How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
Types
Once you and the dentist determine that sedation dentistry dumfries va is ideal to help your fear and discomfort, you will need to determine which of the four types of sedation is best in your individual case. First, you will need to decide if you have anxiety that can be controlled while conscious through oral sedatives, nitrous oxide inhalation or intravenous sedation. Otherwise, you can turn to unconscious sedation to ensure that your smile does not suffer from your inability to receive necessary dental treatment. The four types sedation used by dentists are:
- Oral sedatives: Prescribed medications in the benzodiazepine family are taken an hour or so before the appointment to control anxiety levels. As these sedatives are not pain relievers, the dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during the appointment.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation: These sedatives are also not pain relievers, so the dentist may include a pain-relieving medication in the IV or introduced locally. At the start of the appointment, the dentist will start an IV in your hand or arm and start the procedures when you have started to relax.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: You may know this form of sedation as laughing gas, but the dentist will use a mask to provide you with relief from anxiety. Again, your pain will need to be addressed with a local anesthetic or medication depending on the procedure.
- General Anesthesia: This kind of sedation is the same kind that is used during other surgeries, so you will not need any other medication to help with pain. You will be completely unconscious allowing the dentist to perform multiple or difficult procedures with your discomfort.
Cost
The major factors that affect the total cost of sedation are determined by your insurance policy and its coverage, your geographic location and the dentist. The price can vary from hundreds of dollars to over a thousand based on the type of sedation used for your treatment. Oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are the most common type of sedation used and the average price ranges from $225 to $300. The price of the sedative does not include the cost of the procedure being performed during the appointment. IV sedation and general anesthesia are less common in dentistry as they include more risks; they are also more expensive as they are administered by a dental anesthesiologist. These professionals bill hourly, so the cost will vary from professional to professional and appointment to appointment depending on the procedures completed. Not everyone will need these stronger sedatives, but it is important to work with an experienced sedation dentist to ensure your safety and comfort.
Sedation Dentistry Financing
Many dental insurance policies do not cover the cost of sedation, so be sure to talk to the dentist about payment and financing options. The office personnel may even be able to suggest financing plans from recognized local and national companies. The smile you long to share with the world may be one sedation dental appointment away from achieving.