How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take? In-Chair & Healing Timelines

A tooth extraction is usually a last resort in dental treatment; if the damaged tooth cannot be preserved by other means, removal may be necessary to protect the rest of the teeth, mouth and jaw. 

Tooth extractions are performed for various reasons. Examples include to remove a decayed tooth, to extract wisdom teeth, to treat toothaches, overcrowding issues, and to remove severely impacted teeth. Here's what you need to know about how long tooth extractions usually take, and how long it will take for a full recovery.

Average Duration For Tooth Extraction

Simple Tooth Removal

It normally takes between 20 to 40 minutes for a simple tooth extraction. The actual extraction of the tooth may take only a few minutes; most of the treatment time is spent ensuring your comfort before and after the procedure. Naturally, the more teeth there are to be removed, the longer the procedure will take. 

To start, the dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to the area around the tooth to numb any sensation or pain. If you have dental anxiety or phobia, your dentist may suggest treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia that can help you relax or sleep throughout the procedure. The dentist then uses special tools to gently extract the tooth from the root.

Surgical & Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth extraction and other tooth extractions requiring surgery typically take 45 to 60 minutes. This duration will be extended to 1-2 hours if all four wisdom teeth are being extracted. 

Surgical tooth extractions are significantly more complex than regular tooth removal - dentists need more time to access impacted teeth, make incisions, and close up wounds. Patients may choose to go under general anaesthesia for comfort, particularly for longer procedures.

Tooth Extraction Recovery Timeline

Treatment day and the day after

You may continue to feel numbness in the area due to the lingering effects of anaesthesia for a few hours after leaving the clinic. This is typically followed by a slight increase in swelling and discomfort as the effects wear off. Your dentist may prescribe medication that you can take to manage the level of pain.

Day 2 to 4

The swelling and discomfort will gradually decrease over this period. A blood clot will form in the gum tissue to stop the bleeding. Your gums will still feel tender, and you will need to stick to eating soft foods and liquids.

Day 5 to 7

By the end of the first week, your gums will feel much less swollen and tender. Most people feel well enough to resume their usual diet and activities a few days into the second week of recovery.

Post-Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

Following a tooth extraction, your dentist will provide you with a list of dos and don’ts for reducing complications and managing recovery. These recovery tips include: 

• No smoking - particularly during the first  7 days of recovery, as this will slow the clotting process and increase the risk of post operative infections significantly. Try to avoid smoking at all during the healing process.

• No drinking alcohol - drinking alcohol during recovery from a tooth extraction can cause intense pain, slow healing, and increased bleeding in the gums. 

• Take pain relief as directed

• Avoid exercise for the 1 to 2 days- strenuous exercise increases blood flow in the body, which increase the risk of bleeding

• Eat soft foods - opt for foods that need minimal chewing, such as yoghurt, porridge, and soup. 

• Brush and floss as usual from the next day onwards - be careful to avoid brushing the tender gum area and rinse your mouth gently without swishing or gargling. 

• Use warm salt water - ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water - by tilting your head on each side to soak the gums and spit out. Do this for a few times a day for up to a week after.

• Elevate the head when lying down - use extra pillows to raise the position of your head to minimise bleeding. 

As a general rule, if you feel pain when eating or performing certain activities during recovery, do not continue to do so. Check with your dentist if the pain, swelling, or bleeding does not get better or gets worse after the first three days following the extraction. 

Bluff Point Dental provides wisdom tooth removal and tooth extraction surgery in Geraldton. Our dentists use industry-leading extraction tools and techniques to ensure minimal discomfort and a fast recovery after the treatment. Book an appointment with our Geralton dentists on (08) 9943 8484.