What is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitro, is an colorless, non-flammable room temperature gas that has a slightly sweet taste and odor. Laughing gas gets its name from the euphoric feeling that it provides when inhaled. In addition, the most commonly used anesthetic in dentistry and oral surgeries is laughing gas (nitrous oxide). If you have an oral surgery or dental treatment scheduled, and would like to learn more about laughing gas, you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with all of the information you need to know before your scheduled appointment.

Origin

What is the origin of laughing gas? Joseph Priestley, an English cleric, discovered nitrous oxide in the late-1700s. During the 1800s, a patient named Humphry Davy experienced “euphoria” and a pain-free sensation after inhaling the gas. It was during this time that nitrous oxide was coined “laughing gas.” During the early1800s, laughing gas was used primarily for recreational purposes, but in 1844, Dr. Horace Wells, an American dentist, began using it during dental treatments and oral surgeries. To test the gases effectiveness, Dr. Wells inhaled the laughing gas and had a colleague remove his infected tooth. The results suggested that laughing gas was an effective anesthetic during dental procedures.

Functions

What are the functions of nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide is not a particularly strong anesthetic, which makes it ideal for dental treatments and oral surgeries. Approximately 30% of American dental practices use laughing gas during dental procedures. Although this gas is primarily used in dental procedures, it is also sometimes used to burn fuel at faster rate during rocket launches and car races. Moreover, nitrous oxide is used to produce whipped cream. Furthermore, nitrous oxide is used as mixing and forming agent in many dairy products because it prevents and/or delays the spread of bacteria.

Effects

What are the effects of laughing gas? Laughing gas can cause disorientation, euphoria (i.e. excitement, giddiness and joy), numbness and/or tingling in your limbs (i.e. arms, legs and feet), blurred vision, and a significant reduction in pain. These effects typically last from 3 to 5 minutes following the inhalation. It is not uncommon to experience residual effects after the initial euphoric feeling has worn off. Regardless, laughing gas normally wears off rather quickly, which makes it different from most other anesthetics.

Precautions & Warnings

What precautions and warnings are associated with laughing gas? Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is highly beneficial in most cases, however there are some risks associated with its use. When used for personal use (recreationally) it must be combined with 20% of oxygen or you risk becoming hypoxic. What is hypoxia? Well, it is a condition that occurs when the oxygen in your blood decreases. It is a serious condition that can lead to brain damage or death.

In addition, nitrous oxide can affect your coordination, increasing your risk of falling and/or running into things. It is important to refrain from driving, until the effects of the gas has worn off. Lastly, high doses and/or chronic use of nitrous oxide can lead to a B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a blood condition that occurs when amino acid homocysteine builds up in your blood, elevating your risk of vascular damage, heart disease, and/or inflammation.

References:

BBC. (2014). Councils issue health warning on ‘laughing gas’ use. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28710824

Dental Fear Central. (2014). Inhalation sedation (laughing gas). Retrieved from http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/laughing-gas/