Going to the dentist makes you nervous, so you’re thinking about requesting dental sedation. That makes sense; dental sedation is effective at helping many patients feel more relaxed during their treatment. Despite the promising effects, though, one thing is making you hesitate: your budget. You’re not made of money, after all!
So, what are your options? Does dental insurance cover sedation, or will you be on your own when it’s time to pay your bill? Keep reading, because that’s exactly what this post will address.
Dental Insurance and Dental Sedation
The short answer is that your dental insurance might cover some of your sedation costs. At the end of the day it depends on the specifics of your policy, but some plans do offer partial coverage. It’s also important to remember that you may still need to hit your deductible before your insurance will pay out.
Your Sedation Options
Another tricky thing about affording dental sedation is that your insurance plan might be very specific about which types of sedation it will cover. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), for example, is partially covered by most plans – but benefits for oral conscious sedation are less common. You should review the details of your dental insurance policy carefully, or ask your friendly dental team which type your insurance will cover.
Alternative Ways to Pay
Let’s say you discover that your dental insurance plan doesn’t offer any coverage for sedation. Are you out of luck?
Fortunately, many dental practices provide alternative ways to pay for your treatment. CareCredit financing is a popular provision because this organization has a reliable track record. If your dentist partners with CareCredit, you can apply for a flexible payment plan at little-to-no interest, allowing you to make smaller monthly payments instead of writing a large check for the entire bill upfront. It’s definitely an option worth considering!
If you think dental sedation could help you have a more positive experience at your dentist’s, but you’re not sure how you’ll afford it, let your dental team know about your concerns. Your comfort is their priority, and they’d be happy to help you navigate your dental insurance benefits or find other ways to pay!
About the Author
Dr. Dustin C. Lively is a compassionate and considerate dentist with several hours of advanced training under his belt. He and his team at 333 Dental Care know that dental insurance can be confusing, and isn’t available to everyone. That’s why Dr. Lively proudly offers CareCredit financing. If you have questions about dental sedation or affording your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Lively’s office at 580-782-2552.