Patients may be conscious during some procedures. These procedures typically involve soft tissue surgery. Before a surgical procedure, patients are usually given light sedatives to help them relax. Depending on the patient’s needs and desires, they may be conscious or under general anesthesia during the procedure. Regardless of the technique used, oral surgery is only conducted with great care and forethought, as it requires a significant amount of skill and time to execute delicate procedures within someone’s mouth without injuring any of their teeth or gums.