#nitrous oxide sedation

[jennymarlyin]

The Role of Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry

Introduction:

Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for children, filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations. To alleviate anxiety and ensure a positive dental journey for young patients, pediatric dentists often employ various techniques, and one such valuable tool is nitrous oxide sedation. This article explores the use of nitrous oxide in pediatric dentistry, its benefits, safety considerations, and how it contributes to creating a comfortable environment for children during dental procedures.

Understanding Nitrous Oxide Sedation:

Nitrous oxide, often referred to as "laughing gas," is a colorless and odorless gas that has been utilized in dentistry for decades. It is administered through a small mask placed over the child's nose, allowing them to breathe in a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The sedative effect helps children relax while remaining conscious and responsive throughout the dental procedure.

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide in Pediatric Dentistry:

1. Anxiety Reduction:

Children commonly experience anxiety and fear associated with dental visits. Nitrous oxide acts as a gentle sedative, inducing a state of relaxation and calmness. This anxiety reduction is particularly beneficial for children with dental phobias or those who may feel uneasy about dental procedures.

2. Enhanced Cooperation:

The cooperative behavior of a child during a dental procedure is crucial for its success. Nitrous oxide promotes enhanced cooperation by reducing nervousness and minimizing the likelihood of disruptive or fearful behavior. This allows pediatric dentists to perform necessary treatments more effectively.

3. Quick Onset and Offset:

Nitrous oxide has a rapid onset and offset, providing a quick and predictable sedative effect. This is advantageous for short dental procedures, allowing dentists to administer the sedation as needed and ensuring that the child recovers swiftly once the procedure is complete.

4. Adjustability of Sedation Levels:

One of the key advantages of nitrous oxide is its adjustable sedation levels. Pediatric dentists can precisely control the concentration of nitrous oxide, tailoring the sedation to each child's specific needs. This flexibility ensures that the sedation is both effective and safe for individual patients.

5. Maintained Consciousness and Communication:

Unlike deeper forms of sedation, nitrous oxide allows children to maintain consciousness and communicate with the dental team. This is reassuring for both the child and the parent, as it creates a sense of control and transparency during the dental visit.

Safety Considerations:

1. Monitored Administration:

Nitrous oxide sedation is administered under close supervision by trained dental professionals. The concentration of nitrous oxide is carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure a safe and controlled experience for the child.

2. Rapid Recovery:

One of the safety features of nitrous oxide is its rapid elimination from the body. Once the mask is removed, children quickly recover from the sedative effects, allowing them to resume normal activities without lingering drowsiness.

3. Minimal Side Effects:

Nitrous oxide is considered a safe sedation option with minimal side effects. Some children may experience mild dizziness or nausea, but these effects are generally short-lived. The low risk of adverse reactions contributes to the overall safety profile of nitrous oxide in pediatric dentistry.

4. Compatibility with Local Anesthesia:

Nitrous oxide is often used in conjunction with local anesthesia for dental procedures. This combination allows for effective pain control while ensuring that the child remains relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment.

Conclusion: 

Nitrous oxide sedation stands as a valuable ally in pediatric dentistry, contributing to the creation of positive and stress-free dental experiences for children. By alleviating anxiety, promoting cooperation, and ensuring a comfortable environment, nitrous oxide plays a pivotal role in fostering a lifelong foundation of oral health.

For parents, the knowledge that their child can undergo dental procedures with reduced fear and anxiety is reassuring. Additionally, the ability of pediatric dentists to tailor the sedation experience to each child's unique needs underscores the patient-centered approach in pediatric dental care.

As an integral part of the toolkit for pediatric dentists, nitrous oxide sedation continues to make dental visits more approachable and enjoyable for young patients. Through its safety, adjustability, and quick onset and offset, nitrous oxide contributes to nurturing smiles and building a positive attitude towards dental care from a young age.

[thedentalplace]

Introduction

When it comes to dental care, fear and anxiety are common emotions that can deter many from visiting their dentist regularly. But at Central Oakville Dental Care, we understand your concerns and strive to provide a comfortable and stress-free experience for all our patients. That's why we offer Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry in Oakville. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits and effectiveness of this sedation option in making your dental appointments a breeze.

Understanding Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a safe and effective sedative agent used to relax patients during dental procedures. It's a colorless and odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Nitrous oxide is a proven method for reducing anxiety and discomfort in dental patients, making it easier for them to receive necessary treatments.

Key Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Anxiety Relief: Dental anxiety is a significant barrier for many patients, preventing them from seeking the care they need. Nitrous oxide is incredibly effective in reducing anxiety levels and promoting relaxation. It provides a calming sensation, helping you feel at ease during your dental procedure.

Pain Management: While nitrous oxide doesn't replace the need for local anesthesia for specific dental treatments, it can enhance the effectiveness of pain control. It reduces pain perception and discomfort, making your dental procedure more comfortable.

Quick Onset and Recovery: Nitrous oxide has a rapid onset, which means you'll start feeling its effects within minutes. Likewise, its effects wear off quickly once the gas is discontinued. This makes it an excellent option for those who need to return to their daily activities soon after their appointment.

Controlled Sedation: One of the significant advantages of nitrous oxide sedation is that it's entirely adjustable. Your dentist can control the level of sedation to ensure you're comfortable while still being able to communicate and follow instructions during the procedure.

Suitable for Various Procedures: Nitrous oxide can be used for a wide range of dental procedures, from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex treatments. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for patients with different needs.

The Nitrous Oxide Experience at Central Oakville Dental Care

At Central Oakville Dental Care, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. When you choose nitrous oxide sedation for your dental appointment, here's what you can expect:

Initial Consultation: During your initial visit, your dentist will discuss your dental needs and any concerns you may have. They will also assess whether nitrous oxide sedation is the right choice for you.

Customized Sedation: Based on your individual needs and the complexity of your procedure, your dentist will determine the appropriate level of nitrous oxide sedation. They will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.

Administration: When you arrive for your appointment, a small mask will be placed over your nose, through which you'll inhale the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture. You'll begin to feel relaxed and comfortable almost immediately.

Comfortable Treatment: With the sedation in effect, your dental procedure will proceed smoothly. You'll remain conscious and responsive throughout, but the discomfort and anxiety will be greatly reduced.

Quick Recovery: As soon as the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide will be turned off, and you'll breathe in pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear your system. The effects of sedation will wear off quickly, allowing you to leave our office safely.

Who Can Benefit from Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is an excellent option for a wide range of patients, including those who experience:

Dental Anxiety: If you have dental fear or anxiety, nitrous oxide can provide much-needed relief, making your visit to the dentist less stressful.

Gag Reflex: Some patients have a strong gag reflex, which can make dental procedures uncomfortable. Nitrous oxide can help relax this reflex, making treatment more bearable.

Sensitive Teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, nitrous oxide can help reduce discomfort during dental cleanings and other procedures.

Multiple Procedures: For patients who require several dental treatments in one visit, nitrous oxide sedation can help them stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the extended appointment.

Special Needs: Nitrous oxide can be especially beneficial for patients with special needs who may have difficulty cooperating during dental procedures.

Conclusion

At Central Oakville Dental Care, we want to ensure that every patient receives the dental care they need without the burden of fear or anxiety. Our Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry in Oakville provides a comfortable and effective solution for those who may be hesitant to visit the dentist. If you're looking for a way to make your dental experience stress-free and painless, consider nitrous oxide sedation as an option. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile while feeling relaxed and at ease.

[anappleadaydentist]

Unveiling Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Dental Relaxation at Apple A Day Dental Unveil the benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for dental relaxation at Apple A Day Dental. Our dedicated team prioritizes your comfort during dental procedures.

[neuroticboyfriend]

tierlist but instead of being normal i rank meds i've taken by how pleasant the sedation is

[bustermoonandsonicfan2022]

Helga on Laughing Gas

[downoutcold-blog]

What’s on my mind?

I’ll be around for a good part of the day and would love someone to talk with.

[tinyteeth1]

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[codentalcare]

Experience anxiety-free dental procedures with Oakville's nitrous oxide sedation dentistry. At Central Oakville Dental Care, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our specialized nitrous oxide sedation ensures a relaxed and stress-free dental experience. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is safe and effective in alleviating dental anxiety. Our team of experienced professionals will monitor you throughout the procedure to guarantee your safety. Whether it's a routine check-up or a complex procedure, our nitrous oxide sedation dentistry will help you remain calm and comfortable. Learn more about the benefits and process on our website: Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry Oakville.

Your smile deserves gentle care.

[tache-noire]

blocking that nitrogen narcosis post cause damn. yall are dumb as hell.

[jennymarlyin]

Pediatric Dental Services: Nurturing Healthy Smiles from the Start

Pediatric dental services play a pivotal role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. These specialized services go beyond routine check-ups and encompass a range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures tailored to meet the unique needs of growing smiles. In this article, we will explore the various pediatric dental services offered to promote optimal oral health in children and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

1. Early Childhood Oral Examinations:

Dentist Insight: Summerville pediatric dentistry recommends early oral examinations, often starting during infancy. These initial visits focus on monitoring dental development, providing guidance on oral hygiene practices, and addressing any concerns parents may have.

2. Preventive Services:

Dentist Insight: Preventive measures, such as professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, are crucial for averting common dental issues like cavities. These services aim to create a protective shield for young teeth and promote a cavity-free environment.

3. Dental Education for Parents:

Dentist Insight: Educating parents about proper oral care for their children is an integral part of pediatric dental services. This includes guidance on oral hygiene routines, dietary choices, and recognizing early signs of dental issues.

4. Fluoride Treatments:

Dentist Insight: Fluoride is essential for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay. Pediatric dentists often provide fluoride treatments as part of routine visits to enhance the mineralization of young teeth.

5. Cavity Detection and Fillings:

Dentist Insight: Early detection of cavities is crucial to prevent further damage. Pediatric dentists use diagnostic tools to identify cavities in their initial stages and provide minimally invasive treatments, such as tooth-colored fillings.

6. Orthodontic Assessments:

Dentist Insight: Monitoring the alignment of children's teeth is vital for identifying potential orthodontic issues early on. Pediatric dentists conduct orthodontic assessments and may refer children to orthodontists if necessary.

7. Emergency Dental Care:

Dentist Insight: Accidents and dental emergencies can happen at any age. Pediatric dental services encompass emergency care for issues like knocked-out teeth, fractures, or severe toothaches, ensuring prompt and appropriate intervention.

8. Behavior Management Techniques:

Dentist Insight: Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the unique behavioral aspects of working with children. Techniques such as positive reinforcement, distraction, and creating a child-friendly environment contribute to a positive dental experience.

9. Sedation Dentistry for Children:

Dentist Insight: In cases where children experience dental anxiety or require extensive treatments, nitrous oxide sedation may be considered. Pediatric dentists ensure the safety and well-being of the child throughout any sedation procedures.

10. Developmental Guidance:

- Dentist Insight: Pediatric dentists offer guidance on various aspects of dental development, including teething, pacifier use, and thumb-sucking. Counseling parents on age-appropriate milestones helps in fostering healthy oral habits.

11. Specialized Pediatric Procedures:

- Dentist Insight: Pediatric dental services extend to specialized procedures such as pulpotomies (baby tooth root canal treatments), extractions, and space maintainers to address specific dental conditions unique to children.

Conclusion:

Pediatric dental services encompass a holistic approach to oral health, recognizing that the needs of children are distinct from those of adults. By providing a range of preventive, educational, and treatment-oriented services, pediatric dentists strive to create a positive and supportive environment for young patients.

Regular visits to a pediatric dentist not only address immediate dental concerns but also contribute to the long-term well-being of a child's oral health. Parents play a crucial role in partnering with pediatric dentists to instill healthy oral habits and ensure that their children's smiles thrive from the early years into adolescence.

In conclusion, pediatric dental services go beyond traditional dental care, embracing a child-centric approach that emphasizes prevention, education, and personalized treatment. The collaborative efforts of pediatric dentists, parents, and dental teams contribute to nurturing healthy smiles and creating a positive attitude towards oral health in children.

[dentocalmdentist]

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[anappleadaydentist]

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Your Path to Stress-Free Dentistry Discover how Nitrous Oxide sedation at Apple A Day Dental can make your dental visits stress-free and comfortable. Learn more now!

[weirdstrangeandawful]

TW: medical, drugs

Okay I think some of the whump community needs a quick reminder that sedatives, hypnotics, tranquillizers, analgesics, and anaesthetics are completely different things.

Here's a quick rundown (disclaimer that I am neither a doctor nor a whumper):

Sedative: A sedative drug decreases activity, moderates excitement, and calms the recipient

Hypnotic: A drug that produces drowsiness and facilitates the onset and maintenance of a state of sleep

Tranquilizer: A drug that calms and relieves anxiety

Analgesics: A drug designed to control pain

Anaesthetics: A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness, dulling pain to permit surgery and other painful procedures

As you can see, yes, they often overlap and, yes, many drugs are multiple but if you are sedating a patient for surgery... good luck.

Some examples (under the cut because of specific drug mentions and the length of this post) for good measure:

Acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol): analgesic

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): sedative, analgesic (mild), anaesthetic (very mild)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): sedative-hypnotic, anaesthetic, analgesic

Quetiapine (Seroquel): sedative, hypnotic

Lidocaine: sedative, analgesic, anaesthetic

Diazepam (Valium): sedative, hypnotic, tranquilizer, anaesthetic

Oxycodone (OxyContin): sedative, tranquilizer, analgesic, anaesthetic

Fentanyl: sedative, analgesic, anaesthetic

Xylazine (Tranq): Sedative, hypnotic, tranquilizer, analgesic, anaesthetic (mostly used for animals though because it's so potent)

(Most of these have many more properties not listed here but I just wanted to try and illustrate the difference between some of them)

[macgyvermedical]

If someone had previously shown adverse effects (or proven to otherwise be allergic) to intravenous morphine, what else could they be given for pain management in a hospital setting?

Good question:

Opioids (the class of drugs that morphine belongs to) have two different types of allergy-like reactions.

One of these (the most common) is called mast cell degranulation. This causes the allergy chemical histamine to be released and results in allergy symptoms (itching, nausea, flushing, hives, diarrhea, etc...).

The other is a true allergy, mediated by a chemical called IgE. It also results in histamine release and allergy symptoms. The symptoms of a true allergy can be significantly more severe (including swelling of the face, anaphylaxis, dizziness, and severe low blood pressure), but won't always.

In clinical practice, it is really hard to tell which type of reaction a person is having, because both produce essentially the same symptoms for the same reason. The reason it matters at all is because if someone is having mast cell degranulation, they're likely to have that with other opioids too. If they're having a true allergy on the other hand, it's pretty unlikely that they'll have the reaction with other opioids (only about 1.6% of people cross-react with other opioids).

So to answer your question if someone has had a very severe reaction to morphine in the past (like anaphylaxis), they're not super likely to react to a different opioid, so something like dilaudid or oxycodone has a very good chance of being safe for them. If they've had a milder reaction you can probably still give a different opioid, but maybe co-administer it with an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (benadryl) to prevent itching and nausea.

Meanwhile, if someone reacts to more than one opioid, especially if they react severely, it's probably better for them to avoid all opioids. Some other options include:

NSAIDS and Acetaminophen- NSAIDS like ibuprofen combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) work better than either one of them alone can.

Tramadol- this is technically an opioid, but it works so differently that most people who have reactions to other opioids don't have one to tramadol.

Gabapentinoids- gabapentin and pregabalin change the way the brain perceives pain signals from nerves and can decrease pain- especially nerve pain.

Local anesthetics- these can be used with a small implantable pump to pump lidocaine or other local anesthetics directly to the part of the body that needs pain relief.

Regional blocks- if pain is in an arm or leg, small amounts of local anesthetic can be injected around a nerve to block pain signals coming from that area of the body.

Ketamine- low doses of ketamine can block pain signals in the spinal cord, which helps relieve even fairly severe pain.

Nitrous oxide- if pain is of short duration (like for a procedure), nitrous oxide can help relieve it, usually along with other sedating drugs.

Muscle relaxants- If pain is of a musculoskeletal type (a broken bone or injured muscle), relaxing the muscles around the injury can greatly reduce pain.

Often a mixture of 2 or more of these modalities are used for severe pain.

[calliemity]

Orin and His Nitrous: A Mini-Analysis

Written by Calliope Avery

Hii :] As a precursor to my off-Broadway Orin analysis (which is very close to entering the editing phase), I wanna talk about Orin Scrivello's nitrous oxide use! Specifically, I wanna go through the different elements of it and discuss which parts are accurate, which parts are exaggerations, and which parts are just... not true. Hope you find it interesting!

Let's quickly define what nitrous oxide is. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, dinitrogen monoxide, and whippets (recreationally), is a type of colorless gas that has a slightly sweet smell. It's used to reduce anxiety, provide a mild sedation effect, and dull some of the pain during medical procedures, commonly used by dentists. It takes effect very quickly and fades after about 5-10 minutes, and it's incredibly safe! When on nitrous, you'll feel calmer and more euphoric, and you might also feel very heavy, like you're sinking into your chair. Nitrous oxide, when given to a patient, is always mixed and balanced out with oxygen, and the nitrous will be slowly increased until the patient gets a desired level of relaxation. A minimum of 30% oxygen will be used along with nitrous, but not many people will need it at its highest available dosage. As a drug, it's classified as an inhalant and depressant. While it is a very safe substance for the most part, there are risks when using it recreationally, and long-term abuse has side effects that include a vitamin B12 deficiency and hand tremors. I'll cap my infodump here, but if you'd like to read more, here's the Cleveland Clinic page on nitrous oxide, and here's a more extensive report by Decisions in Dentistry!

Disclaimer: I will be discussing recreational nitrous oxide use, both in ways that people use it, why people use it, the high it provides, and side effects/risks involved. This is all for educational purposes, I'm not suggesting or encouraging anyone to use nitrous oxide recreationally. Be safe and responsible!

Method of Use/How Orin Uses It

In the stage musical version, Orin is usually given an inhaler prop as his main source of whippeting, which he inhales through his mouth. In the 1986 movie, it looks as if Orin has a small canister of the gas (called a "charger", they're used to refill whipped cream cans), which he shoots directly into his nose. In terms of accuracy, both would be considered the least realistic aspect of his usage. The former, the nitrous oxide inhaler, is not something that actually exists, at least in my research. You can't really put a charger into an asthma inhaler and expect that to work. Hypothetically, it would probably be safer than the method he uses in the movie. Nitrous oxide, when stored in chargers, is extremely pressurized and extremely cold, it's usually down to -40°F/°C. So not only is that gas shooting out like a bullet, it's also cold as hell! Movie Orin is either getting frostbite or a nosebleed, or both.

Once we get to his "special gas mask", we find some more inaccuracies. First of all, getting the obvious out of the way: nitrous masks don't look like that. In the musical it's often depicted similarly to a spacesuit, with a fullhead transparent helmet, while in the movie it only covers his mouth and nose. The latter is more accurate, but y'know. In real life nothing is being strapped around your torso. Another inaccuracy is the fact that the special gas mask only supplies nitrous, and no oxygen. As established in my description of the gas, when given to a patient it's always mixed with oxygen, with 30% oxygen being included at the very least. Obviously if his mask had been supplying oxygen then the plot (seemingly) wouldn't work, so I'm not trying to Cinema Sins LSOH right now. I just think it's interesting (and also insane) that this guy was probably breathing in 100% laughing gas. As someone who's very sensitive to its effects, I would instantly die!

Laughing Gas Effects/Orin's Reactions and Why He Uses It

This part is very neat to me, since I wouldn't describe his reactions to nitrous as wrong, but it's definitely heightened. As we see in both the stage show and movie versions, as soon as Orin inhales his giggle gas, he bursts out into hearty, borderline maniacal laughter. However, as seen in all instances that aren't the special gas mask, the laughter quickly wears off and he returns to his normal self. This is very much a heightened and exaggerated version of what laughing gas really does. While it won't affect you instantly, you'll feel its kick in as little as a minute. And while you won't burst into uncontrollable laughter, you'll feel your sense of pleasure and euphoria increase. And, if not given a constant stream of nitrous, the effects will wear off relatively quickly. Orin's reactions play out much more quickly and more exaggerated than it does in real life, but it definitely mirrors it!

Now, why does Orin use nitrous? To answer this, I'll steer us back to a main effect that laughing gas has in its safe doses: elevated euphoria. Nitrous oxide just genuinely feels good when you're on it. Furthermore, laughing gas gives a particularly unique type of high, one that's partially caused by a mild restriction of oxygen to the brain. The result is a floaty, hazy high that enhances pleasure. Outside of him using it for the punchline of "dentist using his own supply", he's definitely using it because it feels nice.

There is another actually confirmed reason why he's using it, one that he blatantly says out loud. I'm gonna get a little educationally NSFW for a moment, so skip this paragraph if that would make you uncomfortable. Among those who use whippets recreationally, a common use is to enhance sexual pleasure. Because of its euphoria-enhancing effects, it can act like a mild aphrodisiac, making you more aroused if that's something you were already feeling. Furthermore, taking a hit of nitrous before you orgasm will heighten the sensation of it. And, as Orin blatantly tells Seymour (and the audience) in both versions: "I find that a little giggle gas before we begin increases my pleasure enormously!" So we can easily assume his whippet usage is mostly for the enhancement of the sexual pleasure he gets from inflicting dental torture. This would mean that this is actually the most accurate aspect of Orin's nitrous use, since enhanced sexual pleasure is an effect it can have, and it's often used recreationally for that exact purpose. I have mixed feelings about this.

Side Effects and Fatality/Could Orin Really Die From It?

When used in a controlled setting and provided by a medical professional, most of the risks that nitrous oxide has aren't something to be worried about. However, recreational use (espesically long-term) can have some serious risks and side effects. One of the main side effects of long-term recreational nitrous abuse is a vitamin B12 deficiency, as it causes your body to have trouble absorbing it. While this deficiency develops its symptoms slowly (and sometimes don't present at all) it does cause numerous issues, both physiological, neurological, and psychological. Anemia, fatigue, nausea and low appetite, numbness/tingling and shaking in your hands, difficulties with motor skills and talking, depression and irritability, and memory issues are some main symptoms that can be experienced. Nitrous abuse isn't the only way this deficiency can happen, it's more commonly experienced when you aren't eating enough food with the vitamin or if you have a condition that makes it more difficult for your body to absorb it. Aside from the vitamin B12 issues, nitrous oxide also restricts oxygen flow to the brain, and repeated instances of this can cause cerebral hypoxia (severe restriction of oxygen to the brain.) Cerebral hypoxia can cause cognitive issues, such as issues with memory and decision making, confusion, low attention span, and difficulties with motor skills. In it's most severe cases, cerebral hypoxia can cause seizures, a coma, and death.

Inappropriate tone-shift aside, let's discuss how all this relates to Orin! Obviously we see his repeated laughing gas abuse, which we can only assume has been happening for years, so we know he's vulnerable to these side effects. Despite this, he doesn't seem to exhibit... any of these, to be honest. I can't say anything about the majority of the physical symptoms; I have no idea what his red blood cell count is, which is truly a tragedy. But he doesn't seem fatigued, he doesn't exhibit problems with speaking or moving, his memory seems fine. The only thing I can unsurely say matches up is his irritability/aggression, which in the show is only demonstrated with his abuse toward Audrey. A second example is given in the movie with how he acts toward Arthur Denton. However, I am... extremely hesitant to attribute this behavior of his to a symptom of drug abuse. I don't really like the idea of Orin's harmful and abusive treatment of people is entirely because of a drug. The author intent is clearly for Orin to be a cruel, abusive person through and through, and I think it's obvious that Orin would be like this even if he had never touched any substance. Furthermore, there's a clear pattern regarding his aggression; it's always directed toward an intimate partner of some kind. He's dating Audrey, and the Denton scene is very obviously coded as a sexual encounter, not unlike a hookup. Compare this to how he treats other people: in the show, he has interactions with the chorus girls and Seymour, and in both instances he actually treats them... fine? He's definitely an intense and suffocating person, but he isn't verbally insulting to either the girls or to Seymour, and his instances of physical threats are either absent in the case of the girls (they actually instigate the violence, to which Orin surrenders and doesn't fight back) or not motivated by anger in the case of Seymour. In the movie he does exhibit some anger-motivated aggression toward Seymour, but within the context we can see he's worked up from his anger toward Denton, and as the interaction with Seymour continues, he actually calms down. I've gotten a little off-course here, but my point is that nitrous oxide and a vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't make someone super aggressive toward only their intimate partners. At most, it's enhancing an already existing trait he has.

So... I've concluded that Orin doesn't really exhibit any side effects. They aren't always very obvious in real life and in some people the deficiency has no symptoms, so it's always possible he just got lucky. It's also possible that his diet is rich in foods that are good sources of vitamin B12, which counteracts the side effect enough to keep him unaffected. So his lack of symptoms isn't something that wouldn't make sense, and even if it was I don't think there would be an issue. However, one avenue remains unexplored... is Orin's nitrous-induced death accurate? The short answer... is yes.

Getting the obvious out of the way, it's clear he ends up dying from good ol' asphyxiation. The implication is that his special gas mask only supplies nitrous oxide and no oxygen, and the mask restricts his nose and mouth one way or another. He definitely lasts longer than he would in real life, but in this case his cause of death is the mask itself and not the gas. This would be the case in real life, the external asphyxiation will cause death before the nitrous can. However, if someone is being supplied a massively uneven ratio of nitrous to oxygen, something like a 90%/10% split for example, the gas itself would be fatal. Remember how repeated nitrous abuse can risk someone getting cerebral hypoxia? Yeah, that can cause death. If Orin's gas mask was also supplying some oxygen, it's more than possible that he would at least pass out from cerebral hypoxia, especially if he was left unaided like we see in the scene. When considered like this, and considering how he doesn't immediately start suffocating and dying when in the mask, it's actually more than possible to read the scene in this way; he technically is getting some oxygen, but he ends up going unconscious because the gas is restricting oxygen to his brain. Which would also mean it's more than possible that he didn't actually die until Seymour dismembered him, which is... very brutal. RIP bozo.

Conclusion

So considering I spend a chunk of this post detailing how laughing gas could possibly kill people, I would just like to clarify that nitrous oxide, when being supplied by a trained professional in a controlled environment, is 100% safe and incredibly effective. So when you're getting it at your dentist appointment or any other medical appointment, you're at risk for basically nothing I just described. You're being given a safe mix of oxygen and nitrous, at the dentist the mask only goes on your nose so your mouth is uncovered, and if you have any kind of bad reaction, its effects can be very quickly reversed. The risks of cerebral hypoxia and vitamin B12 deficiency are only for people who are using it recreationally, and especially for people who abuse it long-term. I just want to make it clear that nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative and it really does help with anxiety. I've had to have a lot of dental work done over the years, so I've been on the gas at least a dozen times, and I'm totally fine! So like, please don't be scared of it! I would feel horrible if that's the message someone got for this.

The last thing I'll leave you with is this: I wrote this entire thing mostly for fun. Little Shop of Horrors is set in a very heightened reality setting, so the technical realisms of nitrous oxide symptoms and abuse don't really matter. Even if absolutely nothing about the depiction was accurate, I still think the story and Orin's character would work fine. His heightened reactions act as shorthand to the audience on what he's inhaling, even if they only know nitrous oxide by the name "laughing gas", and it also acts as some nice foreshadowing to his death. Furthermore, his stupid dumb space helmet mask is also like, extremely funny. So even the aspects that are either exaggerated or flat-out inaccurate serve valid purposes. Honestly, I'm just pleasantly surprised that there's parts that are weirdly accurate to the drug and how it's used. Anyway, I hope you found the information interesting in some way, and thank you very much for reading!

Oh, and since you read the entire thing, I have little treat for you: Alan Menken telling the story of his parents' reaction to Orin's death (his father was a dentist and an advocate for nitrous oxide safety. Oops!)

Original Video

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic (Nitrous Oxide) - Cleveland Clinic (Vitamin B12 Deficiency) - Cleveland Clinic (Cerebral Hypoxia) - Decisions in Dentistry - Oxford Treatment Center - National Library of Medicine - Them.us (Additional information about what it's like to be on nitrous oxide is sourced from my own personal experiences.)

[slaygentford]

last time I had wisdom teeth pulled they didn't let me have any of the gas because it was covid times and the particles were too dangerous for everyone in the room so I did it with only a local anesthetic and it was NOT PLEASANT!!!!!!!‼️‼️‼️‼️ so I hope they have it this time when I go in an hour for my other two wisdom teefs. cuz I dont want to go all the way under/get fully sedated because that's such a hassle and I hate being that disoriented at the doctor (hate doctors). but if my options are full sedation and no sedation I'm just gonna do no sedation again for another reason also which is that nobody told me you have to not have had weed within 72 hours of sedation and ive been using cbd for the unbearable fucking nerve pain of the last 2 days so I cant do full sedation cuz it'll make me die. so I'd prefer the nitrous. but then also I read on the internet that sometimes nitrous oxide can make you die. and with no sedation I'll die so I'm probably going to die today either way is my conclusion rn like I think this will be my last correspondence. basically what I'm saying is that if (when) I die at the combination wisdom teeth nitrous oxide party can you guys post my unfinished claudia lestat human au blood transfusion fic. it's what I would have wanted. thanks