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Wisdom tooth removal looks frightening, doesn’t it? However, what if it’s the solution to agony? A wedged, impacted wisdom tooth will swell, infect, and hurt atrociously. If you leave it alone, it can lead to a crooked tooth, cyst, or gum illness, which is why wisdom tooth removal may be essential.
Some procedures are done within minutes. On the other hand, some are lengthy and last for an hour. Complexity, tooth position, and the patient’s health determine the time.
Factors Affecting the Duration of the Procedure
Impaction Type
Wisdom teeth extraction varies based on how deeply the tooth is stuck. A soft tissue impaction occurs when the tooth is covered by gum tissue. This extraction is rapid, often 20–30 minutes per tooth.
A partial bony impaction involves one tooth portion remaining within the jawbone. In this scenario, more time and surgery are needed.
The most difficult is a full bony impaction, with the entire tooth lodged in bone. It can take as much as an hour per tooth.
Number of Teeth Removed
Taking out one impacted wisdom tooth is quicker than removing all four at a time. A single extraction can last 30–60 minutes. On the other hand, removing multiple teeth can lengthen the operation to two hours or more.
Complexity of the Case
In straightforward extractions, the tooth is completely erupted. It takes under 30 minutes. Simultaneously, surgical extractions involve cuts and bone removal. It takes more time. The more complex the case, the longer the surgery.
Overall Health of Patient
Anesthesia response and healing ability affect the length. Patients with bleeding disorders or compromised immune systems can require special care. In addition, nervous patients could take longer to sedate and prolong the procedure.
The Step-by-Step Timeline of the Procedure
Pre-Surgical Preparation (15-30 Minutes)
Wisdom teeth extraction Howell begins with an examination and consultation. The dentist considers taking X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s position.
Then, the choice of sedation—local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia—is discussed. After being settled, the surgical site is anesthetized. It will help achieve a painless extraction.
The Extraction Process (20-60 Minutes Per Tooth)
Procedure time varies with the tooth’s condition. A straightforward extraction can be done within 20 minutes or so. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist incises the gum just enough.
In some instances, bone removal or even tooth sectioning might be necessary. It will take an additional 30-40 minutes per tooth. Very resistant, deeply impacted teeth can take up to an hour.
Clinic Post-Surgical Recovery (30-60 Minutes)
Following wisdom teeth removal, patients spend time in a recovery room. Patients who received general anesthesia require observation before being released.
Bleeding is controlled, swelling is prevented, and instructions for post-operative care are given. The patient can be released to go home with a driver in stable condition.
Recovery Time and Aftercare
Early Recovery (First 24 Hours)
After the wisdom teeth are extracted, there will be swelling, slight bleeding, and pain. Pain medications control the pain. In addition, you can use ice packs on the face to reduce swelling. In addition, consume soft foods.
Healing in a Short Time (3-7 Days)
Swelling begins to decrease by day three. Avoid hard foods, alcohol, and heavy talking. It will help eliminate complications. The patient will be back to normal activities in a week.
Complete Recovery (A Few Weeks to a Month)
Healing is complete in weeks. Bone and gum tissue grow again, and a return visit is made to monitor healing. When used, stitches either dissolve or are removed within a week.
Wisdom teeth extraction duration varies with the type of impaction, number of teeth, and procedure’s complexity. Simple extractions are done in minutes. However, surgical ones take longer. Recovery time differs. However, proper aftercare accelerates healing.
Meeting our dentists guarantees an individualized treatment plan.
