Sedation dentistry has the potential to transform your oral healthcare experience by calming fears and facilitating stress-free procedures. However, as a budget-conscious individual, you may wish to understand the cost implications of sedation dentistry before making a commitment. The price can vary depending on the specifics of each case, but it is generally affordable. Continue reading this blog post to learn more about how sedation might affect the cost of your care.
Types of Sedation
“Sedation dentistry” encompasses various techniques that dentists use to help their patients stay calm and comfortable.
One common form of sedation is nitrous oxide, a gas administered through a special nasal mask. It induces a relaxed, happy state almost immediately and is suitable for most patients. Due to its mild nature and relatively simple administration method, it tends to be the most affordable type of sedation, often costing a few hundred dollars or so.
Oral conscious sedation is another widely used method. All you have to do is swallow a prescription pill before your treatment. The cost of this type of sedation depends on the specific medication used and the dosage. In most cases, though, it is affordable, usually costing just a bit more than nitrous oxide.
IV sedation, which involves administering sedative directly into the patient’s bloodstream, is more complex and has a higher cost than nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
To get specific pricing information about sedation, ask your local dental team for a cost estimate.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation?
In most instances, dental insurance does not cover sedation because it is classified as an elective component of treatment. Nonetheless, there are exceptions. If sedation is deemed medically necessary, it might receive partial coverage. This could apply in cases where particularly extensive care is required. If you believe your insurance might cover sedation in your case, it is advisable to seek preauthorization before undergoing the procedure.
You should also be sure to ask your dental team for assistance. Even if they are not in-network with your insurance, they may still be willing to help you understand your benefits and file claims.
Is Sedation Worth It?
Since most dental procedures do not absolutely require sedation, it is reasonable to question whether it is worth the additional expense. For many individuals, the answer is yes! In fact, sedation may help save money in the long term by giving you the confidence to undergo treatment that you might otherwise delay. Unfortunately, postponing care can cause dental problems to become worse, leading to the need for more expensive procedures.
Sedation may increase the cost of your next dental procedure, but it can be a smart use of funds!
Meet the Practice
At Capital Smiles, we offer multiple types of sedation. We understand that patients are concerned about costs, so we are happy to file insurance claims as a courtesy. We also offer a 10% discount for military and seniors. Additionally, most patients are eligible for low-interest financing through CareCredit. To learn more about us and our payment policies, get in touch with our Schenectady office at 518-374-0317.