Dentists used to use nitrous oxide for dental procedures, but they don't anymore. There are a few reasons for this.
One reason is that nitrous oxide is a gas, and it can be difficult to control the amount of gas that a patient inhales. Too much gas can lead to serious health problems, including death.
Another reason is that nitrous oxide can cause patients to feel dizzy and lightheaded. This can make it difficult for them to cooperate during dental procedures.
Finally, nitrous oxide is flammable, and there have been incidents where patients have been injured by fires that started while they were under the influence of the gas.
Overall, dentists have decided that the risks of using nitrous oxide outweigh the benefits. There are other ways to sedate patients for dental procedures, such as using oral sedatives or intravenous sedatives.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective form of pain relief for children. It is commonly used in both dental and medical settings. The gas is inhaled through a mask, which deliverys a concentrated dose of the medication. The child remains awake and alert during the procedure. Side effects are uncommon and typically mild, such as dizziness or nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long term effects of nitrous oxide?
The long-term effects of nitrous oxide use are not well known, but may include: memory loss depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage) anaemia incontinence
What are the most common causes of a nitrous oxide overdose?
Common causes of an nitrous oxide overdose include getting too much of the gas at once, and long term or accidental exposure.
Who is at risk of nitrous oxide exposure?
People at risk of nitrous oxide exposure include medical personnel who work in surgical rooms in hospitals, surgery centers, or medical offices; dental workers where nitrous oxide gas is used as an anesthetic.
What happens when you mix nitrous oxide with other drugs?
When nitrous oxide is mixed with other drugs, it can worsen the side effects and even be fatal. Nitrous oxide is a dissociative and calming drug, so when it is mixed with other drugs that also act on these neurotransmitters, it can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and even death.
What are the long term effects of nitrous oxide toxicity?
The long term effects of nitrous oxide toxicity depend on how much nitrous oxide is inhaled and the length of time exposure continues. If nitrous oxide is chronically breathed in, it may cause memory loss, vitamin B12 depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage), ringing or buzzing in the ears, incontinence, numbness in the hands or feet, limb spasms.
