How long does it take to extract a tooth?

How long does it take to pull a tooth?

Cleveland Clinic says removing one tooth usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and longer if several teeth are extracted, adding that badly decayed or broken-off teeth may require gum incisions or sectioning the tooth. It says general dentists handle most extractions and complex cases are usually referred to oral surgeons or periodontists. Healthline distinguishes a simple extraction of a visible tooth under local anesthetic from a surgical extraction for impacted or broken teeth, which may also use sedation, but gives no times. Wisdom teeth are covered by our guides on wisdom tooth removal.

Why timing varies

A tooth with one straight root, a tooth with several roots and an impacted tooth under the gum are very different jobs. Healthline says large extractions, molars and impacted teeth take the longest to heal, and the same factors tend to lengthen the procedure. Time also includes numbing, which Cleveland Clinic says is done with local anesthesia, with sedation sometimes added. Ask your dentist for an estimate for your tooth and to include time for anesthesia to take effect.

How long does a molar extraction take to heal?

Healthline says molars are among the slowest to heal. A simple extraction of a large, multi-rooted tooth typically closes by the end of the second or third week, though complete healing may take several months, and after surgical extraction the hole is fully or almost fully closed about six weeks after surgery. It says complete healing with bone refilling typically takes one to four months. Cleveland Clinic says jawbone healing takes several weeks and a large tooth like a molar may take up to four months to heal fully, and that day three is typically the most painful, with side effects generally resolving within a week.

How long will my face be swollen after tooth extraction?

Cleveland Clinic says swollen gums and some swelling of the outer jaw are normal, and recommends an ice pack on the face for 20 minutes, then a 20-minute rest, repeating as needed. Healthline gives no set duration and lists increased swelling or bruising as a reason to contact your doctor. Cleveland Clinic's wisdom tooth page says to call if swelling worsens after three days or comes with pus or a fever above 102°F. Swelling that keeps worsening is not routine.

Blood thinners and other medicines

Cleveland Clinic advises telling your dentist about all medications, vitamins and supplements you take, since they will say whether any need to be stopped before surgery. Healthline says blood thinners may delay healing of the tooth socket. The sources we read do not give a time for stopping blood thinners, and the answer depends on the medicine and why you take it, so do not stop or change a blood thinner on your own. Ask both your dentist and the doctor who prescribes it before the procedure.

When can you use Listerine after a tooth extraction?

Cleveland Clinic says to rinse the site gently with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day and to avoid brushing directly over the extraction site until your dentist says it is safe. The NHS says to rinse gently with mouthwash or warm salt water to keep the wound clean. Neither names a brand or a start day, so ask your dentist whether a specific product, including one with alcohol, suits you and when to start, and avoid forceful swishing that could dislodge the clot.

Getting back to normal

Cleveland Clinic says most people return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours and to work or school within a day or two, avoiding strenuous activity and lifting over 10 pounds for the first 48 to 72 hours. Dental implants usually require a wait of a few months while the socket heals. See our guides on pain after extraction and healing.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask before the day of the extraction.

• How long should I allow for my appointment?
• Is this a simple or surgical extraction?
• Should I change any medicines, including blood thinners?
• How long will healing take for this tooth?
• What pain relief and mouthwash should I use, and when?

Frequently asked questions