Rest Easy: 3 Tips to Sleeping After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

As you get prepared to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be excited to get relief from the discomfort they might’ve caused. They won’t be a problem anymore, but you will need some time to recover. You should take things easy to help facilitate it, but a great way you can allow your body to do it is by getting plenty of sleep. It might be a bit hard after your procedure, but here are three tips to try.

1.)  Keep Your Head Elevated

One recommendation you should stick to is keeping your head elevated. This simple act can help prevent blood from pooling at the extraction site. If not, then you risk developing more swelling and bruising, so use an extra pillow! Some people may not feel entirely comfortable on their back, so you try being on your side instead.

2.)  Clean and Tidy Up Beforehand

Wherever you plan on relaxing after your procedure, you should make sure the area is clean. By blocking out light and getting rid of distractions, you can create a calm and soothing environment in which you can truly wind down. Make sure there’s nothing on the floor as well, so you don’t need to worry about tripping at all.

You should keep your favorite things nearby. Whether it’s a remote for your T.V., a favorite blanket, or headphones, you won’t need to move around too much to get what you need. That way, you can just sit back and let your body focus on healing.

3.)  Take Pain Relievers

While you may not be in any discomfort right after your procedure, you may start to feel sore after the local anesthetic goes away. This is normal, but you can manage it with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Take them as directed and use a cold compress on the first day to help minimize tenderness and swelling. Just be sure to do it for 10-minute intervals.

When Should I Call My Dentist?

As was mentioned above, discomfort is expected, and it should go away more and more every day. If it’s worsening or persistent, then give your dentist a call. Letting them take a look and ensure your recovery goes without a hitch.

In the end, removing your wisdom teeth can be a great choice for your oral health. The procedure can be easier than you think, but don’t forget to get plenty of sleep afterward. Try out the three tips above, and you can get back to your routine in no time.

About the Practice

At Rubal Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Frank Rubal and Dr. Jodie Rubal. We are dedicated to helping the Azle community get the better smiles they deserve, even if that calls for a wisdom tooth extraction. While you may not be excited at first, our goal is to make it a smooth and comfortable process throughout. If you have questions about this procedure, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 444-2585.