Nitrous is definitely the wallet-friendly option. IV sedation costs way more, and yeah, I agree—felt like using a sledgehammer for a loose tooth.
That’s the real MVP right there. I just wish they gave out coupons for it...“Nitrous wears off quick, which is a huge plus if you’re driving yourself home.”
I get the love for nitrous, but I have to admit, when my kid needed a filling, it just didn’t do the trick.
True, but with a squirmy seven-year-old, quick wasn’t what we wanted. We actually ended up going for oral sedation—more expensive than nitrous for sure, but way less intense than IV. It was worth it just to avoid turning the dentist’s office into a wrestling ring. Still wish insurance pitched in more for any of this stuff...“Nitrous wears off quick, which is a huge plus if you’re driving yourself home.”
Totally get where you’re coming from. Nitrous is great for quick stuff or for adults who just need to take the edge off, but with kids—especially the ones who turn into little octopuses in the chair—it’s not always enough. My youngest is a pro at wriggling out of any situation, so when we tried nitrous for her first filling, it was like trying to brush a cat’s teeth. Didn’t go well.
We ended up doing oral sedation too. It was pricier, yeah, and I had to sign about a million forms, but honestly? Worth every penny for the peace of mind (and my back). She was much calmer, and the dentist actually got through the whole thing without needing backup. The only downside was having to keep her home for most of the day after, but I’d take that over a meltdown any time.
The insurance thing drives me nuts too. They’ll pay for all sorts of stuff I never use, but sedation? Suddenly it’s “not medically necessary.” Tell that to my kid mid-tantrum. I swear insurance companies have never met an anxious seven-year-old.
I’ve heard some folks have luck with distraction techniques—videos on the ceiling, weighted blankets, even VR goggles—but none of that worked for us. Maybe it’s just personality? Some kids are chill, others need a little more help.
Anyway... you’re definitely not alone in feeling frustrated about options and coverage. At least oral sedation gives everyone a break—even if your wallet feels it later.
The insurance thing drives me nuts too. They’ll pay for all sorts of stuff I never use, but sedation? Suddenly it’s “not medically necessary.”
That’s been my biggest headache. We tried nitrous first, but my son just got more anxious—almost hyper. Oral sedation worked, but the hoops to jump through... and then insurance barely covered anything. I do wonder why “peace of mind” isn’t considered necessary.
I do wonder why “peace of mind” isn’t considered necessary.
That’s the part that gets me too. I had to get a wisdom tooth out last year, and the only thing insurance would cover was local anesthetic. I’m not great with needles or dental tools in my face—definitely not a “just tough it out” type. When I asked about sedation, the dentist said it was out-of-pocket unless there was a documented medical reason. Apparently anxiety doesn’t count as “medical” enough.
Feels backward. They’ll pay for fluoride treatments and x-rays every year, but not something that actually makes the procedure tolerable for people who need it? If tech can make everything else easier, you’d think insurance would catch up on this too... but nope. Ended up paying extra just to avoid a panic attack in the chair. Not ideal, but I guess it’s better than passing out mid-procedure.