FAQs
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
We have looked carefully at your sedation dentistry cost to keep it as reasonable and fair as possible. We charge a flat $500 per hour which includes everything from the medication itself to being with you prior to, during and after your procedure. By way of comparison, hospital anesthesia services run at least $1500 per hour and is often not covered by insurance.
Beyond the first hour, time is accrued in 15 minute increments. In other words, if your procedure lasts an hour and a half, you are only charged for an hour and a half. Some other anesthesia services charge at an hourly rate, which mean an hour and a half procedure would be billed at two hours.
We also do not charge more for the first hour as do many other anesthesiologists. There are times when patients, for their own safety and comfort, should have two or more appointments rather than try to have all the work completed in one visit. We do not think it is fair to make these patients pay more up front for each visit.
Will My Insurance Help With Sedation Dentistry Cost ?
One of the reasons we have intentionally kept our fees as low as possible is because many insurance policies do not cover anesthesia services for dental procedures. Please check with your insurance carrier if you have questions regarding your coverage. We are not able to accept a predetermination of benefits as payment for services rendered. Payment needs to be made in full on the date of service. If your insurance covers any part of service, they will reimburse you directly.
Do I Qualify for Dental Sedatives?
- Are diabetic.
- Have certain heart conditions.
- Suffer from asthma.
- Or you have other medical conditions identified.
What are the Different Kinds of Dental Sedation?
3 Levels of Dental Sedation
First there is mild sedation. Your anxieties are relieved, but you are totally conscious and able to respond throughout the procedure.
Second there is moderate sedation which takes you to a much more relaxed state, although you are still conscious and able to respond. However, you aren’t going to remember much of your experience.
Finally there is deep sedation or general anesthesia (GA). When we administer deep sedation/GA, you will probably feel like someone has placed a big warm hand on your arm. You will go sweetly to sleep and be unconscious for the entire time.
Once Your Procedure is Completed
In what seems like no time at all, with your dental work completed, you awake as peacefully as you fell asleep. We keep a close eye on you until you are ready to go home.
You will need someone to drive you home. Friends don’t let sedated friends drive.
Regardless of the level of sedation, we take some time to talk with you, to understand how you are doing and to help you relax before we begin.
There are various medications given for dental sedation. If you have any questions about these medications, please feel free to discuss it with our office.
Where Is My Dental Sedation Treatment Provided?
The beautiful answer to this question is that you don’t go to a hospital or other surgical facility. Your dental sedation treatment is done right in your own dentist’s office where you already know everyone and feel comfortable.
The only exception to this might be where your dentist has referred you to a specialist in which case we’ll meet you at the specialist’s office.
Either way, we meet you at the office where you receive treatment and we stay with you until you are ready to go home.
Our services are available statewide including these Arizona communities:
Phoenix, Flagstaff, Green Valley, Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Casa Grande, Eloy, Sahuarita, Vail, Sierra Vista, Nogales, Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Yuma
Who Decides Whether I Should Receive Sedation?
May I Call If I Have Questions?
It is amazing how most of us are hesitant to ask questions. But the truth is there are no dumb questions here and you are smart to ask when you wonder. If you have any questions regarding the gentle dental approach of sleep dentistry, feel free to call us (520) 571-7951. You and we will be glad you did.