Many people have dental phobias that make it difficult for them to stomach routine oral healthcare appointments, and many others live with health conditions that inhibit their ability to sit still throughout a dental procedure. While dental sedation is an increasingly popular way to address these issues, the degrees to which insurance policies will cover these treatments vary considerably. Here’s a brief guide to how dental insurance companies usually treat dental sedation treatments.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation includes treatments that are designed to reduce a patient’s anxiety or help them remain still and calm during a dental procedure. A few of these include:
- Nitrous oxide: Also called “laughing gas,” this noninvasive treatment can temporarily raise your pain threshold and induce a sense of calmness without any lingering side effects. In fact, you should be ready to drive yourself home within minutes after the treatment ends.
- Oral conscious sedation: Your dentist will prescribe you a pill to be taken briefly before your procedure. This treatment will induce a deeper sense of calm than nitrous oxide while leaving you able to respond to questions and instructions. You may have difficulty remembering the details of your appointment afterward, and you will need a trusted individual to drive you home afterward.
- IV sedation: This treatment will put you in a sleep-like state, but you’ll still be able to respond to instructions if needed. You’ll need someone to give you a ride home after treatment since the effects will last for several hours.
During any of these treatments, your dentist and their team will monitor your vitals to ensure your safety and comfort.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Many insurance plans offer some coverage for dental sedation, but this varies considerably based on the details of your policy and the sedation method administered. Your plan may cover some of the cost of nitrous oxide for intensive restorative treatments like fillings, and treatments like oral conscious and IV sedation may be covered if they are deemed medically necessary. It’s important to understand what your policy will pay for before committing to any treatment, and your dentist’s staff will be happy to go over your plan with you.
Dental sedation may be an excellent way to take the stress out of your next dental visit. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if any of these treatments are suitable for you and your budget.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart earned his dental degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed a Comprehensive Implant Residency Program through McCracken Implant Education. His office in Columbia offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as sedation services. If you are interested in dental sedation, contact his office online or dial (931) 388-8452.