If you’re about to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may have a few things on your mind concerning your aftercare – but have you made sure to understand how to sleep following your procedure? Though wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure, you’ll still want to follow all of your dentist’s instructions closely concerning aftercare, and you should come up with a plan for getting proper rest and recuperation so that you can return to action! Here are a few tips to help you out.
1. Sleep in the Correct Position
It’s normally best to rest with your head elevated above your heart for the first 24 hours following your wisdom tooth extraction. You can easily do this by sleeping in a recliner or using extra pillows to prop your head up in bed. Be sure to make your bedroom environment comfortable and dark, so that it’s easier to fall asleep. If you have gauze in your mouth to assist with post-op bleeding, it’s also important to have someone else at home with you while you’re sleeping, to reduce the risk of choking on the gauze.
2. Establish Good Habits
In a similar vein, be sure you’re adhering to smart sleeping habits during your recovery. Don’t stay up too late, as your body quite literally needs its rest to heal. Alcohol and tobacco can both interfere with your body’s healing capabilities, so it’s also a wise idea to avoid these activities after your surgery, ideally until you’re fully healed.
3. Properly Manage Your Pain
Managing pain is an important part of sleeping after wisdom tooth removal. It’s recommended that you follow the instructions on your prescribed pain medication or take over-the-counter pain medication as instructed by your dentist. If you’re in a great deal of pain, don’t take more than what’s recommended – instead, call your dentist at once, as it might be a sign of a dry socket or another complication. You can also use cold compresses to manage your pain while you rest; it’ll also assist with any swelling.
4. Follow Other Post-Op Instructions
Staying fed and properly hydrated after your wisdom tooth removal also helps to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly – and it also ensures you’re able to fall asleep well-fed each night. However, be sure you’re sticking to soft foods and drinks only, and avoid using a straw since the suction can dislodge the blood clots that form over your surgical sites.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort following wisdom tooth extraction, but following all of your dentist’s instructions and taking care to ensure that you get enough rest will allow you to recover quickly and without any issues!
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates has proudly served the dental needs of patients in Worcester and the surrounding area for many years, offering a wide variety of services including wisdom tooth extraction. If you have any questions about the blog or if you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.
