I’ve heard some people feel weird longer though, so maybe it just depends on how your body handles it. Either way, you’re definitely not alone in feeling anxious or a little out of it.
That “breathing in clouds” feeling is a pretty common description. Nitrous oxide acts fast and leaves the system quickly, which is why you felt back to normal so soon after they switched you to oxygen. Some people do feel lingering effects, but that’s usually short-lived. The heart pounding is just your body’s natural response to anxiety and the initial rush—happens to a lot of folks, honestly. If it ever feels overwhelming, sometimes adjusting the flow or taking slower breaths can help.
That cloud-breathing thing is spot on—first time I had nitrous, I remember thinking, “Is this what floating on a marshmallow feels like?” Honestly, I get the heart pounding too, especially when they first put the mask on. It’s like my body can’t decide if it’s excited or just plain nervous.
One thing I noticed after a few rounds of dental work is that how long you feel “off” really does change each time. Sometimes I’m back to normal before I leave the chair, other times I feel like I’m walking through fog for an hour or so. My dentist said some folks metabolize it quicker than others, and age might have something to do with it too (lucky us).
If you ever feel too buzzy or anxious, waving your hand and asking them to lower the flow is totally fair game. I did that once—no shame in wanting to keep your feet on the ground, even if your head’s in the clouds.
Sometimes I’m back to normal before I leave the chair, other times I feel like I’m walking through fog for an hour or so.
I’ve noticed that too—one visit I felt totally clear right away, but another time it lingered and I had to sit in my car for a while before driving. For me, eating beforehand seemed to make a difference. Anyone else find that?
- Had the same thing happen—sometimes I’m good to go right after, other times I feel like my brain’s still buffering.
- Didn’t notice much difference with eating beforehand, but I swear if I’m running on empty, the fog seems heavier.
- Once I tried to check my phone after and couldn’t even remember my unlock code... so yeah, definitely unpredictable.
- Guess it’s just another mystery of the dental universe.
- Totally relate to the brain fog after laughing gas... sometimes I’m like, “Cool, I’m back!” and other times I just sit there, staring at my shoes, wondering if I even own shoes.
- Food or no food, it’s a toss-up for me too.
- At least we survived the root canal—silver lining?