Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 98, Issue 3, 410-411
Copyright © 1979 by American Dental Association
"Recreational" misuse of nitrous oxide
GW Paulson
With the use of nitrous oxide increasing, overuse and excessive exposure to this gas are also more prevalent. Neuropathy, expressed as amnesia, aphasia or weakness, numbness, and incoordination affecting all extremities, is the common result of frequent overexposure. For optimal dental treatment, it is recommended that both patient and dentist be aware that nitrous oxide can be an exogenous toxin, damaging to neuronal structures, if used in excess.