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.
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.
Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!
This is one of the best places that I have gone to for extensive dental care. The professionals there are extremely caring, and their bedside manner is beyond compare!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate, high-quality care is always our goal, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing! My son is Autistic and he loves it there. It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!
My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.
My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!
We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.
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!
Updated: August 14, 2024
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