Sedation Dentistry 101: FAQs

For a lot of people, stepping into a dentist's chair is an alarming, anxiety-inducing experience. Unfortunately, this fear of dental procedures can cause so much anxiety that people skip the treatments they really need to keep their mouth and smile healthy. Thankfully, sedation dentistry is a potential solution. Sedation dentistry involves administering medications to induce a slight or moderate sedated state before the procedure begins. If this sounds like something that could help you get the dental treatment you need, you are bound to have a few questions. 

How much does it cost to be sedated for a dental procedure?

The price you pay to be sedated for your dental procedure will depend on the type of sedation used. Light sedation can involve the dentist administering only a mild sedative before they begin working and is not all that expensive with costs ranging from $150 to $500. Moderate or deep sedation may involve you being completely asleep during the procedure. If you go for moderate or deep sedation, you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $700, according to CostHelper.com. Of course, prices can range according to the dentist, what type of procedure is performed, and how long you must be sedated. 

Does insurance cover the costs of sedation dentistry?

Whether or not your insurance will cover sedation dentistry will depend on a few factors. Most dental insurance plans cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary, which explains why most forms of coverage do not cover cosmetic procedures. Sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as a luxury treatment option that is not a requirement. Plus, a lot of dental insurance plans only cover a certain level of expenses. Therefore, if you opt for a sedated procedure, even if your insurance does cover the procedure, it can mean other services that are must-haves may not be covered through the year. 

Where do you have to go for sedation dentistry?

A lot of regular dentists now offer sedation dentistry right in their office. They will either be trained to administer medications for sedation themselves, or they will have an in-office anesthesiologist who administers the medications. In some locations, it will be required that you go to a hospital for sedated treatments, but only if you are opting for deep sedation in which you will be completely put to sleep. The reason for this is heavy sedation can bring about some medical risks, so you must be closely monitored through the procedure.