Will My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Sedation?

Your insurance may cover dental sedation as it may be considered a medical necessity.

If you are undergoing a series of dental procedures or treatments, or you need to have major oral surgery, and you are wondering if your dental insurance will cover the cost of having oral sedation, the answer is that it depends on the type of dental policy you have. Many dental insurance policies only cover up to a specified amount. The fee for the dental treatment, plus the cost of the sedation, could be over your policy’s coverage. However, many sedation options are inexpensive.

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It often depends on the type of sedation used. Your insurance may cover general anesthesia, as it may be considered a medical necessity. Sedation is a broad term because it describes different levels of consciousness.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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kerubel G.

When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re truly grateful for your trust and so happy to hear your experience with our team was a positive one. It means a lot to know our care helped make things a little easier and brought smiles all around.

greg E.

Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our team. We appreciate your trust and support!

Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Types of Sedation Options

Nitrous oxide is a clear, odorless substance that is extremely effective in curbing the anxiety that can come with oral treatment. It is the lowest level of sedation that you can have, and it is typically called “laughing gas” because it makes you feel euphoric. With nitrous oxide, you don’t lose consciousness. The patient receiving laughing gas is awake throughout the procedure; they are just altered. Laughing gas is usually given in the dentist’s office, and the fee is very small.

Another type of minimal oral sedation involves the patient taking a pill before going to the procedure. When it takes effect, the patient typically falls asleep and rests peacefully throughout treatment. This is also a highly effective and extremely inexpensive form of oral sedation. Even if your dental insurance does not cover the medication, it is a minimal cost you can pay out of pocket.

If you have to have extensive or major oral surgery, IV sedation might be required or recommended. IV sedation is more expensive than more minimally invasive forms of sedation. It requires that an anesthesiologist be present—not just to place the IV but also to monitor the procedure and ensure that you are safe throughout the entire process. Since you are unconscious, a breathing tube is usually placed to ensure that you are getting enough oxygen.

It’s a much more invasive form of sedation, but if it is recommended and the oral surgery you are having is extensive enough, then it may be covered by your insurance – minus your deductible and at a rate that is predetermined by your policy itself.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sedation?

Individuals with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflexes, or difficulty getting numb are candidates for the center’s general anesthesia services. In addition, young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services.

St. Louis Dental Anesthesia

If you or a loved one needs a dental procedure but requires dental sedation, we will help determine which level is best and how it works with your insurance policy. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!