The third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are quite large and begin to emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties. While these teeth helped our ancient ancestors chew tough foods like raw meat and vegetables, the jaws of modern people are often too small to accommodate them. Wisdom teeth are frequently removed to prevent issues like chronic pain, dental misalignments, and infections, but your mouth may be sore after the procedure. Here’s how to get some sleep while recovering after wisdom tooth removal.
Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions
Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for when you are recovering after wisdom tooth extractions, and strictly following these rules is the best way to stay comfortable and keep your healing process free of complications. These instructions will probably include:
- Refrain from spitting or drinking through a straw, as these acts can cause pressure shifts in the mouth that can dislodge the clot forming over the surgical site, resulting in a severely painful condition called dry socket.
- Stick to a diet of soft, cool, and mild foods. Crunchy, sweet, acidic, or hot foods can irritate or injure your healing oral tissues, so they are best avoiding while you recover. A few great choices include mashed potatoes, yogurt, and steamed veggies.
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relivers or other medications as instructed.
- Take special care when brushing or flossing near the surgical site to avoid injuring it.
Adhering to these guidelines will help minimize any discomfort and make it much easier to fall asleep.
Prop Your Head Up When Laying Down
The blood pressure in one’s head is typically lower when they are standing than when they are laying down because gravity makes it slightly harder for blood to flow upward. Unfortunately, many people find that their oral pain due to a recent tooth extraction becomes much harder to ignore when they go to bed, and part of this is how laying flat makes it easier for blood to flow throughout the body. This can lead to higher blood pressure in the healing tissues of one’s surgical site, causing stress and discomfort.
To reduce this discomfort, try using pillows or cushions to prop up your head when you lay down. This will allow gravity to pull a little blood away from your head, which can reduce the blood pressure that can stress your healing surgical site and make it much easier for you to get some shuteye.
Don’t let a recent tooth extraction make you miss out on your much-needed rest. By following your dentist’s instructions and elevating your head when you lay down, you can reduce your discomfort and enjoy a smooth healing process.
About the Practice
Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Shayan Azimi and Jay Patel, the staff treats each patient with sincere compassion and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extractions. For more information about staying comfortable after having your wisdom teeth removed, contact the office online or dial (469) 981-1700.