How to Sleep Comfortably the First Night After Tooth Extraction

The first night of sleep following a tooth extraction tends to be the most challenging. As the anaesthesia wears off, pain and swelling around the extraction site often increase. Lying down to sleep can aggravate the discomfort. Plus, there are special precautions you need to take to avoid complications and promote proper healing.
With the right preparation and sleeping setup, you can get through that first night with minimal fuss and get the rest you need for recovery. Here are some tips to sleep as soundly as possible after having a tooth extracted.

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure performed to remove decayed, damaged, or problematic teeth. While often quick and relatively painless thanks to local anaesthesia, having a tooth pulled can leave you feeling quite sore and uncomfortable afterwards.

Proper Sleeping Position is Key

The way you sleep and position your head is very important after a tooth extraction. This helps minimize pain and prevents complications like increased swelling, bleeding, and infection. Here are some key guidelines:

• Sleep on your back or side. Sleeping on your stomach places pressure on the extraction area which can cause pain.
• Use pillows to prop up your head. Keeping your head elevated above heart level will help reduce swelling. Place 1-2 pillows under your head and possibly more under your knees to maintain this position.
• Don’t sleep on the side of your extraction. At least for the first few nights, sleep on the opposite side to avoid putting pressure on and irritating the extraction site.
• Sleep in a recliner or propped up on the couch if needed. Maintaining an upright head position is easiest this way. Just make sure you have assistance to get into bed.

Manage Pain and Swelling

Having soreness, pain, and swelling is normal after a tooth extraction. But you can take steps to keep it in check, especially at night when you are trying to rest:

• Take prescribed pain medication before bedtime. This will help manage pain throughout the night so it doesn’t wake you up. Be sure to follow dosage directions.
• Use an ice pack. Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the extraction area for 10-20 minutes at a time can significantly reduce pain and swelling. Do this before bed and repeat during the night as needed.
• Sleep with your head elevated to allow drainage which minimizes swelling.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can increase swelling.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration worsens swelling and symptoms.

Carefully Remove Any Gauze

Your dentist may place a piece of sterile gauze over the extraction site after surgery to encourage a blood clot and control bleeding. This gauze packing typically needs to stay in place for at least 30-60 minutes.
Be sure to carefully follow any instructions your dentist gives for removing the gauze. In general:

• Remove gauze before going to sleep. Never sleep with gauze in your mouth as it can come loose and pose a choking hazard or block your airway.
• Check for bleeding after removing. Have someone watch the area for 10-15 minutes after to ensure the bleeding has stopped. Keep gauze handy in case you need to place a new piece.
• Don’t rinse your mouth or disturb the site when removing gauze.

Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration is a common side effect after oral surgery and it can worsen pain and swelling. Be diligent about hydration after having a tooth extracted:

• Drink plenty of water. Cold water can especially feel soothing. Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade are also a good choice.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these have dehydrating effects.
• Eat soft, cool foods like yoghurt, apple sauce, ice cream, and chilled soups. Avoid very hot foods and beverages.
• Avoid straws for drinking which can disrupt the blood clot.
• Use good oral hygiene – gently brushing and cleaning other teeth, but avoid the extraction site.

Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions

To optimize healing and comfort after a tooth extraction, be sure to closely follow any aftercare directions given by your dentist. Typical guidelines include:

• Take prescribed medication – antibiotics or other drugs to prevent infection and help manage pain.
• Use ice packs on the area to control swelling, as mentioned above.
• Avoid certain activities – smoking, vigorous exercise, excessive talking/mouth movements. This helps prevent dislodging the blood clot.
• Eat soft foods that require little chewing and are not too hot.
• Follow oral hygiene instructions – when to resume brushing teeth, using mouthwash, etc.
• Watch for severe symptoms like excessive bleeding, intense pain, and fever – and call your dentist if any develop.

Adhering well to your dentist’s recovery instructions gives you the best chance of smooth, comfortable healing.

Know When to Call the Dentist

Some discomfort and symptoms are normal after a tooth extraction. However excessive or worsening issues can sometimes indicate complications that need attention. Contact your dentist right away if you experience:

• Severe throbbing pain that medication does not help
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Bad taste or odour coming from the socket
• A high fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
• Extreme, worsening facial swelling
• Numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue

Report any concerns to your dentist, especially if symptoms seem to be getting worse rather than improving with time. Prompt treatment can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems.

Conclusion

That first night of sleep after having a tooth pulled can certainly be challenging. But with proper preparation and care, you can rest as comfortably as the situation allows. Be diligent about maintaining the ideal sleeping position, using pain management strategies, following the dentist’s orders, and watching for complications. With this approach, you’ll wake up feeling ready to continue healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best sleeping position after a tooth extraction?

A: Sleeping on your back or side with your head elevated on pillows is ideal. Avoid sleeping on the side where the tooth was extracted.

Q: When can I sleep on my side after a tooth extraction?

A: You can usually return to sleeping on your side after the first night. But check with your dentist to be sure the socket is stable enough first.

Q: How do I manage pain from a tooth extraction at night?

A: Take any prescribed pain medication before bedtime as directed. Use ice packs on the area to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Keep your head propped up on pillows.

Q: What should I do with gauze in my mouth at night?

A: Carefully remove any gauze before going to sleep. Have someone watch for bleeding for 10-15 minutes after removing. Never sleep with gauze in place due to choking risk.

Q: How long should I keep my head elevated at night?

A: Try to sleep with your head elevated above heart level for at least the first night or two. More time may be needed if you have ongoing swelling issues.

Q: Can I drink alcohol after a tooth extraction?

A: No, you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours since it can increase swelling, bleeding, and other post-op symptoms. Stay well hydrated with water, juice, tea, etc.

Q: How long does pain last after a tooth extraction?

A: It’s normal to have some level of pain for 3-5 days after having a tooth pulled. Severe pain that worsens or continues past a week needs dental attention.

Q: When can I eat solid foods after a tooth extraction?

A: Stick to soft, gentle foods for the first 24-48 hours. Slowly reintroduce more solid foods after that, but avoid very hard or sharp items near the extraction site.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dentist for specific guidance regarding aftercare and recovery from any tooth extraction procedure you undergo. Proper medical support is vital for healing safely and comfortably.

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