How to Sleep After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically erupt through the gums between ages 18 and 24.

Removal of wisdom teeth is the most frequently performed dental surgery in the United States. It accounts for about 95 percent of tooth extractions among insured individuals aged 16 to 21. Dentists commonly advise extracting wisdom teeth if they’re causing problems now or are likely to cause issues later on.

Having your wisdom teeth surgically removed often leads to jaw swelling, bruising, and pain that can make sleeping uncomfortable.

Here are strategies to reduce your discomfort and improve your chances of getting restful sleep.

How to sleep after wisdom teeth extraction

Pain after wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person, but almost everyone has some level of discomfort. The following tips can help reduce pain when you try to sleep.

• Take prescribed pain medication. If your oral surgeon prescribes pain relief, follow the dosing instructions carefully.
• Use ibuprofen when appropriate. If you haven’t been prescribed stronger pain meds, ibuprofen may help—provided you have no medical contraindications and your surgeon approves. Studies indicate that a single 400 milligram (mg) dose of ibuprofen can be more effective than 1,000 mg of acetaminophen, and combining ibuprofen with acetaminophen often relieves pain better than either drug alone. Be mindful of maximum daily limits and your surgeon’s guidance.
• Create a soothing sleep environment. A cool, dark room and calming pre-sleep routines can distract you from pain and make it easier to fall asleep.
• Keep your head elevated. Propping your head up with an extra pillow at night can reduce swelling and support clot formation, as recommended by the NHS.
• Sleep on your side. Side-sleeping makes it easier to keep your head elevated with pillows compared with lying flat on your back.
• Apply cold packs. A 2019 review found evidence that applying ice in the first few days after extraction can reduce swelling. Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on your jaw for 10–20 minutes at a time.
• Follow additional surgeon instructions. Adhere to any other post-op directions your oral surgeon provides to help ease symptoms.

What to avoid when sleeping after wisdom teeth removal

During recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction, avoid disturbing the blood clots forming in the sockets—particularly during the first 24 hours. Dislodging or improper clot formation can lead to dry socket, a common complication that often appears on days 3 to 5.

To lower the risk of complications, try to avoid these behaviors:

• Lying flat on your back. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) approach is frequently suggested for injury recovery. Use extra pillows to elevate and support your head while sleeping.
• Brushing near the surgical site. Avoid brushing around the extraction area for at least the first 24 hours to prevent dislodging the clot.
• Staying up late. Rest is important to give your body time to heal.
• Drinking alcohol or smoking. Both alcohol and tobacco can hinder healing. Avoid them for at least 24 hours after surgery, and ideally until you have recovered.

Should you sleep with gauze after wisdom teeth removal?

Gauze helps stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the wound. However, you should never sleep with gauze in your mouth because it can be a choking risk.

Also, avoid falling asleep with gauze in your mouth if you’re taking drowsiness-causing medications.

What to do after waking up the first few days following wisdom tooth extraction

Complete healing from a wisdom tooth extraction can take weeks, but proper care can shorten recovery. Morning routines that may help include:

• taking any prescribed medications as directed
• checking for signs of infection or complications
• icing your face with an ice pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth
• after the initial 24 hours, gently rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria that could cause infection
• choosing soft breakfast foods, like eggs or smoothies, that won’t irritate the surgical site

Takeaway

Mild to moderate discomfort after wisdom teeth removal is normal. Using prescribed pain medications, creating a restful sleep setting, and keeping your head elevated can help control pain and swelling at bedtime.

If your pain worsens, you develop new pain, or you notice swollen lymph nodes beneath your jaw, you may have an infection or dry socket. Contact your oral surgeon’s office if you suspect either condition.