The Cost of Sedation Dentistry
Many people avoid professional dental care because they experience heightened anxiety about the dentist. Unfortunately, by putting off general dentistry services, such as routine dental exams and cleanings, people put their oral health at risk and increase the likelihood of dental complications.
At his dental practice in Fountain Valley, CA, Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen offers a variety of sedation dentistry techniques to ease anxiety so that patients can undergo a wide range of dental services in complete comfort. Here, we go over typical sedation dentistry costs, as well as the factors that affect the final cost of care.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
It is difficult to say exactly how much sedation dentistry will cost without providing our Fountain Valley patients with a personalized consultation. This is because there are many factors that affect the cost of sedation dentistry. Depending on these variables, sedation dentistry may cost anywhere from $100 per hour of care, up to $1,000 per hour of sedation.
Factors That Affect Sedation Dentistry Costs
Several different factors impact the ultimate cost of sedation dentistry. Most notably, sedation dentistry costs are affected by the sedation technique that is used, the duration of sedation, and the number of dental appointments required to complete treatment.
- Sedation technique - There are different techniques that may be used to achieve the desired level of sedation for dental care. Each technique has its own cost range. The most affordable sedation technique is nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. Oral sedation (which involves the use of an oral medication) and IV sedation tend to be more costly.
- Duration of sedation - The amount or concentration of medication given is based on how long the patient needs to be sedated, which is dependent on the length of their dental treatment. The longer a patient will be sedated, the greater the cost.
- Number of dental appointments - Many dental treatments can be completed in a single dental appointment. However, more complex treatments, such as dental crowns, veneers, or full mouth reconstruction, require more than one appointment. If more than one appointment is necessary, the patient will need to pay for sedation dentistry for each appointment.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Sedation Dentistry?
When a dental patient needs to be unconscious for dental work, insurance companies will typically provide coverage for the cost of anesthesia. However, sedation dentistry is different. Many insurance companies view sedation dentistry as elective, meaning they often will not provide coverage. There are cases where patients have a medical condition or disability that makes it impossible for them to undergo dental treatment without sedation. In these situations, the insurer may offer coverage, provided they receive notification from the dentist or the patient’s general physician. If sedation dentistry is not covered by insurance, our Fountain Valley patients can consider a dental credit or payment plan.
Contact Us
If a fear of the dentist has kept you from getting the dental care you need, you are likely an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry. To learn more about the sedation dentistry techniques offered by Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen, as well as the cost of treatment, send us a message online or call our dental practice at (714) 964-4183.