Does the sheer thought of visiting the dentist send a bead of sweat down your spine? You’re not alone. In fact, many Americans struggle with mild to severe anxiety surrounding dental treatment. Fortunately, nitrous oxide and IV sedation can help even the most nervous patients have a stress-free, comfortable experience. But is sedation dentistry covered by insurance? Read on to find out!
So, Do Dental Plans Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Typically, sedation dentistry is an out-of-pocket expense. However, each dental plan is unique, so it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance carrier directly to double-check. If they confirm that nitrous and IV sedation aren’t services covered in your policy, then don’t hesitate to contact the dentist you are preparing to visit. From there, they can provide you an estimate so you can plan accordingly.
Instances Where Sedation Dentistry May Be Covered
Although sedation dentistry is usually considered a “luxury” expense, there are some instances where it may be covered by your insurance plan, such as:
- When the use of sedation lowers the cost of overall dental treatment
- If treatment is delayed due to feelings of anxiety (especially if you are considering nitrous, which is less expensive)
- When a serious medical condition or disability (like cerebral palsy or epilepsy) make it impossible for treatment to be administered without it
- A complex procedure, like major oral surgery or multiple tooth extractions
4 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is widely known for its ability to help even the most anxious patients comfortably get the dental care they need. However, it can do more than just provide a stress-free experience! It also:
- Allows patients to get more dental work in a single visit
- Requires less time to complete since the patient is more compliant
- Gives patients the ability to stay awake and respond to verbal commands
- Can be used to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes, who hate the sound of dental tools, or experience neck, back, and jaw pain.
If your usual dental experience involves fear, anxiety, and a lot of stress, then it is time to ask about sedation dentistry. That way, you can get the dental care you need with a comfortable, relaxed, safe experience.
About the Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery’s state-of-the-art office, patients can enjoy world-class dental care delivered by a team of board-certified professionals. Whether you need a wisdom tooth extracted, sleep apnea surgery, dental implants, or anything in between, Dr. John-Michael Stewart, Dr. Stephen Walker, and Dr. Andrew Arango will provide you with a comfortable environment to get the dental care you need. Plus, they offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation so each trip to their office is anxiety-free. If you struggle with dental phobia, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 469-296-8680 and ask about sedation dentistry!