Your Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep After Tooth Extraction

After getting your wisdom tooth extracted, you’ll probably want nothing more than to collapse on the couch and catch some z’s. That’s no problem – and in fact, it’s encouraged! However, your treatment site might be more delicate than you think. If you want to be able to get a good night’s sleep, follow these tips.

Elevate Your Head

For the first 24 hours after extraction, it’s recommended that patients rest with their heads elevated. This will prevent your sinuses from exerting pressure on your sensitive pearly whites, as well as ensure your blood circulates properly. Too much circulation to the treatment site can result in inflammation or stop the healthy blood clot from forming.

Be Mindful of Gauze Pads

If you use gauze pads to staunch the bleeding, it’s important to have someone monitor you while you sleep. You might even want to tell them to wake you up every 20 minutes or so. Otherwise, you risk accidentally choking on the gauze.

Follow Any and All Aftercare Instructions

Before you leave the office, your dentist will provide you with several aftercare instructions. They might include things like avoiding crunchy or chewy foods, staying away from straws, and brushing your teeth more cautiously. These guidelines are meant to help you keep that all-important blood clot intact. If it becomes dislodged, it will be very painful and increase your risk of infection. Then you’ll definitely have a hard time sleeping!

Take Steps to Manage Discomfort

Your mouth is most likely going to be sore after your tooth extraction. Instead of trying to “tough it out,” please take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as necessary. You can also press a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to effectively numb the treatment area. Shouldering discomfort unnecessarily will make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, and could even prolong recovery by preventing your body from resting.

You deserve a quality siesta after getting your tooth extracted, and remember – your body will appreciate it too! These tips will help you snooze throughout the night and promote a smooth recovery.

About the Author

Dr. Byron L. Reintjes has been helping patients restore their oral health for over 30 years. His hospital-based dental residency emphasized trauma care and gave him valuable first-hand experience with emergency dental treatments like wisdom tooth extraction. If you have any additional questions about the recovery process, Dr. Reintjes would be happy to address your concerns. To get in touch with his friendly team, call 559-438-6684.