Detectives are working to find the thieves who stole two tanks of laughing gas from a dentist's office in Clinton Township.

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Police Concerned Nitrous Will Fall Into Wrong Hands

The culprits reportedly forced their way through a door, bypassed high-tech equipment, TVs and VCRs and broke into a closet that contained several tanks of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

The thieves stole two of the tanks and left the scene, according to police.

"They went in there for a specific reason ... and that was to take the nitrous," said Capt. Douglas Mills of the Clinton Township Police Department.

Nitrous is used by dentists to ease pain in patients during a surgery or procedure, but police say if it falls into the wrong hands it can be deadly, Local 4 reported.

Local 4 learned that partygoers often fill balloons with the gas and then inhale it. The results are a brief head rush, skin tingling and muscle relaxation, the station reported.

And while the high only lasts a few moments, doctors say the side effects could be forever.

"If they suck too much of it through the balloon and not suck enough oxygen through their nose, they're going to pass out. And, it's just a matter of whether or not they wake up," said Kimberly Campbell, a dental assistant.

The Clinton Township dentist's office has installed a security alarm in hopes that it will prevent or deter future break-ins.

Other doctor's offices in the area are expected to follow suit, Local 4 reported.

Detectives continue to search for the culprits who stole the tanks. They are also urging local parents to warn their children of the potential dangers of nitrous oxide.