Wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear, usually between 17 and 25 years of age. When there’s not enough space for them, it can cause pain and other dental problems, requiring their removal. In addition, post-surgery, pain, and swelling are common and can disturb your sleep routine.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that involves extracting one or more wisdom teeth from the mouth. After the procedure, it is important to take proper care of the extraction site to prevent complications such as dry sockets, which can cause significant pain and delay healing. In addition, sleeping comfortably is one of the most challenging aspects of recovery after wisdom tooth extraction. This post will discuss strategies to help you sleep better after wisdom teeth removal.

Elevate Your Head

One effective strategy for sleeping comfortably after wisdom teeth removal is to elevate your head with pillows. Doing so can reduce swelling in the mouth and alleviate discomfort. In addition, you can use multiple pillows to create a comfortable incline for your head and neck. This position may also help prevent bleeding from the extraction site while you sleep.

Avoid Sleeping on Extraction Site

Another important consideration when sleeping after a wisdom tooth extraction is to avoid sleeping on the side where the tooth was extracted. Instead, try sleeping on your back or the opposite side. This will help prevent pressure on the extraction site, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Take Pain Medication As Prescribed

Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort during recovery from wisdom tooth extraction. However, following their instructions carefully and taking medicines as prescribed is essential. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help reduce discomfort.

Be Patient

Patience when recovering from wisdom tooth extraction is essential, but these symptoms should gradually subside over time.

When Can You Sleep Normally After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The amount of time it takes for you to sleep normally again after wisdom teeth removal varies depending on individual circumstances such as age, overall health, and the number of teeth extracted. However, most people can resume normal sleeping habits within a week or two after the procedure.

Why Can’t I Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The discomfort and swelling in your mouth after wisdom tooth extraction may make sleeping difficult. Anxiety about the procedure and recovery may also contribute to difficulty sleeping.

Importance of Sleep for Recovery

Recovery time after wisdom teeth removal can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. The healing process requires patience, rest, and proper care to ensure the recovery period is as short as possible. Getting enough sleep is one of the most crucial factors in ensuring a speedy recovery.

Sleep is essential for the body’s natural healing process. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues damaged during surgery or injury. Getting enough sleep can speed up healing by allowing the body to focus on repairing tissue damage caused by wisdom teeth removal.

Lack of Sleep Can Prolong Recovery Time

On the other hand, lack of sleep can prolong recovery time after wisdom teeth removal. When we don’t get enough rest, our bodies cannot heal properly, leading to prolonged discomfort and swelling. In addition, lack of sleep can cause an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with wound healing and lead to complications during recovery.

The Body Needs More Rest During This Time

It’s important to remember that your body needs more rest than usual to recover fully from wisdom teeth extraction surgery. Therefore, it’s recommended that you get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night during your recovery period.

Suppose you’re having trouble sleeping after wisdom teeth removal surgery. In that case, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night’s rest:

• Elevate your head: Prop yourself with pillows or use a recliner chair when sleeping.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
• Use ice packs: Applying ice packs before bed may help reduce swelling and pain, making it easier to fall asleep.
• Follow post-operative instructions: Post-operative instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon will help minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sleeping After the Procedure

Follow Aftercare Instructions for Proper Healing

After removing your wisdom teeth, following the aftercare instructions given by your dentist or oral surgeon is essential. These instructions are designed to promote proper healing and prevent complications that may arise from the procedure. Standard aftercare instructions include avoiding solid foods, smoking, and drinking through a straw.

It is also recommended to avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Instead, rinse gently with salt water after meals and before bed. This will help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection.

Elevate Your Head with Pillows

It is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach or with your head flat. Sleeping in these positions can increase bleeding and swelling in the affected area.

Instead, try elevating your head with pillows while you sleep. This will help reduce swelling and promote better blood flow throughout your body. Sleeping in a recliner chair may also be helpful if you have one available.

Avoid Using a Straw or Smoking

Using a straw or smoking after wisdom teeth removal can dislodge the blood clot that forms over the extraction site, delaying healing and causing a dry socket. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot forms incorrectly or becomes dislodged before fully healing.

If you absolutely must smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, wait at least 72 hours after surgery before doing so. Stop if you experience any pain or discomfort while using tobacco products during this time frame.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

One of the most important things you can do to promote healing after wisdom teeth removal is to elevate your head while sleeping. This simple step can help reduce swelling, prevent blood from pooling in the surgical site, and make breathing easier at night. Here are some of the key benefits of elevating your head while sleeping:

Reduce Swelling

When you have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s common to experience swelling in the affected area. This is a natural response as your body works to heal the surgical site. However, swelling can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating or speaking. One way to reduce swelling is to elevate your head while sleeping.

Keeping your head above your heart encourages fluids (including blood and lymph) to flow away from the surgical site. This helps prevent excess fluid from accumulating around the extraction site, which can lead to more swelling and discomfort.

Prevent Blood Pooling

Another benefit of elevating your head while sleeping is that it can help prevent blood from pooling in the surgical site. Gravity pulls blood down toward your head when lying flat on your back. If you sleep without elevation after wisdom teeth removal, blood may collect around the extraction sites.

Pooling blood can cause a number of problems, including increased pain and prolonged bleeding or bruising. By keeping your head elevated above your heart, however, you help promote healthy circulation and prevent this problem from occurring.

Improve Breathing

Sleeping with pillows under your upper body can also make breathing easier at night after wisdom teeth removal. When you lie flat on your back without support for your upper body or neck, getting enough air into your lungs can be difficult.

This is especially true if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in the mouth area since this may make breathing harder through the nose. Using pillows to prop up your head and upper body, you can open up your airways and breathe more easily while sleeping.

Reduce Discomfort

Finally, elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce discomfort and pain after wisdom teeth removal. Laying flat on your back puts pressure on the surgical site and may cause pain or tenderness.

By keeping your head elevated above your heart, however, you take some of this pressure off the area. This can help reduce discomfort and make getting a good night’s sleep easier.

Choosing a Comfortable Sleeping Position

After wisdom teeth removal, getting restful sleep is crucial for a speedy recovery. Choosing a comfortable sleeping position is one of the key factors that can help you achieve this. This section will discuss tips on choosing the best sleeping position after wisdom teeth removal.

Using Pillows for Support

One of the easiest ways to alleviate discomfort and prevent strain on the affected area is to use pillows to support your head and neck. In addition, it’s recommended to use a few pillows to elevate your head and reduce pressure on the back of your mouth. This can help minimize swelling and bleeding while you sleep.

Sleeping on Your Back

Sleeping on your back is the best way to avoid putting weight or pressure on the affected area. This position also helps keep your head elevated, which reduces swelling and promotes healing. To make yourself more comfortable in this position, use a soft pillow under your neck and another pillow under your knees.

If you find it difficult to sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs for support. This can also effectively reduce pressure on the affected area while keeping you comfortable throughout the night.

Other Recommendations

Aside from choosing a comfortable sleeping position, there are other things you can do to ensure restful sleep after wisdom teeth removal:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning.
• Avoid eating or drinking before bedtime: Consuming food or drinks before bed can increase discomfort and interfere with restful sleep.
• Use ice packs: Applying ice packs to your cheeks before bed can help reduce swelling and ease pain or discomfort.
• Consult with your dentist: If you’re experiencing any sleep-related problems after wisdom teeth removal, consult your dentist for further advice.

Avoid Sleeping on Your Side

After wisdom teeth removal, sleeping in the right position is crucial for proper healing. While sleeping on your side or face may be tempting, doing so can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area. Here’s why you should avoid sleeping on your side or face and how to sleep comfortably after wisdom teeth removal.

Sleeping on Your Side or Face Can Cause Pain and Discomfort

Sleeping on your side can pressure the affected area, causing pain and discomfort. This pressure can also lead to bleeding, slowing the healing process. Similarly, sleeping on your face can pressure the bone and further slow healing.

Avoiding sleeping on your side or face after wisdom teeth removal is important to prevent these complications. Instead, try sleeping on your back with your head elevated using extra pillows or a wedge pillow.

Sleeping On Your Back Can Promote Better Blood Flow And Reduce Swelling

Sleeping on your back with your head elevated promotes better blood flow to the affected area and reduces swelling. In addition, this position allows gravity to work in your favor by keeping fluids from pooling around the extraction site.

Using Extra Pillows Or A Wedge Pillow Can Help Keep You Comfortable

Adjusting may take some time if you get used to sleeping on your back. Extra pillows or a wedge pillow can help keep you comfortable while sleeping. These props will help keep you in a comfortable position throughout the night without putting any pressure on the affected area.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions For Post-Operative Care

Following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care, including sleeping positions, is important to ensure proper healing. Every person’s situation differs; therefore, every patient’s treatment plan will also vary based on their unique needs.

Remove Gauze Pads Before Sleeping

One of the most common after-effects of wisdom teeth removal is bleeding. Gauze pads are placed over the extraction site To control bleeding. While they are essential to the healing process, leaving them while sleeping can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Here’s why you should remove your gauze pads before sleeping:

Avoid Dislodging Them While Asleep

It’s easy to move around when you’re asleep without realizing it. Unfortunately, this can cause your gauze pads to become dislodged from their proper position, leading to more bleeding and discomfort. If this happens, you’ll need to replace them with fresh ones.

Increase Risk of Choking

Leaving gauze pads in your mouth while sleeping increases the risk of choking or inhaling them into your lungs. This is especially true if you’re taking medication that makes you drowsy or dizzy.

Change Gauze Pads Every 30-45 Minutes Until the Bleeding Stops

Changing your gauze pads every 30-45 minutes is important until the bleeding stops. This helps keep them clean and dry, which promotes faster healing. If you notice that your gauze pad is soaked through with blood before it’s time for a change, replace it early.

What if Bleeding Persists

If bleeding persists despite changing your gauze pads regularly, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further instructions. They may recommend additional measures, such as applying pressure directly to the extraction site or prescribing medication to stop the bleeding.

Take Prescribed Pain Medication Before Bedtime

Managing pain after wisdom teeth removal is crucial for a good night’s sleep and faster healing. While there are several ways to manage pain, taking prescribed pain medication before bedtime can be highly effective. This section will discuss the benefits of taking prescribed pain medication before bedtime and some precautions patients should take.

Firstly, taking prescribed pain medication before bedtime can help manage surgical pain. The medicine helps numb the affected area, reducing the intensity of the pain and allowing patients to sleep peacefully. It also helps reduce inflammation and swelling that may cause discomfort during sleep. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and frequency of the medication, as overconsumption can lead to adverse side effects.

Secondly, patients should not take over-the-counter medications without consulting a dentist or doctor. Over-the-counter medicines may interact with other drugs or have adverse side effects that could delay healing or worsen existing conditions. Therefore, following the prescription provided by your dentist or doctor is crucial.

Pain management is essential for a good night’s sleep after wisdom teeth removal because pain can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and slower healing. Proper rest allows the body to heal faster by repairing damaged tissues and fighting off infections caused by surgery. Moreover, adequate pain management can reduce complications during healing, such as dry sockets or infection.

Stay Hydrated and Well-Nourished

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for a speedy recovery after wisdom teeth removal. The surgical site needs to heal, and the body needs nutrients to support the healing process. Here are some tips on how to stay hydrated and well-nourished after wisdom teeth extraction:

Beverages

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for staying hydrated. Drinking at least eight glasses of water is recommended daily, especially during the first 24 hours after surgery. Non-alcoholic beverages like fruit, vegetables, coconut water, or sports drinks can also help keep the body hydrated.

Foods

Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow are recommended during the first few days after surgery. Foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, soup broth, or applesauce provide necessary nourishment while minimizing the risk of damaging the surgical site. Avoid consuming hard or crunchy foods that may cause pain or bleeding in the affected area.

Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve pain or discomfort. Using an ice pack during the first 48 hours after surgery is recommended.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

Following post-operative care instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon can help support healing and prevent complications. These instructions may include taking prescribed medications as directed, avoiding smoking or using straws for at least 72 hours after surgery, resting as much as possible during the first few days after surgery, and avoiding physical activities that may cause injury.

Salt Water Solution

Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day can help keep the surgical site clean and reduce the risk of infection. To make a saltwater solution at home, mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water until dissolved.

Staying hydrated and well-nourished is crucial for a speedy recovery after wisdom tooth removal. People need to drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juices or vegetable juices, eat soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, apply an ice pack to the affected area, follow post-operative care instructions provided by their dentist or oral surgeon, and rinse their mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day. Doing so can help heal, reduce swelling, relieve pain or discomfort, support healing, and prevent complications.

Practical Steps for Comfortable Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy recovery after wisdom tooth removal. However, sleeping can be challenging due to pain, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth. Here are some practical steps that you can take to ensure a good night’s sleep:

• Elevate your head while sleeping by using an extra pillow or two. This will help reduce swelling and prevent blood pooling in the affected area.
• Choose a comfortable sleeping position that does not pressure your jaw or mouth. 
• Sleeping on your back is the best option, as it allows your head to stay elevated and reduces the risk of accidentally biting your cheeks or tongue.
• Avoid sleeping on your side, as it puts pressure on the affected area and increases swelling and pain.
• Remove gauze pads before sleeping to avoid choking hazards or accidentally swallowing them during sleep.
• Take prescribed pain medication before bedtime to help manage any discomfort you may experience during sleep.
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished by drinking plenty of water and consuming soft foods such as soup, smoothies, yogurt, and pudding. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate the surgical site.

Conclusion Getting quality sleep after wisdom teeth removal is crucial for recovery. Following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene can ensure a smoother and quicker recovery. Remember, every individual is unique, and it’s essential to listen to your body and consult your doctor if needed.

FAQs

Q1: How long does the pain last after wisdom teeth removal?

A1: Pain and swelling typically last a few days to a week after wisdom teeth removal. However, everyone is different, and recovery times can vary.

Q2: Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?

A2: Yes, but be gentle and avoid the extraction site for the first few days to prevent irritation or infection.

Q3: When can I start eating normal food after wisdom teeth removal?

A3: Sticking to soft foods for the first few days to a week is best. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as your mouth heals.

Q4: Can I sleep on my side after wisdom teeth removal?

A4: It’s better to sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling. Once healing progresses, you can return to your normal sleep position.

Q5: How can I speed up healing after wisdom teeth removal?

A5: Maintain good oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and get plenty of rest to promote faster healing.

Selected Bibliography

Quality of life after extraction of mandibular wisdom teeth: A systematic review

Comparing different surgical techniques used to remove wisdom teeth from the lower jaw