Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that many young adults face. The removal process usually requires some form of sedation to minimize pain and anxiety during the surgery. One of the most commonly used sedation methods is nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas”.
After inhaling laughing gas at the dentist office, a major question that arises is: “Can I drive after having laughing gas for my wisdom teeth removal?”
This is an important question to consider, as driving while impaired can lead to tragic accidents. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- How laughing gas works for wisdom teeth extractions
- The duration laughing gas effects last post-procedure
- Laws regarding driving while impaired
- Safety tips for getting home after wisdom teeth removal
- Frequently asked questions about driving after sedation
Let’s start by understanding the role of nitrous oxide for wisdom teeth removal.
Why Laughing Gas Is Used for Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are a few reasons why laughing gas is commonly used for extracting wisdom teeth:
Mild Sedation
Laughing gas provides mild sedation, helping patients feel relaxed and a little “out of it” during the procedure. The sedation is lighter compared to general anesthesia.
Anxiety Reduction
Many people feel nervous or anxious about wisdom tooth surgery. The laughing gas induces a sense of euphoria and calm, reducing anxiety levels.
Pain Management
Nitrous oxide has some pain relieving effects, although usually not enough for major procedures. It takes the edge off moderate pain during wisdom tooth removal.
Minimal Side Effects
After discontinuing the gas, side effects wear off quicker than other forms of sedation or anesthesia. Patients can go home soon after wisdom tooth surgery with laughing gas.
Improved Patient Experience
The dissociative mental state and euphoric feelings can make patients less bothered or traumatized by the dental surgery experience.
Thanks to these benefits, many oral surgeons prefer laughing gas for wisdom tooth extraction over general anesthesia.
Now let’s look at how long the effects of nitrous oxide last after discontinuing use.
Duration of Laughing Gas Effects After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Laughing gas provides sedation and pain relief while inhaling the gas. But how long do the effects last after you stop?
The effects dissipate quickly but can still impact driving ability shortly after use. Here’s a timeline:
During Gas Administration
You’ll feel sedated, euphoric, dizzy, tingly, and possibly experience visual or auditory hallucinations while inhaling nitrous oxide. This allows you to undergo the dental procedure without awareness or anxiety.
Right After Administration Stops
Within 5-10 minutes after stopping nitrous oxide, most effects wear off. Patients regain full consciousness and awareness.
Up to 30 Minutes Later
For the next 15-30 minutes, some minor effects may persist. You may continue feeling slightly dizzy, weak, numb, or uncoordinated during this time.
After 30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Within an hour, any lingering effects of nitrous oxide completely wear off in most people. Patients return to normal mental and physical function.
In Rare Cases
In some people, it may take up to 2 hours for effects like impaired motor coordination to fully resolve. This is rare, but shows the importance of waiting until all effects wear off.
These timelines represent general averages for most patients receiving laughing gas. But effects can last longer if:
- You inhaled laughing gas for an extended period
- You were administered a higher dose of nitrous oxide
- You have certain medical conditions impacting drug metabolism
- Other sedative drugs were co-administered
- Your individual response leads to longer-lasting effects
That’s why it’s crucial to listen to your surgeon’s assessment of when you can safely operate a vehicle after your procedure. Stay until you feel 100% normal.
Now let’s look at the important question of whether it’s legal to drive after sedation.
Is Driving After Laughing Gas Illegal?
Driving While Impaired Laws
Most places have laws prohibiting driving while impaired from any substance, legal or illegal. This includes driving after taking medications, anesthesia or sedation for medical procedures.
In some states, it is specifically illegal to drive after receiving any amount of nitrous oxide or other sedative gases at the dentist office. There may be “zero tolerance” policies regarding driving within a certain timeframe after sedation.
Always check local laws where you live. It is your responsibility to understand the legal risks before driving after any amount of anesthesia or sedation.
Driving Under the Influence
In some states, driving while impaired by any amount of sedation gas is considered driving under the influence (DUI). Just like with alcohol, even if you don’t feel very impaired, you could still receive a DUI.
There are no legal blood limits for nitrous oxide like there are for alcohol. Traces of nitrous oxide leave your system rapidly, so blood tests may not pick it up. But driving impaired from any substance is dangerous and illegal.
When Is It Safe to Drive Legally?
There are no standard legal limits for when it’s considered safe to drive after sedation. Effects can persist beyond when it’s detectable in the blood or breath.
The safest policy is to always wait until all effects completely wear off and your thinking and coordination feel 100% unimpaired. It’s better to wait longer than drive too soon.
Talk to your oral surgeon about when they recommend you drive after your procedure. Follow their medical advice to ensure you are not impaired before getting behind the wheel.
Next we’ll go over why it’s so risky to drive while impaired after laughing gas.
Dangers of Driving Too Soon After Laughing Gas
Laughing gas impairs motor coordination, reaction time, concentration, and judgment in the short term after administration.
Driving under these conditions is extremely dangerous and puts yourself and others at risk.
Impairment from nitrous oxide could lead to the following while driving:
- Slowed reaction times and inability to respond quickly
- Decreased coordination making it hard to steer properly
- Poor judgment of distances or speeds
- Reduced short term memory and concentration
- Dizziness, blurred vision, or double vision
- Difficulty paying attention to multiple stimuli
- Dangerous lane changes or turns
- Running red lights, stop signs or other traffic signals
- Failure to yield right of way
- Wandering out of the lane
- Hitting other vehicles, objects or pedestrians
- Failure to wear seatbelt
- Getting lost or taking wrong turns
These effects drastically increase risks for motor vehicle crashes, injury, and death. After laughing gas, it takes only a minor lack of coordination or delayed reaction to end up in an accident.
Driving under any amount of impairment is simply not worth the risks to human lives and safety. Always arrange alternative transportation after sedation.
Next we’ll cover your options for getting home safely after wisdom teeth removal.
Transportation Options After Wisdom Teeth Removal
To avoid risks from driving while impaired, you’ll need to arrange how you’ll get home after your wisdom tooth extraction. Here are some options:
Rides From Friends or Family
- The best option is having a trusted friend or family member drive you home.
- Make sure they know to arrive promptly when your procedure will be finished.
- Offer gas money or another form of compensation for their time.
- Adults who are licensed, insured, and completely sober can transport you safely.
Ride Share Services
- Ride share services like Uber or Lyft work well for transportation after medical procedures.
- Input your appointment location and request a car to pick you up afterward.
- Prices are often cheaper than gas, parking, or cab fares.
- You won’t have to find parking or walk long distances while sedated.
Public Transportation
- Local buses, subways, commuter rails or other public transit can provide rides after wisdom teeth removal.
- Check routes and schedules to ensure there are stops near your oral surgeon’s office and home.
- Traveling with a friend is best in case you need any assistance.
Medical Sedan Services
- Some dental practices offer private car services to transport patients after surgeries and procedures.
- The cars are driven by trained medical staff or escorts.
- Ask your oral surgeon if they offer any transportation programs.
- There is usually a fee for this service not covered by insurance.
Wait Until Completely Sober
- If you have no transportation options, you may need to remain at the dental office until the sedation wears off.
- Bring entertainment like books, magazines, laptop or phone while you wait 1-2+ hours.
- Do not drive until you feel completely normal with no impairment in thinking or coordination.
For your safety and others, avoid driving yourself until the effects have fully dissipated. Carefully plan transportation ahead of time after laughing gas.
Now let’s go over some frequently asked questions about driving after sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving After Laughing Gas
Here are some common questions and answers about driving yourself home after nitrous oxide sedation:
How long should I wait to drive after laughing gas for wisdom teeth?
Wait a minimum of 1 hour after short procedures with nitrous oxide. For longer surgeries with more sedation, wait at least 2 hours or more. Always follow your dentist or surgeon’s recommendation on when it is safe to drive.
When can I legally drive after nitrous oxide or anesthesia?
There are no standard legal limits on when to drive after sedation. Wait until all effects have fully worn off, so there is no impairment in coordination, thinking, or reaction times. Play it safe and don’t rush back into driving.
Can my boyfriend or partner drive me home after wisdom teeth extraction?
Yes, if your partner meets the qualifications to drive – meaning they are licensed, insured, completely sober, and can drive carefully. Have them arrive promptly when your dental appointment will end.
Is it illegal to drive while impaired after laughing gas?
Most places prohibit driving while impaired by any substance, which includes sedation gases. In some states, it is specifically illegal to drive within a certain timeframe after inhaling nitrous oxide due to impairment.
Can my mom drive me home after I’ve had laughing gas?
Yes, your mother or another trusted adult who is licensed, insured, and sober can safely drive you home. Make sure they are available immediately after your procedure finishes.
How will I know when it’s safe to drive myself after the effects wear off?
You should wait until all effects have fully worn off. Do not drive if you have any lingering dizziness, weakness, sedation, coordination problems or other impairments from the laughing gas. Only drive once your mind and body feel 100% clear and back to normal.
Should I just get an Uber instead of asking friends for a ride?
Using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is often a good solution for getting home safely after wisdom teeth removal laughing gas. You won’t have to inconvenience friends, pay for gas or parking, or walk far after the procedure.
Does health insurance cover medical transport costs?
Unfortunately health insurance does not cover transportation costs like Ubers, taxis or sedans after medical procedures. You will need to pay for these services out of pocket. But it’s a small price for safety.
What if I can’t afford to pay for a ride home after my wisdom teeth removal?
Ask a friend or family member for help with transportation, even if you can’t pay them back right away. Your safety is the priority. Avoid driving yourself until you’ve fully recovered from the sedation.
We hope these tips help you plan safe, legal transportation after your wisdom teeth removal laughing gas sedation. Always put safety first.
In Conclusion
Getting wisdom teeth removed with laughing gas is very common. After nitrous oxide sedation, you should never drive yourself until the impairment wears off completely. Effects usually dissipate within an hour but can last longer.
Arrange alternative transportation like rides from friends, ride shares, public transit or medical transport. Wait until you feel 100% sober and back to normal before driving. Prioritize safety by avoiding any risks from driving too soon after sedation.
With safe planning, you can get your wisdom teeth removed and recover properly, without endangering yourself or others on the roadways. Follow all dental surgeon recommendations and local driving under the influence laws. Finally, listen to your own mind and body to determine when you feel ready to drive again after laughing gas wisdom teeth removal.
