Like it or not, before you purchase a product or service, you consider the cost. In fact, for many consumers, the price can be a major determining factor in making the decision to buy. When it comes to dental services, some are partially covered by dental insurance, but others aren’t. What about sedation dentistry? Does insurance cover nitrous oxide sedation?
Below you’ll find explanations of how dental insurance works in general, some important exceptions, and why you shouldn’t let cost keep you from enjoying the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation.
General Rule: Sedation Dentistry Is Optional
Most of the time, dental insurance policies regard sedation dentistry as a luxury or elective treatment. In other words, most people don’t absolutely need it to receive dental care. Because of this, most plans do not include coverage for dental sedation, and patients pay for this service out-of-pocket.
Exceptions to the General Rule
Although many dental insurance companies consider dental sedation optional, there are situations where this service could be partially covered. Some plans go against the norm and pay for a portion of the cost of sedation, while others may contribute to the cost only because of extenuating circumstances. Here are just a couple of examples of these unique situations.
Physical or Developmental Special Needs
If you or your loved one has special needs and requires accommodation, sedation dentistry may be covered by insurance to make treatment possible and more comfortable. Your dental team can take a closer look at your policy to see if this stipulation is mentioned for special needs.
Medical Diagnosis of Severe Dental Phobia
In some situations, fear of the dentist goes beyond anxiety—it’s a full-blown phobia. In cases where a patient has been officially diagnosed with severe dental phobia, it may be medically necessary to have sedation. Otherwise, they will not be able to bear treatment without causing serious trauma. As a result, insurance may pay part of the price for sedation.
Why Nitrous Oxide Sedation Is Worth the Cost (With or Without Insurance)
Whether your plan includes benefits for nitrous oxide sedation or not, it is a worthwhile service to use if you have dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, have trouble sitting stationary for a long period of time, or need a little extra pain relief. When you could have a more enjoyable, pleasant experience in the chair, the extra price is something you’ll be willing to pay, even if insurance doesn’t help.
Ultimately, your dental team can review your insurance plan to see if sedation dentistry is included in your coverage. If it is, great! If not, it is still something you should carefully consider to make your time at the dentist’s office more comfortable.
About the Practice
At Rosemeade Dental in Carrollton, Dr. Tarangini Suggala is passionate about the work she does, but she are also compassionate for those who might struggle with dental visits. As a result, they offer nitrous oxide sedation to patients who need help staying calm and still for dental appointments. If you would like to take advantage of this sedation option at your next appointment, be sure to reach out to our us online or call 972-446-1111.