A common concern among many patients is the struggle to find restful sleep after wisdom tooth removal surgery. If your orthodontist has left you without clear guidance on how to get restful sleep during the healing period, we are here to demystify your uncertainties surrounding post-extraction sleep.
Table of Contents:
Wisdom Tooth Removal and Sleep
The wisdom teeth also known as the third molar is located at the back of the mouth. The need to remove it might be for different reasons, and a prospective study evaluates why the decision is usually taken to remove the wisdom tooth.
The wisdom tooth extraction process involves giving local anesthesia to the patient to numb the area around the tooth. The dentist or oral surgeon then widens the tooth socket by rocking it to and fro. Sometimes a small cut in the gum is necessary and before the tooth is removed it might be cut into smaller pieces.
This procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour whereas complex cases can take longer. You may experience jaw swelling or even mild bruising after the removal of your wisdom tooth which can cause pain and disrupt sleep patterns.
Sleeping Positions and Comfort
Your sleep position can improve or worsen the pain after wisdom tooth surgery. Since the procedure leads to swelling, pain, and discomfort, you can reduce pressure on the extracted site and facilitate a smoother recovery process by adopting appropriate sleeping positions
Optimal Sleeping Positions
Sleeping on your back with your head elevated using extra pillows reduces the chances of any pressure on the operated area, and can help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. Try to sleep in a reclined position to promote airflow and prevent nasal congestion and snoring.
Side Sleeping Considerations
If you prefer to sleep on your side, choose the opposite side of the extracted tooth to avoid putting direct pressure on it. To reduce strain on your neck and back, you can pile up a few extra pillows for additional support.
Elevated Head Position
Sleeping with an elevated head post wisdom tooth removal helps to reduce swelling, the risk of developing a dry socket and promotes healing. By keeping your head at a higher level than the rest of your body, you can reduce post-operative discomfort by draining away fluids from the extracted tooth site and preventing any further buildup of fluids. This will aid in a quicker recovery and help to minimize your pain.
When you sleep with your head elevated, it aids in slowing down the flow of blood to the area and reduces inflammation, which can be uncomfortable after wisdom tooth extraction. Choosing the correct pillow size also helps, as it allows optimal elevation. Using a pillow that is neither too thick nor too flat-sized to support your head and neck while keeping your upper body at a slight incline of around 45 degrees is ideal.
Adjusting Your Sleep Environment
After wisdom tooth removal, adjusting your sleep environment can significantly aid in increasing comfort, so that the sensation of pain eases. The following tips can help you adjust your sleep environment:
Maintain a Cool Temperature: Keep your bedroom cool and comfortable while sleeping to prevent overheating, which can accelerate swelling and discomfort. Consider using a fan or adjusting your thermostat to achieve an optimal sleeping temperature.
Minimize Noise and Light: Create a dark and quiet environment conducive to restful sleep. Use blackout curtains or white noise machines to block out light and any disruptive sounds.
Use Comfortable Bedding: Choose soft, comfortable bedding that allows for easy movement and minimizes pressure on your head, jaw, and neck.
Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration supports healing and can help alleviate dry mouth, a common side effect of some pain medications. Therefore, keep a water bottle within reach to stay hydrated throughout the night.
Supporting Your Jaw and Neck
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Check Price >>After wisdom tooth removal, many standard pillows can cause your jaw and neck to experience more pain. Therefore, it’s essential to switch to some specialized pillows for support to maintain alignment. Here are some recommendations for pillows:
Contour Memory Foam Pillow: You can opt for a contour memory foam pillow as they are specifically designed to support the natural curve of your neck and spine. These pillows provide targeted support and help maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the jaw and neck.
Orthopedic Neck Pillow: This type of pillow helps keep the neck in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the jaw and supporting optimal alignment.
U-Shaped Travel Pillow: A U-shaped travel pillow can provide cushioning and support for the jaw and neck, especially if you prefer sleeping on your side.
Derilla pillow: The ergonomic design of the Derilla pillow reduces pain while providing support for the head, neck, and back. You can explore all-inclusive Derilla reviews to learn why it is an appropriate choice for post-surgery recovery
Avoiding Pressure on the Extraction Site
To avoid pressure on the extraction sites after wisdom tooth removal, consider these tips:
Sleeping Positions: Emphasizing again on this one! Opt for sleeping positions that minimize direct contact with the surgical area. This includes sleeping on your back or the opposite side of the extraction to reduce pressure and discomfort.
Use of Body Pillows: Position body pillows strategically to provide support and prevent rolling onto the side of the extraction during sleep. Place the body pillow behind your back to help keep you in a comfortable position throughout the night.
Avoid Chewy or Hard Foods: Stick to a soft diet and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the extractions were performed to prevent unnecessary pressure on the healing sites.
Gentle Oral Hygiene: Be cautious and gentle when brushing and rinsing your mouth to avoid disturbing the blood clots and irritating the extraction sites.
Gauze Management and Bleeding
Managing gauze and bleeding is essential for proper healing after wisdom tooth surgery. Here are some instructions and alternatives for gauze usage for your help.
Using Gauze Properly
After the removal of your wisdom tooth, a gauze is placed to clot the bleeding against your affected area. The bleeding usually stops in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. However, if the bleeding persists, you can replace the gauze with a clean one and apply it over the surgical site.
Sleeping with Gauze
It is not advised to sleep with gauze in your mouth as it can lead to potential choking hazards and other complications. However, if you do sleep with gauze, ensure it’s securely in place but not packed too tightly to allow for proper airflow.
Moreover, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach to minimize the risk of dislodging the gauze. If you experience any discomfort or difficulty breathing while sleeping with gauze, remove it immediately and seek medical attention.
When to Change Gauze
The frequency of changing gauze depends on the extent of bleeding and the instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. Generally, replace the gauze about every 30 minutes. When there is little or no blood on the gauze, it no longer needs to be changed.
It is to note that the bleeding proportion varies for every individual but a small volume of blood is common for most people for up to 24 hours.
Alternatives to Gauze for Overnight Use
While gauze is commonly used to control bleeding after wisdom tooth surgery, there are alternative options that may be safer for overnight use, particularly to reduce the risk of choking. Here are a few options you can consider:
Cotton pads or balls: Start by placing the clean cotton pad or ball on the affected site and then bite down on it. You can remove it after 30 minutes or as required. Replace the pad or ball and repeat the process until there is light to no blood.
Gel foam dental sponge: Gel foam dental sponges are absorbable gelatin dental sponges that act as hemostatic agents by absorbing blood. They are commonly used after wisdom tooth extraction procedures to fill the space i.e. to pack the extraction site and thereby prevent infection. It also helps to control the bleeding and dry sockets.
Use a tea bag: Put a tea bag in boiling water for around 2-3 minutes, then let it cool. Remove the string from the tea bag, place it on the affected area, and bite down on it.
It’s essential to consult your dentist or oral surgeon before proceeding with any of these alternatives for overnight use. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable option to ensure optimal healing and comfort throughout the night.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Pain Management
The recovery time and progress from wisdom tooth removal varies for every individual. Here are some general tips for post-surgery recovery and pain management:
Managing Pain for Better Sleep
Pain Management: Pain and swelling are common side effects after wisdom tooth removal. Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your oral surgeon to alleviate the pain and discomfort during sleep.
Sleep Positioning & Support: Consider using specialized pillows or supports designed for post-operative patients to provide optimal comfort and pain relief during sleep.
Physical Therapy: Engage in gentle exercises recommended by your dentist to promote blood circulation, reduce jaw stiffness, and improve mobility.
Medications and Natural Remedies
When dealing with post-operative wisdom tooth pain during sleep, try balancing medications with natural remedies to ease your discomfort. Here’s a guide:
Take Medications: Take your pain medications timely as directed by your oral surgeon. If not prescribed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate pain and discomfort during sleep. However, ensure that you do not have any medical condition that could interfere with it and seek the approval of your dentist before starting it.
Ice Packs: Use ice packs several times a day to help reduce swelling and pain. You can use it for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
Saltwater Rinse: Start by swishing the warm salt water around your mouth without vigorously gargling. Continue swishing for 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring the solution reaches the tooth-extracted region.
Repeat the saltwater rinse 2-3 times daily, especially after meals, for the first few days following surgery. This can help keep the extraction sites clean, reduce swelling, and promote healing naturally after wisdom tooth removal surgery.
Clove Oil: Clove oil contains Eugenol which has anesthetic and antibacterial properties to soothe your pain. Apply some drops of clove oil on a cotton pad or swab and rub it gently around the tooth-extracted area. Repeat multiple times a day to ease the pain.
Signs of Complications Affecting Sleep
After wisdom teeth removal, certain signs may indicate complications that can affect sleep and require medical attention.
|
Signs |
Symptoms to expect |
|
Persistent or Increasing Pain |
While some pain and discomfort are expected after wisdom teeth removal, persistent or increasing pain beyond the normal recovery period may indicate complications such as infection, dry socket, or nerve damage. |
|
Swelling |
Swelling around the extracted area is normal in the first few days after surgery. However, if swelling worsens or persists beyond a week, it could be a sign of infection or other complications. |
|
Fever |
If you’re experiencing a constant fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius), this may indicate an infection. |
|
Excess Bleeding |
Bleeding is normal immediately after surgery, but excessive or persistent bleeding after 24 hours post-surgery may indicate complications such as improper blood clot formation or injury to blood vessels. |
|
Difficulty Opening the Mouth |
If you experience difficulty opening your mouth or have jaw stiffness that has prolonged, then visit your dentist to get a prescribed treatment for it. |
|
Lip Numbness |
Prolonged numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin could indicate severe nerve damage, which may affect sleep quality and require prompt evaluation by a dentist. |
Enhancing Sleep Quality
The following tips will help you to improve overall sleep quality during the recovery period.
Do not forget to take your pain medication as prescribed by your oral surgeon.
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and eat soft foods for the first few days post-surgery.
Try to sleep early during the first 48 hours post wisdom tooth removal as it allows your body to have sufficient rest for prompt wound healing.
Find the right sleeping position. Do not sleep on your stomach instead sleep on your back or the unaffected side.
Dealing with Sleep Disturbances
Elevate your head while sleeping: Use some extra pillows while sleeping to keep your head elevated. This can help reduce swelling and relieve breathing difficulties.
Use a humidifier: Dry mouth and nasal congestion are common after oral surgery. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air, helping to ease breathing and prevent dry mouth.
Try nasal strips: If you’re experiencing nasal congestion due to swelling, use these top-rated Nasal strips to help open up your nasal passages, and reduce snoring while making it easier to breathe while you sleep.
Importance of Rest in the Healing Process
Proper rest and sleep are vital for an accelerated recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Additionally, try facial exercises after wisdom teeth removal to complement the healing process by promoting circulation, reducing swelling, and enhancing muscle tone in the facial region.
Tissue Repair & Regeneration: During sleep, your body produces growth hormones, new blood vessels, and collagen that help in tissue repair and regeneration. This is essential for healing the extracted area, reducing inflammation, and minimizing pain after wisdom tooth extraction.
Pain Relief: Proper rest and sleep ensure ease of your pain effectively. Conversely, a lack of rest can lead to increased pain, slow-paced recovery, and greater discomfort.
Boosted Immune Function: Adequate sleep ensures that the body’s defense mechanisms are functioning optimally, helping to ward off infections and complications during the recovery period after wisdom tooth removal.
When to Resume Normal Sleep Cycle Habits
In general, wisdom tooth removal recovery takes up to 1 week. Therefore, after this period you can gradually transition back to normal sleeping positions while still avoiding direct pressure on the extracted site. By 1 to 2 weeks. most of your swelling will be relieved, allowing for a return to preferred sleeping habits.
However, you should remain cautious around the extracted tooth area to prevent any possible complications.
Monitoring Your Healing Progress
Observing signs of wisdom tooth removal recovery can help you to gradually return to your normal sleeping positions. Look for these indicators:
Reduced Swelling: Swelling around the extraction area gradually decreases within 7 days. As swelling decreases, you may find it more comfortable to sleep in your preferred positions.
Decreased Pain: You should feel less pain or stiffness in the jaw and extracted area as the healing progresses, allowing for more comfortable sleep.
Improved Oral Hygiene: Within a few days, you’ll be able to resume normal oral hygiene practices, including gentle brushing and rinsing.
Return to Normal Eating Habits: You’ll be able to eat solid foods in your diet within the first 7 days of your surgery. Being able to chew comfortably on both sides of your mouth is a positive sign of healing.
However, it’s essential to consult with your dental professional for personalized guidance before resuming normal sleeping positions. They can assess your specific situation and provide recommendations based on your healing progress. Additionally, they can address any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery process.
Sleeping After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Conclusion
By following the guidelines provided, you can reduce pain and discomfort after wisdom tooth removal surgery. It’s important to monitor your healing progress, consult with your dental professional as needed, and look for any signs of complications. Remember, quality sleep and rest accelerate the healing process, so prioritize rest and take necessary measures to ensure a smooth and faster recovery.
FAQs
1. Can I Sleep on My Stomach After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Following the wisdom tooth extraction, avoid sleeping on your stomach since it applies more pressure to your jaws which can increase swelling and pain. Instead, try to sleep on your back with your head elevated to promote better healing for at least 48 hours.
2. How Long Should I Sleep with My Head Elevated After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
You should sleep with your head elevated for 24 hours post-wisdom tooth extraction to reduce swelling. You can gradually transition to sleeping in a comfortable position based on your recovery progress and after consulting your dentist.
3. Is It Normal to Experience More Pain at Night after Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Yes, it’s normal to experience more pain at night after wisdom tooth removal. The main reason this happens is because more blood and other fluids rush to our heads when we lie down. This causes increased swelling resulting in more pain. Take your prescribed medication, maintain proper head elevation while sleeping after wisdom teeth removal and intermittently use ice packs for relief at night.