While getting your wisdom teeth extracted can prevent many oral health issues in the future, the healing process can also be difficult for many patients. The pain from having one or multiple molars extracted can make it difficult to eat and may even affect your ability to get a deep, restful sleep while you heal.
If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed or plan to have the procedure performed soon, the team at American Dental has some tips that will help you get better sleep and heal more quickly.
Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions
If you want to heal up as quickly as possible, it is important that you follow all instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. This will include considerations to make about the food you eat, hygiene strategies, and pain management. Be sure to keep your mouth clean with salt rinses, avoid any hard or sharp foods that could dislodge the blood clots in your tooth sockets, and take all medications as directed. This includes pain medication.
Taking your pain medication and anti-inflammatories according to your dentist’s instructions will reduce pain and swelling so you can get enough sleep while you heal. If you have any issues or side effects from your pain medication, be sure to speak to your dentist about it so you can be prescribed a different medication.
Keep Your Head Elevated and Inclined While Resting
Gravity can be your best friend during the healing process. Studies have shown that sleeping with your head elevated and inclined during the first few days of healing will reduce swelling and pain.
Watch Out for Dry Socket
When you have a tooth removed, a blood clot will form in the empty socket. It is crucial that you protect this blood clot for quick and less painful healing. Again, be careful about the foods you eat, and refrain from brushing your teeth or using mouthwash for a few days after the extraction. Avoid smoking, vaping, or any other activity that involves sucking, as it can easily dislodge the blood clots, making for a longer and more painful healing process.
Remove Gauze from Your Mouth Before Sleeping
During your first few days of healing, your dentist will advise you to keep gauze over the extraction sites to lessen bleeding and allow blood clots to form. While this is a crucial part of the healing process, removing the gauze before going to sleep is important. This will prevent choking and allow you to get a better night’s sleep.
Oral Surgeon in Chicago
If you need to get your wisdom teeth extracted in the Chicago area, American Dental employs some of the best oral surgeons in the area. We can assist you with any type of oral surgery in Palos Heights and other communities in the area, as well as with any other type of dental procedure, including dental checkups and cosmetic dentistry. Call (773) 284-1645 or request an appointment online at any one of our 8 Chicagoland locations.