If you have dental anxiety, you aren’t alone. Millions of patients would rather be somewhere else than in their dentist’s chair. However, you deserve to get the treatment you need, so sedation dentistry is an option that many people elect to get. It helps you relax while you get the oral care you need, but will insurance pay a portion of it? Here’s a bit more about dental sedation and whether it’s covered.
What Is Sedation Dentistry Exactly?
Sedation dentistry might seem like a new world if you haven’t heard of it before, so it’s important to learn about it first. In short, it’s a medication that you’ll take that will help you relax. There are several different versions of it, such as laughing gas, a pill, or an IV. They all range from mild calming effects to deeper ones. They help you get the care you need without feeling overwhelmed.
So, Do Dental Insurances Cover Sedation Dentistry?
That being said, sedation isn’t generally covered by most dental insurances or standard plans. You can still get it, but you should expect to have to pay for it out of pocket. However, there are certain exceptions you should know. These may make you eligible for some coverage:
- You have severe dental anxiety that causes your treatment to be delayed.
- You have a medical condition that makes it harder to get the treatment you need without sedation.
- You need a complex procedure that would be difficult to get without it.
It’s important you familiarize yourself with your benefits and partner with your dentist’s front desk team. Knowing more about your plan can help you learn about what you should expect, as every person’s insurance may be different.
How Can I Make Sedation Dentistry More Affordable?
Since you may not get coverage for sedation dentistry, there are ways you can make it more affordable through your dental office! Many partner with third-party financiers, such as CareCredit, Proceed, Alpheon, and Lending Club. These can let you break up the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments, oftentimes with little to no interest.
Another option is that your dentist may have an in-house membership plan. These can give you discounts on other treatments and are a great choice for patients without dental insurance in general.
In the end, sedation dentistry is a great choice for those who are a bit more anxious about getting the oral healthcare they need. Whether you get coverage or not, it can be what you need to feel comfortable while sitting in the chair and getting a strong smile that is problem-free.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dentistry. He has over 25 years of experience that he uses to give the Tucson community the highest-quality care they deserve. While you may be nervous about coming to the dentist, Dr. Lopez is happy to offer dental sedation to help make your visit stress-free. If you want to learn more about how he can use it for your treatments, schedule an appointment or call his office at (520) 886-8090.