Millions of people suffer from some form of dental anxiety, keeping them from seeking regular oral healthcare and avoiding more complex treatment year after year. Unfortunately, it’s not always just the fear of the dentist’s office that keeps them away, but also the uncertainty of whether dental insurance will pay for certain types of care. With many professionals offering sedation as a way to assist those who are nervous about these visits, the ultimate question becomes “Is greater comfort worth the potential price?” Keep reading to find out.
Dental Insurance & Sedation: Is It a Covered Benefit?
Every dental insurance plan consists of its own stipulations and fine print, so to say that coverage is or isn’t available for a particular service is impossible. However, in most cases, you will be unlikely to find coverage for dental sedation.
This reality can be difficult for those who want to take better care of their oral health but experience mild to severe dental anxiety.
Many companies do not offer coverage because it is believed that the cost of sedation is often as much (or more) than the required procedure. This results in it being categorized in the same way as cosmetic dentistry – non-essential.
However, there are some exceptions, which include:
- You require oral surgery or another form of invasive and complex dental treatment
- You have a medical condition (i.e., autism, cerebral palsy, etc.) that makes it difficult for you to receive dental care
- Your anxiety is so severe that it is causing your dentist to have to delay necessary treatment
It is important to remember that if your dental insurance company does agree to pay for sedation, they will only do so up to a certain amount – the annual maximum you are provided each year. Since many complex procedures are quite costly, adding the price of sedation to this overall total will likely cause you to exceed this maximum.
Even with this realization, though, it should not keep you from seeking essential dental care.
Are There Other Ways to Pay for Sedation?
If your dental insurance company will not agree to cover sedation, there are other ways to pay without being forced to empty your wallet.
Many dental practices partner with third-party financiers who offer low- and no-interest payment plans that allow you to pay off your bill over time. They might also provide an in-house membership program that offers discounts on various services.
Your oral health should not have to hang in the balance because of fear or uncertainty. There are options available to help you remain comfortable while in the treatment chair. Even if your insurance is unwilling to pay, your dentist can help you find alternative solutions to keep your expenses low.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
Grand Dental – Wilmington is a place where all patients can receive essential oral healthcare in a calm and comfortable environment. Providing dental sedation to those who struggle with anxiety and fear, we can create a positive experience using nitrous oxide as well as oral conscious and IV sedation. Our dentists recognize, though, that it can be hard for patients to choose sedation when their insurance company will not cover the cost, so we offer alternative ways to pay while helping individuals stay within their budget. Visit our website or call (815) 240-8822 if you have questions about sedation or dental insurance, as we are happy to help.