There are several kinds of Sedations.

Mild: Nitrous Oxide Sedation - this jsut relaxes you but you're conscious
Mild to Moderate: Oral Sedation - this involves taking pills to sedate you prior to the procedure.

Moderate: IV Sedation - this is an IV in your arm and you could be conscious, unconscious, or somewhere in between!

Strong: General Anesthesia - this is where they have to make sure you have an airway and you are all the way out.

Now, with the IV and General, the same drugs that "knock you out" can depress your central nervous system, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, etc etc. Obviously, if these systems are depressed too far, the patient will die. Fortunately for you, your oral surgeon has at least four years of training beyond MY four years of dental school that teaches him all the tricks of advanced life support. So don't worry!
However, MY biggest concern is this: You're going in TOMORROW and you have no idea what the risks are or if your'e even going to GET Sedation??? This is inconceivable to me! Before they schedule the extraction appointment, they probably did a consult. The surgeon looks at your xray and decides the degree of difficulty involved and (should) explain the risks of the procedures as well as your options in terms of anesthetic and Sedation, including all risks of these procedures. I've NEVER heard of anyone saying, "Oh, just decide the day of and we'll explain the risks then."

The fact that you're even asking the question has me a little concerned, unless they already went over all that and maybe you just weren't paying attention or you didn't read the consent form they should provide OR maybe just lost the paper...??

Anyway, good luck.

Sedation is better and easier than not, esp if your'e well insured!

Using salt water is using the principle of Osmosis.

This principle basically states that things like to be even... so when you put salty water in your Mouth Fluids will come out of the cells in your mouth to even things out.

This reduces swelling.

Salt water is also a mild Astringent (clears away Mucous) and is Bacteriostatic if not Bacteriocidal.

Swelling is normal following Oral Surgery.

Swelling will usually peek 48 - 72 hours following surgery and will subside.

Ice packs should be placed on your sister's face, 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off repetitively for the first 24 hours following surgery.

Elevate her head on a couple of pillows for a few days.

Swelling may cause some jaw stiffness, this is normal and will subside.

It depends on the type of anesthesia used and your medications, if any.

You do want to let your dentist confer with your doctor.

For Oral Surgery you are generally put under general Anesthesia - this means that you will be "Asleep during the procedure" You will be given an IV, probably in the arm, with Versed or another Sedative Drug. After you are "Asleep" you will then be given local injections (shots) to numb your teeth. You will not feel these injections. When the procedure is complete, the oral surgeon will stop your IV and you will wake up. You won't remember anything about the procedure and will probably feel pretty Groggy. As a side note, "Laughing Gas" doesn't put you to sleep, it just relaxes the person receiving - you are still awake, completely concious and can feel pain, etc. This is why general Anesthesia is used, and not gas, during Oral Surgery Procedures.

Don't worry - general Anesthesia is the way to go - pain free! Your oral surgeon will give you plenty of instructions/information so you will be well informed.