Wisdom Teeth Removal: Sleeping Through The First Night

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental surgery, but it can be challenging to sleep after the procedure. Here are some tips to help you sleep after wisdom teeth removal:

- Take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. It is important to manage your pain to help you sleep.

- Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. This will help reduce swelling and promote healing.

- Choose the right sleeping position. Sleeping on your side is recommended during the initial stages of healing to prevent the extraction site from oozing.

- Apply ice to your cheek to reduce swelling and pain. However, limit the application to 20-30 minutes at a time and avoid sleeping with the ice pack.

- Follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding straws, and not smoking or drinking alcohol.

- Remove any gauze from your mouth before sleeping to reduce the risk of choking.

- Create a comfortable sleeping environment by keeping your room cool, dark, and optimal for rest.

Take pain medication as prescribed

Taking your pain medication as prescribed is crucial to managing pain after wisdom teeth removal. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this:

When to Take Your Medication

Take your prescribed pain medication as soon as you start feeling discomfort. This will likely coincide with the local anaesthetic wearing off. Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable. It's best to stay ahead of the pain and take your medication as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist.

What Medication to Take

Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe you pain medication appropriate for your needs. Typically, this could be Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may also be prescribed, sometimes in conjunction with Tylenol. Make sure to follow the instructions and not exceed the maximum daily doses.

Managing Moderate Pain

For moderate pain, one to two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. As mentioned, ibuprofen may also be taken instead of or alongside Tylenol. Over-the-counter ibuprofen comes in 200 mg tablets, and 2-3 tablets can be taken four times daily, not exceeding 3200 mg daily for an adult.

Managing Severe Pain

For severe pain, follow the instructions on your prescribed medication. Do not take more than the recommended amount. If your pain persists or worsens, contact your dentist or oral surgeon. They may need to examine the surgery site and provide additional guidance or adjust your medication.

Additional Tips

• If you have gauze pads in your mouth to control bleeding, it's important to have someone wake you up every 20 minutes to check the gauze and reduce the risk of choking.
• Holding a cold pack against your jaw while resting can also help.
• Ensure you are well-fed and hydrated. Soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, milk, fruit smoothies, and low-sodium broth are good options. Drink plenty of water but avoid using a straw for at least a week, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and prolong bleeding.
• Get plenty of rest and keep your physical activity to a minimum.

Sleep in the proper position

Sleeping in the proper position is crucial for a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth removal. Here are some tips to ensure you're sleeping in the correct position:

Elevate Your Head

It is recommended to keep your head elevated with an extra pillow for the first few nights after the surgery. This position allows gravity to pull any blood downward, reducing the risk of it pooling in the extraction sites, which can lead to swelling and bruising. Aim to keep your head and upper body elevated at a 45-degree angle. However, be sure to avoid sleeping on a slippery surface, as you want to prevent your head from slipping down while you sleep.

Sleep on Your Side

Sleeping on your side is generally recommended, especially during the initial healing stage. This position can help manage any oozing from the extraction site and reduce the risk of swelling, which can increase pain and make resting more challenging.

Have Someone Supervise You

It is advised to have someone supervise you while you sleep during the first 24 hours post-surgery. This is because you may have gauze pads in your mouth to control bleeding, and having someone wake you up periodically can reduce the risk of choking on the gauze.

Avoid Sleeping on Your Back

Sleeping flat on your back is not recommended, as it can lead to increased swelling. This position may worsen your pain and make it even more challenging to get the rest you need.

Use Pillows for Support

If you're having trouble sleeping on your side, try propping yourself up with a few pillows. You can lean back against them, ensuring your head remains elevated.

Avoid Slippery Surfaces

As mentioned earlier, avoid sleeping on a slippery surface or one that may cause your head to slip or slide down. This is important to maintain the elevated position of your head and prevent any accidental movements that could disrupt your healing wounds.

Remove gauze before sleeping

It is important to remove gauze from your mouth before sleeping. Gauze is used to help your body clot the wound by applying light pressure to it. However, it is a choking hazard and should be removed before you sleep.

If you have gauze pads in your mouth, it is recommended to have someone sleep in the same room as you to reduce the risk of choking on the gauze. Dartmouth-Hitchcock recommends asking someone to wake you up every 20 minutes to check the gauze.

If you are taking medication that may cause drowsiness, it is critical to not fall asleep while lying down with gauze in your mouth. The dental professional will tell you when is the right time to remove it after surgery.

Once the gauze is removed, take any prescribed medicines, and drink cool water if possible. To reduce discomfort and swelling, apply an ice pack to your face. Do not sleep on the ice pack.

Follow postoperative instructions

Following your wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you through the process:

Rest and Sleep Positions:

Elevate your head: Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow, especially during the first few nights. This position helps reduce swelling and promotes proper clotting. Sleeping on your side is recommended as it helps with elevation and can prevent you from lying flat on your back, which may increase swelling.

Medication and Pain Management:

Take your prescribed medication: Follow your doctor's instructions for pain medication. Take the medication as directed and do not exceed the recommended dosage. If you are experiencing severe pain that is not controlled by the medication, contact your dentist or doctor.

Oral Care and Diet:

• Avoid brushing, rinsing, or spitting: Refrain from brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, or touching the wound for at least the first 24 hours. This will help prevent dislodging the blood clot and reduce the risk of bleeding and dry sockets.
• Stick to soft foods: Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and digest for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate the gums or get stuck in the extraction site.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid your body's healing process. However, avoid using a straw for at least a week after the surgery, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and prolong bleeding.

Ice and Heat Application:

Use ice packs: Apply ice to your cheeks near the extraction sites to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it for 20 minutes on and then give your skin a break for 10-20 minutes. Do this for the first 24-48 hours as needed.

Additional Aftercare Instructions:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco: Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for at least a few days to a week after the surgery. They can interfere with your body's healing process.
• Minimize physical activity: Keep your physical activity to a minimum during the initial recovery phase. Strenuous exercise can be resumed gradually after a few days, but be cautious as your body is still healing.
• Keep your room cool and dark: Create a comfortable sleeping environment by maintaining a cool temperature and reducing light in your room. This can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.

Remember, always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your oral surgeon or dentist. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact them for further guidance.

Avoid dry sockets

Dry socket is a common complication following a tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot that should have formed in the socket after your extraction is accidentally removed or never formed in the first place. This exposes nerves and bone in the socket, causing pain and slower healing.

Avoid Suction and Sucking Motions

Suction and sucking motions can dislodge the blood clot. Avoid drinking through a straw for at least one week after your tooth extraction. Similarly, avoid slurping soup or other foods that require sucking motions.

Eat Soft Foods

Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and broth. Crunchy foods like nuts and popcorn can irritate your socket and dislodge the blood clot.

Keep the Area Clean

Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing your teeth. However, avoid brushing around the surgery site for at least the first 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot. Rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals, starting the day after surgery, to prevent bacteria from irritating the extraction site.

Avoid Certain Substances

Alcohol, tobacco, and smoking can interfere with the healing process. Avoid these substances for at least 24 hours after your surgery, and ideally until you're fully healed. Also, avoid drinking very hot or acidic beverages like coffee, soda, or orange juice, as they can disintegrate the blood clot.

Elevate Your Head When Sleeping

Use an extra pillow to elevate your head when sleeping. This helps reduce swelling and promotes clotting. Sleeping on your side also allows you to keep your head propped up more easily.

Frequently asked questions