How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

December 29, 2024

Close-up portrait of smiling, relaxed dental patient

Sedation dentistry can change your oral healthcare experience. It can help to calm fears and allow you to have easy, stress-free procedures. But as a budget-conscious individual, you might want to know how much sedation dentistry costs before you commit to it. Its price can vary depending on the details of each case, but it is usually affordable! This blog post delves into how sedation might affect the financial aspect of your care.

Types of Sedation

“Sedation dentistry” is an umbrella term that can apply to several different relaxation techniques that dentists use to keep their patients calm and comfortable.

One of the most common types of sedation is nitrous oxide, a gas that you inhale through a special nasal mask. Almost instantly, it produces a relaxed, giddy feeling. It can be used continuously throughout procedures. It is usually the most affordable type of sedation, often costing just a few hundred dollars.

Oral conscious sedation is another popular option. You simply swallow a prescription pill before your treatment, and it helps you stay relaxed. Oral conscious sedation is also not too expensive, often costing just a few hundred dollars.

The best way to find out how much sedation will cost for you is to request an estimate from your dental team.

Does Insurance Cover Sedation?

In most cases, dental insurance does not cover sedation because it is classified as an elective part of treatment. However, there are some exceptions. If sedation is deemed medically necessary, it might be partially covered. This may be true in cases where particularly extensive care is required.

If you think your insurance might cover sedation in your unique case, it would be best to seek preauthorization before your procedure.

Is Sedation Worth It?

Most dental procedures can be performed without sedation. So, then, it is natural to wonder if sedation is really worth it. For many people, the answer is yes! In fact, sedation might actually help you save money in the long run. It may allow you to undergo treatment in a timely manner, before dental health issues become more severe (and much more expensive) to treat.

Sedation has other benefits as well. For example, it can make your treatment faster and more efficient, dull an oversensitive gag reflex, help you remain comfortable despite various physical conditions, and more.

Sedation can add to the total cost of your dental care, but it is a valuable provision! Ask your dental team to learn more about its price and its benefits.

Meet the Practice

At Sharp Smiles Modern Dentistry and Implants, Dr. Kyle Sharp and our team are proud to offer a broad range of treatments. We also provide both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Our team charges reasonable fees, and we have provisions in place to make treatment more affordable, such as financing and our in-house membership plan. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our Fort Smith office at 479-648-9988.