Is the gas they use at the dentist an illegal drug to use when not used at the dentist?

Question

are there any negative side effects?

i don't want it to get high! geez, i was just wondering...calm down.

Answer 1

Nitrous oxide is considered to be a drug of abuse when it is not used under a supervised healthcare practitioner (this includes dentists, who are licensed by the state to administer anesthetic agents). It can be available over the counter, or at least it was years ago, in the form of cartridges for charging professional grade whip cream containers. Nowadays, I think they have all switched over to CO2 because they were used in drug abuse so much. An overdose, or chronic use of NO2 can result in permanent brain damage or neurological changes from excessive dilation of the blood vessels and the resulting hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain. Most inhaled drugs of abuse really derive their effects (or high) from promoting a state of hypoxia in the brain, rather than through actual chemical changes, like opiods (morphine, etc.) It is a fine line from hypoxia to permanent brain damage, which is why so many kids die from 'huffing' and the like with other chemical agents in aerosols.

Answer 2

Nitrous oxide. It may depend on your state. In mine:

It is unlawful for any person to inhale or ingest, or to possess with intent to breathe, inhale, or drink, any compound, liquid, or chemical containing toluol, hexane, trichloroethylene, acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, trichloroethane, isopropanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, cyclohexanone, nitrous oxide, diethyl ether, alkyl nitrites (butyl nitrite), or any similar substance for the purpose of inducing a condition of intoxication or which distorts or disturbs the auditory, visual, or mental processes....

2nd degree misdemeanor

Long-term use of inhalants can result in a condition called neuropathy, where nerve fibers are permanently damaged, causing such problems as weakness, tingling, and a loss of feeling.

Answer 3

anything from removing a tooth to a filling, depends on the dentist. Some dont like to use it unless its a larger procedure.

Answer 4

Don't use it out of the dentist. They're trained professionals and yes it's illegal, drug abuse

Answer 5

yes, and a better question is why you want to get high? Any gas that you inhale has side effects and here's another good question - why do you want to chance harming yourself and the brain that you were so lucky to be born with?

grow up!

Answer 6

umm... yes it is illegal to use by anyone other than a dentist. trained medical professional have to administer the gas. most impotantly if you use to much, it can cause death.

Answer 7

it is definitely illegal. otherwise, you could buy it over the counter and do dental work on yourself. there is a reason that trained professionals use it because they know how to concentrate it so it wont kill you or damage your brain.

Answer 8

Yes it is illegal to use by anyone other than a trained medical professional.

If you use to much, it can cause death.

Answer 9

It depends where you live. In the UK it is not illegal (I am quite sure of this as it is sold at my student union shop).

Answer 10

you can buy at racing shops, it is used in cars also. it is nitrous oxcide (laughing gas)