At Regency Dental, we believe that you should never have to white-knuckle your way through a dental appointment.
We are incredibly proud to offer a comprehensive suite of in-house sedation options to ensure your visits are entirely pain-free and deeply relaxing. Because every patient’s needs are unique, we provide different levels of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild, easily adjustable sedation that takes the edge off of minor anxiety and wears off immediately after your appointment.
- Oral sedation: A prescription medication taken before your visit that provides moderate sedation, leaving you completely calm, groggy, and highly relaxed.
- IV sedation: Administered directly into the bloodstream for deep, immediate relaxation, ideal for patients who want to drift peacefully through their procedure with little to no memory of the work being done.
How Sedation Dentistry Supports Patients With Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and we want you to know that our Omaha, NE office is a completely safe, judgment-free zone. We understand that past negative experiences, fear of needles, or the sounds of a dental office can cause severe stress. Sedation dentistry bypasses this fear entirely. By relaxing your central nervous system, sedation not only calms your mind but also physically relaxes your jaw muscles and suppresses an overactive gag reflex, transforming what used to be a stressful ordeal into a remarkably positive, peaceful experience.
Determining Whether You Are A Candidate For Sedation
We take a highly personalized approach to your care. During your consultation, Dr. Ellingson, Dr. Spanel, or Dr. Nelson will sit down with you to review the big picture of your health, including your medical history and current medications. Sedation is an excellent choice if you suffer from high dental anxiety, have extremely sensitive teeth, struggle to sit still for long periods, or are undergoing complex, lengthy procedures like surgical extractions or the placement of dental implants.
Safety Monitoring Throughout Sedated Dental Care
Your physical safety and absolute comfort are our highest priorities. When you receive moderate to deep sedation at Regency Dental, you are continuously monitored by our highly trained clinical team. We utilize advanced, hospital-grade equipment to carefully track your vital signs—including your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—throughout the entire procedure. You are never left alone in the room, and our doctors expertly manage your sedation levels to ensure you remain perfectly safe, stable, and deeply comfortable from start to finish.
Preparing For A Sedation Dentistry Appointment
We believe in empowering our patients with clear, easy-to-understand information so you feel completely confident before your visit. If you are receiving oral or IV sedation, proper preparation is key to a smooth experience:
- Fasting: You will need to abstain from eating or drinking anything for a specific number of hours before your appointment.
- Transportation: Because the sedative effects last for several hours, you must arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from our office.
- Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, especially short sleeves if you are receiving IV sedation, so you can rest easily in the chair.
What To Expect During Recovery After Sedation
The recovery process depends entirely on the level of sedation you choose. If you receive nitrous oxide, the effects clear your system within minutes, allowing you to safely drive yourself back to work or home. If you opt for oral or IV sedation, you will feel deeply groggy and sleepy for the remainder of the day. Your designated driver will take you home, where we recommend resting comfortably on the couch or in bed, staying hydrated with clear liquids, and avoiding any strenuous activities or important decision-making for 24 hours.
Choosing A Sedation Option Based On Your Treatment Needs
We firmly believe that dental insurance should never dictate your quality of care or your comfort. When planning your treatment, we will clearly explain your sedation options and help you choose the best fit based on your personal anxiety levels and the complexity of your procedure. A simple filling might only require a little nitrous oxide, while a full-mouth restorative plan involving crowns, root canals, and extractions is often best completed under IV sedation. As your dedicated partners in health in Omaha, NE, we empower you to choose the path that makes you feel safest and most in control of your smile.