What was that gas?

[Yossarian]

I was at the dentist yesterday.

I got a filling.

He gave me 'The Magic Carpet' gas followed by an injection to numb the area he was working on.

The gas made me dizzy and somewhat distracted and I didn't feel any pain when the needle was inserted.

I'm just wondering, what was that gas? If I ever have a different dentist, I dont want to look like an eejit and ask for 'The Magic Carpet'.

[Suicane75]

was your shirt unbuttoned when you woke up?

[SackAttack]

Nitrous oxide, if I'm not mistaken.

[Yossarian]

... laughing gas.

Wonder why he called it 'Magic Carpet'.

[SackAttack]

Because if you inhale enough of it, you stop giving a damn about pretty much anything. You can go to Jamaica without even leaving the dentist's chair.

[SirFozzie]

Cuz you were on a Magic Carpet Ride..

[Yossarian]

I do remember that I had a whole stream of thought that was along the lines of...

"With his drills he could really fuck you over could't he.. oooh pretty lights."

[FBPro]

Good stuff when you're at the dentist.

[Axxon]

It's some funky stuff. It basically overloads the system with nitrogen. It can be a killer, usually because the user gets stupid, not necessarily the drug itself.

First time I heard about this was when I was in california and three teens had stolen a tank from a dentists office. They proceeded to get in a car, roll up the windows and released the gas.

I bet they had fun but no one remembered to ever open a window or get some oxygen to their brains. That's pretty scary. Don't try this at home kids.

Here's an excerpt from the following link:

hxxp://www.cganet.com/N2O/factsht.asp

Effects of nitrous oxide on the human body

The painkilling and numbing qualities of nitrous oxide that is inhaled begin to take effect when the gas is at concentrations of 10 percent. At higher concentrations, approaching 100 percent, a sense of well- being, or "high," is experienced. A person experiencing a nitrous oxide high may:

Have slurred speech

Have difficulty in maintaining his or her balance or walking

Be slow to respond to questions

Be immune to any stimulus such as pain, loud noises, and speech

Lapse into unconsciousness

A person who is rendered unconscious by nitrous oxide is likely to stop breathing within a few seconds as a result of a depressed central nervous system--brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Depression is caused by a combination of the effects of nitrous oxide and the lowered oxygen content that occurs as pure N2O displaces oxygen from the lungs with each succeeding inhalation of the gas; i.e., the person is asphyxiated.

If a person remains conscious and stops breathing the nitrous oxide, recovery (full consciousness and alertness) can occur within minutes. A person who loses consciousness, however, and continues to inhale a pure gas (providing a supply is still available) is most likely to die.

Death usually occurs when abusers, in their attempt to achieve a higher state of euphoria, breathe pure N2O in a confined space -- in a small room, inside an automobile or other vehicle cab, or by placing their head inside a plastic bag.

Tragedy can occur very quickly. Long-term exposure (several minutes) is not necessary before death occurs. Sudden, prolonged exposure to high levels of N2O, or a series of inhalations (without breathing clean air between inhalations) can result in death. The length of this action can be measured in seconds. Since the narcotic effect of nitrous oxide is very brief (several seconds) abusers tend to follow this repetitive action pattern.

I have a friend who basically ruined his life with this stuff.

I once found him sucking down so many "whippets" that his freaking lips were purple and his cheeks were pretty close too. He was pissed when I dumped his entire stash into the lake but he wasn't able to get up much less do anything about it. I sincerely believe I saved his life that day.

Needless to say, I hate the stuff.

[Yossarian]

like everything else.. in moderation.

That absolutely sucks (your friend). But i'm pleased my dentist had it. Not a big fan of pain. Not even 'tiny little pain' such as needle in the gums.

[Axxon]

Originally Posted by Yossarian

like everything else.. in moderation.

That absolutely sucks (your friend). But i'm pleased my dentist had it. Not a big fan of pain. Not even 'tiny little pain' such as needle in the gums.

That is a perfect response. I agree 100%.

It's hard to express moderation views when you're expressing an extreme position on an issue. Nice job and thanks!

I did want to get the warning out though. It is important and the only chemically based one I've ever given.

[Axxon]

Dola,

Just a weird thought on this issue.

I do believe philosophically with the moderation theory but something always nagged me and made me think it was bullshit.

I was thinking about this today and I realize where it breaks down.

Mother Jordan: Michael, Michael, Michael. Sure, basketball is nice and all but enough is enough. You really need to give it a rest for a while. Branch out. Try some other stuff. Maybe learn chess. Moderation Mike, everything in moderation.

Doesn't work does it?? Would Mike be content to give up the wealth to be FIDE ranked?? Not really a tough question in hindsight.

My conclusion. Everything in moderation, including moderation. This isn't a new thought by any means but I'm attempting to explain what I mean when I say it. Just don't get to extreme about it.

[Yossarian]

Ha!

thats a funny argument "breathing in moderation" would be another one.

Although you could argue....

If michael jordan played basketball ALL THE TIME, he'd injure himeself. I mean, like if he played all day every day.

Just like if you breath in and out too fast you hyperventilate and can pass out.

but both of those are dumb examples and I think that down that road of argument leads farce...

[Axxon]

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Ha!

thats a funny argument "breathing in moderation" would be another one.

Although you could argue....

If michael jordan played basketball ALL THE TIME, he'd injure himeself. I mean, like if he played all day every day.

Just like if you breath in and out too fast you hyperventilate and can pass out.

but both of those are dumb examples and I think that down that road of argument leads farce...

I tend not to include involuntary responses ( breathing ) in a discussion about moderation ( where choices are the issue ).

Now, part II. It's IMPOSSIBLE to play basketball all the time. It's impossible to do any voluntary action all the time. So, is it possible that moderation isn't merely the best option but ultimately the only option???

What was that definition of moderation again???

[BigJohn&TheLions]

I can't find a dentist in NYC who uses it anymore. THis sucks. I hate needles, and my late dentist used to give me the gas every time! "You see any mermaids up there?" Damn he was a good guy. Now nobody seems to even have it . I'm thinking it's because of the abuse of the drug...

[Franklinnoble]

Not all dentists have it because it costs money, and it's not covered under insurance.

You really don't need it. Just suck it up and take the needle like a man.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

Not all dentists have it because it costs money, and it's not covered under insurance.

You really don't need it. Just suck it up and take the needle like a man.

It has nothing to do with "taking it like a man." It is more like actually enjoying a dental appointment.

[sabotai]

I never got "gased". When I had my wisdom teeth taken out, I got an IV....there I was, just waiting for it to kick in, next thing I know I'm being helped out of the chair with blood running down my face....god I hope that was my blood. Got to wonder how someone's got there...

[JeeberD]

Yup, when I got my wisdom teeth out seven years ago I got the IV also. I was sitting there talking basketball with the Doc and the next thing I knew the nurse was telling me that it was time to wake up.

Now, I hate needles just as much (if not more) than the next guy, but that was some good shit...