Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a big procedure, and it is important to take care of your recovery. One of the biggest challenges for many people is getting a good night’s sleep after the surgery. The healing process can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can make it hard to sleep. In this article, we will go over helpful tips for sleeping after wisdom teeth removal.
Why Is Sleep Important After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Sleep is essential for healing. When you sleep, your body has time to repair itself. After your wisdom teeth are removed, your body needs extra care to heal the surgical site. Getting enough rest helps your body fight infection and reduces inflammation. If you are not able to sleep well, it can slow down the healing process.
How to Prepare for a Good Night’s Sleep
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
A quiet, cool, and dark room can make a big difference when you’re trying to sleep after your wisdom teeth removal. Make sure your bed is comfortable. Soft pillows and a clean, cool sheet can help you relax. A comfortable sleeping environment helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Have Your Medications Ready
Your dentist or surgeon may give you pain medications or antibiotics. Make sure you have these medications ready before bedtime. Taking your medication as directed can help control pain and make it easier to fall asleep. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any complications.
How to Position Yourself While Sleeping
Sleeping with Head Elevated
After wisdom teeth removal, it is best to sleep with your head elevated. This helps reduce swelling and keeps pressure off the surgical area. You can use extra pillows to prop your head up. Sleeping at an angle also helps keep blood from rushing to the site, which could make swelling worse.
Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back is the most recommended position after surgery. Lying on your side or stomach may put pressure on your cheeks or jaw and increase the pain. If you need to sleep on your side, try placing a pillow between your cheek and shoulder to avoid any pressure on the surgery area.
Avoid Sleeping on the Affected Side
If your wisdom teeth were removed from one side of your mouth, try not to sleep on that side. Resting on the surgical side can irritate the area and lead to more discomfort. If you have trouble staying off that side, you can try using pillows to prop yourself up and make it easier to stay in a position that avoids putting pressure on the area.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Apply Ice Packs
Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process. Ice packs can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. Do this before bed to help with pain and make it easier to sleep. Make sure to not put the ice pack directly on your skin to avoid frostbite.
Take Pain Relievers
If you experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. If your doctor prescribed stronger pain medications, make sure to take them as instructed. Pain relief can make it easier to sleep and help you feel more comfortable.
Use Salt Water Rinses
After the first few days, salt water rinses can help keep your mouth clean and promote healing. Gently swish warm salt water around your mouth before going to bed. This can help soothe the gums and reduce any discomfort, allowing you to sleep better.
What to Avoid Before Bed
Avoid Hot Foods and Drinks
Hot foods and drinks can irritate the surgical site. It’s best to avoid hot coffee, tea, or foods that are spicy. Stick with lukewarm or cool foods and drinks for the first few days after surgery. This will help prevent discomfort and keep you more comfortable at bedtime.
Don’t Use Straws
Using straws can create suction in your mouth, which may disturb the healing blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket can cause severe pain and delay healing. Avoid using straws for at least a week after surgery to prevent this problem.
Avoid Smoking or Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can interfere with the healing process. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and can increase the risk of infection. Alcohol can also delay healing and interact with medications. For a better recovery, avoid these habits for several days after your surgery.
Keeping Hydrated and Nourished
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for healing. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts just before bed to prevent waking up to use the bathroom. Hydration helps keep your body functioning properly and supports the healing of the surgical area.
Eat Soft Foods
After the procedure, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, or smoothies. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods that could irritate the surgical site. Eating soft foods will make it easier to eat and reduce discomfort, helping you relax before bedtime.
Avoid Chewing on the Surgical Area
It’s important to avoid chewing directly on the side where your wisdom teeth were removed. This can cause pain and delay healing. Stick to eating on the opposite side of your mouth, and be gentle while chewing.
Dealing with Swelling and Bruising
Apply Cold Compresses
Swelling and bruising are common after wisdom teeth removal. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to your face for the first 48 hours after surgery. After that, you can switch to warm compresses to help with any residual swelling. The cold compresses will help you feel more comfortable when lying down and may improve your sleep quality.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of complications. After the first 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water. Be careful not to spit too hard, as this can disturb the healing blood clot. A clean mouth will help you feel more comfortable and make it easier to sleep.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Persistent Pain or Bleeding
Some pain and bleeding are normal in the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. However, if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, or if you notice excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately. Complications like dry socket or infection may require professional treatment.
Difficulty Sleeping
If you have tried all the above tips and are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your dentist. They may be able to adjust your pain medications or offer additional solutions to help you sleep more comfortably.
Conclusion
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can be uncomfortable, but with the right steps, you can sleep better and speed up your healing process. By following these tips, including proper sleep positioning, managing pain, and avoiding certain foods, you can ensure a smoother recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you experience any issues or have concerns. A good night’s sleep is important for healing, and with these strategies, you can rest easy during your recovery.
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