“How do you sleep after jaw surgery?”

I would not consider wisdom teeth removal as actual jaw surgery. Removing wisdom teeth that are causing pain can often improve sleep issues. Patients with significant overbite and sleep apnea who undergo maxillary mandibular surgery usually solve their sleep problems.

With head elevated as much as she can

If she can sleep in a reclined position with head elevated it will help with swelling. Otherwise, normal sleeping habits are fine. There may be some blood tinged saliva so maybe don’t use your best bedding!

Usually, I recommend sleeping with the head elevated. For example, a recliner for the first few days.

Usually I recommend keeping head elevated on a couple of pillows for sleep. Hope that is helpful Dr Satko

Sleep with the head elevated with several pillows for the first 72 hours and typically upright.

We recommend sleeping in a reclining position for the first 2-4 days depending on the case. Sometimes removing wisdom teeth will result in minimal pain and swelling, and other times these outcomes cannot be avoided. Ice on the jaw for 24-48 hours is always beneficial. Good luck, make certain your daughter has her surgery done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Sleep with an ice wrap around your face (with ice over the area where surgery was performed). Have a dark towel over your pillow in case you drool bloody drool. Take the guaze out of your mouth before you go to sleep, even if you are still bleeding a bit. Make sure there is an adult watching over the sleeping patient, especially if he or she is taking narcotics, and change the ice packs when they get warm.

Greetings, and thank you for your question!

Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure for adolescents and young adults. I'm sure your daughter will do splendidly. We generally recommend that patients sleep with their head elevated after any kind of jaw surgery. This will help reduce swelling and discomfort. I usually tell our patients to sleep with their head elevated on two or three pillows, or to sleep in a recliner with their head elevated 15-30 degrees. Most postoperative patients generally sleep well after surgery, in fact often more than usual, so don't be surprised. Some patients wake up with pain or bleeding during the night. Your daughter may want to take pain medication before going to bed for the night so it last longer. Should she wake up with some bleeding from her mouth, that is also not unusual. Applying firm pressure with teeth on cotton gauze placed over the extraction sites will help reduce any bleeding. Of course, your daughter should follow the postoperative instructions provided by her own doctor as well.
Hope this answers your questions. Stay safe and healthy!

Jim Bates, DDS, MD

It is best to sleep with her head semi-elevated. This helps with breathing and reducing swelling.

Stephen E. Needle, DDS, FACOMS