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Wheaton Oral Surgery and Implant Center
Home Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation


A dentist wearing a face mask examining a female patient's teeth during a dental visit in a clinic. At Wheaton Oral Surgery in Naperville, IL, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. For patients who experience anxiety about oral surgery or have difficulty tolerating dental procedures, oral conscious sedation offers a way to undergo treatment in a calm, relaxed state. Whether you're facing wisdom tooth removal or another surgical procedure, oral sedation in Naperville IL is designed to help you stay safe and feel at ease every step of the way.

A Brief Overview of Oral Surgery


Oral surgery refers to a wide range of procedures performed to treat conditions of the teeth, mouth, jaw, and facial structures. These surgeries are typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who undergo extensive training in both dentistry and medicine. At Wheaton Oral Surgery, common oral surgery procedures we perform include:
•  Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth removal)
•  Dental implant placement
•  Bone grafting procedures to prepare for dental implants
•  Treatment for facial trauma or jaw disorders
•  Oral pathology evaluations and biopsies

While many of these procedures are routine and highly successful, they may still cause concern for patients due to their complexity, the time involved, or anticipated discomfort. That's where sedation options can make a significant difference.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?


Oral conscious sedation is a form of moderate sedation delivered in pill form. It allows patients to remain awake but deeply relaxed throughout their oral surgery procedure. Unlike general anesthesia, which induces complete unconsciousness, oral conscious sedation helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of calm, without the patient losing responsiveness.

Typically, a sedative is prescribed prior to the appointment and taken about an hour before the procedure. The most commonly used medications are from the benzodiazepine family, which have anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, and amnesic properties. While patients remain conscious, many have little to no memory of the procedure and report feeling drowsy, but comfortable.

What Types of Oral Surgery Require Oral Conscious Sedation?


Oral sedation is frequently recommended for dental procedures such as:
•  Wisdom tooth extractions
•  The placement of dental implants
•  Multiple tooth extractions
•  Bone grafting or sinus lift surgeries
•  Biopsies or other minor oral surgery procedures

Oral conscious sedation is particularly beneficial for patients that have dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, or those who are undergoing more lengthy or complex treatments.

What Other Sedation Methods Are Available?


In addition to oral conscious sedation, Wheaton Oral Surgery offers several other sedation options to accommodate different levels of anxiety, medical needs, and surgical complexity:
•  Local anesthesia – Numbs the specific area being treated; the patient is fully awake
•  Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – Inhaled sedative that provides mild relaxation
•  IV sedation – Administered intravenously for a deeper level of sedation; patients are conscious but may not remember the procedure
•  General anesthesia – Induces complete unconsciousness; typically reserved for more invasive surgeries or for patients with special medical needs

Each method of sedation has its own advantages, and the most appropriate choice will depend on the patient's health history, type of procedure they are having, and comfort level.

What Types of Procedures Might Use Other Sedation Methods?


•  Local anesthesia is typically used for simple extractions or minor soft tissue surgeries.
•  Nitrous oxide may be suitable for shorter procedures or for patients with mild anxiety.
•  IV sedation is often used for complex surgeries or for patients who want a deeper sedation experience without full general anesthesia.
•  General anesthesia is reserved for hospital-based procedures, extensive jaw surgeries, or patients with certain medical or behavioral conditions.

Considerations for Oral Conscious Sedation


Before recommending oral conscious sedation, our oral surgeon will perform a comprehensive health assessment. This ensures that oral conscious sedation is a safe and effective option for your oral surgery and needs.

Can Any Patient Have Oral Conscious Sedation?


While oral conscious sedation is safe for many individuals, not every patient is a good candidate for it. If you are considering oral conscious sedation, Michael S. Scherer, D.D.S., M.D. and our team will consider factors such as:
•  Age and weight
•  Medical history, including liver or kidney function
•  Current medications that may interact with sedatives
•  History of sleep apnea or respiratory conditions
•  Previous reactions to anesthesia or sedation

Women that are pregnant, patients with certain allergies, or those with complex medical conditions may require alternative sedation approaches. If this is the case, we will guide you on the best type of alternate sedation.

Other Considerations


There are some other considerations patients undergoing oral conscious sedation may not be aware of. These include:

Transportation is Required


Because oral sedation impairs motor function and alertness, patients must have someone drive them to and from their appointment. We will ensure you have a ride home before starting your appointment.

No Eating or Drinking


Patients may be instructed to avoid food and drink for several hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of nausea.

Monitoring is Essential


Even though the sedation is delivered in pill form, your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.

Recovery May Take Time


Drowsiness can linger after the procedure, so patients are advised to rest and avoid driving or making important decisions for the rest of the day.

The surgeon will review all pre-operative and post-operative instructions with you in detail, helping you prepare for a smooth, worry-free experience.

Experience Comfortable Care at Wheaton Oral Surgery


If anxiety or fear has kept you from getting the oral surgery care you need, oral conscious sedation may be the solution you've been looking for. At Wheaton Oral Surgery in Naperville, IL, we are proud to offer expert, compassionate care using advanced sedation options to make your visit as stress-free as possible.

To learn more about oral sedation in Naperville IL or to schedule your consultation, contact Wheaton Oral Surgery today by calling (331) 204-0314. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step of your surgical care.

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Phone


(331) 204-0314

Hours


Monday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

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Wheaton Oral Surgery and Implant Center, 2323 Naperville Rd, STE 160, Naperville, IL 60563 \ (331) 204-0314 \ wheatonoralsurgery.com \ 8/12/2025 \ Tags: dental implants Naperville IL \