How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Take
Wisdom tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure to remove one or more of the third molars at the back of the mouth. When they don’t have enough room to grow properly, these teeth often cause problems such as pain, infection, or crowding.
The duration of the extraction process can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of teeth being removed. But, how long does wisdom teeth extraction take? Generally, a simple extraction of a single wisdom tooth offered by Smiles Marysville takes about 20 to 40 minutes. More complex cases or multiple extractions may require longer, often up to an hour or more.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Take
The time involved in this process can help patients better prepare for the procedure and recovery. The duration of the extraction can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth being removed, and the patient’s overall dental health.
However, the initial healing can be processed in 2 to 3 days, but the ultimate recovery can take several weeks.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Many different factors can influence the recovery from wisdom tooth extraction.
Let’s have a look at a few of them.
Complexity of the Extraction
The primary factor influencing the duration of a wisdom tooth extraction is the complexity of the procedure. Simple extractions, where the tooth has fully erupted and is easily accessible, can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes per tooth. However, more complex cases, such as impacted teeth partially or fully trapped in the jawbone or gums, can take longer, often ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour per tooth.
Number of Teeth Being Removed
The total time required for the procedure also depends on the number of wisdom teeth being extracted. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one session typically takes longer than extracting just one. On average, extracting all four wisdom teeth can take between one to two hours.
Patient’s Oral Health
The patient’s overall oral health can also impact the duration of the extraction. Patients with good oral hygiene and healthy gums may experience shorter, less complicated procedures. Conversely, patients with infections, severe swelling, or other dental issues might require more time for the extraction and additional care during the procedure.
Procedure Duration
Wisdom tooth extraction is challenging if you follow the required steps with preventive measures. The treatment involves many essential prerequisites for the best results.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before the actual extraction begins, the dentist or oral surgeon will prepare the patient. This involves administering local anesthesia or, in some cases, general anesthesia or sedation to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free. This preparation phase typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Extraction Process
The dentist will begin the extraction once the patient is prepared. For a simple extraction, where the tooth is fully erupted, the process usually involves loosening the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and removing it with dental forceps.
This simple tooth extraction procedure can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes per tooth.
For more complicated extractions, such as impacted teeth, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. This more involved process can take 45 minutes to over an hour per tooth.
Post-Extraction Care
After removing the teeth, the dentist will clean the extraction sites, possibly stitch the wounds if necessary, and apply gauze to control bleeding. This post-extraction phase generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Recovery Time of the Wisdom Teeth Extraction
There are many different scenarios for the recovery of wisdom teeth. According to the nature of treatments and conditions, the patients take variant types of durations to recover.
Immediate Recovery
Patients will spend some time in the recovery area until the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. This typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, during which the dental team will monitor the patient for any immediate complications and provide post-operative care instructions.
Overall Recovery
While the procedure might only take a few hours, full recovery from wisdom teeth extraction takes longer. Patients often experience swelling and discomfort for a few days, most returning to normal activities within a week. Complete healing of the extraction sites can take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes about one week for most patients. Initial swelling and discomfort peak in the first 2-3 days and gradually subside. Complete healing of the extraction sites can take several weeks, but most people can resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.
Common complications include pain, swelling, bleeding, and dry socket, which occur when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site. Infections and nerve damage are less common but possible. Following post-operative care instructions can minimize these risks.
The extraction itself is not painful due to local or general anesthesia. However, some discomfort and swelling are expected during the recovery period. Pain can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications and following the dentist’s aftercare instructions.
The duration of a wisdom teeth extraction procedure varies based on the case’s complexity, the number of teeth being removed, and the patient’s oral health.
Simple extractions can be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes per tooth, while more complex cases may take longer. Understanding the above Wisdom Teeth Extraction factors helps patients prepare for the procedure and manage their expectations for recovery!
