What will laughing gas do

Oxygen is sometimes administered along with nitrous oxide. If not, you may receive oxygen for about five minutes after your doctor turns off the gas. Oxygen helps clear any remaining gas from your body. This will help you regain alertness after your procedure. Getting sufficient oxygen may also prevent a headache, which is another possible side effect of laughing gas. You should be able to drive yourself home after receiving nitrous oxide at a dental appointment.

This may take about 15 minutes, according to the California Dental Association. To prepare your body for nitrous oxide, eat light meals before you receive the gas. This can prevent nausea and vomiting. Also, avoid heavy meals for at least three hours after receiving the gas. Be alert to signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction after inhaling nitrous oxide. They can include:. Any side effect from nitrous oxide typically reverses itself quickly. In any event, talk to your dentist if you develop any unusual symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide or if a side effect continues for hours or days after a procedure.

Based on your medical history, your doctor can determine whether this is an appropriate sedation method for you. While there are no known long-term side effects, misusing nitrous oxide or long-term exposure to the gas in a work environment may cause long-term complications.

Toxic exposure may lead to a vitamin B deficiency or anemia. A severe vitamin B deficiency can cause nerve damage, resulting in tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, and limbs.

Nitrous oxide is also a safe drug for toddlers and children. Similar to adults, children and toddlers who receive nitrous oxide may experience short-term side effects, such as:. Your child may also appear a little disoriented and irritable after receiving the gas. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy.

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Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. What Is Laughing Gas? Top Articles. What Does Laughing Gas Do? The Benefits of Laughing Gas Dentists choose nitrous oxide because it is a safe and effective method for sedation.

The California Dental Association CDA lists several side effects, including: Headaches Shivering Excessive sweating Nausea or vomiting Sleepiness After the nitrous oxide is turned off, patients need to receive oxygen for at least five minutes to avoid headaches. What is Laughing Gas Used For? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry AAPD recommends the use of nitrous oxide for these indications: Patients who are fearful, anxious, or uncooperative Patients with special health care needs Patients with gag reflexes that interfere with dental care Patients who do not respond adequately to local anesthesia Younger patients who must undergo lengthy dental procedures.

Nitrous Oxide for Children Is nitrous oxide equally safe for children? Who Shouldn't Use Laughing Gas? Tell your dentist if you have any of the following conditions: currently in the first trimester of pregnancy a history of respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD a vitamin B deficiency a history of substance abuse an enzyme condition methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency a history of mental health conditions Laughing gas can be a useful tool for easing anxiety and pain during dental procedures.

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Privacy Policy. An Overview Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is a form of anesthetic under the umbrella of sedation dentistry that is often regularly administered to patients who undergo dental procedures. Benefits Offered There are many benefits associated with using Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. Harmful Side Effects Using Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas is relatively safe and does not pose major health risks, however you may experience some side effects should you inhale too much of the gas.