Does anyone know if Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to pay for Sedation Dentistry?

I think it can. You may need something from the dentist stating that this is neccessary for the treatment you are going to have. It is the financial coordinator’s (in the dental office) responsiblity to find this out for you before booking your treatment, and to send the treatment plan to the fsa if requested to secure payment.

I used mine for that purpose. No WAY was I getting the wisdom teeth out while I was awake! You may wish to check the rules on yours, though.

All plans are different, and what’s covered will be determined by the plan document. That said, it’s more than likely that it would be covered, so check with your plan administrator.

Your FSA funds can be used for reimbursement of payments to qualified medical providers for tax deductible medical services above what is covered by your plan. In general, it doesn’t pay for cosmetic or optional treatments, like teeth whitening, or veneers, but does cover dental implants.

Here is the IRS guide to tax deductible medical expenses.

@PandoraBoxx Thank you for the link to the IRS guide. Unfortunately it doesn’t mention sedation, which while would most likely be covered by an oral surgeon doing extractions, might not be covered by a regular dentist doing root canals & fixing broken teeth since that might be considered a preference rather than a necessity (like cosmetic procedures). So I guess my answer is to follow @nope ‘s suggestion to call my plan administrator.

FYI, here’s what the IRS guide says for dental expenses:
Dental Treatment
You can include in medical expenses the amounts you pay for the prevention and alleviation of dental disease. Preventive treatment includes the services of a dental hygienist or dentist for such procedures as teeth cleaning, the application of sealants, and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay. Treatment to alleviate dental disease include services of a dentist for procedures such as X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and other dental ailments. But see Teeth Whitening under What Expenses Are Not Includible, later.

I called my FSA and was told that the dentist would need to fax a letter explaining that the sedation is “medically necessary” and then it would be sent for review with an approval or denial in about 5 business days. I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach & am totally deflated since it isn’t a medical necessity to be put out for dental work such as root canals, etc, it is a mental health necessity & I’m not sure that’s going to do it.
Thanks anyway :<

Ask your dentist whether he/she would do the letter. It certainly won’t hurt to ask, and if they will, then your chances of getting it approved are better. Might as well try, you’re no worse off!

@nope Yes, when I go for my consultation on the 22nd, they’ll do full x-rays to see the full extent of the work that needs to be done. I will ask the dentist then about doing the letter. I am very disappointed and discouraged as I really thought this is the type of thing the FSA was for. Thanks for your encouragement.

HEY, GREAT NEWS!!! Just got a call from my Flex Acct plan administrator. Seems my question was forwarded to the FSA Rep who replied that FSA CAN be used for dental sedation as long as the dental procedures are not cosmetic! I would need to submit dental records to substantiate my claim that the procedures are not cosmetic. At the least I need a cleaning, a post & crown, an extraction, and a root canal (we’ll see how much more when I get a full set of x-rays) and I am sooooo relieved that I’ll be able to afford to be put out and get most of them all done in one visit. So thank you again to everyone who encouraged me to ask!

Yay! Good for you! :) (Except for, well, the dental work.)

(I’m giggling thinking about what a cosmetic root canal would look like.)