Spokane Valley Sedation Dentist

The best way to find comfort at the dentist

All the treatments you need without the fear of anxiety or pain

Scared of the dentist? You’re not alone. Many patients experience dental anxiety, causing them to ignore oral health issues.

At Spokane Family Smiles, we’re proud to offer both IV and oral sedation to provide our patients with a comfortable experience throughout the treatment process. All of our sedation dentistry options are excellent ways to reduce anxiety and pain, allowing you to get the treatment you need in comfort.

How can oral and IV sedation dentistry help you?

  • More convenient than general anesthesia
  • Removes stress and anxiety from the treatment process
  • Leads to an easier and more efficient treatment

Sedation options make dentistry more comfortable

“I’m extremely pleased to be one of the few Spokane Valley sedation dentists offering both in-office IV sedation and oral sedation. Providing a comfortable and supportive experience is a core tenant of our practice philosophy, and offering sedation dentistry is a critical aspect of creating this environment.”

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Sedation dentistry options at Spokane Family Smiles

Oral Sedation

Taken as a pill, oral sedation is an excellent option for calming anxiety and reducing pain during treatment. Much like IV sedation, you will stay conscious but feel calm and drowsy during your appointment. Some patients might even fall asleep during treatment. Oral sedation is also a great option for those patients with a severe gag reflex.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is calibrated to your exact treatment needs. IV sedation offers a quicker and deeper level of sedation compared to oral sedation. You will have little to no memory of the procedure. IV sedation also allows us to complete multiple treatments at once and results in less postoperative discomfort, leading to fewer appointments and a better experience. Specifically called IV moderate conscious sedation, it is considered less invasive, safer, and much more convenient than general anesthesia.

Common sedation dentistry questions

Will I feel any discomfort during oral or IV sedation?

While you will be conscious during treatment, you will not feel a thing. Afterwards, you may feel some level of discomfort, though it will likely be less than after other forms of sedation.

Can all dentists perform IV and oral sedation?

While most dentists can administer nitrous oxide, only dentists specifically trained and licensed in sedation dentistry can perform IV and oral sedation. Dr. Shumway is proud to be licensed and trained on all aspects of IV and oral sedation.

What treatments is sedation dentistry used for?

Both oral and IV sedation can be administered for any treatment, though it’s most commonly used in conjunction with advanced treatments such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom tooth removal.

How long does oral sedation take to work?

You will begin to feel the effects of oral sedation around 45 minutes after consumption. We will not begin treatment until you are relaxed.

Smile Care Dental Savings Plan

A great option for those without dental insurance! Our dental savings plan is designed to help you and your family save significantly on preventive and restorative services.

Spokane Valley dentist and team at Spokane Family Smiles

Membership includes cleanings, exams, and routine x-rays, as well as significantly reduced fees for restorative and surgical procedures.


Benefits of membership run for 12 months.


No deductibles, waiting periods, annual maximums, or denial of claims.

We accept most insurance plans

Unsure if we accept your plan? Reach out to our team! We’ll help you determine coverage so you can make the right financial decision for your family. Please note that we do not accept Washington Apple Health.

For those without insurance, we offer several payment options, including CareCredit and our office savings program.

 

Partner with a Spokane Valley dentist who is always on your team