Question:
Any danger in using dentist's nitrous oxide post-op?

I ask this because when the mask goes over my nose, it then gets strapped to the chair (I don't know why). So I am then unable to move my head. My fear is suddenly barfing and then choking on my barf. Is it then best to go to the dentist on an empty stomach? She said that one shouldn't come there starving but I'm so afraid that if I eat, I'll throw-up. Another thing, Is the NO in the same family as general anesthesia in that it will make my hair fall out like GA does after rny? Also, do any other post-ops take longer than "normal" people to come out of the NO? The lady that was in before me (and she used the NO) ran out the door as if nothing but I had to sit in the waiting room for 15-20 minutes before I felt "sober" enough to drive home. One more thing - are there any of you post-ops who notice that since surgery you have become more fearful of things that you had no problem with handling before? I always had some anxiety at the dentist but never enough to need the "laughing gas". But now I'm just so terrified at the dentist. Those darn needles hurt bad but I think it's the psychological pain rather than the physical pain that hurts the most! That's why I NEED to be gassed! Sorry for being such a worry-wart. Incidently, I'm 8 months post open rny, in case you need background.    — lalasmommy (posted on January 25, 2002)

January 25, 2002
I am a pro at the dentist...(got my 3rd crown in 12 months last week) With N.O. you aren't really OUT...but you won't care what they are doing to you. They will talk to you and you can respond (open wider, etc.) The barfing thing shouldn't be any different post-op... the N.O. should slow down any bad gag reflex you might have. The mask is strapped to you and the chair to make a nice seal since it goes over your nose. The gas has no small or taste, really, and makes the stress level nil, and you breathe normally. Sometimes they give it to you stronger than others, they will ask your weight to know how high to turn it up, and you can always ask for more/less. I don't eat right before I go to the dentist, but you don't want to hungary, either, becuase you won't want to eat for a few hours afterward, I know a drug they mix with the novacaine makes some people (like me) feel kind of icky. They use certain cues to know when you are woozy enough (like rubbing your nose or lips and sighing) and they can start. I have had it where I could jump up out of the chair and drive home, and also where I had to wait a while, and still felt woozy. They ramp it down when they are finishing up, to let you adjust. You will be fine. The worrying about it is always the worst part of the dentist (remember, take it from a pro...) If you don't want the gas, they can give you a pill to take an hour before you go instead, but then you cannot drive yourself. I did ok taking the bus, though I couldn't remember where I put my bus pass, it was winter and I had all these pockets and I was confused.
   — M. A. B.