Dental anxiety can make even a routine appointment feel difficult. For some patients, sedation dentistry can make treatment feel more manageable by helping reduce anxiety and improve comfort during a visit. At Spokane Family Smiles, Dr. Scott Shumway and our team take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you’ve delayed dental care because of nervousness, need treatment for a painful tooth, or simply want to feel more comfortable during an appointment, we’ll help you understand what to expect before treatment begins.
A Comfortable, Low-Stress Dental Experience
Feeling comfortable at the dentist starts before treatment begins. Our team works to make appointments straightforward and welcoming, from scheduling your visit to explaining the next steps in your care.
Patients can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, music, and TVs while waiting. More importantly, our team takes time to listen to your concerns. If dental treatment makes you anxious, tell us. Understanding what worries you helps us discuss comfort measures and sedation options that may be appropriate for your visit.
We also explain what will happen during treatment so there are fewer surprises. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to approach dental care with confidence.
Dental Care Planned Around Your Needs
Every patient has different concerns, priorities, and treatment needs. Some people are most worried about discomfort. Others have limited time for appointments or have avoided care because of anxiety.
Dr. Scott Shumway evaluates your oral health and discusses treatment options with you before moving forward. Diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays, an intraoral camera, and panoramic X-rays can help the dental team examine areas that may not be visible during a standard clinical exam.
When treatment is recommended, the goal is to explain your options clearly and help you understand the next steps. Depending on your needs, care may include preventive services or restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. Root canal treatment may be referred when appropriate.
Sedation Options at Spokane Family Smiles
Sedation dentistry is designed to help patients who may have difficulty feeling relaxed during dental treatment. The right option depends on the procedure, your level of anxiety, your medical history, and other individual considerations.
Spokane Family Smiles offers several comfort and sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose during treatment. The level can be adjusted during the appointment, making it an option that may help patients with mild dental anxiety feel more relaxed.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication as directed before dental treatment. Because the effects can be stronger and may last beyond the appointment, patients receiving oral sedation should follow all preparation and transportation instructions provided by the dental team.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is another option for patients who may need a deeper level of relaxation during dental care. Before IV sedation, the dental team reviews your health history, current medications, and other factors that may affect your treatment plan.
Not every form of sedation is appropriate for every patient. A health-history review and clinical evaluation help determine which approach may be suitable for your individual needs.
What to Expect Before and During Sedation
Knowing what will happen before your appointment can help reduce uncertainty.
Before treatment, our team provides preparation instructions based on the type of sedation being used. You may be asked about medical conditions, allergies, current medications, and previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia.
When oral or IV sedation is planned, you may also need a responsible adult to provide transportation after the appointment. Follow the instructions you receive from the dental team carefully, since preparation and recovery requirements can differ depending on the type of sedation and treatment.
During the appointment, the team monitors your comfort and response while dental care is performed. If you have questions or concerns before treatment begins, ask them. Sedation should be part of a clearly explained care plan rather than something you feel uncertain about.
For your appointment, it may be helpful to bring:
- A current list of medications and allergies
- A responsible adult to drive you home when required
- Comfortable clothing
- Any personal comfort item that helps you feel more at ease
What Happens After Sedation?
Recovery instructions depend on the sedation method used and the dental treatment you received.
After your appointment, the team will provide instructions for the rest of the day and explain any follow-up care that may be needed. Patients who receive stronger sedation may need additional time to recover and should follow all restrictions related to driving, activity, eating, drinking, or medication.
If a follow-up appointment is recommended, it provides the dental team with an opportunity to assess healing, evaluate treatment, or proceed to the next stage of care.
Routine dental visits and checkups can also help identify concerns earlier and reduce the chance that minor problems become more complicated.
Who May Consider Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry may be worth discussing if anxiety or discomfort has made dental treatment difficult for you in the past. It can also be considered when a patient is concerned about an upcoming procedure or has trouble remaining comfortable during treatment.
Suitability depends on the individual. Your health history, medications, treatment needs, and the type of sedation being considered all matter. A conversation with the dental team is the best way to determine which comfort options may be appropriate for your situation.
Talk With a Sedation Dentist in Spokane Valley
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you need, Spokane Family Smiles can help you understand your comfort options. Dr. Scott Shumway and our team can discuss nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation as part of your treatment planning and explain what to expect before, during, and after your visit.
Visit Spokane Family Smiles to learn more about the practice, or contact the office to schedule a visit and discuss whether sedation dentistry may be appropriate for you.