Does Laughing Gas Make You Say Things?

There’s a very popular movie trope you might have seen a few times.

Very broadly, the character goes to the dentist’s office, gets laughing gas, then becomes so woozy that they spill all their secrets.

It makes for a very funny scene, but if you’re about to go in for an appointment, and know laughing gas is on the table, you may be wondering:

Will this happen to me?

And this can be a problem since laughing gas is an essential part of sedation dentistry in Terre Haute, which helps even people with dental anxiety get access to oral healthcare.

So, will laughing gas make you too honest? The short answer is: it’s very unlikely.

How Does Laughing Gas Work?

Nitrous oxide is a gas used in dentistry as a mild sedative. It’s commonly referred to as laughing gas because it’s known to cause people to giggle, especially children.

The gas is inhaled through a special mask right before the procedure starts. As the gas enters your system, you can become more relaxed and have an easier time getting through your dentist appointment.

But, the effects are short-term. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will swap the laughing gas for oxygen, which will help clear the nitrous oxide from your system. Once it’s done, you will be fully awake and alert, and even drive home yourself!

So Can It Make You Spill All Your Secrets?

It’s very unlikely. Laughing gas can make you a bit more disinhibited, similarly to a few drinks, but not enough to lead to unusual and inappropriate behaviors.

In all likelihood, you won’t start confessing all your secrets to your dentist, but you may find everything a bit funnier than usual, and even be a little confused.

Is Laughing Gas Safe?

Yes, laughing gas is a perfectly safe type of sedative. In fact, its effects are so mild that it’s even used when treating children.

There are some potential side effects of laughing gas, such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Disorientation

However, these side effects rarely stick around once the nitrous oxide leaves your system.

Is Laughing Gas Right for Me?

Laughing gas is suitable for most patients, but you should know that the dentist will only recommend it (or any other type of sedative) after they review your specific case.

Sedation is only recommended when it’s truly necessary for the patient, and only after the dentist assesses your current health and medical history, to see if you are a good candidate for sedation like laughing gas.

Time for an Appointment? Stop by Vivid Smiles!

If you have some oral health concerns that need more attention, Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri and Dr. Nilanchal Sahai are here to help you take care of your smile!

You can book an appointment at Vivid Smiles online, or call us directly at (812) 803-2340 for more information about our services.