A doctor who listens first, always
  • 7
    No judgment. No pressure. Ever.

Personalized Sedation Options for Every Patient

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

A safe, mild sedative inhaled through a mask that helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. The effects wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your normal routine right after your visit.

Oral Sedation:

A simple pill taken before your appointment to ease anxiety and keep you comfortable during care. You’ll stay awake but very relaxed, and because the effects linger, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

IV Sedation:

Medication delivered directly into your bloodstream for a deeper level of calm and comfort. You’ll remain conscious but very relaxed, and most patients remember little of the procedure once it’s complete. (Provided by a licensed anesthesiologist in our office)

Our Services, All Designed to Be Gentle and Comfortable:

You’re Not the First Person Who’s Been Afraid. And Like So Many We’ve Helped, You Can Feel Safe (and Protected)  in the Dental Chair.

Let us help you take the first step toward that feeling.
Profound trust, a sense of ease, confidence in her intellect and education, and the reassurance that every decision is backed by thorough research—these are my states of mind when I think of Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe. Her dedication to whole-body health and her genuine care for her patients, from children to the elderly, are truly admirable. She is one of those rare clinicians whose intellect is matched by genuine compassion. I have complete confidence in her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for her patients. Dr. Wolfe’s office reflects her spirit. The environment she and her team have created is warm, professional, cooperative, and deeply supportive. They respond quickly and thoughtfully to any concern, big or small, and their follow-up after more extensive treatments is exceptional. It is clear that patient well-being is always their top priority. I am genuinely grateful to be older than Dr. Wolfe, because it means I can look forward to many more years under her care. As long as she remains in the L.A. area, I know I have found my dentist for life.
Best dentist ever! Trust the process.. it’s absolutely worth every penny. Her experience was evident as she anticipated my needs and calmly explained the procedure every step of the way. The professionalism and patience of the entire team was a breath of fresh air.
Dr. Wolfe is thorough and does a great job. Her cleanings are good and not painful. Today she adjusted my new mouth guard. Always a good experience at her office. Her staff is great, too!
Dr. Wolfe personifies gentle dental care. She is warm, calm and reassuring. I have enjoyed getting to know her, and appreciate her quiet manner.
If you want a truly 5-star dental experience please call Dr Elizabeth Wolfe, DDS. Encino Gentle Dental is a full-service office. Dr Wolfe's lovely staff is headed by Estelle at the front desk and Monica her chair side dental assistant.

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe

Dental Anxiety Patient.

Dentist. Listener.

I became a dentist because I wanted to help people  but I discovered my true path when I realized I was one of the people I was trying to help.
“Even now, I sometimes sit in the dental chair and feel the old spiral begin: the fear of pain, the overthinking, the loss of control. It’s not just something I’ve overcome. It’s something I live with, and have learned how to meet with compassion.”
That’s why I built this practice: to offer others the kind of understanding and safety I once couldn’t find. I believe in providing emotional safety, nervous system respect, and radical empathy from the front desk to the operatory.

Licensed DDS in California

Advanced training in care for medically and emotionally complex patients

Certified in Oral Conscious Sedation

You Don’t Have to Be Ready for a Cleaning.
You Just Have to Be Ready for a Conversation.

Whether it’s been 1 year or 20, you are welcome here. You don’t need to be brave, just honest. We’ll meet you exactly where you are.

Fill out the form below and our team will contact you soon.

You’ve taken the hardest step already by looking for help.

There is no shame here. No pressure. No timeline. When you’re ready, we’re ready. Everything you share with us is confidential.

Prefer to talk it through first? Call us now.
You’ll speak with someone who truly understands..

Phone

Phone

Tues-Thurs: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Fri: 8:30-1:30PM

Sat: by Appointment

Sun-Mon: Closed

Dental Emergency?

Call us now for immediate assistance and same-day appointments.