His Patients Trusted Him — Now This Dentist is Facing Serious Charges

A Houston-area dentist is in deep trouble after allegedly spending the day getting high on laughing gas before leading police on a short chase. He was eventually arrested with over 100 nitrous oxide canisters in his car. Instead of putting patients under, it seems this dentist has been the one getting sedated.

The Incident

Christopher Michael Pedlar, a 39-year-old father of three and an instructor at the University of Texas School of Dentistry, was pulled over earlier in February after officers noticed him speeding in a 30 mph zone. Instead of stopping, Pedlar allegedly continued driving, making multiple turns while "looking back in (his) mirror" before finally surrendering, according to The Independent.

Inside his vehicle, officers found 107 nitrous oxide canisters, two of which were covered in ice crystals, suggesting recent use. Pedlar, who was already out on bond for inhalant-related charges, allegedly admitted to police that he had been using nitrous all day.

Pedlar and his wife run a family dental practice, emphasizing patient comfort and personalized care. "We built our office with our patients' comfort in mind," the pair told VoyageHouston in a 2018 interview, according to The Independent. "We want people to enjoy being in our office as much as possible."

A Pattern of Abuse

This is not the first time Pedlar has been caught abusing nitrous oxide. He was previously arrested on Nov. 27, 2024, after a neighbor reported seeing him slumped over in his parked SUV for more than 10 hours. When police arrived, they found Pedlar holding a nitrous canister and exhaling "smoke-like vapors" as officers stood by, The Independent reported. He had 112 nitrous containers in his car, which were then seized by police. During another earlier arrest in October, police allegedly found Pedlar inhaling nitrous in his truck and refusing to comply with officers' commands.

His legal troubles go back even further. In 2017, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners sanctioned Pedlar for "unprofessional and dishonorable conduct" after he was "observed inhaling nitrous oxide through a nose mask" at work, the Independent reported. He was fined $3,000, ordered to complete a substance abuse program, and required to undergo random drug testing.

What Is Nitrous Oxide and How Does It Affect You?

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative often used in dental procedures to reduce pain and anxiety. It works by slowing down the nervous system, creating sensations of relaxation and euphoria.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the effects of nitrous oxide can include:

• Lightheadedness and dizziness

• Euphoria and giddiness (hence the name "laughing gas")

• Reduced pain sensitivity

• Mild hallucinations

Though generally safe when administered by medical professionals, recreational use can be dangerous. Frequent abuse can lead to oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, memory loss, and even psychosis. Long-term use has also been linked to severe neurological damage, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause numbness, muscle weakness, and cognitive issues.

The Growing Concern Over Nitrous Abuse

Once primarily used recreationally in small "whippets" from whipped cream canisters, nitrous oxide abuse has surged in recent years. Accidents involving drivers under the influence of nitrous have become increasingly common, leading to concerns about its accessibility and misuse.

Police say Pedlar's repeated arrests and continued driving while allegedly under the influence make him dangerous to his patients, and other drivers. A recent complaint filed in Harris County District Court states that he "continues to engage in conduct that results in his arrest for the same offense and is posing a danger to the community," as reported by The Independent.

What's Next for Pedlar?

Pedlar has been charged with possession of nitrous oxide and fleeing a police officer, both misdemeanors. His attorney, David Smith, has urged the public to withhold judgment, stating, "Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we are unable to provide detailed comments on these allegations. Please afford our client the presumption of innocence that he, like anyone accused of an offense, is entitled to in America," The Independent reported.

Pedlar might have thought he could gas up and go, but the law keeps catching up. Facing charges of possession of nitrous oxide and fleeing from police, he remains free on bond while awaiting his next court date. His legal troubles — and alleged addiction — are no joke, but with three arrests in just a few months, it seems like this dentist just can't quit chasing the high.

References: Texas dentist caught huffing while driving with more than 100 canisters of laughing gas in his car, cops say | Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)