Arboretum Center for Dentistry
Charlotte, NC

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Thanks to sedation dentistry, you can now access the dental care you require without hesitation. For many individuals, dental anxiety has led them to postpone their dental appointments for extended periods. Regardless of whether you need a routine examination or a new dental crown, our sedation practice is here to assist you! Through the administration of oral or inhaled sedatives, or a combination thereof, you can experience a relaxed and comfortable dental visit, free from the anxiety associated with various dental procedures.

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, our Arboretum clinic in Charlotte can help. Sedation is also useful for people who are afraid of needles or have a strong gag reflex. Our Arboretum Dentistry team takes a biological approach to your treatment, so our goal is to offer the support, services, and sedatives you need to have a beautiful, healthy smile.

When you schedule an appointment with us, let us know if you have dental anxiety so that we can prepare for your visit accordingly. For many people, the actual procedure is not uncomfortable but it is the anxiety and worry that causes angst. With this in mind, we often prescribe an oral sedative or laughing gas that can be administered before the appointment to help a person relax. While this is not a pain killer, it eases the fear and relaxes the body so that you can remain peaceful while having teeth cleaned, or dental work performed. While the dosage is different, laughing gas can be used on both children and adults so that all of our patients can remain comfortable.

What are the different kinds of sedation available?

  • Oral sedation can provide minimal to moderation sedation. A pill like Halcion is taken an hour before the procedure. You feel drowsy and only slightly awake. A larger dose of Halcion can cause a stronger sedation. Oral medication is generally the most common form of sleep dentistry treatment. It is so effective that some people even fall asleep during the procedure.

  • IV sedation is a stronger treatment. The sedation dentist gives you the drug through your veins. Because it enters through your veins, it goes into effect quickly. Like oral sedation and general anesthesia, you should not drive yourself home after the procedure is done.

  • Deep sedation, like general anesthesia, is the strongest option available. Depending on the medication, you will either be mostly or completely unconscious during your treatment. While someone can still be awakened during IV sedation, it is impossible to wake someone easily with general anesthesia. You will only awaken after the anesthesia wears off.

What are the levels of Sedation?

The three main kinds of sedation are mild, moderate, and deep sedation.

Mild sedation is the lightest form and works for people with mild anxiety. It is typically administered orally and allows the patient to remain awake throughout the procedure.

Moderate sedation works for people who have moderate dental anxiety. The sedation dentist may use an IV to administer the sedatives. After the sedation dentistry appointment, it is important to have a family member or friend drive you home. It can take several hours for the medication to wear off enough for you to drive.

Finally, deep sedation is for people who absolutely cannot be awake at all for their treatment. It is also used for longer or more intensive procedures. During this form of sleep dentistry, the patient is unable to remember any of the treatments. They spend the treatment going between consciousness and unconsciousness.

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Deep sedation and general anesthesia are the most intense forms of sedation dentistry. In essence, general anesthesia is a form of deep sedation. When you undergo deep sedation, it is difficult to arouse you without repeated stimulation. Meanwhile, general anesthesia is the complete loss of consciousness. Even with painful stimulation, you will not wake up when you are under gender anesthesia.

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Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation?

The sedation dentistry cost depends on which insurance provider you use. It also depends on the procedure you are doing and the type of sedatives. While sedation dentistry is extremely useful during different procedures, dental insurance does not always cover it. Some plans even classify sedation dentistry as a luxury, so they do not cover any of the costs.

Interestingly, it is often more likely that an insurer will cover the cost of general anesthesia. Because general anesthesia is typically used for more intensive procedures, your insurer may cover the cost because they consider it medically necessary. Before you schedule your procedure, we will reach out to your insurance to find out what coverage your specific policy offers for sedation.

In some cases, you can get special coverage for sedation dentistry if you have the right diagnosis. People who have a diagnosed medical or dental phobia can sometimes get their insurance provider to pay for the costs. Some other medical conditions and disabilities require sedation for the patient to get proper dental care.

Remember that most dental insurance policies will only pay for around $1,000 to $1,500 in treatment costs each year. Even if your insurance provider covers sedation, you may still have to pay for any costs that are higher than $1,500. To make sure you are not surprised by your insurer, check your coverage before you undergo your next treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment.

If you want a more relaxing experience at the dentist, Arboretum Center for Dentistry can help. We offer a ‘patient-centered’ treatment process with a range of sedation dentistry options. To find out more, call or email us today to schedule your first consultation. You can also book your visit here.