What Is the Real Cost of Sedation Dentistry?

These days, nearly everyone watches every dime they have. Even if you aren’t living paycheck to paycheck, staying within budget is probably important to you and your family’s financial security. So when your dentist offers sedation to help manage your dental anxiety, you hesitate to take advantage of it because of the additional cost.

Sedation typically costs a couple of hundred dollars, which can feel like a lot of money at first. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of sedation and why it may be money well spent.

When Sedation Dentistry Should Be Used

The primary reason to take advantage of sedation dentistry is that you are nervous or anxious about the procedure you are undergoing. For instance, those who have a dental phobia can get nitrous oxide sedation for routine care to keep them calm. In other cases, when patients are going to have more advanced treatment, oral conscious sedation can provide a stronger relaxing, even amnesiac, effect.

In addition to easing nerves and fears, dental sedation can also be used for patients who might struggle with sitting still for long periods of time. The medication can also help relax gag reflexes, making dental procedures easier for both the patient and the dentist to complete as efficiently as possible with maximum comfort.

Why the Cost of Sedation May Be Worth It

Although having sedation during dental visits does cost extra, the emotional and financial benefits usually far outweigh this cost for the patient. It is estimated that for every dollar a patient spends on prevention, they can save anywhere between $8 and $50 in restorative treatment. In other words, if you need to use sedation for preventive care, you’re still saving money in the long run.

Without sedation, an anxious patient may choose to skip their checkups and cleanings, waiting until something forces them to see the dentist. By then, however, more invasive and advanced treatment is likely required, which may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you are having a more intensive procedure, getting sedation can make your experience much more comfortable and pleasant. You’ll still be fully awake and able to respond to the dentist, but your mind will be at ease. Can you really put a price on that feeling? Having a better dental experience can encourage you to continue coming in for maintenance visits, helping to prevent more expensive problems in the future.

Ultimately, regardless of the kind of sedation or the treatment you have, it is meant to help your appointments go more smoothly with less stress. If you feel you could benefit from sedation, consider the long-term impact, including the cost. You’ll likely find that this added expense is still financially smart to keep your fears at bay and your smile strong.

About the Practice

For more than 40 years, Boyles General Dentistry has helped patients in and near Odessa have positive dental experiences. Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Stephen Boyles offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for those with anxiety and to help with complicated procedures. If you are interested in learning more about your sedation options, you can contact our office by calling or visiting our website here.