How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost in Nassau County, NY?

It is normal to feel nervous about going to the dentist or having dental work done. Dental anxiety affects many people and for some it is severe enough to keep them from getting the dental care they need. But there are ways to make dental care easier for people who suffer from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry is the collective term for the various types of sedation used to help patients relax during dental work. There are a few different options for sedation that your dentist may offer, and each comes at a different cost.

How much does sedation dentistry cost in Nassau County, NY? Here’s a general idea of what you can expect.

Here’s the average cost of sedation dentistry by type:

• Nitrous Oxide. You can expect to pay somewhere between $100-$150 for nitrous oxide sedation on top of the cost of your procedure.
• Oral Sedation. For oral sedation, the cost will likely fall somewhere around the range of $200-$300.
• IV Sedation. The cost for IV sedation is higher because it must be administered by an anesthesiologist. It can be as high as $500-$1,000 for the first hour, and is billed in 15 minute increments after the first hour at an average rate of $150-$250.

Insurance does not typically cover sedation dentistry because it is not considered to be medically necessary. In certain cases it may be covered if there is a medical reason, such as:

• The procedure is complex enough to require sedation.
• The patient has a condition such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or some other qualified need.

Just because sedation dentistry is not covered by insurance doesn’t mean you should do without. If you suffer from dental anxiety, some form of sedation can help you avoid undue stress. Financing is available to help you afford the cost of sedation if your insurance doesn’t cover it.

The different types of sedation are used for different purposes and offer varying levels of sedation.

• Nitrous Oxide: The patient breathes a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a tube placed over the nose. This provides a euphoric feeling that helps the patient relax. Some patients feel a tingling sensation in their limbs. Nitrous oxide has long been referred to as “laughing gas” because it can cause some patients to laugh or giggle. Nitrous oxide wears off as soon as 30 seconds after the patient stops breathing it. They will be able to drive and return to normal activities following the appointment.
• Oral Sedation: An oral sedative in pill form is prescribed and picked up by the patient at their pharmacy. The patient takes the pill before going to the dentist’s office so that they feel relaxed in time for their procedure. The oral sedative can make the patient feel sleepy, but they will remain awake for the procedure. They will need a family member or friend to drive them to and from their appointment.
• IV Sedation. Intravenous sedation must be administered by an anesthesiologist. The patient will receive sedation medication through an IV that makes them feel as if they are asleep, but they will still be able to respond to questions and requests. The patient will most likely not remember anything about the procedure afterwards. IV sedation is typically only used for complex dental procedures and oral surgeries.

Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are especially helpful for patients whose anxiety is in part due to a fear of needles, because neither option requires any needles to be used. For patients who need IV sedation due to the complexity of their procedure, nitrous oxide or an oral sedative can be used in combination with IV sedation to help the patient feel relaxed enough to receive the IV.

At Barkoff Dental, we understand that dental anxiety is very real for many patients. But we believe that everyone deserves quality dental care despite their fears, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options. If you require a dental procedure that makes you feel nervous or afraid, please discuss your feelings with us so that we can provide you with the best type of sedation to suit your needs.

Call 516-921-1133 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you or a loved one feel more relaxed about receiving dental care.