At Regency Dental, our ultimate goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
However, there are times when oral surgery becomes the most responsible and effective path to protect your overall health. Surgery may be recommended to remove deeply impacted wisdom teeth, extract a tooth that is too severely decayed or fractured to be saved with a root canal, or to perform a bone graft to rebuild a weakening jawbone. As your trusted dental home in Omaha, NE, we take a conservative approach. We will only recommend a surgical procedure if it is absolutely necessary to relieve pain, eliminate active infection, or create a healthy foundation for future restorative work.
Preparing For An Oral Surgery Procedure
We believe that patient education is the antidote to dental anxiety. We will never rush you into a procedure or pressure you into a decision based on what an insurance policy dictates. During your pre-surgical consultation, Dr. Ellingson, Dr. Spanel, and Dr. Nelson will sit down with you to clearly explain why the surgery is needed, what the process entails, and exactly how you should prepare. We provide clear, customized instructions on fasting (if utilizing certain sedation methods), adjusting daily medications, and arranging for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home safely.
Digital Imaging & Planning For Surgical Care
Exceptional surgical outcomes are built on meticulous planning and absolute precision. We have invested heavily in advanced clinical technology to remove the guesswork from your care. Before any surgical procedure, we take a highly detailed CBCT 3D scan of your entire jaw structure. This allows us to digitally map your anatomy, precisely locate vital nerves, and evaluate bone density in three dimensions. By planning your surgery digitally before you even sit in the chair, we ensure the procedure is as minimally invasive, fast, and predictable as possible.
Comfort Options During Oral Surgery
We understand that the phrase “oral surgery” can cause significant stress. Our promise is to ensure you feel completely safe, heard, and emotionally supported throughout your entire visit. Your physical comfort is our absolute highest priority. We offer a comprehensive suite of modern sedation options right here in our office to ensure a pain-free, deeply relaxing experience:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild, fast-acting option to take the edge off and ease mild anxiety.
- Oral sedation: Prescription medication taken before your appointment that places you in a deeply relaxed, groggy state.
- IV sedation: Administered by our highly trained team, this allows you to drift peacefully through your procedure with little to no memory of the surgery itself.
What To Expect During Recovery & Healing
Because we utilize advanced digital planning and precise surgical techniques, most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth their recovery is. While a few days of swelling and mild tenderness are a normal part of the healing process, this is typically easily managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. To support your body as it heals, we recommend:
- Resting: Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for the first 48 to 72 hours.
- Eating soft foods: Stick to a cool or room-temperature diet of soft, nutritious foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
- Using cold therapy: Gently apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw in 15-minute intervals to significantly reduce swelling.
Reducing The Risk Of Post-Surgical Complications
Your active participation in the healing process is critical to avoiding post-surgical complications, such as a painful dry socket or secondary infection. We view ourselves as your partners in health, and we will equip you with detailed aftercare instructions to protect your surgical site. The most important rules for the first few days are to completely avoid smoking, absolutely refrain from using drinking straws (as the suction can dislodge the healing blood clot), and avoid forceful spitting or vigorous rinsing.
Follow-Up Care & Long-Term Oral Health
Our commitment to you does not end when your surgery is complete; we are dedicated to your long-term wellness. When you visit our Omaha, NE practice for your follow-up appointment, we will evaluate your healing progress and discuss the next steps in your personalized treatment plan. If your surgery involved a tooth extraction, we will proactively discuss replacement options, such as state-of-the-art dental implants, to prevent unwanted bone loss and keep your surrounding teeth from shifting. By looking at the big picture of your health, we ensure your smile remains strong, functional, and perfectly balanced for years to come.