How Long Do Tooth Extractions Take?

Key Takeaways

A simple extraction usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, while a complex surgical extraction may take 45 to 90 minutes. The difference depends on how the tooth is positioned in the jaw and how much work the dentist needs to perform to remove it safely.

When patients plan a tooth extraction, they ask several questions, including “How long do tooth extractions take?” Let's dig in to learn more about the tooth extraction time and how long it takes to recover.

Average Time for a Tooth Extraction

The average time for a tooth extraction depends on the type of extraction and the complexity of the case.

• The complex surgical extraction procedure may take about 45 to 90 minutes, including the time needed to remove the tooth and control bleeding.

• For a simple extraction, the process is usually quicker and takes 20 to 40 minutes because the tooth is easier to access and remove.

• People also search for wisdom tooth extraction time. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes for all four teeth, but the total time at the office can be 90 to 120 minutes, including prep and recovery.

What Can Make a Tooth Extraction Take Longer?

The tooth removal procedure varies from patient to patient because it depends on the tooth’s condition, position, and the complexity of the procedure. A few things tend to add time in the chair:

• Where the tooth sits: Impacted or partially erupted teeth are harder to reach and often require a surgical approach.
• Root shape: Teeth with long, curved, or multiple roots require more time and effort to loosen compared to teeth with a single straight root.
• Bone density: A denser jawbone can hold the tooth more firmly, making the extraction process slower.
• Infection or damage: An infected, inflamed, or severely damaged tooth can make the extraction more complex.
• Sectioning: Some teeth need to be divided into smaller pieces before removal, which can increase the tooth extraction procedure time.
• Multiple extractions: Removing several teeth or all four wisdom teeth in one appointment can increase the in-chair time from several minutes to an hour or two.
• Nerve or sinus proximity: Teeth located close to nerves or the sinus cavities require extra care and precision during removal.
• Sedation or anaesthesia: IV sedation or general anaesthesia adds preparation and post-procedure monitoring time.

How Extraction Time Compares to Other Dental Work

Patients nowadays are quite curious about their dental procedures. When they come to the clinic, they always ask how long a tooth extraction takes compared to other common dental procedures. Extractions indeed have a reputation for being a long, dreaded appointment, but most other common procedures actually take longer:

• Filling: 30 to 60 minutes
• Crown: 60 to 90 minutes per visit
• Root canal: 60 to 90 minutes, sometimes more
• Simple extraction: 20 to 40 minutes

That said, a straightforward extraction is often the shortest procedure on this list, not the longest.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take

Tooth extraction healing takes 1 to 2 weeks for the surface gum tissue to close, while complete bone healing underneath takes 3 to 6 months.

Most people feel significantly better and can return to normal routines within 3 to 7 days. Patients should follow wound care instructions and should only consume the best foods to eat after tooth extraction. Some other precautionary measures are given below, which can significantly help in quick recovery:

Right after the procedure: Bite down on the gauze your dentist gives you. This controls the bleeding and lets a clot form over the socket. Leave it alone. Poking or disturbing that clot is the fastest way to slow healing down.

The first 24 hours: Skip smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing. Stick to soft foods, drink plenty of water, and take it easy for the rest of the day. The goal is to protect that clot while it does its job.49*

The first week: Swelling and soreness should ease up over the next several days. Keep up with your dentist's cleaning instructions and take any medication as prescribed.

Months 3 to 6: New bone grows to completely fill in the empty socket underneath the gum line

When Should You Contact Your Dentist?

Most recoveries go smoothly, but call your dentist right away if you notice:

• Bleeding that won't stop
• Pain that gets worse instead of better after the first few days
• Fever or other signs of infection
• Trouble swallowing or breathing

Don't wait out these symptoms. If you're dealing with discomfort while you wait for an appointment, a few home remedies for a toothache can help in the short term, but they're not a substitute for seeing your dentist.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extraction Time

Most extractions wrap up in under an hour. Simple ones run 20 to 40 minutes; surgical ones run 45 to 90 minutes. Tooth position, root shape, bone density, and whether the tooth needs to be sectioned all factor into where your appointment falls in that range. Following your dentist's aftercare instructions afterwards is what keeps recovery on track.

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