Get the dental care you need without the anxiety, thanks to in-house sedation from Dr. Rockwell.
Dental anxiety stops too many people from getting the care they need, and we work hard to remove that barrier. Marlton Modern Dentistry offers nitrous oxide sedation to help anxious patients relax through treatment. Dr. Rockwell is experienced in administering nitrous oxide safely and effectively, creating a calmer experience even for patients with significant dental fears. Our goal is straightforward: make quality dental care accessible without stress or discomfort.
Sedation is especially valuable for patients with dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, difficulty getting numb, or those undergoing lengthy procedures. It allows anxious patients to receive necessary care they might otherwise avoid, which prevents small dental issues from progressing to bigger, more involved treatments. Multiple procedures can often be completed in a single appointment, and many patients leave with little memory of the visit, building positive associations for future care.
Your visit starts with a quick review of your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment needs to confirm nitrous oxide is appropriate for you. The gas is administered through a comfortable nasal mask at the start of your appointment and takes effect within minutes. You stay conscious and able to communicate the whole time, just relaxed and at ease. After treatment is complete, the nitrous oxide is replaced with pure oxygen for a few minutes. The effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home and return to normal activities right away.
No, nitrous oxide provides conscious sedation, meaning you'll remain awake and able to respond to questions or instructions throughout your treatment. You'll feel relaxed and somewhat detached from the procedure, but you won't be unconscious. Many patients describe the experience as feeling slightly euphoric or "floating."
Nitrous oxide begins working within 2-3 minutes of administration and its effects adjust quickly as we modify the concentration. When treatment is complete, the effects dissipate within 5-10 minutes of discontinuing the gas and administering pure oxygen. This rapid recovery allows you to drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately after your appointment.
Nitrous oxide can be safely used for many children who experience dental anxiety or have difficulty sitting still for longer procedures. Dr. Rockwell will evaluate each child individually to determine if sedation is appropriate based on age, temperament, medical history, and treatment needs.
You can eat normally before an appointment with nitrous oxide—no fasting is required. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and arriving a few minutes early to settle in before treatment begins. Be sure to inform us of any respiratory conditions or changes to your medical history before your appointment.
Coverage for nitrous oxide varies by insurance plan. Some plans provide partial coverage when sedation is deemed necessary for treatment, while others consider it an elective service. Our team will check your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs prior to treatment.
Do not let dental anxiety keep you from a healthy smile. Dr. Rockwell and the Marlton team offer gentle, judgment-free care with sedation options that put your comfort first.
