Sleep is crucial for good mental and physical health, but it can be difficult to enter a restful state if your mouth is sore due to a recent wisdom tooth extraction. While adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions will help you stay comfortable and enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery, there are also a few tricks that can help you relax and sleep more easily. Here are a few ways to get some shuteye after wisdom tooth extractions.
Rest with Your Head in an Elevated Position
One of the reasons why it can be difficult to sleep after wisdom tooth extraction is that lying flat can increase the blood pressure in your healing gums. This creates tension in the soft oral tissues that can cause discomfort, making it difficult to rest properly. By propping your head up with pillows or cushions or sleeping in a recliner, you can allow gravity to slightly reduce the blood pressure in your head as well as the discomfort that prevents you from going to sleep.
Use Pain Medication as Directed
Nagging discomfort can make sleeping quite difficult. Before removing your wisdom teeth, your dentist will most likely prescribe pain medication or recommend an appropriate over-the-counter brand to help you stay comfortable during recovery. In either case, it’s best to get your medicine from the pharmacy before the procedure so you can begin taking it as soon as possible. Always make sure you follow the instructions of your dentist or those printed on the label when taking pain relievers.
Create a Comfortable Place for Sleep
Sleeping can be difficult if the place where you’re resting is too bright or exciting. It’s best to sleep in a cool and dark room to help your body relax, but a complete lack of stimulation can make oral discomfort harder to ignore. If you find that you’re having a hard time falling asleep in a dark, quiet room, turning on the TV and setting the sleep timer can help distract you from your soreness and allow you to enjoy disruption-free slumber after you have drifted off.
Don’t let sleep deprivation interfere with your recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to stay comfortable while healing.
About the Author
Dr. Erin M. Prach earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and completed a continuing education course on oral surgery in Guatemala. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association. Her office in Casper offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extraction services. To learn more about recovering after having wisdom teeth removed, contact her office online or dial (307) 337-4770.