Laughing gas-having teeth removed-what are steps of procedure?

Question

Is the patient cognitive at all when having this? Does he/she know what he/she is saying or what people are doing to them?

What are the steps of procedure? Im having my wisdom teeth removed am worried about altering my consciousness(sp?) I don't drink or do drugs so this idea of altering my perception of reality is kind of scary to me.

Well I believe the laughing gas is just used to help me before putting in IV.

crystanine-I am sorry to hear that. Does that stuff happen on a frequent basis? SCARY!

Answer 1

Ok, firt timer! It's a simple procedure, you'll sit down in the dental chair and they will place a scented (usually of your choice, vanilla, cherry, bubble gum)nose piece with hoses over your nose and tell you to breath through deeply. That simple, you are completely aware of your surrounding, what you are doing, and as to what you are saying, although we prefer you not to talk. When you talk you breath in through your mouth and loose the effects of N2O. So you talk and defeat the purpose of having it. It makes you have a sensation of floating, light, slightly dizzy feeling. I usually tell (of age) patients it's the equivalent of 3 margarita's. It really makes you just not care and super relaxed. If you feel too dizzy, just open your mouth and take a breath or two to get back to normal. Most people like it, I use it when I'm having my teeth cleaned just for the relaxation of it. After the N20 takes effect good, they will put the topical in and on the roof of your mouth, and then the doctor will numb you up. If your being sedated you won't be awake for that part. If you aren't then they will give you time to get good and numb before they start on the extractions. Also if your awake during this, you need to concentrate on breathing through your nose through the whole procedure. If you feel any pain or anything sharp just raise your left hand (right if your dentist is a lefty) and they will numb you some more. The rest is all down hill from there, nothing required of you except laying there with your mouth proped open. They will give you some home care instructions that you will follow to the letter, and extra gauze, just in case you need them, and an ice pack. Frozen peas work well as an ice pack, they contour to your face and they are cheap enough to throw away after you've frozen and thawed several times. I keep a marked bag in the freezer all the time just for emergencies. You will probably need someone to give you a hand that day just for fixing your cold drinks and getting you ice cream and such. Just follow the doctors instructions and you'll be up and back to normal in no time. Good luck, if I can be of any help let me know.

Answer 2

I can tell you that it was a blast!! You have the greatest attitude, and you are very conscious all the time, but somehow the laughing gas made me just very happy all the time, and I didn't even have a hangover when the dentist was through. They just put some small mask over my mouth and nose and told me to breathe normally for a while, and your mood will just slowly get lighter and lighter and happier and happier. Honey, the last thing in the world you need to do in that situation is worry. You're gonna have a blast and just wish you had more wisdom teeth for them to remove. Have a great time, and think of me when you go to the dentist. We'll act just like we are at a party, and you'll feel real good, and consciously, when you're there. Have fun, gal!! God Bless you. And, NO, Cristanine's story is not anywhere near a regular occurence, so don't worry. Have fun. You'll be safe and happy. The pain comes afterwards, so you'll get a prescription for some pain medicine. God Bless you, honey.

Answer 3

I had two molars pulled yesterday and had the nitrous oxide (laughing gas) I totally was aware about what was going on, but was very very relaxed. That is the nice thing you are aware but so relaxed. The great thing to is the effects will wear off after about 1-2 minutes of straight oxygen being put through the tubes instead of the gas. I just wore a thing over my nose, I am a huge baby when it comes to the dentist and this made it so much easier! Good luck you will be fine!

Answer 4

You are very aware of all that is going on around you while under Happy Gas. The percentage of happy gas to oxygen can be controlled by the dentist. So you may want to ask him to start you off on a low percentage and then gradually move it up as needed. Happy gas has no numbing capabilities- it just helps you relax. I would reccomend it, it's a great help. Make sure that you go in for the extractions on a full stomach. Empty stomach plus happy gas can cause nausea.

Answer 5

you sit in the chair and breathe from the mask ,then everything is just too bloody hilarious
when you realize whats going on your mouth is full of blood and you are on the way home .the pain starts when you get home ,make sure you have painkillers ready or steal the cylinder of laughing gas .this is great stuff to play with and can start a party instantly
knew some dentists who could not do with out it

it is not like drugs that change your perception .you just laugh your head of untill your belly hurts

i recomend it.

Answer 6

I was awake when I had my wisdom teeth removed.. they did all 4 at the same time though. They gave me some kind of anti anxiety pills and froze my gums. You'll be fine as long as they numb you up enough. Things to expect: Gross sounds (bring your own ipod and listen to music) When they go under the tooth/pull it out you'll be able to feel a gross twinging feeling because of the nerves. They cover up the tools with a little sheet I think but try not to look at the tools because they freaked me out completely haha. Good luck!

Answer 7

most people go to an oral surgeon to have their wisdom teeth removed. and most are sedated with IV medication that puts them to sleep for the whole procedure. In fact, I have never heard of just using Nitrous Oxide for any kind of tooth removal. I'd personally not allow a dentist to remove a tooth without sedation.

Answer 8

I think nitrous is to alter your thinking. It makes you less nervous and not worried about what is going on around you or in your mouth. They will also numb your mouth too.
I'm just guessing, but I wouldn't worry about. Everybody loves nitrous. Just go with the flow :P

Answer 9

My neighbors wife had her wisdoms removed and she was given laughing gas and woke up in pain. They gave her a prescription for pain medicine and sent her home.
When she got home she noticed that her vagina was wet. She thought it was from the laughing gas , but it wasn't. The Dentist was doing more than teeth drilling that day!

Answer 10

Christ, I didn't know they still used this ancient method!