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.