Re: Healing after wisdom teeth extraction

I glad he is doing well!

There is a difference in IV sedation and general sedation. General sedation is done in an operating room of a hospital and the patient is completely unconscious (lose ability to control muscles, even breathing) and is considered a level 4 sedation.

IV sedation is very common. With IV sedation you are still conscious and able to respond. You retain control of all your muscles. The medications used also provide an amnesia effect so most people will not remember the surgery. IV sedation is only a level 3 sedation. Since you never lose consciousness, the risk is extremely low.

While I am surprised your dentist did not discuss this with you, it is very common practice for oral surgeons to use IV sedation. (Many general dentists will not only because of training or equipment). Impacted tooth removal is not fun, and if I had impacted teeth I would personally ask for IV just so I don't have to remember the experience.

"And another question, is it common for U.S. dentists to use laser therapy on the site of the extraction after surgery to speed up healing?"
No, in the US laser therapy is not common to my knowledge. For me, cold/heat and a little ibuprofen works wonders and is much cheaper than having to charge for a laser (which are incredibly expensive).

I could go into the reasons why europe and the US are different if you want, but it boils down to a different economy: Europe being more centralized and US being more individualized. Either system has its benefits and flaws.

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