How Should I Sleep After My Wisdom Teeth are Taken Out?

Having your wisdom teeth taken out can sometimes result in mild pain, temporary numbness, soreness, tenderness, or tiredness. Because wisdom teeth extraction is often done while the patient is heavily medicated or under anesthesia, you’re likely going to be tired and in need of sleep after the surgery.

Your oral surgeon or dentist should fill you in on all of the after-care instructions once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, but if you are wondering how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal, you are not alone.

How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is normal to wonder how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal. As you head to bed to hit the sack, make sure to take all gauze out of your mouth before you fall asleep. Leaving gauze in your mouth is extremely dangerous and can be a choking hazard.

After everything has been removed from your mouth, take any prescribed medications and drink cool water if you are able to do so. You can put an ice pack on your face to decrease pain and reduce swelling, but do not sleep on the ice pack. Don’t brush your teeth or use mouthwash. This will put you in a world of pain and potentially have other consequences.

When you’re ready for bed, stack a few pillows up and sleep with your head elevated and inclined. This is a comfortable way to help your body rest easy as well as reduce the facial swelling you may be experiencing. Don’t crash on your couch where a surface like leather or suede could have your head slipping and sliding.

Statistics indicate that sleeping with your head elevated is ideal for the first two days. Do not sleep on your side. Instead, let gravity work in your favor for a few days so you can heal quickly.

Have other wisdom teeth questions? Don’t hesitate to call The Wisdom Teeth Guys and ask an expert.