Getting enough sleep is an important part of recovering after wisdom tooth extraction, but that can be easier said than done. Your mouth may feel sore, swollen, or tender, and finding a comfortable sleeping position can be surprisingly difficult. You may also be worried about accidentally disturbing the extraction sites while you sleep.
Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make nighttime much more comfortable while giving your mouth the conditions it needs to heal.
Keep Your Head Elevated
One of the most helpful things you can do after wisdom tooth removal is sleep with your head elevated. Instead of lying completely flat, use several pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your head and upper body raised.
Elevation can help minimize swelling and may make it easier to get comfortable during the first few nights. Try to maintain this position as you sleep rather than gradually sliding flat onto your back.
If possible, sleeping on your back is generally preferable to putting pressure on your cheeks or jaw.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Side
You may have a favorite sleeping position, but sleeping directly on your side immediately after surgery can put pressure on your jaw and potentially irritate the extraction area. It may also make swelling feel worse.
If you’re normally a side sleeper, surrounding yourself with pillows can help keep you comfortably positioned on your back. A pillow behind each side of your body can make it more difficult to roll over during the night.
Follow Your Dentist’s Pain-Management Instructions
Pain and discomfort can make falling asleep difficult, particularly during the first couple of nights. Take any medications exactly as directed by your dental provider.
If you’re advised that an over-the-counter pain reliever is appropriate for you, taking it according to the recommended schedule may help keep discomfort manageable. Don’t exceed the recommended dose, and check with your dental provider or another healthcare professional if you’re unsure which medication is safe for you.
It’s also important to follow any instructions regarding prescribed medications, particularly those that may cause drowsiness.
Protect the Blood Clot
A blood clot needs to form at each extraction site as part of normal healing. Dislodging a clot can lead to a painful complication called dry socket.
For this reason, avoid anything that creates strong suction in your mouth, such as drinking through a straw. Don’t smoke, and don’t vigorously rinse or spit immediately after your procedure unless your dental provider specifically instructs you to do so.
You should also avoid sleeping with gauze in your mouth unless your dental provider has specifically told you to do so. Loose gauze can become a choking hazard.
Prepare Before Bed
A little preparation can make nighttime recovery much easier. Keep water, your approved medications, extra pillows, and anything else you may need within easy reach before you settle in.
Follow your post-operative instructions about eating, drinking, brushing, rinsing, and applying ice. A cold compress against the outside of your cheek may also help with swelling during the first day or so, if recommended by your dental provider.
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t sleep perfectly the first night. Your body is recovering from a procedure, and some discomfort is expected.
When Should You Call Your Dentist?
Some soreness and swelling are normal after wisdom tooth extraction, but certain symptoms warrant a call to your dental provider. Contact them if you experience severe or worsening pain, excessive bleeding, significant swelling, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or other symptoms that concern you.
Following your aftercare instructions and prioritizing comfortable rest can help support a smoother recovery. Give your body the rest it needs, and let your mouth heal at its own pace.
About the Practice
Waterford Dental Group provides comprehensive dental care, including wisdom tooth extractions for patients who need to have problematic or impacted wisdom teeth removed. The practice focuses on individualized treatment and helping patients understand what to expect before and after oral procedures. Its dental team provides post-operative guidance to help patients recover as comfortably and safely as possible.
Call us at (925) 803-5888 or schedule your appointment online.