Many patients feel a large amount of pain and stress after oral surgery and wisdom teeth removal. Going to sleep after the procedure can seem scary, but there are some tips to help you get a restful night’s sleep without too much worry. Sleeping after wisdom teeth removal can be comfortable and helpful in your healing process.
If you have any concerns about your surgery sites or what you can and cannot do, contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. As long as you follow the aftercare steps from your surgeon and bleeding starts to slow down, your wisdom teeth sites will heal.
1- Take Pain Medication As Prescribed
Limiting pain during the healing process is possible when you take your pain medication as prescribed or take over-the-counter pain medication as recommended. This will help limit the pain you feel while starting to fall asleep and reduce the number of times you wake up during the night.
Ibuprofen and other medications will also help reduce swelling. This is important for healing surgery sites and can help make your mouth more comfortable. Reducing swelling will help your body heal the affected areas quickly and make it easier for you to eat after surgery as well.
2- Elevate Your Head
Applying ice and heat while keeping your head elevated are great ways to keep your wisdom teeth surgery sites from swelling. It is best to sleep with your head slightly elevated in order to reduce swelling. Elevating your head will also help your blood to flow downward instead of to the surgical site, which can aid in healing.
3- Sleep On Your Side
There are many mixed reviews on the position that is best for sleeping after wisdom teeth removal. Sleeping on your side or even at all after wisdom teeth removal can be tricky, but following what your body is telling you to do is the best way to heal quickly. It may be easier to keep your head elevated while sleeping on your side, but if your surgery sites are painful, it can be a better option to sleep on your back or sleep sitting up.
4- Apply Ice
Alternating between ice and heat will help reduce swelling and limit pain in your surgery sites. If you want to aid in getting a good night’s sleep, apply ice before heading to bed to reduce puffiness. You can also sleep with a cold rag or ice pack wrapped in a towel while you sleep, but this could cause damage to your skin if you are not careful.
It is recommended to apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, so doing so before you fall asleep should help make your jaw comfortable enough to fall asleep.
5- Follow The Tips From Your Dentist Or Surgeon
Sleeping after wisdom teeth removal may not be listed on the instruction sheet from your dentist, but if you have someone with you, have them ask what you should do to get the most rest possible. It is also helpful to follow the other instructions as this will help to prevent infection and a longer healing process and in turn, affect your quality of sleep.
Avoid drinking out of straws, stop drinking alcohol and smoking until you have healed, avoid staying up too late, and take your medications as prescribed. Keeping the wisdom teeth sites clean and healthy will help make your recovery time much quicker. The shorter your recovery time, the quicker you can get back to normal sleep.
Tooth Extractions With Eric Felt D.D.S.
Our dental office offers tooth extractions that may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Overcrowding in your mouth or severe tooth decay are just some of the reasons you may need to have a permanent tooth removed. We help to make you feel comfortable and at ease when having tooth extractions in our office. Our dental staff also helps to give you clear instructions for your aftercare. Sleeping after wisdom teeth removal may seem overwhelming, but getting good sleep and resting from normal activities will help you to heal properly.
If you are looking for other dental services, our practice is here to serve you! We love seeing you smile and offer services like dental cleanings, crowns, teeth whitening, and more to make sure your oral health is the best it can be. Contact us today!
