How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery performed to extract one or more third molars at the back of your jaws. Knowing how long the procedure takes can help you plan your day, arrange transportation, and set realistic expectations for recovery. Below, we’ll walk through average surgery times, factors that influence duration, a typical timeline, and what you can do before and after the procedure to ensure a smooth experience.

Average Duration of Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Simple Extractions
  • 1 to 5 minutes per tooth
  • Typically involves a fully erupted tooth with an easy-to-grasp crown
• Surgical Extractions
  • 20 to 40 minutes total for all four teeth
  • Involves cutting into gum tissue, removing bone, or sectioning the tooth for easier removal

Studies show that straightforward extractions of lower third molars take around 8–10 minutes each on average, while more complex cases requiring sectioning or bone removal can take up to 30 minutes per tooth (Bakker et al., 2005; Bui et al., 2003). If you’re having all four wisdom teeth removed, plan on about 30–60 minutes in the dental chair.

Factors That Affect Surgery Time

1. Tooth Position and Impaction

   • Fully erupted wisdom teeth are removed fastest.
   • Horizontally impacted or deeply embedded teeth can double the removal time.

2. Patient Anatomy

   • Bone density and jaw structure vary by individual and age.
   • Younger patients (late teens to early 20s) often have softer bone, which can shorten procedure times.

3. Surgical Complexity

   • Sectioning the tooth into pieces takes extra time.
   • Removing surrounding bone or navigating near nerves adds minutes.

4. Dentist/Oral Surgeon Experience

   • Experienced surgeons tend to work more efficiently.
   • A skilled team and proper instruments speed up the process.

5. Anesthesia Type

   • Local anesthesia cases may proceed faster than those requiring sedation induction.
   • If you choose general anesthesia, add 10–20 minutes for safe sedation and recovery preparation.

Typical Timeline for a Single-Visit Extraction

1. Pre-Op Preparation (15–30 minutes)

   • Check vital signs, review medical history.
   • Administer local anesthesia (or start sedation).
   • Explain aftercare and answer final questions.

2. Extraction Procedure (20–60 minutes)

   • Simple extractions: 5–15 minutes per tooth.
   • Surgical extractions: up to 30 minutes per tooth if sectioning/bone removal is needed.

3. Immediate Post-Op Observation (15–30 minutes)

   • Monitor for bleeding and anesthesia recovery.
   • Provide gauze, pain management instructions, and prescriptions.

4. Total Chair Time

   • Simple case (one or two erupted teeth): around 45 minutes.
   • Full surgical removal (all four, impacted): 60–90 minutes.

What to Expect After Surgery

Even if your wisdom teeth removal is swift, recovery takes time. Here’s what you typically face in the first 72 hours:

• Pain and Swelling
  • Peaks 24–48 hours post-op.
  • Ice packs in 20-minute intervals help reduce swelling.

• Bleeding
  • Light bleeding or oozing is normal for 6–12 hours.
  • Bite on gauze as directed; avoid spitting or using straws.

• Trismus (Jaw Stiffness)
  • Can limit mouth opening for a few days.
  • Gentle jaw exercises after 48 hours aid mobility.

• Dietary Restrictions
  • Start with cold, soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes).
  • Gradually reintroduce solids as comfort allows.

• Oral Hygiene
  • Avoid brushing near the sockets for 24 hours.
  • Rinse gently with salt water after meals beginning the day after surgery.

Tips to Help Your Procedure Go Smoothly

• Arrange a ride home if you’re sedated.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Have ice packs ready at home.
• Stock up on soft foods and prescribed pain meds.
• Don’t smoke for at least 72 hours—smoking delays healing and raises complication risk (Bui et al., 2003).

When to Seek Help

Most people recover without serious problems. However, contact your oral surgeon or dentist if you experience:

• Severe, worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication
• Excessive bleeding soaking more than two gauze pads in an hour
• Persistent high fever or chills
• Numbness lasting longer than 24 hours
• Signs of infection (pus, foul odor, severe swelling)

If you ever feel symptoms that could point to a life-threatening issue—such as difficulty breathing or swallowing—seek emergency care immediately and speak to a doctor.

You can also try a free, online symptom check for wisdom tooth pain or complications to help decide if you need urgent attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
A: You won’t feel pain during the procedure thanks to anesthesia. Post-op discomfort is normal and managed with pain relievers.

Q: How long before I can return to work or school?
A: Most adults take 1–3 days off. Light activity can resume after 24–48 hours, but avoid heavy lifting for at least a week.

Q: Will I have swelling? How long does it last?
A: Swelling peaks around day two and subsides after 5–7 days. Ice packs and elevating your head help.

Q: Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
A: Yes. Removing all four often saves you from multiple recovery periods, though surgery time may be longer.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth removal typically takes 30–90 minutes total, depending on complexity, number of teeth, and anesthesia choice. Understanding the timeline—and following your dentist’s or surgeon’s pre- and post-op instructions—can make the process smoother and recovery faster. Always discuss any concerns or medical conditions with your provider before surgery. If you have questions about severe pain, unexpected symptoms, or anything that could be serious, please speak to a doctor right away.