© 2016 The British Association of Oral Surgeons and John Wiley & Sons Ltd Aim: This article aims to provide some useful information on implementing capnography monitoring and interpretation in an oral surgery setting. Materials and Methods: Information gleaned from experience in the use of microstream capnography for patients undergoing conscious sedation is presented. Results: Waveform trend rather than quantitative measurement of end tidal carbon dioxide is emphasised for monitoring spontaneously breathing patients. Conclusion: The information presented provides dentistry-specific information on capnography monitoring.