If dental treatment tends to make you nervous or physically uncomfortable, sedation could be the key to getting the care you need. It can help you relax through your appointments and allow your dental team to work efficiently. But as a frugal individual, you may naturally wonder about the costs associated with sedation. Will your dental insurance help you afford it? This blog post explains some important information.
Insurance Does Not Usually Cover Sedation
Sadly, even though sedation has proven benefits, it is not typically covered by dental insurance. This is simply because most insurance companies classify sedation as an elective, rather than medically necessary, service.
If you choose to pay out of pocket for sedation, its cost starts out at $50 – $150 an hour for nitrous oxide, while deeper forms of sedation can be significantly more expensive. Many patients believe the cost is worth it because sedation can allow them to undergo treatments that would otherwise be extremely difficult or even impossible. Since timely treatment with sedation can prevent oral health problems from worsening, it might actually help you save money in the long run.
Possible Exceptions to the Rule
The good news is that, in some cases, insurance does cover sedation. You will need to check with your insurance provider to find out how your plan applies, but some common situations in which coverage is available include:
- You are getting light sedation: Nitrous oxide is more frequently covered than deeper levels of sedation.
- Sedation is medically necessary: You might need it if you have a condition that prevents you from staying still during treatments.
- You need extensive or complex services. Sedation is standard for some invasive types of oral surgery, so insurance might be willing to cover it.
- Sedation will lower the overall cost of your care: By making treatment more efficient, sedation might help both you and your insurance company save a bit of money.
Other Options for Affording Sedation
If your insurance company denies coverage for sedation, that does not necessarily mean that you have to do without it. Talk to your dental team about your payment options. You may qualify for low-interest financing, which could allow you to pay for your entire treatment (including sedation) over time. You might also get a discount if you sign up for your practice’s in-house membership plan.
You deserve to be comfortable during your next dental procedure! Ask your care team to help you navigate costs and insurance coverage so you can make well-informed decisions about how to proceed.
Meet the Practice
At Wellesley Dental Group, we are an insurance-friendly practice that is in-network with most popular PPO plans. Financing and an in-house discount plan are available. We also offer multiple types of sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. If you want to learn more about how we can keep you comfortable and help you navigate the financial aspect of your care, contact our office at 781-691-4914.