QuestionI'm 22 years old and pregnant with my first child. My last
menstrual cycle started on June 6th, 2004. I was hoping you
could tell me the effects that nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas)
would have on my pregnancy. I have a very painful cavity that is
causing me to not eat. I have an serious anxiety issue when it
comes to dental work, I have panick attacks without the gas. I've
been informed that nothing can be prescribed to calm me down
either. I'm considering seeing a dentist and not telling him I'm
pregnant. I just want to be informed of the risk before I do this.
Thanks in advance for you time. Kami
AnswerI am not aware of any detrimental effects of Nitrous Oxide during pregancy. Your dentist would know better. HOwever, please tell the dentist that you are pregnant so that, if he takes X-rays, he will shield your abdomen with a lead apron and will avoid the use of some medications that cannot be used (epinephrine, etc). He can give you topical anesthesia if necessary, as well.
