This dental procedure code applies to the use of intravenous (IV) sedation to reduce anxiety during a variety of dental procedures. The code refers only to anxiety-controlling drugs, not local anesthetic.
Drugs used in this procedure are non-narcotic, so they aren’t responsible for blocking pain; however, they are effective in reducing fear and calming patients prior to and during procedures. Drugs used in IV “conscious” sedation are members of the benzodiazepine (benzos) family.
Intravenous conscious sedation/analgesia aims to:
- Reduce or eliminate anxiety
- Minimize movement during dental treatment
- Enhance the clarity of communication and aid patient cooperation
- Temporarily increase one's pain threshold
- Increase tolerance for longer appointments
- Aid in treatment of patients with cognitive or physical disabilities
- Reduce gagging
- Enhance the effect of sedatives
This code covers only the first 30 minutes of sedation. Additional 15-minute increments are billed using a code denoted for analgesic administration specific to those 15 minute intervals.
To look up and find more CDT dental codes from the American Dental Association, please visit our complete Dental Procedure Code Library.