Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you accept my insurance?

A: Yes! Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery is a Preferred Provider (PPO) for most insurance companies including Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield (dental & medical), Cigna, Delta, Guardian, Metlife, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Principal, and The Standard. We do accept other insurances and are happy to give you an estimate for coverage based on your specific insurance.

Q: How early should I arrive to my appointment?

A: Patient paperwork can be filled out online before you arrive in our office to accelerate your visit. If you have filled out the patient registration paperwork beforehand, please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. If you would like to fill out your paperwork at the office the day of your procedure arrive no less than 20 minutes early.  Link to online paperwork: Paperwork

Q: What is the difference between 'impacted' wisdom teeth and 'erupted' wisdom teeth?

A: Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars located at the back of the mouth that do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally. Erupted wisdom teeth are teeth that have broken through the gum tissue and are visible in the mouth. 

Q: Will medical insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

A: Many medical insurance plans do have coverage for impacted wisdom teeth. Each plan is specific and we do ask that you provide us your medical insurance information so that we can check coverage under your plan prior to your appointment.

Q: What is IV sedation?

A: IV sedation is a form of anesthesia often described as a twilight sleep. You will not feel pain and likely will not remember anything about the procedure. Our doctors recommend IV sedation as it is the most comfortable way to have the procedure performed.

Q: Can I brush my teeth before I have IV sedation?

A: Yes, just try not to swallow any water.

Q: Why do we insist on nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to procedure with IV sedation?

A: Safety is the top priority when it comes to our patients at Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery. The sedation medications produce a decreased gag reflex which reduces the ability to keep contents in the stomach.  Stomach contents that move into the throat may be inhaled (aspirated) and could be fatal. We require no food or drink, gum, or even mints before your appointment for these reasons.

Q: How do we deliver IV sedation?

A: We begin by placing the patient on monitors (EKG, blood pressure, oxygen via nasal cannula, pulse oximetry) to ensure their safety. An IV will then be started in the patient’s arm by their doctor or registered nurse (RN). The sedation medications are specifically managed by the surgeon for each patient in relation to their health conditions and procedure being performed. The patient typically drifts to sleep within two minutes of receiving medications. The doctor waits to begin the procedure until the patient is comfortably sleeping. The medications are delivered and monitored throughout the procedure by the doctor.

Q: How long will my procedure last?

A: The length of your procedure will depend on the procedure taking place. Wisdom teeth procedures typically take 30-60 minutes, but you can plan on being in the office a total of 1.5-2 hours. This time frame accounts for consultation, procedure, and recovery time. If you are coming in for only a consultation we estimate 30 minutes. Feel free to ask our staff about your specific appointment when scheduling.

 

 

 

 

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