Does Laughing Gas Have Any Side-Effects

Feb 05, 2022

Laughing gas is a colorless and odorless substance called nitrous oxide. After inhaling the gas slows the body’s reaction time resulting in a calm and euphoric feeling. This sedative helps treat pain because it functions like a mild sedative. Laughing gas is often used in dentistry to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

 As a sedative, laughing gas works quickly, and it doesn’t take much time for its effects to wear off. However, the gas, although classified as safe, is a drug, and side effects can occur in some cases. This article looks at the potential side effects of laughing gas.

 Short-Term & Long-Term Side Effects

Short-term side effects

 Although side effects can occur from inhaling laughing gas, many receiving the gas don’t have adverse reactions or complications. Whenever the side-effects occur, they result from inhaling too much gas or receiving the gas too fast. Some common short-term side effects include excessive sweating, shivering, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.

 After inhaling laughing gas, some people may experience hallucinations or sound distortion. Administration of oxygen happens simultaneously with laughing gas. However, if you didn’t receive oxygen, your dentist gives you oxygen for about five minutes after turning off the laughing gas.

 Oxygen helps clear any excess gas from your body, helping you regain alertness after your dental procedure. Sufficient oxygen also helps prevent headaches which is another short-term side effect of laughing gas.

 You don’t need help driving yourself home after receiving notice oxide at your dental appointment. However, you must wait until you are fully alert, which may require about 15 minutes.

 If you expect this North York dentist’s sedative method to be used during your dental procedure, prepare yourself by eating light meals before receiving the gas. The light meals prevent and vomiting. Refrain from having heavy meals for at least three hours after receiving the gas. Also, remain alert to the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to nitrous oxide. They can include fever, chills, hives, wheezing, and challenges breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions.

Long-Term Side Effects of Laughing Gas

 Any side effects from laughing gas reverse themselves quickly. Laughing gas does not cause long-term side effects. However, if you develop any unusual symptoms after receiving laughing gas or if the side-effect continues for hours or days after your procedure, discuss the issue with your dentist for further advice.

Is Laughing Gas Safe?

 Although the gas is safe, it is not recommended for everyone. Your medical history helps your dentist determine whether the sedative method is secure for your specific situation. For example, you may not qualify for this sedation if you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy or have a history of respiratory illnesses or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, a history of mental health conditions, and substance use disorders do not qualify for this comfortable sedative.

 While long-term side effects of laughing gas are not identified, misusing the gas or exposure to the gas in work environments results in nerve damage causing tingling and numbness in the fingers, toes, and limbs.

Side-Effects of Laughing Gas in Toddlers and Children

 If your child requires dental treatment and is anxious about visiting the dental office near me, rest assured the dentist uses laughing gas as a safe sedative to calm them. Children and toddlers who are receiving the gas experience short-term side effects such as headache, vomiting, nausea, shivering, and fatigue. Your child may appear disoriented and irritated after receiving the gas. However, the side effects wear off quickly and don’t cause any long-term problems.

Symptoms of Laughing Gas Overdose

 The risk of overdose exists despite laughing gas being safe and used in medical environments. Overdose symptoms can occur long-term exposure or by receiving too much gas. Symptoms of overdose of nitrous oxide include irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat, choking or tightness in the chest, seizures, psychosis or hallucinations, et cetera.

 High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke or heart attack. Brain damage is another possibility for people receiving a large overdose of laughing gas without sufficient oxygen. When left untreated laughing gas overdose can result in coma or death. However, it helps to note an overdose requires an incredibly high quantity of laughing gas than used in dental clinics.

 Laughing gas is a safe sedative method appropriate for children and adults. However, side effects can occur after its use. The side effects are mild and reversible and don’t cause lasting damage.

 Suppose you need to undergo any dental procedure requiring laughing as a sedative. In that case, you help yourself by visiting Monarch Dentistry to receive treatment from the best professionals in the business.