I had early root canal work done last week. For the first time ever, I was given nitrous oxide to relax me. It worked great, but after the nasal device was removed, the place smelled like fire smoke! That settled, but now, I seem to have a horrible sinus infection, and started feeling horrible about the 2nd day after the procedure.

I've had a radical endoscopic sinus surgery in '99, and can't believe I seem to be this bad with an infection! I have the horrible smell in my head, and my taste is bland.

Has anyone here ever had this occur after being given nitrous oxide (laughing gas)? I will be talking to the dentist office about this, and probably seeing my e.n.t.

Thanks-

Nope. It is highly unlikely that the gas is the source of your problem. Clinical hygiene maybe. If the mask was not changed or cleaned and the previous user had a sinus infection.. then traces of active bacteria may have passed by the inert nitrous oxide gas, but this is highly unlikely. I would think the better bet would be you had a mild sinus infection and the the irritation of the pressurized nitrous oxide aggrevate the situation making it worse. True nitrous oxide has no scent of its own.

Sincerely,
MG