To sleep well after wisdom teeth removal and promote healing, follow these expert tips:
- Sleep with your head elevated. Use extra pillows to keep your head above heart level. This helps reduce swelling and promotes proper blood flow to the extraction sites
- Sleep on your back or side carefully. Sleeping flat on your back with the head elevated is ideal. Sleeping on your side is acceptable if it helps keep your head elevated, but be cautious as some sources warn about risks like pressure on the surgical site or complications if you sleep on the extraction side
- Remove gauze before sleeping. Gauze placed to control bleeding should be removed before bedtime to avoid choking hazards
- Take prescribed pain medication. Use pain relievers as directed by your oral surgeon to manage discomfort and help you fall asleep more easily. Ibuprofen is often recommended unless contraindicated
- Apply ice packs before bed. Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on your jaw for 10-20 minutes to reduce swelling and numb pain
- Create a comfortable sleep environment. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet to improve sleep quality
- Avoid straws, smoking, and excessive physical activity. These can interfere with healing and increase bleeding risk, which may disrupt sleep
- Maintain a normal sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at consistent times to support your body’s healing process
Following these guidelines will help minimize pain, reduce swelling, and allow you to get restorative sleep crucial for recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Always adhere to your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions for the best outcome
