Keep your head elevated with 2 pillows or a wedge pillow
Sleep on your back if possible
Avoid sleeping on the side of the extraction
Take prescribed pain medication before bed if directed
Use an ice pack before sleep if swelling is present
Avoid drinking through straws
Do not smoke or vape before sleeping
Avoid alcohol before bed
Eat soft foods and finish eating well before sleep
Brush gently and follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions
Place a towel on your pillow in case of minor bleeding
Keep gauze in place only if your dentist instructed you to do so
Do not lie flat immediately after surgery
Get up slowly if you need to move during the night
Contact your dentist if bleeding, severe pain, or swelling worsens