I totally relate to the pillow juggling act. For me, the frozen peas were a lifesaver too, but I also found that alternating heat and cold packs helped ease the deeper aches, especially before bed. Weirdly enough, listening to podcasts or audiobooks at night distracted me just enough to drift off despite the discomfort. Took about three weeks before I felt somewhat normal again... hang in there, you're definitely not alone in this awkward recovery phase.
Did you find the heat packs actually helped? My dentist warned me against heat early on, said it might increase swelling... but maybe that's just in the first few days? Podcasts were a lifesaver for me too, though—anything to distract from that dull ache.
Yeah, my dentist said the same thing about heat packs early on—something about increasing blood flow and swelling. I stuck with ice packs for the first few days, then switched to heat later when things calmed down a bit. Honestly, not sure if it helped or if it was just comforting to have something warm on my face, lol.
Totally agree about podcasts though. I binged through so many true crime episodes during recovery that now I associate dental pain with unsolved mysteries... probably not the healthiest coping mechanism, but hey, whatever works, right?
Hang in there—it does get better eventually.
Did your dentist mention how long the swelling and pain usually last after a bone graft? I'm on day three, and honestly, ice packs aren't cutting it anymore... starting to wonder if I should switch to heat too, or if that's just gonna make things worse. Also, any podcast recommendations that aren't true crime? I tried one episode yesterday and got way too paranoid, lol.
"starting to wonder if I should switch to heat too, or if that's just gonna make things worse."
Honestly, ice stopped working for my kid around day three or four too. Our dentist suggested switching to warm compresses after the initial swelling peaked, and it actually helped a lot with discomfort. Worth a shot if you're feeling desperate... Also, podcasts—try "99% Invisible" or "Radiolab." They're engaging without making you think someone's lurking outside your window, lol. Hang in there, it does get better!
