Do you get sick at the thought of going to the dentist? You are not alone. Many people typically steer clear of visiting the dentist due to nervousness. If your fear of the dentist makes visiting the office nearly impossible for you, sedation dentistry may be the answer. Sedation dentistry costs helps you feel at ease, composed, and comfortable while having dental work done.
You are technically awake, but you are also very relaxed due to the modest level of sedation. It’s also called to as “twilight sleep” or conscious sedation dentistry since it briefly creates an amnesic (forgetful) state during which you become less sensitive to pain without losing consciousness. But how much does sedation for the dentist cost?
Cost Factors for Sedation Dentistry
The only way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of sedation is to speak with your dental team. Due to the different pricing structures adopted by different practices, the price of sedation might vary widely. These factors may affect its price:
The sedative technique
Using nitrous oxide and oral conscious can cost several hundred dollars. IV sedation generally costs a lot more money.
The length of your procedure
Depending on how long the procedure takes, the amount of sedative you need to stay comfortable changes. As a result, sedating patients for such treatments costs more.
Your policy’s protection
Insurance companies often don’t pay sedation since they see it as purely voluntary treatment. However, there are a few outliers. Your insurance, for instance, might be useful if you need a particularly invasive operation. Compared to other forms of sedation, nitrous oxide is more likely to be covered by insurance.
Types of dental sedation
The expense of making sure you’re comfortable in the dental chair varies depending on the type of sedation you’re receiving.
Nitrous oxide
The least intense form of sedation used in dentistry is nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas.” You breathe in an odorless, invisible gas through a mask placed over your nose. You will be very calm yet still aware throughout the entire therapy.
Oral conscious sedation
If you have mild dental anxiety, take the prescribed medication an hour prior to your appointment. You’ll still be awake, but this time you’ll feel relaxed and most likely have no idea where you are.
IV sedation
Some dentists have the ability to inject a strong sedative right into your blood. Even though IV sedation isn’t meant to make you unconscious, you can feel so relaxed that you nod off for a moment.
General anesthesia
A general anesthesia will render you completely unconscious. Patients who have problems staying stationary for long periods of time benefit greatly from this treatment. Checking the sedation dentistry costs for each procedure helps in making informed decisions
SEDATONTICS: Is it worth the price?
Given that sedation can push up the cost of your dental care by hundreds of dollars, you might wonder if it’s worth it. For many people, it is a sensible economical choice because:
The experience is more comfortable by sedation
If you are not sedated, your dental anxiety, certain medical conditions, and other factors may make treatment extremely unpleasant for you. You can avoid anxiety with sedation, which also significantly lessens pain.
You may be able to receive therapy with sedation
Some people defer or even ignore necessary dental care because they find it unpleasant. You may be able to receive the necessary therapies quickly with sedation.
Saving you money
Your dental health issues will worsen and become more expensive to treat if you put off treatment for too long out of fear of the dentist. When conditions like tooth decay and gum disease are still in their relatively early stages, sedation can help you receive care.
