Medical and dental patients the world over can thank a young chemist named Humphy Davy who accidentally discovered nitrous oxide or laughing gas.  In 1799 there wasn’t even a word “anesthesia”.   When surgery was performed the doctors of the day actually believed that pain was a good thing – they believed that it helped the body rebound faster. The story of Mr. Davy and 18th century science is described in the book Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes and was the subject of a radio program on Morning Edition this week (listen to the broadcast).

Mr. Davy was actually seeking a cure for tuberculosis by experimenting with inhaling different types of gases.  Unlike modern experimentation, he usually experimented on himself and his friends.  Nitrous Oxide, he soon discovered, was not a cure for lung diseases but did become very popular among the “fast” crowd in London.

Fortunately Humphy Davy had a toothache one day while he was experimenting with the nitrous oxide and he noticed that the pain temporarily disappeared after inhaling the gas.  Mr. Davy wrote an article suggesting that the gas might help patients undergoing surgery but it was another 40 years before the concept of pain-free procedures took hold.

Today we have a wide range of anesthetic and sedation choices to ensure that our patients are free from anxiety and discomfort.  If you have questions regarding your options for anxiety free dentistry contact our Gahanna, Ohio office at 614-454-3488.  Our team members will answer your questions and schedule an appointment most convenient for you.