After oral surgerywhether its tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, or gum surgerygetting quality sleep is essential for recovery. However, swelling, discomfort, and changes in your mouth can make it difficult to sleep soundly.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we often hear patients ask, How can I sleep comfortably after oral surgery? This guide shares practical strategies to help you rest well while supporting a smooth, complication-free healing process.
Why Sleeping Correctly Matters After Oral Surgery
Reduces swelling
Minimizes bleeding
Supports faster tissue and bone healing
Lowers the risk of complications like dry socket or infection
Sleeping Position Tips for Post-Surgery Comfort
?? Keep Your Head Elevated
Sleep with 23 pillows or in a recliner chair.
Keeping your head elevated reduces blood flow to the surgical area, decreasing swelling and throbbing.
Avoid lying flat for the first 35 days post-surgery.
?? Sleep on Your Back
Sleeping on your back helps keep pressure off the treated side of your face or mouth.
Avoid sleeping on the side where surgery was performed to prevent discomfort and accidental pressure.
Pain Management Before Bed
Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 30 minutes before bedtime.
Use a cold compress for 1520 minutes right before sleeping during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
Manage Bleeding While Sleeping
Use fresh gauze as directed by McLevin Dental, but remove gauze before falling asleep unless otherwise instructed.
Slight pink-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24 hours.
Bedroom Environment for Better Sleep
Use a humidifier to keep air moist and prevent mouth dryness.
Keep your room cool and dark for optimal comfort.
Prepare extra pillows to adjust your sleeping angle easily if needed during the night.
Things to Avoid Before and During Sleep
No smoking or vaping: These significantly delay healing and increase infection risk.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening, as both can cause dehydration and interfere with pain medications.
No strenuous activities before bedtime, which could increase swelling or bleeding.
Diet Tips for Better Sleep After Surgery
Eat a soft meal before bed (yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup) to avoid nighttime hunger.
Avoid spicy, hot, or hard foods that may irritate the surgical site.
Managing Saliva and Drooling
Expect some extra saliva production during the first few nights as your body reacts to the procedure.
Place a clean towel over your pillowcase to catch any drooling if you sleep with your mouth slightly open.
How Long Should You Sleep Elevated?
Keep your head elevated for at least 3 nights, longer if swelling persists.
Once swelling significantly reduces, you can gradually return to a flatter sleeping position.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Call us immediately if:
Bleeding persists for more than 24 hours.
Swelling worsens instead of improving after 34 days.
Severe pain disrupts sleep despite medication.
You notice signs of infection like fever, pus, or foul odor.
Healing Milestones Related to Sleep
Day 13: Focus on elevation, cold compress, and pain control.
Day 47: Swelling decreases; you can start returning to a normal sleeping position gradually.
Week 2 onward: Most discomfort should resolve, and normal sleep resumes fully.
Trust McLevin Dental for Your Complete Recovery Journey
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, your healing comfort is our priority. From oral surgery to full recovery, we provide detailed aftercare instructionsincluding how to sleep comfortablyto ensure a smooth healing process.
If you have concerns about sleeping after surgery or need personalized advice, our experienced team is just a phone call away. Rest easy knowing were here to support your smile, day and night.