When my dentist told me I had "resorption" in one of my teeth and that I'd have to get it extracted and replaced with a dental implant, I was bitter. I brush at least 4 times a day, floss every night, don't eat sugar, barely ever drink alcohol, etc.--i.e., I am diligent about taking care of my health. He confirmed I do take good care of my teeth and said that the resorption was not my fault. It's just something that happens. But I put off seeing a specialist for months, thinking I could grow bone in that tooth by taking calcium and strontium, exercising my jawline with a MyoMunchee device, and getting a Burkee filter to drink non-acidic water (pH value of 8 or 9). Nope! You cannot bring a tooth back after resorption. Eventually my tooth became infected and my gums bled. In a last-ditch effort to see if there were any options beside getting a dental implant, I went to a great holistic dentist. She took an X-ray of the tooth and confirmed it was beyond saving. She reiterated what my regular dentist said: I'd need an implant. So, I finally went to Dr. Kahenasa, who had been highly recommended to me by a friend. Immediately upon meeting her I wished I had just gone to her right away! She is as wonderful as everyone says in these reviews. She is focused, patient, and a good listener. And she's a pro. Accomplished and super competent. She has a great team, too--everyone treated me kindly and was capable and professional. Dr. Kahenasa supported my decision to have full sedation and it was frictionless. I also got nitrous oxide while they were taking my blood (recommended to help the bone graft heal faster). It seemed like only 5 minutes had passed when I was told the surgery was over. Miraculous! About an hour after coming out of anesthesia, I usually throw up. Which is what happened this time, but I didn't mind. I was thrilled and relieved not to have experienced any discomfort or pain during the procedure. If you're concerned you'll throw up, don't worry about it--not everyone does! To me, it's a small price to pay for a great surgical experience. But I do recommend going straight home, rather than, say, stopping somewhere to eat. The stitches were a work of art, the after-care instructions were clear, and my extraction site is healing nicely. Cannot recommend Dr. Kahenasa and her team enough. They are great at what they do. Do not put off dealing with a bad tooth. It will only get worse, not better. Get yourself to Dr. K's office promptly, do what she recommends, and live like a monk in the week after your procedure so that you don't have complications. I am grateful to have the opportunity to go to what has to be one of the best oral maxillofacial surgeons in the country. read more

I sat in her chair terrified with so many questions for a dental implant. I was really scared of pain and the aftermath. She was a calm, sweet and amazing surgeon. She explained so clearly and answered all my questions. I didn't feel a thing the entire time and to be very honest I felt so safe being in her hands. She is very knowledgable and great bedside manners. My recovery was so easy w minimum pain, basically non at all. Just took antibiotics and ibuprofen. Went back for a followup 1 wk later and will see her in 3 months to see where I am at. The implant has been a very smooth process so far. To be gentle is absolute key and she is deff gentle. If I could give her 10 stars I would. read more

I took my dad to Dr. Nora Kahenasa about a month ago. We had a great experience. She was attentive, time efficient, and a very nice lady. My dad felt no pain and he had a great recovery. We would highly recommend Dr. Nora Kahenasa! read more

There are not enough words to express the wonderful experience I had at Dr. Nora Kahenasa's office. I was terrified going in and I now realize why. Every conventional dental experience I had endured/survived leading up to my search for a BioDentist had been a brutal, painful, horrific waste of money time and teeth. I was referred to Dr. Kahenasa by a great BioDentist and cannot express how remarkably happy, healed and satisfied I am by that choice. Firstly, the office is immaculate and the admin staff and assistant were friendly, organized and professional. Dr. Kahenasa herself had a kind and calming energy. She educated me generously and patiently on what was going on in my mouth without any sales attempts, gas lighting or any of the usual prefunctory manipulation I had received in the past at conventional dental offices. My mouth has many uncommon challenges and she handled my dental surgery with ease. I have no idea how she did it but I had ZERO pain in surgery and ZERO pain as I healed. There was no excess trauma, minimal swelling and I healed rapidly. She was conservative but quite clearly spot on with the amount of local anesthesia she used. The entire experience from start to finish was as painless as could be. I will probably never go see another dentist other than her and the doctor who referred me to her because this experience changed my idea of what a visit to the dentist could be altogether. She made my past dentists and surgeries look like hack jobs and greedy butchers. I feel confident in moving forward to pursue other dental needs that I would have avoided if I didn't have someone I could trust. Immense gratitude to you and your staff Dr. Nora! read more

I have dealt with this office on two separate occasions. While Dr. K is amazing, her office manager is rude, insensitive, and unprofessional. This doctor is losing my business due to this individual. I wish I could see this doctor but do not want to be treated so poorly while making appointments or getting information. read more

I delayed my (4) wisdom teeth extraction for around 25 years. When I finally decided to do it my dentist referred me to someone too far from my house. Thanks to Yelp I found an amazing oral surgeon in Dr. K. At the initial consultation, she took time to evaluate the situation, explain what she recommended, and answer any questions I had. Meanwhile, her staff was coordinating with my dental insurance to determine exactly what was covered and how much, if any, would be out of my pocket. On the morning of the surgery, it was really the last place I wanted to be. Dr. K. made it easy. I scheduled it for first thing on a Friday (scheduled prior to my initial consultation). One of my bottom teeth was partially impacted so I elected for anesthesia...also something that I wasn't too keen on. However, it was all made easy. Dr. K. has a soothing style besides great experience. Check out her website for her credentials. Within a few minutes, I was out. Next thing I remember is waking up and I actually felt fine. My wife got my medication during my surgery so when I woke up, we were good to go. My son had 6 hours of baseball games in hot Simi Valley about 26 hours after my surgery. Remarkably, I was able to attend without an issue. I followed the doctor's instructions and recovery has been a breeze. I only feel more foolish at how long it took me to take care of this. Dr. K. has a piece on her website which thoroughly explains why people should have wisdom teeth removal in their 20s. If you are considering Dr. K., I give her my highest recommendation. read more

Dr. Kahenasa just finished placing 2 implants in my mouth. I have had several implants placed already by other oral surgeons. My mouth is very difficult because I have very weak bone secondary to my osteoporosis and years of medications I have had to take. She did extensive grafting and placed the implants. She was so caring every step of the way like I was her own mother. Thanks you Dr. Kahenasa for all your hard work. read more

Dr. Kahenasa is my SAVING GRACE after a tooth extraction went horribly wrong at my local dentist office. I've never had a cavity/filling/anything wrong with my teeth for my whole life (I'm 27), so I was absolutely petrified when one of my molars started hurting. It became more painful and I finally decided to visit the dentist- after 5 years. The dentist informed me that the molar needed to be removed and that they could remove it that day. Needless to say I was both horrified and surprised at how quickly this was going to happen, but I decided that since I was already there I should just get it over with. I explained beforehand how extremely nervous and anxious i was about this but they continued to reassure that all was fine. Completely conscious and with only novocaine he began to extract my tooth. For anyone new to this, it was one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life. The dentist said that it was only to last a total of 30 minutes so after an hour of extreme discomfort and anxiety I became more worried. Finally the dentist informed me that this was something he was unable to accomplish and that I needed to see an oral surgeon immediately. By the grace of god, there happened to be an oral surgeon named Dr. Kahenasa in the same building a few floors down. So I went, with my mouth stuffed with gauze, down to her office. Immediately upon entering, she and her staff made me feel comforted, relaxed, safe, stable and like I knew what was going on. She calmly explained everything that was wrong and how she was going to fix it, and answered all of my questions without making me feel pressured or rushed. After she was satisfied that I was completely comfortable she removed my tooth in a total of 15 minutes. I experienced no pain and was even able to relax during the procedure. After it was over she went over every detail about the recovery process with me and even gave me her personal cell number in case I had any concerns. Her office kindly scheduled follow up appointments and called me that evening to check in and see how I was doing. She exceeded my every expectation and was better than anything I could have imagined. There are no words to describe the professionalism, kindness, patience and genuine care I experienced with her and her office. They are truly exceptional and a cut above the rest. I will definitely be visiting her with any problems I ever experience in the future and ecstatically recommend her practice. I sincerely thank Dr. Kahenasa for gracious care. read more

Yelp needs an option for "LOL star rating system for this person? are you kidding me?!?" Listen, noone ever wants to deal with dental work right? So when you find someone like Nora, you have to spread the word. Dr. K is absolutely the best oral surgeon I've ever encountered. I had a cracked tooth that had deteriorated into a hot mess of decay and funk on tooth #19. Doc explained the situation and her recommendation clearly beforehand, discussed options and the pros/cons of each. The actual procedure was performed flawlessly. Her followup was amazing. Oh and this was all done pretty last minute. Just can't say enough good things about her, wish all medical professionals were as on-point as Dr. K! read more

I am SO happy I found Dr. K! She got me in same day for my excruciatingly painful wisdom tooth. After an efficient and thorough consultation, she got my tooth out painlessly in about 20 minutes (and I even opted for local anesthesia only!). She is friendly, helpful, professional, and so skilled. Her assistant was also fantastic. I was equally impressed by the office staff at West Coast Oral Surgery (where Dr. K was practicing that day). The were so wonderful and very friendly. The insurance expert checked my benefits, and VERY clearly told me my cost...up front, with no surprises. Awesome. read more

Dr. K is one of a kind! I very recently had to part ways with my wisdom teeth. After years of putting the notion of removing them off, I was referred to her. Not only did she and her team do an amazing job, but she gave me the best vibe from the moment I walked through the door. I felt like I was with someone who I could trust and is serious about her work. Thank you! read more

I had four tooth extractions and three tooth implants in addition to jawbone grafting from Dr. K and the long process could not have gone smoother. Dr. K has a wonderful way of putting a psychotic dental chicken like me at ease and she explains everything so clearly that I never had any misunderstanding. I have a nice set of teeth now and feel absolutely no discomfort, not to mention eating and looking much better. Highly recommend. read more

Dr. Nora and her assistant are both caring and wonderful. I had 2 lower wisdom teeth removed and it could not have went better. It was both comfortable and quick. I also am a little frightened of this kind of work, but was quickly put at ease by Dr. Nora's professionalism and calm demeanor. She also let me listen to some Donovan during the procedure. Thank you again Dr. Nora! read more

She is truly one of a kind! I get so nervous and anxious with anything having to do with the dentist, and she is so calm and reassuring, not to mention one of the most skilled oral surgeons in the nation. She is always available if you have a question or a concern, and has the best "bedside" manner. She has removed all of my children's wisdom teeth, and did my implant, and I would never use anyone else! Not only is she top notch at oral surgery-- she is the only doctor EVER to get my iv started in one try. It usually takes 3-4 attempts and I go through several nurses and doctors before they can find the right spot --but with Dr Kahenasa it was done within seconds and I didn't feel a thing. read more

Dr. Nora Kahenasa and I met for a consultation. She was extremely kind and answered all of my questions. While she did not do any work on my teeth, I will keep her in mind should work become necessary. read more

I had my wisdom tooth removed by Dr. Nora in May. It was by far the best dental related experience of my life. First of all, my regular dentist tried to convince me that he should remove it, even though he was qualified and his office was not equipped with the proper tools for the surgery. Luckily I randomly came across Dr. Nora searching online. The procedure was quick, relatively painless, and healed smoothly. Also, the office staff discusses with me the cost and insurance-covered expenses ahead of time, so that I was well aware of the price. Many dentists try to rush you into a procedure and then tell you that its twice as much as you thought AFTER it's done, so you're stuck with the bill. Here, I paid ahead of time, so I was well aware of the, in fact, very low cost and was not surprised by any hidden fees. I think dentistry including oral surgery is a field built on trust. I fully trust Dr. Nora and wish I could find a general dentist office I could trust even half as much as I trust this office. read more

Dr. Nora Kahenasa is the BEST in her field!!! I had a really bad experience with other oral surgeons (three different men) that would set-up appointments for extracting two impacted wisdom teeth on my bottom jaw and then I would show up and they would say they would Not do it because "they did not want to lose their license" yet give me no further explanation. I was so fed up with the run around that I looked up yelp reviews and found Dr. K. She and her staff were EXCELLENT!! She help me understand the details of my wisdom teeth and informed me that both were very close to a nerve and that's why the wd surgeons were worried. She explained in detail the process of the surgery and her staff gave me the cost up front. It was a little costly but my main desire was that I was in the care of a professional oral surgeon that knew what she was doing. Highly Recommend Dr. Kahenasa!!!! read more

What a gem of a dentist! My delta dental insurance I recently acquired through sag gave me some questionable options... I had to have a wisdom tooth extracted and I planned on getting it done as painlessly as possible. I reviewed plenty of dentists that were offered through Delta Dental and narrowed it down to only a couple that people consistantly raved about. Nora was my choice and I am so happy with the outcome. She's as good as they say. read more

I saw Dr. Kahenasa, by sheer luck. I scheduled an appointment through my denists office with the first available surgeon, and she was it. She made me feel comfortable, was very detailed in her explination of what I should expect after surgery, answered all my questions, and followed up with me later that evening to see how I was doing. By far exceeded all of my expectations and I can honestly say that the procedure and recovery hasn't been that bad. read more

The sweetest extremely gentle Nora is the best my dentist referred me to her I feel very lucky that I have met her. such a fantastic surgeon! read more

This is a review posted on behalf of my husband. I want to highly recommend Dr. Kahenasa. I had a tooth extraction by another oral surgeon gone wrong which destroyed part of jaw bone, resulting in a residual bone that is too small for an implant. My dentist referred me to Dr. K because he thought I was going to be a technically challenging case because of how little bone is left for implant. Dr. K is very friendly and accessible. Excellent bedside manner. She explained things in a clearly understandable fashion. As a health professional, I asked her many questions and she answered them to my satisfaction so that I understand what I'm getting myself into and the risk and benefits. My referring dentist thought I needed a block bone graft, which required harvesting a piece of bone from my tibia to graft into the small residual jaw bone. However, Dr. K recommended using a Bio-Oss bone graft, which is a kind of a manufactured bone granules, mixed with bone and blood cells harvested from the patient, to create new bone where augmentation was needed. I was really glad to find out I have the option of Bio-Oss bone graft, and save myself a separate surgery on the tibia. So Dr. K performed the bone graft, and it worked and developed a nice big thick piece of bone upon which an implant could be placed. Next came the dental implant, which is an expensive titanium screw. I did some research and identified the top manufacturers of dental implants, and I was glad to find out Dr. K uses implant from the top manufacturer. When it comes to placing the implant: where to place the screw, where to direct the screw, and how deep to insert the screw, I realized there are couple ways of doing it: 1) some dentists eyeball it, 2) some dentist uses CT image to create a dental mold to guide the screw, and 3) use a real-time CT image guidance system (X-Nav) as the implant is being placed. These methods are listed in increasing orders of precision, and the X-Nav system is what Dr. K, who works in Dr. Moy's office, uses. This is important because if the implant isn't placed correctly, it could cause serious problems. With this precision guidance, I was reassured that the implant would be optimally place with least possible risk of complication. The dental implant surgery went smoothly, and I got my sturdy, strong implant. Since then, one or two Bio-Oss granules loosened a bit and started causing some gum discomfort. This was a potential issue that Dr. K did inform me about upfront. She took me in, opened the gum up, scraped away the granules, and solved the problem. In summary, Dr. K is an excellent oral surgeon who should get 5 stars in the following: technical competence, use of advanced technology (the X-Nav system), use of quality material (Nobel Biocare implants), bedside manner, clinical judgment, and integrity (she stands by her work). Dr. Moy's office and office staff are great too! Lastly, while the price of high quality dental care isn't cheap, I think the value provided is excellent, because this is high quality care. I don't buy Gucci, but he did have a quote saying, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." For something that I use 4-5 times daily for year to come, I'm so glad I went for the quality. read more

I have been terrified of the dentist for as long as I can remember. I have nightmares of teeth cleanings that cause me to wake up in a cold sweat. So when it came to getting my wisdom teeth out, I postponed it until I couldn't eat any more (not recommended). I heard about Dr. Nora from a friend and decided finally to go in for a consultation at UCLA. She is the coolest, yet most professional Dr I have ever come across. I was so comfortable after meeting her that I was ready to do the surgery then and there! When the time came, she did an amazing job, and I didn't even look like a chipmunk!!!! Still scared of teeth cleanings though for some reason... read more

Dr. Kahenasa is great! She walked me through the wisdom teeth removal process and answered my many questions and those from my mom as well. The procedure was very comfortable (I did general anesthesia) and I was given thorough instructions on what to do after I got home. Dr. Kahenasa also followed up with me later in the evening to check how I was doing. I never felt alarmed or hurried to make up my mind on the choices presented to me. Great experience. Would recommend to everyone. Thank you! read more

I went to Dr. K for a dental implant. I was referred to her from my dentist. I was so nervous as this is a big traumatic experience since its a surgery in my mouth. As soon as I met her I felt so much better. She was super sweet and explained everything to me. I was put asleep so I don't even remember anything of the surgery. Afterwards she made sure I was doing well. She called me that night and she even gave me her cell phone to call her if I had any questions or concerns. All in all it was a great experience and am so thankful for her help and expertise. read more

I hadn't been to the Dentist in 20 years, until my tooth chipped randomly one day and I had no choice but to address it. Dr. Nora Kahenasa took a lifetime of fear and bad experiences and had me asleep in her chair during nearly every procedure. Need I say more? It's had to convey in words the level of care and skill she posses but she can give you an injection in gums that you won't even know has happened? Her knowledge and skill complement one another in such a way I was not surprised to find that she teaches at UCLA I only hope she can impart some of what she knows so that others may be so lucky!!! read more

Dr. Kahenasa is one of a kind. I usually dont do reviews, but this lady deserves one. She is absolutely the best. I had an impacted wisdom tooth that I need oral surgery on. I held off the process for a year because I was so terrified of the thought of having surgery, and the dentist in general. I made an appointment for consultation and X-rays and she was nothing but nice, patient, very helpful and informative. She gave me options, made me aware of what would happen in the procedure, and the aftermath. After her explaining everything, I felt so much better and I knew I was in good hands. I had my surgery three days later, and her and her team were exceptional. I was almost brought to tears because they made me feel so comfortable and took great care of me. I also suffer from anxiety, and this wasn't even a problem for them. They catered to me and my special needs.They were all gentle and well over friendly. I love Dr. Kahenasa. It is day two of my recovery, and besides being hungry I am doing great. She even gave me her cellphone number to text if I had any questions. I did, and she replied very quickly. Professionals like her are very much appreciated. She is AMAZING and an overall kind person and i recommend her. Thanks to her, I am no longer afraid of the dentist. Words cannot express how grateful I am for her. read more

Dr Nora did an excellent job with the extraction of 2 wisdom teeth and one infected. First she explain the whole procedure, the team was very friendly and did an fast and excellent job. I had no pain until the 3rd day it was very mild. read more

I brought my 5 year old daughter here for extraction of an extra tooth. Needless to say, I was very nervous about my daughter's first oral surgery esp with needing anesthesia at such a young age. But, Dr. Kahenasa did a perfect job and my daughter felt no pain and had no complications afterwards. Dr. Kahenasa was also very sweet and friendly to my daughter which left her with a good impression of dentists. read more

Dr. Nora is the best Doctor I have ever had!!! I went in to remove my wisdom teeth and I was a bit apprehensive to say the least. She gave me the shots and I didn't even feel it. next thing I knew I was waking up and I was in a funny good mood. Joking with the Dr. and the staff. I was expecting a bit of discomfort afterwards, but I had none. I was fine. Before my procedure, Dr. Nora explained everything to me and answered all my questions. I was confident that she would have everything under control. She has a really effective manner in all that she does and I am constantly raving about her to anyone that is looking for an oral surgeon on the west side. If only every doctor was as good as Dr. Nora. Thanks again Doctor!!! read more