What is the cost of dental anesthesia?

Answer 1

It depends on the type of anesthesia, which depends on the desired affects.

Local AnestheticSpot numb the area where the work is to be performed

This is usually included in the cost of the treatment.

Usually consists of a swab of Lidocaine to numb the surface followed by a shot of Lidocaine into the nerve to numb the area.

General AnestheticNumb All Over - Conscious sedation to knocked out

Conscious Sedation

Mild - Oral pills (happy pills like Valium, Halcion, Ativan, etc.)

Mild to Moderate - "Laughing gas" (nitrous oxide)

Heavy to Total - Intravenous (IV)

Gases and pills are relatively inexpensive, say, less than $25. However, they are often not covered by insurance since they are viewed more to relieve the emotional stress of dental work rather than as an actual anesthetic. That said, laughing gas can be used to knock you out.

IV sedation can be from barely conscious to completely unconscious and is rather expensive, in the $100's of dollars. This technique is probably justified for oral and maxillofacial surgery, but not for routine dental work.