Laughing Gas at the Dentist
Laughing Gas, or Nitrous Oxide (N2O), is commonly used at the dentist for pain relief and sedation. Patients inhale this anesthetic through a nasal mask, and it takes effect within a few minutes. Once the inhalation stops, the effects wear off quickly, allowing the patient to regain full consciousness.
Laughing Gas and Vitamin B12
While nitrous oxide is convenient and fast-working, it has the downside of oxidizing vitamin B12 in the body, which can significantly deplete the vitamin B12 stored in the liver. This deficiency can also disrupt folic acid metabolism and methionine synthesis. Patients with low B12 levels are particularly at risk of developing an acute B12 deficiency.
To reduce this risk, it is advisable to either avoid laughing gas or ensure that your B12 levels are replenished before its use. Preferred forms of vitamin B12 include methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin. The synthetic form, cyanocobalamin, should be avoided. It is also recommended to continue B12 supplementation for an extended period after using laughing gas. This should be monitored by an experienced therapist or doctor.
Dr. med. dent. Artur Hein
At Alpine BioDental, we are dedicated to providing treatment methods that are gentle and considerate of your overall well-being. As part of this commitment, we have made the conscious decision to avoid the use of laughing gas in our practices.
Further information
Here, you can find additional information on the topic to gain a deeper insight.