Does Dental Insurance Help Pay for Sedation Dentistry?

If you’re nervous about an upcoming procedure such as dental implant placement, then the idea of sedation dentistry can be a very appealing one. It can even help a patient with high levels of dental anxiety relax while their mouth is being worked on. But will the cost of dental sedation be covered by your insurance plan? The answer depends on the situation.

Does Dental Insurance Include Coverage for Dental Sedation?

Most dental insurance companies view sedation dentistry as a non-essential procedure. As a result, they won’t pay for it under normal circumstances. That being said, your insurance plan might help cover sedation if:

• It would be impossible to have the necessary treatment performed without sedation. This might apply if you have epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or a similar cognitive condition.
• You previously delayed a necessary treatment as a result of dental anxiety.
• You are planning on having a major complex procedure performed.

How Will You Know If Your Dental Insurance Will Pay for Dental Sedation?

The easiest method is to call your insurance company and simply ask about your benefits. They’ll be able to clarify how dental sedation is handled under your particular plan and what circumstances might make you eligible for coverage.

Of course, dental insurance can be confusing sometimes, so if you’re still uncertain about what you can expect from your coverage, you can always ask the team at your periodontist’s office. They can go over the finer points of your plan with you and clear up anything you might be confused about.

What If Your Insurance Company Does Not Cover Sedation Dentistry?

If it turns out that your insurance company won’t pay for sedation dentistry, it’s worth taking the time to consider your options. You could see about switching to a new policy that does include the coverage you want, but you might have to pay a higher premium, and there may be a waiting period.

In many cases, your periodontist might be able to help you make sedation dentistry more affordable by offering financing. You can apply for a plan from a trusted financing company such as CareCredit that lets you pay in monthly installments. Not having to pay the entire cost upfront can often make sedation dentistry (and a variety of other treatments) less of a strain on your budget.

In short, dental insurance doesn’t always help pay for sedation dentistry, but it might in specific cases. It’s always worth taking the time to review your policy as well as your other financial options.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has been board-certified in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor at USC. His practice, Huntington Beach Periodontics, offers sedation for patients who are afraid or anxious about having periodontal work done. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Braga, visit his website or call (714) 587-9094.