How To Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal, a common dental procedure, often brings discomfort, swelling, and pain, making a good night’s sleep challenging. Typically emerging between ages 18 and 24, wisdom teeth extraction constitutes a significant portion of dental procedures in the United States. If you’re facing this procedure or have recently undergone it, finding ways to ease the discomfort and enhance your chances of quality sleep is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies on “How To Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal,” ensuring a more comfortable and restful recovery period.
“Sleeping Soundly Post Wisdom Teeth Removal: Strategies for Comfort and Restful Nights”
After having their wisdom teeth removed, some people are more painful than others, but practically everyone feels some discomfort. Here are some strategies for reducing pain when attempting to sleep.
Use any prescribed painkillers as directed.
If your dentist gives you painkillers on prescription, follow the directions carefully.
Take Ibuprofen.
If no additional painkillers are given, you may take ibuprofen. If you’re oral surgeon approves and you don’t have any medical issues that would prevent it from working, you may do this. According to studies, taking 400 mg of ibuprofen instead of 1,000 mg of Tylenol is preferable, and combining the two medications can be even more effective at reducing pain than taking just one of the drugs by itself. Observe the recommended daily dose limits and follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Establish a relaxing sleeping environment.
Maintaining a cool, dark bedroom and engaging in other activities before bed that promote sleep may help you forget about your discomfort.
Raise your brow.
To lessen swelling and encourage clotting at night, try elevating your head with an additional pillow.
On your side, go to bed.
Compared to sleeping on your back, you can keep your head propped up on a pillow more readily on your side.
Apply ice.
According to a review of studies published in 2019, applying ice for the first few days after wisdom tooth removal may help minimize edema. For 10 to 20 minutes at a time, place an ice pack on your jaw and wrap it in a cloth.
As for the other directions, abide by them.
You should heed any further specific recommendations your surgeon makes for easing your discomfort.
How to sleep safely after having your wisdom teeth removed
It’s crucial to use caution after recovering from wisdom teeth removal so as not to disturb the blood clots that are developing in your wounds, especially in the first 24 hours. Dry socket is a disorder that can be brought on by a blood clot that has dislodged or has formed improperly. One of the most frequent side effects following wisdom tooth removal, it might happen between days 3 and 5.
Avoiding the following behaviors will reduce your risk of complications:
Sleeping on your back flat.
For accelerating injury recovery, the RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is frequently suggested. When you are sleeping, elevate and support your head with one or two additional pillows.
Avoid brushing around your wounds.
To prevent moving your blood clot, it’s a good idea to refrain from brushing for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
Remaining up late.
In order to give your body the time it needs to recuperate, it’s crucial to obtain plenty of sleep.
Alcohol consumption or smoking.
Both alcohol and smoke might prevent your body from healing itself. Avoiding these activities for at least 24 hours following surgery—and ideally, until you’re fully recovered—is a smart suggestion.
Should you wear gauze to bed after having your wisdom teeth removed?
By applying slight pressure to the wound, gauze serves to assist your body in clotting the wound. Due to the risk of choking, gauze should never be placed in your mouth while you are sleeping.
Additionally, it’s crucial to watch out for nodding off while lying down with gauze in your mouth, especially if you’re taking medications that can make you drowsy.
What to do the first few days after wisdom teeth removal when you wake up?
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it may take several weeks for you to fully recover, but by taking proper care of your wounds, you can speed up the process. Some morning routines that could be useful include:
- Monitoring for indications of infection or other issues while taking any medicine as directed by your doctor
- Examining potential infections or other problems
- Freezing your face with a cloth-wrapped ice pack or frozen vegetables
- Gently rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash after the first 24 hours will help destroy microorganisms that could cause infection.
- Limiting your breakfast to soft items that won’t bother your wounds, such eggs and smoothiesÂ
Conclusion