How long does a tooth extraction take?
Explore how long a tooth extraction takes, factors that affect its duration, and tips for a smoother experience.

As adults, the idea of losing a tooth via a tooth extraction may seem daunting, but it can actually be a simple and quick procedure. In many cases, a tooth extraction needs to be done because of an issue with a tooth, whether it’s broken, decaying, or infected. The good news is that this procedure can usually be completed in less than an hour.
In this article, we’ll explore how long an extraction takes, how the procedure works, and when an extraction might be necessary. Your local Aspen Dental team is here to walk you through each step of the tooth extraction process and answer any questions you may have. If you want to learn more or think you may need a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment today.
How long does it take to extract a tooth?

A simple tooth extraction can take 20 to 40 minutes to complete. However, extractions can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth being removed.
For example, an extraction that requires surgical intervention, such as wisdom teeth removal, may take up to an hour or more. A deeply infected and impacted tooth may take even longer to remove since the dentist will also need to remove infected tissue surrounding the tooth. When you come in for your consultation appointment, your dentist can estimate the procedure time based on your unique situation.
Tooth extraction procedure: what to expect
Having a tooth removed can feel scary, but your dental care team is there to support you and ensure you understand what’s happening at every step of the journey.
Before the procedure

At your initial consultation, your dentist will perform an oral exam and take X-rays to assess the severity of your dental issue and determine if a tooth extraction is the appropriate course of action.
If the dentist determines extraction is best, they’ll schedule the procedure. Your dental care team can also help explain the cost of tooth extraction and offer guidance on how dental financing and insurance can help cover the cost.
During the procedure

On the day of the procedure, your dentist will administer pain management to numb the area around the tooth and ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. If the tooth is above the gumline, the dentist will break through the gums and extract the tooth using forceps. They’ll then place stitches if required. All you may feel is a bit of pressure. For a more complex procedure where the tooth hasn’t fully erupted above the gums, the dentist may use surgical tools to cut into the gum and bone as needed to get to the tooth, closing the cut with stitches once completed.
After the procedure

After the tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will check to be sure a blood clot is forming and instruct you to use clean gauze to apply pressure. They’ll also make sure you’re prepared for at-home care with the right medications and a treatment plan to deal with discomfort, swelling, or soreness. Your care team will schedule a follow-up appointment after the extraction so your dentist can confirm the site is healing as expected.
Learn more about the tooth extraction healing process
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
There are several instances when your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction, including:

A broken tooth: If you have a tooth fracture that extends below the gum line or is in too many pieces to repair, your dentist may recommend an extraction as the best option to fix the broken tooth.
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth removal is often the recommended solution for issues with impacted or infected wisdom teeth. Having all of your wisdom teeth removed may prevent more serious issues later.
Excessive decay: Tooth decay can cause unsightly black or brown spots in its earlier stages. However, if decay is left untreated, it can eventually cause irreversible damage to the structure of the tooth, leading your dentist to recommend extraction.
Severe overcrowding: An extraction may be one of the only options to correct a smile where there’s just not enough room for all of your teeth. The extraction may be recommended as part of a larger adult orthodontic treatment plan.
Gum disease: If gingivitis worsens into advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may need to pull a tooth that’s too damaged to function. In its place, they may recommend a dental implant as a long-term fix.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Healing after a tooth extraction typically takes about one to two weeks. However, it can take months before bone remodeling is complete and the extraction site is considered 100% healed. Recovery time may vary depending on factors like:
Oral health: Patients who take good care of their oral health before the procedure and in the days following may heal faster and be less prone to infections. Brush and floss according to your dentist’s direction for the best possible outcome.
Age: A younger patient might heal faster than an older adult. However, if a young person is having an extraction due to decay or other oral health problems, age may not have as much impact.
Complexity of the extraction: Pulling a tooth that’s loose or has fully erupted through the gums is considered a less complex procedure than a wisdom tooth that’s impacted.
Medications: Certain medications, like blood thinners, could cause delayed healing. For this reason, it’s essential to disclose any medications to your dentist before a tooth extraction procedure.
Smoking and alcohol use: Smoking and consuming alcohol shortly after an extraction can delay healing and create a risk of infection and other complications. Your dentist will advise avoiding smoking and alcohol until the site heals fully.
Overall health: An underlying health condition like an autoimmune disorder or diabetes could cause healing to take longer.
Having the right dental care team perform your tooth extraction can give you peace of mind that you’ll be fully supported before, during, and after the procedure. Contact your local Aspen Dental office today to schedule a consultation.

Tooth extraction procedure FAQs
Are tooth extractions painful?
Tooth extractions generally use pain management to make the procedure as painless and comfortable as possible. The dentists will check to ensure you can’t feel pain before performing the extraction. Following the extraction, you may be prescribed pain relievers or advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate lingering pain.
Which teeth are the hardest to pull out?
The hardest teeth to pull out are wisdom teeth, also called third molars. They are more difficult to remove because of their location at the back of the mouth. The extraction becomes more complex and may require surgical intervention if a wisdom tooth is impacted or trapped beneath the gums.
What is the best painkiller for a tooth extraction?
Your dentist may advise you to take a prescription painkiller or an over-the-counter pain medicine, like ibuprofen or Tylenol, following a tooth extraction. Your dental care team can provide details on which medicines are best to take, as well as how frequently medications should be taken to manage pain effectively.

The amount of time a tooth extraction takes can vary based on factors like the number of teeth being removed and procedure complexity. If you think you may need a tooth extraction or have questions about the process, schedule an appointment today.
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