If you are a little nervous about undergoing dental treatments, you may want to be sedated during your next procedure. Still, you might hesitate if you are on a tight budget. How much does sedation dentistry cost? Is it worth the price? This blog post provides some insight into the financial side of dental sedation.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The only way to get a firm idea of how much sedation will cost is to talk to your dental team. Different practices have different pricing structures, so the price of sedation can vary wildly. Here are some factors that can affect its cost:
- The type of sedation. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious may cost a few hundred dollars. IV sedation tends to have a significantly higher price.
- The length of your procedure. The length of your procedure will affect the amount of sedative required to keep you comfortable. Hence, more extensive treatments come with higher sedation fees.
- Your insurance coverage. In most cases, insurance companies classify sedation as a purely elective service, so they do not cover it. However, there are some exceptions. For example, your insurance might help if you need a particularly invasive procedure. Policies are more likely to cover nitrous oxide than other forms of sedation.
Is Sedation Dentistry Worth the Cost?
Sedation can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your dental care, so you might wonder if it is worth it. For many patients, it is a smart use of money because:
- Sedation creates a comfortable experience. Dental phobia, certain medical conditions, and other circumstances might make treatment extremely unpleasant for you if you are not sedated. Sedation can spare you from anxiety and greatly reduce your physical discomfort.
- Sedation can enable you to undergo treatment. Some individuals dislike dental treatment to the point where they postpone or even avoid necessary care. Sedation can allow you to get the treatments you need in a timely manner.
- Sedation might help you save money. If fear of the dentist causes you to delay treatment for too long, your oral health problems will become worse, making them more expensive to treat. Sedation can allow you to receive care while things like decay and gum disease are still in their relatively early stages.
Of course, sedation is not right for everyone. If you are concerned about finances and do not have any serious obstacles to receiving dental treatment, forgoing sedation may be the best choice for your circumstances.
Sedation dentistry can increase the cost of your oral healthcare, but it can be a worthwhile investment in your comfort and in your smile’s well-being!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page offers comprehensive dental care in a comfortable environment. Multiple forms of sedation are available in our office. If you need help to pay for your care, ask us how you can apply for low-interest financing. Reach out to our friendly team at 518-374-0317.