We’ve all been there, that moment when you think about booking a dental appointment, and your stomach drops. Whatever the reason, dental anxiety is real, and it keeps millions of people from getting the care their smiles genuinely need.
But, while you’re putting off that appointment, small problems are quietly becoming bigger ones. Sedation dentistry exists precisely to break that cycle. And at Spokane Family Smiles, both IV and oral sedation options are available to make your dental experience genuinely comfortable. Let’s see how!
The short summary:
- Dental anxiety affects a significant portion of the population and is a leading cause of missed dental care.
- IV sedation allows multiple procedures to be completed in a single appointment, saving you time and reducing the number of visits.
- Sedation dentistry is safer and less invasive than general anesthesia, and you remain conscious throughout.
- Dr. Shumway is specifically licensed and trained in IV and oral sedation; you’ll be in safe hands!
What time is it? Time to go to the dentist!
Dental avoidance has measurable consequences. When fear drives decision-making, your health pays the price. Tooth decay advances silently, gum disease progresses without symptoms until it’s serious, and cosmetic concerns that could have been addressed years ago become more complex and expensive to fix.
Dental anxiety often worsens when treatment is delayed, because more complex procedures become necessary. Sedation dentistry actually helps you avoid more invasive treatment down the road by making early, routine care accessible.
But you know what? You don’t have to white-knuckle it through an appointment or keep postponing indefinitely. Sedation dentistry offers a peaceful path forward.
So, what is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s not the same as general anesthesia; you remain conscious and can still respond to your dentist. What changes is your level of awareness, anxiety, and sensitivity to discomfort.
At Spokane Family Smiles, we offer two sedation options:
Oral sedation
Oral sedation is taken as a pill approximately 45 minutes before your appointment begins. As it takes effect, you’ll feel calm and drowsy; some patients even fall asleep during treatment, though they can still be gently roused if needed. It’s a particularly good option for patients who experience a severe gag reflex, as the relaxed state helps manage that response effectively.
Oral sedation is a great fit if you:
- Experience moderate dental anxiety
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Want a low-maintenance sedation option without needles
- Are undergoing a routine to moderately complex procedure
IV sedation (IV moderate conscious sedation)
IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream and calibrated to your specific treatment needs. It works faster and produces a deeper state of relaxation than oral sedation. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward, which, for many anxious patients, is the single most reassuring thing they can hear.
Because IV sedation allows the dental team to work more efficiently, it also opens the door to completing multiple procedures in a single visit, dramatically reducing the number of appointments you need overall.
IV sedation is especially beneficial if you:
- Have severe dental anxiety or dental phobia
- Need multiple procedures done
- Are undergoing complex treatments like dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, or root canals
- Want minimal post-procedure memory of the experience
- Are looking for something safer and less invasive than general anesthesia
Not every dentist can offer this
While nearly any dentist can administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), only dentists who are specifically licensed and trained in sedation dentistry can perform IV and oral sedation.
Dr. Shumway at Spokane Family Smiles holds that license. He has invested in the training and certification required to offer these options safely and effectively. This is not a small thing! When you’re placing your comfort and care in someone’s hands, you want to know they’re qualified to handle it completely.
“I’m extremely pleased to be one of the few Spokane Valley sedation dentists offering IV and oral sedation. Providing a comfortable experience is core to my philosophy.”
— Dr. Shumway, Spokane Family Smiles
What treatments can sedation be used for?
Sedation dentistry isn’t limited to complex surgical procedures; it can be administered alongside virtually any dental treatment. That said, they’re most commonly used for:
- Root canals — one of the most anxiety-inducing procedures for patients
- Dental implants — a multi-step process that benefits greatly from deep relaxation
- Wisdom tooth removal — often involving surgical extraction
- Tooth extractions — including difficult or impacted cases
- And multiple procedures in a single visit
Even patients who need routine work but have significant anxiety can benefit from sedation. If anxiety is keeping you from care, that’s reason enough.
Don’t let another year go by!
Dental anxiety has already cost you enough. Time, comfort, confidence, and in some cases, the health of your teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry is a practical, proven way to finally get the care you’ve been putting off without the fear that’s been holding you back.
Will you let anxiety make decisions for you?
Our team at Spokane Family Smiles is ready to walk you through your sedation options, answer every question, and create a plan that works for your specific needs and concerns. You don’t have to be brave. You just have to make the call.
Request your appointment online or call us at (509) 928-3363 today!