If you are about to have your wisdom teeth removed, it's important to understand how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. This is a routine procedure for which you may receive sedation, so you should have a plan for rest and recuperation post-surgery. As with any surgery, sleeping after the procedure can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to sleep safely and soundly after wisdom tooth extraction.
1. Sleep in the Proper Position With Supervision
According to postoperative instructions published by Dartmouth-Hitchcock, you should rest with your head elevated above your heart for the 24 hours following your tooth extraction. If you have gauze pads in your mouth to help with the bleeding, it's important to have someone present while you sleep to reduce the risk of choking on the gauze. Dartmouth-Hitchcock recommends asking someone to wake you up approximately every 20 minutes so you can check the gauze.
2. Take Pain Medication as Prescribed
Managing pain is an important part of how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. The Mayo Clinic recommends following the instructions on your prescribed pain medication or taking over-the-counter medication, depending on your dentist's recommendations. Do not take more than what is recommended if you are still in pain — instead, call your dentist. Holding a cold pack against your jaw while you rest could also help you sleep after wisdom teeth removal.
3. Follow Other Postoperative Instructions
Staying fed and properly hydrated after wisdom teeth removal is important to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly. While the wounds will prevent you from eating normally, there are plenty of yummy options that you can still enjoy. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating soft foods, such as applesauce and yogurt, for the first 24 hours post-op. Drink plenty of water, but don't use a straw for at least a week, as the suction can pull the protective blood clot out of the socket, prolonging the bleeding that can interfere with a good night's sleep.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock's recommendations state that you should not brush, rinse or spit within the first 24 hours after your procedure. On the second day, you may brush your teeth and gently rinse with warm saltwater. While keeping the surgery site clean is important to prevent infection, the sockets need the first 24 hours undisturbed to begin healing properly.
4. Call Your Dentist if You Have Severe Symptoms
If your medication cannot control your pain, the Mayo Clinic urges you to call your dentist immediately. Also, if you experience excessive swelling or bleeding, this may be a sign of infection, and you should call your dentist right away.
Knowing how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal is imperative for the healing process. Make sure that you sleep in the correct position with supervision, take your medication properly and treat your mouth gently. If something goes wrong and you suspect infection, or if you're unable to sleep due to pain, contact your dentist. They can examine the surgery site and provide additional guidance on how to get quality sleep after your procedure.
Worried about how wisdom teeth removal will affect your sleep? You’re not alone – many patients share the same concern. And the truth is, the post-surgical discomfort can make getting enough shut-eye a bit more difficult.
Fortunately, with the right approach, you can sleep after wisdom teeth removal. Here, we explain how to get the rest you need when you’re recovering from a tooth extraction.
Take Your Pain Medication
When your anesthesia wears off, you may be in some pain – and any discomfort can hinder your efforts to fall asleep. Don’t try to tough it out. Instead, set yourself up for a good night’s sleep by taking your pain medication as directed by your oral surgeon.
Choose the Right Position
During the initial stages of healing, the tooth extraction site may ooze. Because of this, sleeping on your side is best, at least for the first night. Plus, if you lie flat on your back, you might experience more swelling. That could increase your pain and make resting an even greater challenge.
Elevate Your Head
After wisdom teeth extraction, you need to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. A single pillow should suffice when you’re sleeping on your side. If you’re having trouble falling asleep in that position, pile a few pillows behind you for support and lean back.
Follow Your Aftercare Instructions
For the best chance at snoozing the night away in comfort, you need to pay attention to your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Take good care of yourself when you’re recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, and you’ll have a smoother and easier recovery experience.
To pave the way for a night of restful sleep, follow these guidelines:
- Apply ice and heat as directed until the time you go to bed
- Keep your physical activity to a bare minimum
- Stay hydrated, but don’t drink from a straw
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco in any form
- Satisfy your appetite before hitting the sack – try milk, fruit smoothies, low-sodium broth or nutritional supplement drinks
Your oral surgeon may have additional recommendations. Listen to their advice, and you shouldn’t have much of a problem sleeping after wisdom teeth removal.
If you have worries about recovering from wisdom teeth extraction and you live in Wayne Township, Wayne County or the surrounding east central Indiana area, make an appointment at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
As wisdom tooth extraction specialists, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman have years of experience helping patients through the process. The Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team can answer your questions, address your concerns and offer expert advice on how to have a positive recovery experience. Contact us and schedule a consultation to discuss wisdom teeth removal today.