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how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal surgery

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Many people face the problem of not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow that results into pain, infection and other dental issues. The condition is often treated with the removal of wisdom teeth. Due to pain after the procedure many people ask end up asking how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. Studies showed that wisdom teeth removal had become one of the most common procedures by the twentieth century. ‘Jaw Malformation’ and ‘Malpositioned teeths’ is the most recent phenomenon behind it.

The apparent reason for this oral surgery is that our wisdom teeth do not fit properly. One reason is our inclination towards pre-packed cooked food, which doesn’t let us chew as much as we used to a few centuries ago.

This epidemic of malpositioned teeth, which the law of natural evolution could no longer explain due to its rapid progress, might, in fact be a sign that our jaws are not being developed properly because we are not feeding ourselves properly.

 

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Obstructive Sleep

If you plan to have your wisdom teeth taken out, few important precautions for early recovery need to be followed. Wisdom teeth extraction often leads to bleeding, painful gums, and difficulty falling asleep. Studies suggest the relation between the tooth loss and symptoms of OSA – Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dentists from all around the world adopt certain methods to reduce swelling, pain and have restful sleep for the patient.

Some people face sleep paralysis after the wisdom tooth extractions that lasts for a couple of hours. Some may have hallucinations experience addition due to deprivation of restful sleep due to pain. There are some who remain partially cognizant the whole time during sleep due to unusual behavior of the nervous system after tooth extraction.

How to Sleep after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Remedies for Temporary Sleep Obstruction of Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is normal to feel tender, achy, and uncomfortable for several days after the removal of wisdom teeth. It is advised to call the doctor or oral surgeon who performed the extraction in case of bleeding, swelling, bad taste, and pain that last longer than three days. The doctor must also be consulted in case of any reaction to the medication.

The first 48 hours are vital for the healing process, while extra care is required in the first 24 hours. You must follow the instructions given by your doctor and do what the doctor tells you to do. The precautions, medications are intended to make blood clots where extraction is performed. Blood clots are necessary to stop bleeding and pain that is crucial for restful good night sleep and faster recovery due to composition of teeth.

 

How should I sleep after wisdom teeth removal?

Keeping your head elevated while sleeping after wisdom teeth are removed is necessary. It will help if you start sleeping on your back for three days to a week. Avoid sleeping on sides or stomach to prevent cheeks from getting squished, and draw additional pressure and blood to the affected area.  

 

Is it OK to sleep on your side after wisdom teeth removal?

Sleeping on sides may add extra pressure to the affected area, draw extra blood that may cause swelling and bleeding. Try to sleep on your back so that your head remains more elevated than your heart. 

 

How can I prevent dry socket while sleeping?

It is possible to prevent the dry socket by keeping your head elevated by adding extra pillows beneath the head while speeding. Avoiding the brush for the first 24 hours may also help prevent dry socket. 

 

How long is bed rest after wisdom teeth removal?

It is suggested to take bed rest for at least the first two days after surgery for wisdom teeth extraction. Do mild to no activity on day second. The bed rest allows the affected area to heal quickly. You may start doing activities by day three as per your convenience. 

 

Can I shower after wisdom teeth removal?

You should avoid going for the shower for the first 24 hours. Any activity, shower, exercise and hot food are not recommended for the first day to avoid any risk of harm to the affected area that may hamper the healing process.

 

Can you leave gauze in your mouth overnight?

You should not sleep with the gauze in your mouth. Place the gauze on the affected area to help the body make blood clots. Remove the gauze before sleeping to avoid any risk of choking hazards once you fall asleep.

 

How painful is impacted wisdom teeth removal?

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth is sometimes tricky, but it is unlikely to be painful. Dentists usually give pain relievers to manage postoperative pain. Most people face swelling and discomfort for a few days after the surgery. It takes three days to a week to completely heal after the surgery.

Post Wisdom Teeth Removal Sleep Guideline

The important part of recovery after teeth removal is conscious sleep. Sleep and decent rest is necessary for faster healing. It is suggested by doctors to be careful of precautions while sleeping else you can extend your recovery period. Let’s breakdown the measures you need to take after wisdom tooth removal as follows.

 

Take proper medication and precautions

Be sure that you are taking prescribed medications by an oral surgeon. It is to help you in faster healing and reducing pain. Medications are intended to reduce pain and make blood clots at the place of extraction to reduce swelling, bleeding. Hopefully, your doctor would have prescribed strong medication already. Usually, Tylenol and Ibuprofen will help you alleviate the pain and discomfort. You may also bring the use of ice packs on your cheeks to reduce mixed feelings of pain and swelling.

 

Select an ideal position to keep head elevated

It is good idea to sleep with your head at a 45-degree angle while even as you sleep for the first 36 hours. This is to prevent the blood to pool in the place of extraction, which may cause your wound to throb. There is a risk of blood vessels growing close to the wound if you lie flat on your back, which may extend the pain and healing process.

It is advised to keep several pillows behind the back and head to keep yourself elevated even while sleeping.

 

Remove Gauze from Mouth before Sleep

Bite on Gauze is often prescribed to prevent dry socket that is placed when a blood clot failed. Dry socket forms once you dislodge the blood clot formed on the extraction surgery area. The removal of blood clot may expose the never and bone to air that may hamper the healing of affected area and cause pain.

Thus, it is important to follow the instruction so that the clot does not come out too soon. It is recommended to switch the Gauze after 30 minutes and remove it before sleeping.

You would prefer to remove the gauze from the mouth so as to avoid chock on it accidentally. It is advisable to keep your mouth close for few days, but it may lead to stiffness and discomfort. Open the mouth slowly after the wisdom tooth removal.

 

7 Short Tips for comfortable Sleep post Extraction

  1. Take rest to ensure a comfortable sleep and avoid delayed healing due to too much exertion.
  2. Turn lights off before sleep and try to maintain room temperature between 16 to 19 Celsius to keep body temperature low.
  3. It is suggested to put your phone on silent and its face down to avoid any extra disturbance during sleep.
  4. It is highly recommended to sleep on your back with an elevated head to hasten the recovery period. This posture should be maintained for three to seven days.
  5. It is prohibited by doctors to sleep on your side and stomach that may exert any pressure and draw more blood on the extraction site.
  6. If you are not used to lay on your back while sleeping, you may adjust pillows in a position to keep your head elevated and organized while sleeping.
  7. Use a pillow with extra compression that may fit your head into it. This is useful to avoid extra stress on your neck.

 

Generalized Tips and Aftercare Instructions

You should be having a scheduled rest after the extraction procedure, not only when you feel sleepy. Take off from work for a couple of days, lay low and take a rest whenever you get a chance. The more strain you exert on yourself, the recovery is more likely to get painful, thereby making sleep less comfortable.

Don’t panic if you are bleeding at first, because the mixture of blood and saliva makes it look worse than it is. Take a gauze bite for an hour, do not use a straw, and not suck on anything. Do not brush your teeth, spit, and rinse your mouth on the extracted area. Don’t even go near that area with any home care tools. Prevent Smoking, at least for 72 hours, try not to cough and sneeze. Rest and relax on the couch but do not lay flat on the back. Use pillows to keep your head high.

These are usual instructions which are to be followed. Ask your dentist if you have any allergies. Don’t Cardio and workout that may elevate your heart rate. Too much exercise may delay the healing process due to a rise in blood pressure. Stop drinking hot drinks, stay away from alcohol and spicy food.

Generally, it is advisable to use ice packs to keep the swelling down with 20 minutes on and off. You may prescribe pain medicines to prevent discomfort and pain before sleeping. It is not suggested by doctors to take strong pain medication and narcotic drugs to help to alleviate the pain. Instead, the use of cold ice and OTC meds are recommended to cater to the pain and swelling.

To make the recovery process super straightforward, it is highly recommended to do not to panic and take it all easy. Keep the information down your head, follow instructions and suggested tips to ensure comfortable sleep after the procedure.

 

Read Also: X-Ray Of Baby’s Teeth: Why It’s Important

 

Conclusion:

The process of wisdom tooth extraction can result in a number of negative side effects, including pain, swelling, and bleeding. One of the most common concerns is how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. There are a few different methods that can be used, including sleeping with your head elevated, using ice packs, and taking pain medication. If you have any other questions or concerns, please leave your valued feedback in the comment section.

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