Healing from wisdom tooth removal requires a lot of rest, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. That’s because when your mouth hurts, it can be hard to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. If you’re struggling to get some much-needed shut-eye following your wisdom tooth extraction, here are some helpful tips that could help you get the rest your body needs.
Take Your Medication
Whether you have prescription pain medication or over the counter, be sure to stay on schedule and take it as directed. This will help keep any discomfort under control. At bedtime, either set a timer to wake up for your next dose or note the time of your last dose in case you oversleep and need to start a new medication schedule when you wake up.
For OTC medication, a recent study found that 400MG of ibuprofen is more effective than 1,000 MG of acetaminophen and taking both together is more effective than either alone.
Make it Comfy
Keep your bedroom dark and cool for ideal sleep conditions. It may also help to play white noise from an app or a sound machine to help block out any outdoor sounds if you are napping during the day.
Keep Your Head Up
Keeping your head elevated while you sleep will help prevent blood from pooling and making pain more intense. Elevating your head will also reduce swelling and promote clotting, which is necessary for your extraction site to heal properly.
Sleep on Your Side
Sleeping on your side may make it easier to keep your head elevated than sleeping flat on your back.
Keep Your Cool
A 2019 study found that applying ice in the first few days following wisdom tooth removal helped reduce swelling. Just apply an icepack wrapped in a cloth to the jaw for 10-to-20-minute intervals as needed.
Remember, getting plenty of rest is essential in healing from wisdom tooth extraction. If you’re struggling to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, try these helpful tips so you can get some much-needed shut-eye!
About Dr. Vernon
Dr. Luke Vernon understands that getting your wisdom teeth removed can be stressful, which is why he and the team at Riviera Family Dentistry of Denver work so hard to ensure that your procedure and aftercare instructions are as seamless as possible.
Rest is essential to healing from any surgical procedure, so be sure to follow Dr. Vernon’s guidelines for a successful recovery, including getting plenty of sleep. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, or if you have any questions about your recovery, please visit our website and schedule an appointment or call us today at 720-902-8080.