Any intensive medical or dental treatment can be exhausting, especially if you were nervous leading up to it. You might feel exhausted after your appointment! Certainly, you should get some rest. But how can you sleep safely and comfortably after wisdom tooth extractions? This blog post contains some helpful tips.
Wait Until You Are No Longer Using Gauze
Immediately after your surgery, your dentist may instruct you to hold gauze in your mouth to control any bleeding. You might need to do this for a few hours. During this time, you should not sleep. Otherwise, the gauze could become a choking hazard. If you were sedated or are under the influence of any medication that makes you feel sleepy, you should have a trusted adult nearby to check on you and make sure you are not choking.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Keeping your head elevated can prevent too much blood from rushing to your head, which can reduce bleeding and swelling. Many people find that it is easier to keep their head raised if they are sleeping on their side rather than their back.
Take Pain Medication as Recommended
Some discomfort is normal after wisdom tooth extractions. You may need to take medications to reduce your pain and allow you to sleep comfortably. Follow your dentist’s instructions for using such medications, whether you are taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Make Sure Your Sleeping Environment Is Comfortable
Before your appointment, you may want to put some clean sheets on your bed and tidy up your room. A clean and comfortable sleeping environment can do a lot to facilitate high-quality rest. If your household is normally a noisy place, talk to your family members ahead of time so they can make an extra effort to be quiet.
Do Not Use Alcohol as a Sleep Aid
Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, and it may even allow you to fall asleep faster, but it should never be used as a sleep aid. Not only can it reduce the quality of your sleep, but it can also cause dangerous interactions with pain medications.
Get Enough Rest
You may be extra tired for a few days after your surgery. During that time, do not force yourself to fully dive back into your normal routine. Arrange your schedule so you have extra time for sleep. Getting enough rest can allow your body to dedicate more energy to helping you heal.
Getting enough sleep after wisdom tooth extractions is important! Use the tips in this article to sleep safely and comfortably.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features a large team of general dentists and specialists. We are able to perform even complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth extractions, right here in our office. If you believe you need this service or have questions about what to expect while recovering from it, we are ready to consult with you. Contact our Woodbridge location at 203-409-2535.