Do you need to get your wisdom teeth taken out soon? It’s a good idea to get prepared ahead of time. Many patients experience some soreness for a few days following their procedure, but it is important to get plenty of rest throughout the healing process. Read on to learn some tips to help you sleep soundly during your recovery so you can get back to your normal schedule as soon as you can.
Sleep in the Correct Position
It is best to sleep with your head elevated above your heart for the first 24 hours following your tooth extraction. It can reduce swelling and promote clotting. This is crucial for the healing to go smoothly. Sleeping on your side allows you to more easily keep your head propped up on a pillow compared to sleeping on your back, so many patients find this position to be more comfortable.
Take Medication as Directed
Managing pain is an important part of getting a quality night of sleep. You should closely follow the instructions of any prescribed medications you are given and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Try to time it so you take your last dose about an hour before going to bed. This way, you are setting yourself up for a sounder sleep. You shouldn’t take more than what is recommended. If you are still feeling discomfort, use a cold compress against your jaw to numb some of the soreness.
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
There are things that you can do to make your bedroom extra comfortable so that sleep comes easier. Use shutters, blinds, or curtains to block out light coming in from the outside. Set the temperature to cool and/or turn on a fan so you don’t get too warm. If it helps, put on a white noise machine or another relaxing sound effect so you can comfortably drift off to sleep.
Closely Follow Post-Op Instructions
In addition to taking medication as directed, make sure that you are following other post-op instructions for optimal healing and comfort. For example. It is crucial that you stick to softer foods so you don’t disturb the healing site. Keep the area clean with saltwater rinses beginning the day after you surgery. Stay properly hydrated too. When you are healing well, you will be able to sleep a lot better.
Don’t Stay Up Too Late
You need to get plenty of rest so your mouth can heal quickly and efficiently. Even if you tend to be a night owl, you should try to get to sleep earlier than you normally would. Avoid looking at screens before bed and try to wind down by reading a book or meditating.
Recovering from having your wisdom teeth extracted may not be the most comfortable, but by using the tips above, you can get the sleep you need to recover smoothly.
About the Practice
At Shinkawa Dental, Dr. Gerald T. Shinkawa, Dr. Nicole E. Shinkawa, and Dr. Adam H. Shinkawa work together to treat patients in the Fresno area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about wisdom tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (559) 226-5656.