 Reviewing the literature Previous studies on capnography for sedation are difficult to summarise. A review of the available literature has shown a relative paucity of randomised trials and no trials in the dental setting. Three trials from other settings are summarised here. Beitz et al 2012: A total of 760 patients were enrolled. Patients received 2Lmin of supplemental oxygen. The intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of oxygen desaturation in the capnography arm in comparison with the conventional arm 38.9 vs. 53.2. The study conclusion was that additional capnography monitoring reduces the incidence of oxygen desaturation and hypoxemia during propofol sedation for colonoscopy. Deitch et al 2010: A total of 132 patients in an emergency room setting. Hypoxia was defined as an SpO2 93. The incidence of oxygen desaturation in the capnography arm in comparison with the conventional arm was 25 vs. 42. All patients received supplemental oxygen 3Lminute. Conclusion: The addition of capnography to standard monitoring reduced the incidence of hypoxia and provided advanced warning for all hypoxic events. Qadeer et al 2009:This trial showed a significantly reduced rate of hypoxia 46 vs 69, defined as an oximetry reading 90 for 15 sec. There was a relatively large cohort of ASA 3 patients in the study. 147 patients received supplemental oxygen. The study conclusion was that capnography monitoring of respiratory activity improves patient safety during procedural sedation for elective endoscopy. 