If you find that even routine checkups and cleanings at the dentist leave you feeling stressed and anxious, your dentist might use a form of sedation to keep you relaxed. This is an excellent option for patients suffering from a dental phobia, but how much can you expect to pay for it? Here’s what you need to know about the average cost of sedation in Sapulpa.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost on Average?
The fees for sedation dentistry will vary from practice to practice, but they generally depend on the type and level of sedation. Patients usually pay around $150 to $250 for mild sedation. Deeper forms of sedation may cost about $500 an hour or more. Nitrous oxide tends to be less costly than oral sedation or IV sedation. Of course, your sedation dentist in Sapulpa will have their own rates; you should call them ahead of time to find out the exact cost of a particular treatment.
Will Insurance Cover Sedation?
Most of the time, you can’t expect sedation to be covered by dental insurance since it’s considered a luxury (like teeth whitening or dental implants). However, you could receive benefits if you have a medical condition or a disability that makes it impossible for you to receive regular dental care without using sedation. You might also be covered if you’ve been diagnosed with a severe dental phobia. Finally, many plans will pay for general anesthesia if it’s medically necessary for you to be unconscious during a procedure. Of course, you should check with your dentist and your policy provider before undergoing treatment.
Keep in mind that your dental insurance policy has an annual maximum for how much they’ll cover each year. You’ll need to factor in the cost of sedation dentistry along with the price for the treatment itself.
Is Sedation Dentistry Worth It?
For many patients, the additional fees for sedation dentistry are well worth the benefits. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist for years out of fear or anxiety, your oral health could suffer; unchecked cavities and gum disease could develop into severe issues, resulting in tooth loss or worse. Sedation can help you feel comfortable scheduling your regular checkups and cleanings again, ensuring that your teeth and gums are treated before any problems become too severe. In the long run, this could help you avoid other costly dental procedures such as extractions. This means that for those with dental phobias, sedation dentistry can be a worthwhile investment that ultimately saves money as well as your smile.
Talk to your dentist in Sapulpa about the types of sedation dentistry available at their practice and discuss which one would be best for your level of anxiety. Take the necessary steps to make those biannual checkups as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Parnam Mohanna has been practicing dentistry for over 26 years. He’s completed advanced training in a variety of continuing education courses that covered a variety of topics, including sedation dentistry. He strives to provide a friendly and stress-free environment for all his patients. If you have questions about sedation dentistry or want to make an appointment at his practice, Complete Cosmetic Care Dentistry, visit his website or call (918) 216-1000.