Sleep dentistry cost in Korea

Sleep dentistry (sedation dentistry) refers to the use of sedation techniques to help patients relax or remain unaware during dental procedures. It is commonly used for patients with anxiety, fear of dental treatment, a low pain threshold, strong gag reflex, or when lengthy or complex procedures are planned.



Below is a clear, clinic-ready overview of the sleep dentistry cost in Korea that you can publish on your dental website.

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry means using sedative medications to reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental treatment. Sedation is administered in different levels depending on the patient’s needs and the planned procedure:

• Minimal sedation: Relaxed but awake
• Moderate sedation: May be drowsy and less aware
• Deep sedation: Barely conscious but responsive
• General anesthesia: Unconscious (typically used only for extensive surgical cases)

Sleep dentistry is not a procedure itself but a supportive service added to dental treatment.

Typical Sedation Cost Range in Korea

In Korea, the cost for sedation during dental treatment generally falls into the following ranges in addition to the cost of the dental procedure itself:

KRW 100,000 to KRW 500,000+ per session

The final cost depends on:

• Type and depth of sedation
• Duration of the dental procedure
• Clinic’s sedation protocols and monitoring standards
• Specialist involvement (anesthesiologist vs dentist-administered)

Because sedation is usually charged in addition to the actual dental treatment (e.g., extraction, implant, surgery), the total bill will include both the procedure fee and the sleep dentistry fee.

Cost by Type of Sedation

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

KRW 100,000 – KRW 200,000 per session
A light sedation often used for mild anxiety or short procedures. Patients remain awake and responsive.

Oral Sedation

KRW 150,000 – KRW 300,000 per session
A sedative pill taken before treatment that produces relaxation during the procedure. Suitable for moderate anxiety.

IV Sedation

KRW 300,000 – KRW 500,000+ per session
Delivered intravenously for deeper sedation. Often recommended for more anxious patients or longer procedures.

General Anesthesia

KRW 500,000 – KRW 1,000,000+ per session
Used in select cases requiring unconsciousness (very deep sedation), typically under specialist supervision. Often used for extensive oral surgery or patients with special needs.

What Is Included in the Sedation Fee

Depending on the clinic, the sedation fee typically includes:

• Pre-sedation evaluation (medical history review)
• Administration of sedative medication
• Monitoring of vital signs during treatment
• Recovery time supervision

Confirm with your dental provider whether medications, monitoring equipment, and recovery care are included in the quoted fee.

Factors That Influence Sleep Dentistry Cost

Type of Sedation

Deeper levels of sedation require more medication, monitoring, and time, increasing cost.

Duration of Treatment

Longer dental procedures mean longer sedation time, which may raise the total sedation fee.

Provider Qualifications

Sedation administered under an anesthesiologist’s supervision or in a hospital setting may be higher than sedation provided by a dentist trained in sedation.

Clinic Location and Facility Standards

Clinics in major metropolitan areas such as Seoul with advanced monitoring equipment and recovery facilities may charge higher fees.

Insurance and Payment in Korea

• Sleep dentistry (sedation) is generally considered non-insured dental support care, meaning patients usually pay out of pocket.
• National health insurance typically does not cover sedation costs for dental procedures.
• Some private dental insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement depending on the policy.
• Foreign patients typically pay standard private clinic rates.

Number of Visits Required

Sedation is usually administered on the same day as the dental procedure requiring it. A pre-procedure evaluation may be recommended, but multiple visits are not typically required solely for sedation.

Final Thoughts on Sleep Dentistry Cost in Korea

The sleep dentistry cost in Korea typically ranges from KRW 100,000 to KRW 500,000+ per session, depending on the type of sedation, duration of treatment, and clinic protocols. Because sedation is added on top of the dental procedure fee, patients should discuss total treatment costs—including sedation—during planning.

A consultation with your dental provider will clarify whether sedation is recommended and provide a personalized cost estimate based on your needs.