For some people, there are a million other places they’d rather be than seated in the dentist’s chair for treatment, even when it’s for basic checkups and cleanings! But dental-related anxiety isn’t something that should keep one from receiving necessary dental care; especially when sedation dentistry exists. It’s a safe, accessible, and useful method for helping patients from all walks of life when they go in for dental treatment. But you might be wondering if it’s covered by dental insurance—here’s what you need to know.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Generally speaking, sedation dentistry has all sorts of benefits—not only does it put the patient at ease prior to treatment, but it also assists with a patient’s compliance and ability to undergo said treatment. It’s also ideal for patients with mobility issues, sensitive gag reflexes, or those undergoing lengthy or complex procedures. Nitrous oxide is perhaps the most common form of sedation utilized; also known as laughing gas, it’s very safe, gentle, and is notorious for making dental visits a pleasant experience.
When Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Even though sedation dentistry is notably beneficial for dentists and patients alike, it’s not always considered a medical necessity, meaning that most insurance plans don’t offer great coverage for it. That said, there are a few exceptions worth mentioning:
- The use of sedation greatly lowers the overall cost of dental treatment.
- The patient has a condition that makes it difficult for them to receive dental care without sedation (autism, cerebral palsy, etc.).
- The patient is undergoing an especially complex procedure such as major oral surgery.
- The patient has enrolled in a more expensive policy that provides benefits for things like sedation dentistry.
Is Sedation Dentistry Worthwhile?
The bottom line is that for most patients, sedation dentistry is absolutely worthwhile. Not only does it make treatment exponentially easier to carry out for the dentist, but it ensures that moving forward, patients are able to conquer each and every dental visit with unparalleled confidence. It also allows for all necessary dental care to be completed—which means that the patient’s oral health is right on track following the visit. You can’t put a price on this peace of mind, period.
But in any case, you’ll always want to check the specifics of your plan before committing to any type of treatment, including sedation dentistry. Many practices offer means for making sedation dentistry more affordable, including offering in-house savings plans and working with third-party financiers. This means that if you lack dental insurance or have a plan that doesn’t include benefits for things like sedation dentistry, you aren’t entirely out of luck!
About the Practice
Indy Dental Group has served the dental needs of patients and families in Indianapolis and the surrounding metroplex for several years, and their team looks forward to assisting you and your loved ones! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online by phone for additional information or to find the closest office to you.