Recovering after having your wisdom teeth extracted can sometimes be a less-than-pleasant experience. While the procedure itself is painless due to being performed under general anesthesia, the following two weeks can involve a lot of swelling and discomfort, which can make it difficult to get some sleep afterward. Here are a few tips for getting some sleep after wisdom tooth extraction.
Choose the Proper Sleeping Position
Higher blood pressure can increase pain in the healing area. The best way to rest for the first few days after having your wisdom teeth extracted is to do so with your head elevated above your heart. You can do this by reclining a chair or using pillows or cushions to prop your head up. However, if there are gauze pads in your mouth, there is a possibility of you choking on them while sleeping. You may want to ask someone to wake you up at twenty-minute intervals so you can make sure the gauze is staying in place.
Keep on Top of Your Pain Management Medication
After a wisdom tooth extraction, your oral surgeon will provide you with a prescription for pain management medication. Thoroughly read the instructions and take them as recommended by your dentist. If you are still in pain after taking your medication, do not take more than is prescribed. Instead, call your dentist for further instructions. Placing an ice pack or cold compress against your cheek by the affected area could also give you some relief while you rest.
Comply With All Postoperative Instructions
After wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to eat properly and stay hydrated while recovering. While your mouth will probably be too tender to eat normally, there is a wide variety of soft foods for you to enjoy such as applesauce, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Remember not to use a straw for a week, as the sucking motion involved can lead to a severely painful condition called dry socket.
Keeping these tips in mind can help you get a good night’s sleep after wisdom tooth extraction, but severe swelling or bleeding may be a sign of infection. If you have these symptoms while recovering, call your dentist.
About the Practice
Baldwin Family Dentistry provides the best comprehensive dental care available in Panama City, FL. Led by Drs. A. Faris Waheed, Amanda M. Panousis, and Alan Diep, the staff is devoted to helping patients achieve better oral health in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to wisdom tooth extractions. For more information on recovering after wisdom tooth extraction, contact the office online or dial (850) 215-0128.