How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the back molars and are usually the last to develop. They emerge through the gums at the age of 16 – 25 years. For certain reasons, not all people develop all or any wisdom teeth. In other cases, the wisdom tooth or teeth can lack enough jaw to erupt and develop normally, causing significant discomfort and other problems. Recent studies show wisdom teeth aren’t as necessary now as they were for earlier humans.

A dentist will always recommend extracting an impacted wisdom tooth if it’s causing problems or is likely to cause future problems. An impacted wisdom tooth can emerge above the gums partially or completely and get trapped under the gums. In either case, surgery extracts the tooth.

How to sleep after wisdom teeth extraction

If you have an appointment for wisdom teeth removal in Newburyport, MA, you might be worried about the pain and recovery. For instance, resting is vital to promote faster healing and avoid aggravating your symptoms. The following tips help increase your chances of getting quality sleep after wisdom tooth removal.

• Take your medication as prescribed.

After the extraction, your surgeon will likely prescribe medications to manage pain and inflammation and prevent infections. These medications will ease your discomfort and inflammation, making it easier to fall asleep. If the doctor didn’t prescribe any medication, you could use over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and Tylenol.

• Keep your head elevated.

After invasive oral procedures, always keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle when resting or sleeping. Use a soft pillow and avoid sleeping on the side of the procedure. The elevation promotes good blood flow from the wound, helping to reduce swelling and bleeding.

• Remove the gauze.

Post-surgery bleeding should only last a few minutes. While gauze is necessary, you don’t want to sleep with it. It can be uncomfortable, and you could even choke on it accidentally. Therefore, you’ll want to remove the gauze before sleeping. Notify your surgeon right away if the bleeding doesn’t subside.

• Use a cold compress before bed.

Applying ice to the area before sleep can help minimize pain and swelling, making it easier to fall asleep. Wrap an ice pack in a clean, soft cloth and place it on your jaw or face for about 10 – 15 minutes a couple of times.

• Create a comfortable sleep environment.

Other than the post-procedure side effects, other factors such as lighting and high temperatures can disturb or make it harder to fall asleep. When sleeping, dress comfortably and keep your room dark.

• Hydrate well and eat a soft diet

After surgery, you should eat healthy, soft, and non-spicy foods and drinks. These can include yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Be sure to wait until the anesthesia wears off to eat or drink chewy or hot items. Hydrating well is also essential to wash away bacteria.

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

You should avoid smoking and alcohol before and after wisdom tooth extraction. These activities can impair your body’s ability to heal normally and lead to bleeding, swelling, and infection. Avoiding these items can help you sleep better.

• Avoid strenuous activities before bed.

Rest after wisdom tooth removal is essential to prevent worsening symptoms and promote faster healing. Strenuous activities like heavy lifting can cause increased pressure on the extraction site, triggering more discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, which can affect your sleep.

• Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.

As a general rule, follow all your dentist’s instructions. Also, be sure to go to your follow-up appointments. Notify the surgeon right away if something doesn’t seem right. Common complications of wisdom tooth extraction include:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Prolonged bleeding
• Prolonged or worsening swelling
• Bad breath
• Trouble swallowing
• Pus around the extraction site
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood or pus in nasal discharge
• Numbness

Schedule an appointment today

Are you interested in wisdom tooth extractions in Newburyport, MA? Contact Newburyport Family Dental for more information.