Is Sedation Dentistry Expensive?

Sedation dentistry has been around for decades, safely helping patients feel more relaxed while getting the dental care they need. However, many patients are concerned about its cost. Is investing in dental sedation worth the price? How much can you expect to pay for the different types of sedation? Don’t let these questions keep you from taking care of your smile! Read on as we go over some of the most important information about the cost of sedation dentistry.

Types of Dental Sedation & Their Cost

How much sedation dentistry will cost you will depend on a few different factors, including your dental team, how much sedation you need, and how long your procedure will be. Different types of dental sedation come at different price points as well:

• Nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation: These options are often viewed as “lighter” forms of dental sedation and are thus typically less expensive. Nitrous oxide can cost anywhere from $50-$200, while oral conscious sedation may cost $100-$250.
• IV dental sedation: IV sedation is more powerful that nitrous and oral conscious sedation, achieving a much deeper state of relaxation. It typically costs much more, and is often charged per the hour instead of via a flat fee. In many cases, it can cost upwards of $1,000.

Does Dental insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?

This can be a tricky question since dental insurance coverage can vary so widely between policies. In general, dental insurance companies view sedation as a “luxury” and do not cover it. However, sometimes it may receive partial coverage, especially when paired with certain dental treatments like tooth extractions or root canal therapy. Thankfully, even if you are uninsured or don’t have coverage for sedation dentistry, many practices offer financing options to help break up the cost of your sedation and make it more affordable.

Sedation Dentistry Isn’t Expensive Compared to Neglect

Choosing to save some money by skipping sedation dentistry and your dental care may seem like a tempting way to cut costs, but in the end, you’ll likely pay much more. Visiting your dentist regularly and having small problems like cavities treated right away is key for preventing those issues from becoming much more serious and expensive. For example, untreated cavities can lead to serious dental infections, and tartar buildup on your teeth puts you at a higher risk of gum disease and therefore tooth loss. If investing in sedation dentistry is what ensures you get the routine dental care you need, then it is well worth the price!

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, we do everything we can to make caring for your smile an easy, relaxing, and affordable experience. Our team of highly trained and experienced dentists offer a wide range of services, including dental sedation, and we’re proud to be open seven days a week. We offer numerous ways to help make oral healthcare more affordable by accepting most dental insurances, offering flexible financing, providing our own in-house membership, featuring special offers and promotions, and more. To see just how affordable your treatment with sedation dentistry can be, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (631) 581-8600.