Can Sleeping on an Incline After Oral Surgery Help With Healing?

Posted on 12/15/2019 by Rodney Rastegar

As oral professionals, it's our job to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. That includes setting proper expectations for pre and post-surgery. One of the most common questions we get asked all the time is “How am I supposed to sleep”?

How To Sleep Post Surgery

Immediately following your surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head slightly elevated. Lay flat on your back and build pillows up under your head, neck and back. The main thing to keep in mind is that your shoulders should be above your heart level. If you have a recliner in your home, that is the perfect incline needed, and you could easily rest in the chair for a few hours per day if you choose not to lay down in the bed.

During the first full 24 hours post-surgery, we suggest you stay in a more upright position when laying on your back, or merely sitting straight up completely. This will help coagulate the blood and let gravity stop the flow. If you feel comfortable enough after the first day, then you can choose to lay on your side, but continue to keep your body elevated, with your neck still above heart level.

How Long Should I Sleep on an Incline?

Your first full day of recovery should be spent in an elevated and sleeping posture. If you are able, we also recommend doing this for day 2 as much as possible as well. At minimum, you should keep your head elevated until the bleeding has completely subsided, paying special attention to bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours, which requires further medical attention.

Lying on your side, with half of your body elevated is not always the most comfortable position. It's important that you find a position that you can feel relaxed in, while maintaining the proper elevation. Our staff will do everything they can to ensure you are confident and assured before and after your oral surgery. Give us a call to schedule your consultation, today.

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