“Can I sleep on my side after a tooth extraction?”

Yes

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your need for an extraction. As long as the symptoms do not keep you awake; yes, you can sleep on your side after a tooth extraction. There are some things you want to consider first. Make sure the anesthesia has worn off before you go to sleep. You do not want to wake up in pain because the anesthesia wore off while you were sleeping. Secondly, make sure you do not have any bleeding. When you leave the office you will be biting on gauze to help for a clot. If you fall asleep and you have bleeding you may wake up with blood in your mouth or coughing. Finally, if you sleep on the side only you may feel some throbbing, which means you will have to switch sides. Hope this helps.

My best to you!

William F. Scott IV, DMD

It will not prevent you from sleeping on the same side but might be advisable to sleep on the other side. Discuss this with your dentist.

Yes

Yes, you can. I would recommend putting a towel over your pillow as when you drool there might be some blood seeping from the extraction. This is normal. It’s just a way to make sure you don’t ruin your sheets.

Keep smiling,

Robb A. Warren