How Much Is Laughing Gas At The Dentist With Insurance?

Last Updated on January 6, 2026 by Aliya Amber

Dental anxiety is far more common than many people realize. For some patients, even a routine cleaning can cause stress, while for others, procedures like fillings, extractions, or root canals can feel overwhelming. One of the most popular and widely used solutions to reduce dental anxiety is laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide sedation. However, a very common question patients ask before agreeing to sedation is how much is laughing gas at the dentist with insurance and whether it is actually covered by their dental plan.

The answer is not always straightforward. The cost of laughing gas can vary significantly depending on insurance coverage, dental procedure type, location, provider policies, and whether the sedation is considered medically necessary or elective. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from average pricing to insurance rules, age-based coverage, and ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect financially and how to make informed decisions before your dental appointment.

Also Read: Are crowns covered by insurance

What Is Laughing Gas and Why Dentists Use It

Laughing gas, medically known as nitrous oxide, is a mild sedative used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is administered through a small mask placed over the nose, allowing the patient to breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Unlike oral sedation or IV sedation, laughing gas works quickly and wears off just as fast, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the appointment in most cases.

Dentists use laughing gas because it is safe, effective, and highly controllable. The level of sedation can be adjusted in real time, which makes it suitable for both adults and children. Patients remain awake and responsive but feel calm, less anxious, and often experience reduced sensitivity to pain. This makes laughing gas especially useful for patients with dental phobia, strong gag reflexes, low pain tolerance, or difficulty sitting still for longer procedures.

Despite its benefits, laughing gas is often considered an optional comfort service rather than a medically required treatment, which plays a major role in how insurance companies handle coverage.

How Much Is Laughing Gas at the Dentist Without Insurance?

To understand insurance pricing, it helps first to know the cash price for laughing gas. Without insurance, laughing gas typically costs between $75 and $200 per dental visit, depending on several factors. Some dental offices charge a flat fee per appointment, while others bill by time increments, such as every 15 or 30 minutes of use.

Short procedures like fillings may only require a brief period of sedation, resulting in a lower cost. Longer or more complex procedures, such as extractions or crowns, may increase the total price. In high-cost urban areas, fees can be slightly higher due to overhead costs, while smaller towns or family dental practices may offer more affordable pricing.

Because laughing gas is not a permanent treatment but rather a comfort aid, dentists often list it separately from procedure costs. This is important because insurance companies evaluate it independently rather than bundling it with the dental service itself.

How Much Is Laughing Gas at the Dentist With Insurance?

When patients ask how much is laughing gas at the dentist with insurance, the most accurate answer is: it depends on your plan and your age. With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for laughing gas usually ranges from $0 to $100, but in many cases, it is not covered at all for adults.

Dental insurance companies often categorize laughing gas as elective sedation, meaning it is not essential for completing the dental procedure. Because of this classification, many adult dental plans exclude nitrous oxide entirely or cover only a small percentage. However, pediatric dental plans are much more likely to include full or partial coverage.

If your insurance does cover laughing gas, it may do so at a percentage level, such as 50% or 80%, leaving you responsible for the remaining balance. Some plans impose annual maximums or frequency limits, meaning they will only cover sedation once per year or for specific procedures.

Is Laughing Gas Covered by Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance coverage for laughing gas varies widely, but there are clear trends. Children’s dental insurance plans are far more likely to cover nitrous oxide than adult plans. This is because sedation is often considered medically beneficial for children who may not be able to tolerate dental procedures otherwise.

For adults, coverage is less common. Many insurers view laughing gas as a comfort upgrade rather than a necessity. Even when it is covered, it may only apply to specific procedures like extractions or oral surgery, not routine fillings or cleanings.

Insurance companies also assess whether the sedation is medically justified. If a dentist documents severe anxiety, special needs, or behavioral challenges, some insurers may approve partial coverage. However, without documentation, claims are often denied.

Laughing Gas Cost With Insurance for Children vs Adults

One of the most important distinctions in dental sedation coverage is age-based eligibility. Pediatric dental insurance, which is often included as part of family health plans, typically provides broader benefits for sedation services.

For children, laughing gas may be covered at 80% to 100%, especially for restorative procedures or extractions. In these cases, parents may pay nothing or only a small copay. Insurance companies recognize that children may have difficulty remaining calm and still during dental treatments, making sedation a practical necessity rather than a luxury.

For adults, coverage is far more limited. Many adult dental plans exclude nitrous oxide altogether, meaning patients must pay the full cost out of pocket. Even premium dental plans may only cover sedation for oral surgery or medically complex cases. As a result, adults should always verify coverage in advance rather than assuming it is included.

Why Dental Insurance Often Does Not Cover Laughing Gas

Understanding why coverage is limited helps set realistic expectations. Dental insurance is designed primarily to support preventive and restorative care, not comfort-based services. Insurers often argue that procedures can technically be completed without sedation, even if the experience is unpleasant.

Another reason is cost control. Dental plans typically have low annual maximums, often between $1,000 and $2,000 per year. Covering elective sedation for every patient would quickly exhaust these limits. By excluding or limiting sedation coverage, insurers can keep premiums lower while focusing on essential treatments.

Additionally, insurance companies rely heavily on standardized procedure codes. Laughing gas has its own billing code, which is frequently flagged as optional. Unless there is clear documentation of medical necessity, insurers default to denying or limiting reimbursement.

How Dentists Bill Laughing Gas to Insurance

Dentists bill laughing gas using specific dental procedure codes, often categorized under inhalation sedation. When submitting a claim, the dental office includes the code along with supporting documentation. If the insurance company requires justification, the dentist may note anxiety disorders, special healthcare needs, or inability to tolerate treatment without sedation.

However, even with proper coding, approval is not guaranteed. Some insurance companies automatically reject sedation claims for adults, while others review them on a case-by-case basis. This is why dental offices often ask patients to sign a consent form acknowledging that sedation fees may not be covered.

Patients should also be aware that insurance companies may process sedation claims separately from the main dental procedure, resulting in unexpected bills weeks after treatment.

Average Out-of-Pocket Costs With Partial Insurance Coverage

When insurance partially covers laughing gas, patients typically pay $25 to $75 out of pocket. This depends on the coverage percentage and the dentist’s fee structure. For example, if a dentist charges $100 for nitrous oxide and insurance covers 50%, the patient pays $50.

In some cases, insurance may apply coverage only after the deductible is met. If the deductible has not been satisfied, the patient may still pay the full cost even if the service is technically covered.

It is also important to note that sedation fees usually do not count toward preventive care benefits, meaning they do not receive the same favorable coverage as cleanings or exams.

Does Medical Insurance Ever Cover Laughing Gas at the Dentist?

In most cases, medical insurance does not cover laughing gas used in dental offices. Dental sedation is typically considered a dental service rather than a medical one. However, there are rare exceptions.

If the dental procedure is performed in a hospital setting or is medically necessary due to a serious health condition, medical insurance may cover part of the sedation. This is more common for patients with special needs, severe disabilities, or complex surgical cases.

For routine dental visits, patients should assume that medical insurance will not contribute to the cost of laughing gas unless explicitly stated otherwise.

How Location and Dentist Type Affect Laughing Gas Pricing

Geographic location plays a role in sedation pricing. Dental offices in major metropolitan areas often charge higher fees due to increased operating costs. Conversely, smaller towns or community dental clinics may offer lower pricing or sliding-scale fees.

The type of dental practice also matters. Pediatric dentists are more likely to include laughing gas as part of their treatment model and may offer more competitive pricing. Cosmetic or boutique dental practices may charge premium rates for sedation as part of a luxury patient experience.

Understanding these differences can help patients shop around if cost is a major concern.

Is Laughing Gas Worth the Cost Without Insurance?

For many patients, the answer is yes. Laughing gas can significantly reduce anxiety, improve comfort, and make dental visits more manageable. For individuals who avoid dental care due to fear, sedation may prevent more serious and costly dental problems in the future.

The cost of laughing gas is relatively modest compared to other sedation options like oral or IV sedation. Because it wears off quickly and has minimal side effects, many patients find it to be a worthwhile investment even without insurance coverage.

However, patients who are comfortable with dental procedures or only experience mild anxiety may choose to skip sedation to save money.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Laughing Gas at the Dentist

Patients concerned about cost have several options. Asking the dental office for a clear estimate before treatment is essential. Some practices offer discounts for cash payment or bundle sedation with certain procedures.

Another strategy is to use sedation selectively. Instead of using laughing gas for every visit, patients may reserve it for longer or more invasive procedures. Discussing anxiety management techniques with the dentist may also reduce the need for sedation.

Finally, reviewing dental insurance plans during enrollment periods can help patients choose policies that offer better sedation benefits, particularly for families with children.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist and Insurance Provider

Before agreeing to laughing gas, patients should ask their dentist how much the fee will be, how it is billed, and whether insurance typically covers it. Contacting the insurance provider directly can clarify coverage percentages, age restrictions, and documentation requirements.

Understanding these details in advance helps avoid surprise bills and ensures patients can make confident decisions about their care.

Final Thoughts:

So, how much is laughing gas at the dentist with insurance? For children, it is often fully or mostly covered, resulting in little to no out-of-pocket cost. For adults, coverage is limited, and patients should expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on their plan and dentist.

Laughing gas remains one of the safest and most accessible forms of dental sedation. While insurance coverage may be inconsistent, the comfort and anxiety relief it provides make it a valuable option for many patients. By understanding insurance rules, asking the right questions, and planning ahead, patients can make informed decisions that balance comfort and cost.