8 Tips to Improve Your Sleep after Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Each year, dentists extract about 10 million wisdom teeth in the US. Wisdom teeth are the molars that develop at the very back of the mouth. Due to changes in diet, our jaws have changed. Nowadays, some people may not develop all their wisdom teeth.

In other cases, wisdom teeth may not have enough room to erupt as they should. It causes the tooth to get trapped under the gum line or grow at the wrong angle. Such a tooth is said to be impacted. In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to mild to severe jaw pain, damage to the nearby teeth, poor bite, bone loss, and an increased risk of oral infections. For these reasons, your dentist can recommend a tooth extraction.

If you’ve scheduled wisdom teeth removal surgery with a dentist near you, you might wonder how to minimize pain, improve your sleep, and speed up your recovery after the procedure. This article provides eight tips to improve your sleep and comfort after having your wisdom tooth extraction:

8 Tips to sleep comfortably after wisdom teeth removal

• Remove the gauze

After extracting the tooth, you can expect minor bleeding. Your surgeon will place a gauze to bite on to promote clot formation and control bleeding. You should leave the gauze in place for at least 30 minutes or as long as necessary. You must remove the gauze before sleeping to prevent choking. The gauze can loosen and fall-back during sleep, blocking your airway.

• Take medication as prescribed

After the anesthesia wears off, you will likely experience minor pain and swelling around the operation site. Ensure you take all the medication as prescribed by your dentist to minimize pain and swelling and allow you to sleep better. If you don’t have any prescribed medication, you can use over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Notify your dentist or surgeon if the pain won’t settle or worsens even after taking medication.

• Keep your head elevated when sleeping

Use a soft pillow to keep your head elevated when sleeping or resting. It’s essential to keep your head elevated above your heart to ensure blood flow downwards. Keeping your head low can cause blood to flow toward the extraction area, leading to more bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, interrupting sleep.

• Find the right sleeping conditions

Poor sleep conditions like too cold, hot, or bright environments can affect your ability to have a restful sleep. Find comfortable bed accessories and keep your room cool and dark. Relaxing before going to sleep will also help you sleep better.

• Try cold therapy

Applying a cold compress on the cheek against the extraction site can reduce swelling and pain and help you sleep better. To do this, wrap some ice in a clean cloth or towel and place it on the jaw for 15 – 20 minutes.

• Stay hydrated

Proper hydration after a wisdom tooth extraction is essential to prevent a dry mouth, wash away debris, and keep your mouth comfortable. Just make sure to avoid hot drinks and straws, as they can disturb the surgical site, leading to a painful dry socket.

• Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions

After the surgery, you’ll get a few aftercare instructions. Follow these instructions strictly to minimize discomfort, keep your mouth comfortable, and promote faster healing.

• Avoid strenuous activities

Strenuous activities like heavy lifting and bending over after surgery can cause increased pressure in the head, leading to bleeding, swelling, and pain in the extraction socket, affecting your ability to sleep well. It’s essential to avoid any vigorous activities for the next 48 to 72 hours after surgery.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

• Avoid spitting or blowing your nose too hard.
• Don’t use a straw.
• Brush gently while avoiding the extraction site.
• Do not smoke or take alcohol for the next 48 hours.
• Eat soft foods. Avoid hard, crunchy, hot, and chewy foods in the next few days.
• Avoid touching or disturbing the extraction socket.
• Notify your dentist or surgeon if something needs fixing.

Are you interested in wisdom tooth extractions in Dover, NH?

For more information about wisdom and simple tooth extractions near you, contact Belknap Dental Associates to speak with our best dentist in Dover, NH.