Sedation dentistry cost in Korea
Sedation Dentistry Cost in Korea: Patient Price Guide
Sedation dentistry (also called sleep dentistry) uses sedative medications to help patients relax or remain comfortable during dental procedures. It is commonly recommended for patients with dental anxiety, a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or when long or complex treatments are planned.
ο»Ώ
Below is a clear, clinic-ready overview of the sedation dentistry cost in Korea that you can publish on your dental website.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help a patient feel relaxed or comfortable during dental work. Levels of sedation vary:
- Minimal sedation: Relaxed, fully conscious
- Moderate sedation: Drowsy, may not remember much
- Deep sedation: Very relaxed and barely conscious
- General anesthesia: Unconscious (used in select cases)
Sedation is an add-on service to the dental procedure—not a standalone treatment—and is billed in addition to the cost of the actual dental work.
Typical Sedation Dentistry Cost in Korea
In Korea, the cost for sedation during dental treatment generally ranges from:
KRW 100,000 to KRW 500,000+ per session
This fee is in addition to the dental treatment cost (e.g., extraction, implant placement, root canal, surgery).
Cost by Type of Sedation
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
KRW 100,000 – KRW 200,000 per session
Light sedation that helps reduce anxiety while patients remain fully conscious.
Oral Sedation
KRW 150,000 – KRW 300,000 per session
A sedative pill taken before the appointment to promote relaxation throughout the procedure.
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
KRW 300,000 – KRW 500,000+ per session
Deeper sedation administered through an IV; often recommended for anxious patients or longer procedures.
General Anesthesia
KRW 500,000 – KRW 1,000,000+ per session
Used in select cases requiring unconsciousness, typically under professional anesthesia supervision. Often used for extensive oral or surgical treatments.
What Is Usually Included in the Sedation Fee
Sedation dentistry fees typically include:
- Pre-sedation evaluation and medical history review
- Administration of the sedative agent
- Monitoring of vital signs during the procedure
- Supervision during recovery
Confirm with your dentist whether medications, monitoring equipment, and recovery care are included in the quoted fee.
Factors That Affect Sedation Cost
Type and Depth of Sedation
Deeper or more controlled sedation methods (IV, general anesthesia) are more expensive than lighter options like nitrous oxide.
Duration of Procedure
Longer dental procedures may incur higher sedation fees due to the length of monitoring and medication use.
Provider Qualifications
Sedation provided under an anesthesiologist’s supervision or in a hospital setting may cost more than sedation administered by a dentist trained in sedation techniques.
Clinic Location and Standards
Clinics in major metropolitan areas such as Seoul may charge higher sedation fees due to facility standards and equipment.
Insurance and Payment in Korea
- Sedation dentistry is generally considered non-insured care, meaning patients typically pay out of pocket.
- National health insurance usually does not cover sedation fees for dental procedures.
- Some private dental insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement depending on policy details.
- Foreign patients typically pay standard private clinic rates.
Number of Visits Required
Sedation is usually administered on the same day as the dental treatment requiring it. A pre-procedure evaluation may be recommended but sedation itself does not typically require separate multiple visits.
Final Thoughts on Sedation Dentistry Cost in Korea
The sedation dentistry cost in Korea typically ranges from KRW 100,000 to KRW 500,000+ per session, depending on the type and depth of sedation, duration of the procedure, and clinic protocols. Because sedation is added on top of the dental procedure fee, patients should discuss total treatment costs—including sedation—during treatment planning.
A consultation with your dental provider will give you a personalized plan and accurate cost estimate for sedation dentistry based on your specific needs.
