D9230 — Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
D9230 is nitrous oxide, the inhaled gas that takes the edge off anxiety without putting the patient under.
Among the eight codes in this group it is the workhorse — the one most practices report by default. The procedure behind it is explained at length in the anaesthesia and sedation guide.
Everything below is specific to this code: what it pins down, what it is worth, how a payer handles it, and which codes it is not.
Where the line falls between D9230 and the rest
D9223 — Deep sedation / general anesthesia (per 15 min): It covers each further fifteen minutes of deep sedation or general anaesthesia after the first.
D9222 — Deep sedation / general anesthesia, first 15 min: It covers the first fifteen minutes of deep sedation or general anaesthesia.
D9239 — IV moderate (conscious) sedation — first 15 min: It covers the first fifteen minutes of intravenous moderate sedation, where the patient stays conscious but deeply relaxed.
D9219 — Evaluation for sedation/general anesthesia: It is the assessment appointment that decides whether a patient can safely be sedated or anaesthetised.
D9230 sits in a group of eight codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. None of these are interchangeable, even though they sound as though they might be. Checking that the code on your estimate is the one that matches the planned treatment takes a minute and prevents most billing surprises.
Every code in this group
These codes describe the same broad procedure and differ in one respect each. Each has its own page with its own fee range and coverage notes.
Questions about D9230
What is D9230 on my dental bill?
Nitrous oxide, laughing gas, reported under a single adjunctive general services code.
What is the typical fee for D9230?
Plan for $60–$200 as the full fee. Two practices a few miles apart can sit at opposite ends of that range for the same work.
How do dental plans handle D9230?
Yes on most policies, treated as adjunctive work at 0–80%. A waiting period on a new policy is the commonest reason it is not.
What is the difference between D9230 and D9223?
D9223 is deep sedation / general anesthesia, per 15 min: it covers each further fifteen minutes of deep sedation or general anaesthesia after the first. One does not substitute for the other; if both are listed, ask what each appointment is actually for.
Also known as: dental sedation, laughing gas, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, general anaesthesia, dental anxiety.