If you’re gearing up for wisdom teeth removal, you’re probably wondering how long the whole process is going to take. It’s a common concern—no one wants to spend more time in the dentist’s chair than necessary! The good news is that the procedure is usually straightforward and doesn’t take as long as you might think. Let’s dive into what you can expect.
So, How Long Does It Actually Take?
The short answer? It varies. But on average, removing a single wisdom tooth typically takes about 20 to 45 minutes. If you’re having all four removed, you might be in the chair for around an hour to an hour and a half.
But wait, there’s more to consider:
- Number of Teeth: Are you having one, two, or all four wisdom teeth removed? Obviously, the more teeth, the more time.
- Impacted Teeth: If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they’re stuck under the gum or pushing against other teeth), the surgery will take a bit longer because your dentist or oral surgeon needs to make an incision and possibly remove some bone to get the tooth out.
- Complexity: Some extractions are simple and quick, while others—especially if the tooth is at an odd angle or close to a nerve—might take a little more time and care.
- Type of Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used can also impact the duration. Local anesthesia is quick, but if you’re opting for sedation or general anesthesia, expect a little more time for preparation and recovery.
The Pre-Op Prep Time
Before the actual extraction, there’s a bit of prep involved. Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely start with a quick consultation and an examination—maybe even some X-rays to get a clear view of your wisdom teeth. This helps them plan the best approach.
Once you’re ready to go, anesthesia will be administered. If it’s local anesthesia, you’ll be numb in just a few minutes. If you’re going for sedation or general anesthesia, it could take 10 to 20 minutes for everything to kick in and for you to be fully prepped.
What About After the Procedure?
After your wisdom teeth are out, you’ll spend some time in a recovery area. If you’ve had local anesthesia, you might be able to leave fairly quickly—just a bit of rest, and you’re good to go. But if you’ve been sedated or had general anesthesia, you’ll need some time to wake up and shake off the grogginess. Make sure you have someone to drive you home.
Recovery Time: How Long Until You’re Back to Normal?
While the procedure itself is pretty quick, full recovery takes a bit longer. You’ll want to take it easy for the first couple of days. Most people experience some swelling and discomfort, but it’s usually manageable with the pain meds your dentist prescribes. In about a week, you should be feeling back to normal—though it might take a little longer if your procedure was particularly complicated.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
How long will the whole process take?
From prep to recovery, expect to spend about one to three hours at the dentist’s office.
Will it hurt after?
Some discomfort is normal, but pain relief options will help keep you comfortable. Most people find the recovery to be more of an inconvenience than a painful experience.
Can I go back to work or school the next day?
It’s a good idea to take a day or two off to rest, especially if you had multiple teeth removed.
