How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of your mouth and usually emerge at 18-24. Wisdom tooth removal is a standard dental procedure in Canada, and there might be many reasons to remove it. An impacted third molar is the most common reason for wisdom tooth extraction.

An impacted wisdom tooth does not emerge fully from within the gums, which can cause pain, swelling, and infections.

The impacted tooth can also cause problems in your other teeth and may even result in a cyst that can damage the roots.

One of the questions most asked by patients is whether wisdom teeth extraction is painful.
Chances are, you won’t experience pain during the procedure since your dental surgeon will likely sedate you with anesthesia.

It is unlikely that the procedure will be painful under sedation dentistry. However, you might experience discomfort once the anesthesia wears off.

If you have had a wisdom teeth extraction in Calgary, you will likely seek advice on managing and healing from the surgery.

Here, we discuss the correct approach to managing post-surgical discomfort and healing faster from wisdom teeth surgery.

Tips for Better Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

 
If you are planning to get wisdom teeth removal in Calgary or have already undergone the procedure, you might be experiencing some discomfort.

It might keep you up at night, thus delaying the healing process.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you sleep better after a wisdom tooth extraction:

Keeping your head elevated and inclined

Sleeping your head elevated will help reduce facial swelling after wisdom tooth extraction. Keeping your head and upper body elevated at a 45-degree angle will tone the blood vessels, prevent blood from settling in your surgical site, and help manage pain.

Use pain medication to manage pain and discomfort

Take the pain-relieving medications your dental surgeon prescribed. If you haven’t been prescribed anything, you can always take over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol. Talk to your dental surgeon about the correct dosage of these medications and take them accordingly.

Remove gauze pads from your mouth before going to bed

Gauze pads are put in your mouth to put a little pressure on the wound and promote healing. Sleeping with the gauze pad in your mouth can choke you while you sleep and might be fatal in the worst cases. So make sure you remove the pad from your mouth before bed.

Apply ice packs

Keep the area cool by drinking cold water and applying ice packs: You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your jaws for 10-20 minutes. A 2019 study found that applying ice packs after wisdom tooth removal may effectively reduce swelling and pain.

Prevent a dry socket

A blood clot usually forms at the sight of the wound that promotes healing, protects the nerve and blood vessels around the wound, and helps regenerate new bone and soft tissue. If the clot gets dislodged, it can cause severe pain within 1-3 days of extraction.

Listen to your dental surgeon

Your dentist will instruct you on managing the pain and discomfort after your wisdom tooth is extracted. Ensure you follow these instructions to heal faster and get a better night’s sleep.

What to avoid after wisdom teeth removal

 
A dry socket is one of the most common complications of a wisdom tooth extraction. This usually happens due to the improper formation or dislodging of blood clots from your wound.

A dry socket may occur within 3 to 5 days of surgery.

Here are a few precautions to take to prevent a dry socket:

• Sleeping flat on your back: Elevating your head while sleeping is essential to avoid a dry socket formation. You can use a few extra pillows to support your head when sleeping.

• Smoking and drinking alcohol: Both these habits are generally harmful to your oral and overall health. But when you just got your wisdom teeth removed, they can increase the risk of developing a dry socket. Make sure to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

• Brshung around the wound: Brshuing can lead to dislodging the blood clot around your wound. So, we recommend not brushing your teeth for at least 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal.

The Takeaway

 
Experiencing pain and discomfort after any surgical procedure is a common occurrence. After removing your wisdom tooth, you might experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping, taking pain medications, and following your doctor’s instructions will help you manage it better.

Monitor the surgical sight for infections and report to your doctor if you notice any complications. Contact us if you are looking for a dental clinic in Calgary for this procedure.