Your third molars can cause a lot of discomforts when they don’t erupt right. Wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, pain, fever, and much more. So when the dentist suggests wisdom tooth extraction, you have no choice but to choose your comfort. Your oral health care provider will instruct you on wisdom teeth removal aftercare. One of the factors to consider on the first night after a tooth extraction is how you’ll spend the night. Therefore, carry on reading to learn how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal.
Some Tips on How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal
When the anesthesia wears off, you might start feeling tired and sleepy. Moreover, sedation itself will make you want to rest. But how can you sleep after wisdom teeth removal with all the discomfort? Try these tips for a night of better sleep and to feel well-rested:
- Pain Medications for a Good Sleep
You’ll need medications to reduce the discomfort and pain that follows a wisdom tooth extraction. Therefore, ask your dentist for recommendations if they forget to discuss them. Even minor pain is enough to disturb our sleep; hence, pain medications are a good way to ensure you get a good and peaceful night’s sleep. - Sleep With Caution on the First Night After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Sleeping on the first night after wisdom tooth removal will require some special consideration. For instance, you’ll need to sleep in a way that your head is elevated than your heart. In addition, lying flat can lead to swelling.The dentist will put gauze on the extraction site to absorb blood. You’ll need to be careful that the gauze does not move from its place while you rest. Moreover, you can ask someone to wake you up every hour to make sure the gauze stays in its place.It would be better to take the gauze off when you sleep to avoid the choking hazard entirely; consult your dentist on this. - Don’t Sleep on the Operated Side
Lying flat can cause swelling. And lying on the operated side can cause additional problems. Thus, it is advised to sleep on the other side. - Keep Yourself Hydrated & Well-Fed
Eating nutritious soft foods and staying hydrated will help you in a smooth and timely recovery. Instead of hard or chewy foods, go for soft food options like smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups, and more. You’ll have to switch to friendly foods and drinks after wisdom teeth removal for a few days.Other than this, stay hydrated, as it will help you recover fast and keep the extraction site clean. - Refrain from Doing Anything that Dislodges the Blood Clot
After your wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow the aftercare instruction. Aftercare helps with easy recovery and allows the blood clot to form. Dislodging the blood clot can interfere with healing and lead to a dry socket. To avoid this, you should try these:- Don’t brush near the operated site for the initial 24 hours, so your toothbrush doesn’t Dislodge the blood clot.
- Sleep with two or more pillows to keep your head slightly raised.
- Rest up and sleep early! Allow your body the sleep it needs for a speedy recovery.
- Don’t indulge in anything that requires suction, like using a straw.
What Should I Do?
If you’re wondering how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal, your dentist can give you guidelines to follow. Furthermore, you can use our instructions for healing the extraction site. Contact Vintage Oral Surgery at (281) 800 8852 for your oral health issues.
You can find us at 11620 Louetta Rd B, Houston, TX 77070, United States. Our oral care office is located on the left of Allergy & ENT.