Is the potential cost of dental sedation holding you back from requesting it for your next appointment? That’s perfectly understandable. While dental sedation is a fantastic resource for anxious patients, the price of this service isn’t always straightforward. Many patients worry that adding dental sedation to their treatment expenses will strain their budgets.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that the costs can’t be explained! Here’s a breakdown of the important details.
Factors That Can Impact Dental Sedation Costs
A couple of different factors can influence the final cost of dental sedation. Don’t worry – farther below you’ll find a range of prices to help give you a more specific idea of what you might spend. For now, you should know that:
- Different types of sedation require more training than others to administer and are therefore more or less expensive.
- The length of treatment impacts some forms of dental sedation – IV sedation, for instance, is typically charged by the hour.
- Dental insurance does cover dental sedation in certain circumstances.
- You may be able to break your costs down into a monthly payment plan through third-party financiers like CareCredit.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Sedation?
It depends. Some policies offer partial coverage for one or more types of dental sedation. Others only provide coverage if the treatment is considered “complex” or if the patient has a physical or mental condition that would make treatment almost impossible otherwise. Your dentist or your dental insurance provider can help you determine whether you’ll receive coverage.
As a helpful side-note, it’s also a good idea to request documentation from your dentist or PCP so you can strengthen your claim if necessary.
Average Cost of “The Big 3”
There are many types of dental sedation, but the three most common methods are nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious (prescription pill), and IV (intravenous) sedation. Here’s how their costs compare on average:
- Nitrous Oxide: $25 – $100 per visit
- Oral Conscious: $150 – $500 per visit
- IV Sedation: $500 – $1,500 per visit
As you can see, the range can be quite dramatic. Generally speaking, though nitrous oxide is the least expensive (and also produces the mildest effects), while IV sedation is on the higher end of the spectrum (and also produces the strongest effects).
The type that will work best for you ultimately depends on your unique situation. That said, many patients who’s primary concern is anxiety do well under nitrous oxide sedation.
At the end of the day, dental sedation can be quite affordable, especially with resources like CareCredit and dental insurance. If you’re afraid of the dentist or have another circumstance that makes it difficult to comfortably receive dental care, don’t automatically assume that dental sedation is out of your price-range. It could very well improve your treatment experience without breaking the bank!
About the Practice
Our caring and compassionate team of specialists at Blue Coast Dental Group are happy to provide dental sedation for patients who need it. We can also help make treatment costs more affordable through CareCredit financing and are in-network with many dental insurance companies. To learn more about your options or book an appointment, contact our office at 310-424-3100.