A Healthline post citing the Oral Health Foundation says most people feel soreness and discomfort 1-3 days after a tooth extraction. The discomfort comes from swelling, bleeding, and the body beginning to heal the empty socket.
The first night after tooth extraction is often the hardest. Your mouth is still numb, the bleeding may not have stopped, and the pain can start to build.
Many people struggle to eat, sleep, or even relax. If you’re about to have a tooth removed, you might worry about how to get through that first night.
Keep reading to learn simple ways to survive the first night after a tooth extraction.
Prioritize Rest and Take It Easy
One of the most common mistakes people make after a tooth extraction is jumping back into normal activities too soon. Moving around too much or doing heavy tasks can slow healing and cause more bleeding.
Your body needs quiet time to start fixing the area where the tooth was removed. The mouth also needs time to form a blood clot, which protects the open socket. Without it, healing takes longer, and pain increases.
So, take it easy. Sit or lie down with your head raised using one or two pillows. This helps lower swelling and bleeding.
Avoid lying flat so blood doesn’t rush to your mouth and worsen things. Let your body rest and heal.
Manage Bleeding the Right Way
Some bleeding during the first night after tooth extraction is normal, so don’t panic if you see a bit of red in your mouth. Most people leave the dental office with a piece of gauze over the socket.
Keep biting on it for 30 to 45 minutes to help the bleeding slow down. If the gauze gets soaked, change it with a clean piece and bite down again.
A little oozing is fine, but if the bleeding looks heavy, try using a damp tea bag instead of gauze. The tea’s natural tannins help the blood clot form.
Avoid touching the area or checking it too often. Let the socket stay undisturbed so healing can begin.
Handle Swelling Before It Starts
Swelling usually starts a few hours after surgery, but it helps to act early. Try placing an ice pack against your cheek, right over the area where the tooth was removed. Hold it there gently and then take a break before repeating.
Cold helps slow blood flow, which can lower swelling and ease soreness in the area. It may also make your face feel less puffy.
By managing swelling early, you can make your oral surgery recovery more comfortable. It can also help you sleep better and avoid extra pain during the night, when rest is most important for healing.
Take Medication on Schedule
Your dentist may give you pain medicine or suggest ibuprofen from the store. Take your medicine as directed, even if you don’t feel pain yet.
It’s easier to stop pain early than wait for it to get worse. If you had anesthesia, your mouth might still feel numb for a while. That numb feeling can fool you into thinking the pain won’t come.
But when it wears off, the pain can hit hard. Set a reminder if needed and keep your medicine close.
Managing pain after extraction means staying ahead of it. That way, you can rest better and let your body focus on healing through the night.
Stick to a Soft Diet
Your body may feel hungry after surgery, but you need to be careful with food choices. Good food choices help with healing after tooth removal and make the first night more bearable. These might include:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies (no straws)
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal soaked until soft
Stick to soft, cool foods that are easy to chew and won’t touch the empty socket. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, or chewy because it can break the blood clot or cause more bleeding. Oral care professionals like Jenkins, Morrow, & Gayheart can advise you on suitable foods to aid your healing after oral surgery.
Skip Alcohol, Smoking, and Strenuous Activity
You might think about having a drink or smoking to relax, but it’s not a good idea. Both alcohol and cigarettes can slow healing and raise your chances of getting an infection or dry socket.
It’s safer to stay away from them for at least two to three days after the surgery. Exercise and heavy lifting should also be avoided.
Your body needs all its strength to heal well. Moving too much or doing anything that increases blood flow to your mouth can cause more bleeding.
During the first night after tooth extraction, give your body a break. Avoid habits and actions that might make the pain worse or delay your recovery.
Prepare for Sleep Strategically
Falling asleep can feel hard after a tooth has been pulled, especially if your mouth is sore. Try to make your room calm and quiet. Turn down the lights, play soft music, or use gentle background sounds.
Keep a glass of water next to you in case your mouth feels dry. Sleep with your head raised to help control swelling and bleeding. Use extra pillows so you stay on your back and avoid rolling to your side.
If you’re feeling nervous or restless, take slow, deep breaths or try a simple meditation app. When you follow your care steps, you support your tooth extraction recovery and make it easier to fall asleep.
First Night After Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know
The first night after tooth extraction plays a big role in how well and how fast you heal. Rest helps your body form a clot and begin the healing process.
Use ice early on to control swelling and follow all care instructions, including what to eat and avoid. Stay away from smoking, alcohol, and hard exercise so your body can focus on getting better.
At Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart, we bring over 10 years of trusted care to every patient. Whether you need a simple removal or a complex procedure, we focus on your comfort and recovery from start to finish.
Let our skilled team help you feel confident and cared for – schedule your visit today.
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