Tooth Extraction - Should I sleep without CPAP until healed?

[Hydrangea]

I'm having a tooth removed soon (a back molar). And I've been pondering what to do about CPAP during however long it takes to heal.

Is the pressure bad for it while it's healing?  Will the pressure be painful?

[Lanco]

I had four extractions last year and had no problem using my cpap.

[Big Guy]

I too, had a tooth extracted since having started SA Therapy. I continued to use my machine. No problem.

[Sleeprider]

You use a nasal mask. The pressure should make no difference because it never reaches your mouth, but even if you used a FFM, there would be no purpose in discontinuing CPAP.

[Homerec130]

I've one removed and a couple of crowns and had no issues. If you are concerned, ask your dentist about it as part of the post removal care. One thing I do know is do NOT use a straw to drink with as it can lead to a dry socket due to the sucking reflex.

[mesenteria]

I haven't had so much as a cold since commencing PAP therapy 28 months ago, but I did have a lesion under my nose a couple of weeks back that was a Herpes eruption.  I covered it with a bandage and still used my nasal cushion.  Worked fine.

To address the OP's question directly, it should be something quite obviously contradictory to dissuade you from wanting to use this essential therapy.  A broken jaw, even, would not be a case for eschewing the use of either a nasal or a full face apparatus to treat sleeping problems.  If anything, you want to get the very best sleep you can eke out of your trying circumstances.  You'll already be under stress, maybe not have slept particularly well for a couple of nights prior to your surgery.  Nope, I'd be looking forward to the use of my Olde Friend.

[wesozzzz]

I had a back molar infection 2 months ago,  I couldn't find a dentist for 2  weeks due to virus transmission concerns, after several courses of antibotics the infection increased . Then found a dentist who did take it out. OH what a relief
But my jaw was sore just were the mask strap crossed my jaw and I am also side sleep so didnt use a mask for a week . I dont think there would have been healing concerns if I had worn  a mask earlier.

All the best

[Deborah K.]

I had a badly abscessed tooth removed, and had the site prepared for an implant.  I developed a serious infection and lots of pain.  I used my pap machine through it all with no problems. I can't imagine you will have any trouble.

[Hydrangea]

Thanks for all of these replies of your experiences! I'm very heartened to hear all of that! Thank you!!

I would prefer to *not sleep* than to sleep without my CPAP. So I'm really glad to hear you guys didn't have discomfort from, or problems due, to CPAP. (The strap/ headgear issue is a good one to think ahead on. And thanks for the tip on the straw - I'll write that down in my own after-care note that I've already started writing.)

[Hydrangea]

I figured I'd update this, in case others come across this thread and are looking for input.

Background info: I tend to be overly self-aware, which leads to my body being more sensitive than others. Also, I was avoiding taking pain meds, so this may have also made it so I was feeling more pain than some others may feel in the same situation.

The primary reason for my concern is because after tooth extraction, one is not supposed to "suck" on anything for a while, in order to prevent dry socket. Yet many of us PAPers use the tongue suck technique when using nasal masks/pillows. So I was concerned about the sucking being contradictory, damaging, or uncomfortable.

Admittedly, the first night I didn't get much sleep. I tried without my mask, but just couldn't sleep. So then I tried my masks.

- I tried with the FFM (so I wouldn't have to do the tongue suck technique), but it wasn't comfortable. I don't know if it was just imaginary or real, but I believe the positive pressure in the FFM made my extraction area hurt more than it was already.

- So I switched to my nasal mask, and it worked out fine enough. I convinced myself that the sucking part was only behind my tongue, so it shouldn't affect the extraction area. It was the only way I could sleep, so I figured it would have to be okay.

I found that the sucking pressure/tension of my tongue was painful on the extraction area (which was a farthest back tooth). I lowered the pressure of my machine (from 9 to 6.5), so that I didn't have to use as much pressure of my tongue to maintain the tongue suck technique's seal. This helped me greatly.

- After about a week, my pain had lessened enough that I was ready to raise my pressure back up to my usual well-treated pressure.

I hope that's helpful to others.