Sedation dentistry is offered by most dental practices, including specialists like endodontists. The purpose of sedation is to help patients relax and to make invasive procedures easier to tolerate. 

If you have an upcoming dental procedure for which you will be sedated, you may be wondering how much it will cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay for sedation dentistry in Temple and Waco, Texas. 

What is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is the use of medically induced relaxation techniques. Various forms of medication may be administered in a variety of ways to provide a calm or drowsy feeling. Patients with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex procedures may benefit from sedation. 

Types of Sedation and Average Cost 

The main types of sedation dentistry include: 

• Nitrous Oxide: $50-$150. Nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe through a mask placed over your nose. It creates a calm, relaxing feeling. Nitrous oxide is one of the most affordable types of sedation used in dentistry. 
• Conscious Oral Sedation: $150-$500. Conscious oral sedation is prescribed in the form of a pill that you can take before your appointment that provides a relaxed, somewhat sleepy feeling as it takes effect. It may cost more than nitrous oxide, but is still very affordable. 
• IV Sedation: $500-$1,000. IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation, but you are still technically conscious. You may not remember anything afterwards, however you can still respond to questions and requests during the procedure. IV sedation requires more careful administration and monitoring, which is why it costs more. 
• General Anesthesia: $500-$3,500. The most costly form of sedation is general anesthesia. It is typically only administered in a hospital setting for more invasive procedures, such as oral surgery. When under general anesthesia you are completely unconscious as you would be for most types of surgery. 

Factors That Affect The Cost of Sedation 

There are many factors that affect the cost of sedation dentistry, including: 

• Type of sedation. The type of sedation you have will affect the cost. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation cost less than IV sedation and general anesthesia. 
• Your insurance. If your insurance covers sedation it can reduce the overall cost. Contact your insurance provider for more information about your plan and coverage. 
• The reason for the sedation. Whether or not insurance covers sedation often depends on the need. If sedation is required due to the invasiveness of your procedure, insurance will typically cover it. However, if it is being used for your own personal preference, it may not be covered and you will be responsible for the full cost out of pocket. 
• The length of your procedure. Most forms of sedation are billed on an hourly basis and are prorated for additional minutes, so the longer your procedure takes, the more sedation may cost. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

If you’re wondering whether or not sedation dentistry is worth the cost, consider the following benefits: 

• Reduced stress and anxiety. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, sedation can reduce or eliminate this unnecessary stress so that you can get the dental care you need and may have been avoiding. 
• Increased comfort. Sedation can make dental procedures more comfortable. You are less aware of what is going on around you. 
• Less local anesthesia may be needed. When you are under sedation you may require less local anesthesia, meaning you won’t be as numb and the effects will wear off sooner.
• Time seems to pass more quickly. Sedation can make your time in the dental chair feel much shorter because you are less aware of the passing of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Do all sedation types put you to sleep? 

Nitrous oxide and oral sedation both allow you to be conscious, just more relaxed and less aware. IV sedation and general anesthesia both may feel like being asleep, but during IV sedation you are partially conscious and for general anesthesia you are completely unconscious. 

Can I drive home after having sedation? 

Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly and wears off just as quickly, making it the only sedation option that allows you to drive. For all other types you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. 

Why Choose Heart of Texas Endodontics? 

We offer sedation dentistry because we want our patients to have the most comfortable experience possible. At Heart of Texas Endodontics we provide a variety of sedation options to meet your needs and help you feel relaxed. 
To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.

Sedation dentistry is not a new concept, but it is becoming more common. Dental anxiety, or fear of going to the dentist, is a very real problem for some people. It can be severe enough to prevent people from getting the dental care they need. The more you put off necessary dental work, the worse the situation gets until treatment becomes much more complex and the chances of saving the affected teeth are greatly reduced. 

What is sedation dentistry? Is it safe? Will it really help me relax? Learn the answers to these questions and more about sedation dentistry to help you determine if it may be helpful for you or someone you love. 

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation refers to pharmacologically induced relaxation. When it is used for dental procedures it is referred to as sedation dentistry. Sedation may be used when a patient is anxious, nervous, or fearful of a necessary dental procedure. It may also be used for procedures that are particularly invasive or lengthy. 

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

There are 3 main types of sedation used for dental procedures: 

• Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is administered through a mask worn over your nose. As you breathe in the nitrous oxide you will begin to feel a calm, relaxed feeling that is sometimes described as euphoric. It wears off in just a few minutes of breathing regular room air. 
• Conscious oral sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed for you to take before your appointment to help you feel more relaxed. Conscious oral sedation allows you to remain awake, but you may feel groggy or sleepy. It is common not to remember much about the procedure afterwards. 
• IV sedation. A sedative can be administered intravenously that provides a deeper level of sedation. You will feel as if you are asleep, but you are responsive throughout the procedure, though you won’t remember it. 

How Safe is Sedation Dentistry? 

Most forms of sedation dentistry are safe for most people. Nitrous oxide is the safest form of sedation because it wears off quickly with no residual effects. Unless you have a respiratory illness that requires supplemental oxygen, nitrous oxide is probably safe for you. 

For deeper levels of sedation, such as an oral sedative or IV sedation, it is only potentially unsafe for those with cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia, as it can cause disorientation. It may also be problematic for patients with a history of substance addiction. 

A full medical history and list of current medications will be gathered, as well as approval from your primary care physician if needed to ensure that sedation is safe for you. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Effective? 

Many patients find that sedation is effective at helping them overcome their anxiety to get the dental care they need. Even if it doesn’t permanently eliminate dental anxiety, it may allow you to get through a single procedure now and potentially in the future if further treatment is needed. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry? 

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Many patients find that sedation helps them relax through the immediate treatment they need, and feel less anxious about dental procedures going forward. 

Is Sedation Used for Endodontic Procedures?

Endodontics is a special field of dentistry that focuses on the health of the teeth from the inside, specifically the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of each tooth. The pulp sustains the tooth as it is developing and throughout the life of the tooth, but it is susceptible to infection. A tooth infection threatens the health of the tooth and will require treatment. Sedation can be used for endodontic procedures, such as root canals and endodontic surgery. 

Heart of Texas Endodontics provides sedation to make treatment more comfortable for patients. To learn more, call 254-778-4400 in Temple or 257-776-1500 in Waco or contact us today to schedule an appointment.