Do your palms sweat when it’s time to visit your dentist? Maybe you need dental work? No matter the reason, sedation dentistry can ensure a comfortable and pain-free day in the dentist’s chair. Although it will add to the expense of your dental visit, it’s money well-spent to help you achieve optimal oral health. Every situation differs, but here’s how much you can expect to pay for sedation dentistry.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Sedation
There’s no flat fee for dental sedation because many factors influence the cost, like:
Type of Sedation
You have multiple options to choose from, depending on your needs, like:
- Oral Conscious: Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed medication taken before your appointment, so you’ll need a friend or loved one to drive you to and from the office. It will calm your anxiety and keep you comfortable, allowing your dentist to perform any necessary procedures quickly. It can make you drowsy, so you might drift off to sleep, but you can be awakened easily to respond to your dentist’s instructions. It can be used along with a local numbing agent to block any pain.
- Nitrous Oxide: Better known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is the safest solution for most patients. It is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose and takes effect quickly. Your body may feel heavy or tingly, and you might get a slight case of the giggles. After the mask is taken off, you’ll feel normal within a few minutes, so you can drive yourself home from your appointment.
Amount Required
The amount of sedation required will also influence the cost. Nitrous oxide provides your dentist with greater control over the amount delivered to cater to your exact needs. However, oral conscious sedation can be the better option for patients needing dental work or suffering from severe anxiety.
Dental Insurance
Depending on your situation, your dental insurance may cover some of the expenses. Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket.
Keeping Dental Sedation Affordable
Your financial situation shouldn’t stand in the way of receiving the comfortable care you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Besides using your dental insurance, many dentists accept various payment methods to keep services affordable, like third-party financing. Based on your credit approval, you can pay for sedation dentistry using monthly installments. They will help you find the solutions you need to enjoy your time in the dentist’s chair without draining your wallet.
About Dr. Kevin Labosky
Dr. Labosky earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in many specialties, including sedation dentistry. He is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Request an appointment through our website or call (814) 364-4799.
